Happy Free Pattern Friday, crafters! Today we are treating you to a brand new homewares pattern – the Whirlwind Stripes Throw, designed by me!
There’s something truly mesmerizing about circular knitted throws—they radiate warmth, symmetry, and endless charm. When paired with a self-striping yarn like Deluxe Stripes, the results are nothing short of magical!
Circular throws add a unique visual appeal compared to traditional square or rectangular blankets. They drape beautifully over furniture, make perfect statement pieces for cozy nooks, and work wonderfully as lap blankets or decorative accents.
With Deluxe Stripes, the colors flow seamlessly in rings, highlighting the radial symmetry of the pattern without needing to weave in a bunch of ends from color changes—what a win!
Deluxe Stripes is a worsted-weight, 100% wool yarn known for its rich, self-striping colorways. It’s soft yet durable, making it perfect for a cozy throw that will last for years.
This weekend, stock up on this delightful yarn at 20% off now through the end of the day on Sunday, March 23rd. Which color is calling your name?
Welcome to March! We’re still seeing some cooler temperatures mixed in with the warmth of Spring, so today’s free pattern is our gorgeous Marzipan Pullover made in Major.
We love a good chunky weight knit, and this pattern is stylish and cute! A little lace, a dash of cables–check out the twisted ribbing at the hem, neck, and cuffs. Such flair, such class! Add this to your casual wardrobe for going out to brunch with your bestie, movie date with a significant other (it’s cold in those theaters, right?), or snuggle into your favorite pajama pants and curl up on the couch with your favorite book. The Marzipan Pullover is ready to go with you anywhere.
Major is a versatile 100% acrylic bulky weight yarn that holds up well over time and comes in giant 200 gram balls, making this project very affordable indeed. An absolute workhorse, this yarn is fantastic for hats, scarves, blankets, sweaters, you name it! The self-striping gives you fun colors without all the extra ends to weave in. This weekend, Major is on sale 20% off through Sunday. Come get you some!
Uptown Bamboo DK: a beautiful blend of our beloved anti-pilling acrylic with a touch of bamboo for drape.
Uptown Bamboo DK is perfect for the early days of autumn. It is lightweight and features the cool touch of bamboo, but at the same time, is warm and insulating. It’s one of those beautifully versatile yarns that work amazingly well in any project. I attribute that to it’s plump, multi-thread construction featuring plies of thread that are then again plied together to create a bouncy, round yarn. The results are perfectly crisp stitches, demonstrated so well in both of the projects in the Lakeside Bundle. Let’s take a closer look.
The first piece in the collection is the Cattail Cardigan, designed by Rachel Brockman. It is named for its vertical lines, reminiscent of cattail plants stretching tall above the water, and for the zig-zap motif that reminds us of a breeze gently lapping the lakeshore. In this primarily knitted cardigan, an airy lace motif is interrupted with crisp rows of garter stitch, constructed sideways to create the vertical stripes. Each side is the mirror image of the other because it is knit in two pieces, beginning at the sleeve cuffs and meeting at the center back. Those who dabble in both knit and crochet, or who want to, will love the retro granny stripe collar. This cardigan is graded for sizes XXS/XS to 5X/6X.
As I mentioned earlier, the impeccable stitch definition of Uptown Bamboo DK is on full display here, giving the twisted ribbing and contrast between lace and garter a sculptural feel. This yarn’s soft color palette also contributes to the beauty of the Cattail Cardigan. For this pattern, we opted for #508 Coral as the main color, with #534 Chinchilla and #527 Seaglass as the contrast colors. This color scheme reminds us of early mornings by the lakeside – watching the sunrise and mist float above the open water.
The second pattern offered in Lakeside Bundle is the crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre. Named after the tiny freshwater shells found along the waterfront, this drapey design is excellent for warding off the breeze on a windy day. Like the Cattail Cardigan, this accessory is constructed sideways and meets at the center back, creating a beautiful focal point.
Graded for sizes Small/Medium through 4X/5X, this pattern is easy and beginner-friendly. It features a rhythmic stitch motif comprised of double V-stitches, no shaping, and simple color changes. The results are indeed sensational! The Subtle Shell Ruana uses Uptown Bamboo DK in three colors: #502 Lily, #527 Sea Glass, and #531 Savanna. I love how these colors work together – subtly echoing the intersection of cool water and a sandy bank.
We know these patterns will have you dreaming of a day stitching by the docks. Each pattern is available individually, or save $5.00 when you purchase the bundle on our website (link) for just $8.00!
Which pattern do you plan to start first? Let us know in the comments!
Just like that, the month of June is over! That means it’s time to share our Flash Pattern for the month. Sailfin, designed by Rachel Brockman, is a gorgeous scarf knit in five different colors of Magnolia. You can get this pattern for free on Ravelry through Sunday (instructions below), and there’s no better time to stock up on Magnolia because we’re having a sitewide sale!
Inspired by the beautiful stripes of the saltwater sailfin fish, this accessory is a stunner. Using our silky smooth Magnolia yarn, Sailfin will be a delight to knit as you switch from one color to another. Relaxing stockinette stitch is used throughout this scarf, leading to a piece with a gorgeous drape and eye-catching color.
Magnolia is a blend of modal and cashmere, giving it a luxurious feel and sheen. Its excellent stitch definition makes this yarn perfect for any knit or crochet project you may have in mind. Sport Sailfin on your next stroll on the beach and watch as the compliments roll in.
To get Sailfin for free, use the “buy it now” or “add to cart” links on the Ravelry pattern page. Then enter the coupon code “FLASH” where you see the “use coupon code” link that appears during purchase. This offer runs through Sunday, July 2nd. We hope you enjoy this astonishing accessory!
Meanwhile, head to our website to get the best deals during our Stars, Stripes, and Savings Sale! Shop our wide selection of beautiful yarns and luxurious products from muud. This 20% off sitewide savings begins today and lasts through Tuesday, July 4th!
It’s the first Friday of April, and we have some excitement we want to pass along to you. Not only is this week’s Free Pattern Friday for knitters and crocheters alike, but we are also having a sitewide sale! So let’s jump right in and learn more about today’s treat to you, and when you’re all wrapped up here (pun intended), head over to our site for some spring savings!
Foxglove wrap crocheted with OffbeatSnapdragon wrap knit with Offbeat
Since we have two patterns to cover this Friday, let’s start by looking at the crochet version, Foxglove. This free pattern designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre shows off a beautifully textured Herringbone Lace Pattern featured throughout with our Offbeat yarn. You will crochet from the bottom up along the widest edge of the wrap to create a beautiful sequence of defined stripes. Just one cake of the Offbeat is required, as each skein contains a generous 586 yards of yarn!
Close up of Foxglove with its gorgeous texture from the Herrington lace patternClose up of Snapdragon and the beautiful cable and lace repeats
Now let’s take a look at the knitted Snapdragon wrap designed by Aubrey Busek, also featuring Offbeat. This wrap features an enticing cable and lace pattern that repeats throughout to give this accessory a beautiful design. This piece is knit flat from the bottom up, with gorgeous self-striping occurring from top to bottom. While both samples use Offbeat color 104 Vibes, this self-striping yarn includes eight total color choices that would look just as good!
101 – Peace109 – Dream On110 – Far Out
The color palette of Offbeat has some options that are perfect for spring projects. Try out 101 Peace for an array of colors similar to cotton candy at a spring ball game. Or try out 109 Dream On for a pastel look that matches the season flawlessly. If you’re looking for bolder colors that match springtime, you might like 110 Far Out, with its more defined colors. Whichever color you choose, we know that you will create something unique to you. Make sure to share all your finished projects with us on social media!
Don’t miss out on our Easter Sale through Sunday, April 9th. Save 20% off sitewide – no code needed!
Can you believe November is already coming to a close? It’s Flash Pattern Friday!
Our model, Bette, wears the Ardenne Shawl wrapped cozily around her shoulders. Her outfit is glittering and joyful – perfect for the holiday season!
On the last Friday of the month, we temporarily make one of our paid patterns free! Today, we’re *sparkling* joy with the Ardenne shawl in Noelle and Universe (Ravelry link here).
Two contrasting shades of Noelle and Universe look marvelous together.
Ardenne was originally published in 2021 as part of the ebook, Subtle Glow. This collection celebrates all things sparkly, with its focus on our soft, luxurious Noelle yarn. For Ardenne, I amped up the glow by adding stripes of our beloved Universe yarn. Mixing yarns is a fantastic way to incorporate interesting visual and textural effects into your craft. In some ways, Noelle and Universe seem opposite – Noelle features a chainette construction with baby alpaca and merino wool fibers blown through, creating a lightweight, fluffy, and airy yarn that is super warm and soft – perfect for winter. On the other hand, Universe is a sturdy yarn made from a blend of cotton and linen, making it especially ideal for the warmer seasons. Although both yarns are gorgeously glittery, their textures are so different that you might not expect them to pair well with one another. And yet – they work so well together, as demonstrated in Ardenne.
The original version of this shawl features Noelle in #304 Calypso as the main color, and Universe in #10-01 Paper as the contrast color. The palette in both yarns offers some beautiful alternatives, and I thought it would be nice to share my favorites. Pictured above is “Pretty in Pink,” an option that is monochromatic but with excellent contrast. I think this would be especially cute for Valentine’s Day! For a lower-contrast, yet playful take on the shawl, I recommend my “Warm & Whimsical” option. This option feels a bit more unexpected, and that’s what I love about it.
This detailed shot of Ardenne illustrates the scalloped edge of the lace border, the lovely drape of the fabric, and the eyelet rows that open up the body of the shawl.
With the holiday season and winter just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with a shimmering pattern? Warm and cozy, yet drapey and lightweight, Ardenne is the perfect piece to wear over your holiday ensemble. Amplify the sparkle factor, as shown on our model, Bette, or dress up an otherwise understated outfit.
The asymmetrical shape of Ardenne is visible when worn draped over the back of the shoulders.
I love knitting shawls on the bias. The spiral of the draped fabric always looks so elegant, and they tend to be long enough to wrap around your shoulders easily. Plus, the asymmetrical shape adds a touch of modernity to them that I love. Ardenne features alternating stripes of Noelle and Universe, broken up with eyelet rows. It’s a rhythmic and enjoyable knit. It’s finished off with a decorative garter lace border – a lovely final touch.
Click the image to head to Ravelry and download your copy of Ardenne for FREE!
To get Ardenne free, use the “buy it now” or “add to cart” links on the Ravelry pattern page. Then enter the coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase, and click “apply”. Not a Ravelry user? No problem! Simply drop us a line by emailing patterns@universalyarn.com by the end of Sunday, 11/27, and we’ll get you taken care of the week of 11/28. (Note – our offices are closed today, 11/25/22).
Use this graphic to guide you through the process of entering a coupon code on Ravelry, to get Ardenne for free.
Before I wrap up, I’d like to share a couple of special things with you that are relevant for this extended weekend. First – not only are we offering Ardenne for free, but we’re having a pattern sale on Ravelry through Monday, 11/28! That’s right, ALL of the patterns in our Ravelry store are 50% off, no code needed!
Finally, tomorrow is Small Business Saturday! If you’re doing holiday shopping, it’s a great time to visit your local yarn store (LYS) and stock up on your favorites from Universal Yarn. It’s the perfect compliment to our Ravelry pattern sale. You can find our stockists at this link.
We know some people don’t have a local yarn store nearby. If that’s the case, don’t worry, we’re also hosting a sale on our website. There are plenty of ways to stock up on yarns, patterns, and more this weekend!
We hope you enjoy this holiday weekend! Happy crafting! -Rachel
Rachel Brockman’s gorgeous design was originally released as part of the Quill Collection of ethereal, lightweight knits in cloudlike Penna.
Penna combines soft, extra-fine merino with nylon for strength. Baby suri alpaca provides a halo that soften stitches and creates a delicate, hazy look.
Penna’s halo means that you can work this laceweight yarn on larger needles and expect the fibers to obscure any gaps. In Harlow’s case, the fabric produced on US 7 (4.5mm) needles practically floats.
It’s an easy piece to knit, but the results are dramatic. We’re delighted to offer Harlow free for the weekend!
To get Harlow free, use the buy it now or add to cart links on the Ravelry pattern page linked here. Then enter coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase, and click “apply.”
Not a Ravelry user? Drop us a line by the end of Sunday 10/2 and we’ll get you taken care of.
We love back to school projects – but why should big kids have all the fun? How about a fun pattern for their younger siblings?
Rachel Brockman designed this colorful pullover for babies and young toddlers, with a palette inspired by finger paints and crayons. It’s easy to do in self-striping Deluxe Stripes! The sample shown is stitched in color 309 Crayon Box, one of three new colors that we’ve added to the palette.
Shown clockwise from top: 309 Crayon Box, 311 Tie Dye, 310 Poinsetta.
Deluxe Stripes is a great choice for kid knits, since it’s machine washable and long-wearing without feeling rough. We love it for adult projects too, and as a sock knitter it has a special place in my heart for cozy house socks. For gifts it’s great, since there’s nothing better than giving someone a project and knowing it will be easy for the recipient to take care of!
Worked seamlessly top-down, this cute cardigan is sized from three through 24 months. It takes just 1-2 skeins of Deluxe Stripes, making it an economical project as well as a fun one!
We hope you have a colorrific weekend, full of artistic messes and fun.
This is a really exciting design to share, because it’s so striking, yet so simple to knit! Amy Gunderson did a great job combining easy intarsia color changes with bold shades to create a popular and fun pattern!
With such a wealth of color choices in Bamboo Pop, it’s a snap to customize your shawl. This 50/50 cotton/bamboo blend yarn is perfect for bright and beautiful warm weather pieces! Just one ball of each of your three colors will make this gorgeous accessory.
Amy chose colors 209 Jungle Life, 210 Orchid Smash, and 112 Black for her original, but here in the office we couldn’t resist whipping up a few color combos of our own.
For instance, just swapping purple 210 for the bright pink variegated 208 Pink Joy makes a huge difference! Now I’m craving watermelon at a springtime picnic!
Me, though, I’m all about the blue tones. Here, 205 Brilliant Blues fills in for the green, for a confection that reminds me of raspberry gelato! Design note: you’ll get the most striking results if you keep the narrow stripe color either significantly darker or lighter than your main two colors. Of course, that’s only a guideline – you should create your shawl however you are moved to!
Am I going to make myself another shawl? I might have to make myself another shawl. Well, this is definitely the right time!
To get the Staggered Shawl free, use the buy it now or add to cart links on the Ravelry pattern page. Then enter coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase. Not a Ravelry user? Drop us a line by the end of Sunday5/1 and we’ll get you taken care of.
It’s long enough to wear loose, or to wrap, for extra versatility in styling.
It’s also worked in the round as a tube, for a double thickness of fabric. And there’s a secret weapon for the excellent texture and color on this scarf…
Fibra Natura Donnina! Those saturated colors are just to die for. And because this 100% extrafine superwash merino is so smooth, with such a high twist, stitches really pop. The very simple patterning in this easy-to-knit scarf really stands out!
So cozy!
Donnina is a delight to work with, making this scarf a treat to knit and to wear.
We hope you have a great weekend, full of fun and laughter.
