Marly Bird, Author at Marly Bird

What Is Knit Colorwork? Plus 65 Patterns!

September 22, 2023 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

When it comes to knit colorwork, you have a ton of choices. If you’re a color lover, you’ll have noticed a huge trend over the past few years of yarns with short, long, ombre, multicolor, stripe, or even knotted yarn color changes. Your yarn choices are many, as are the patterns created for these yarns (which you’ll see farther down the page).

5 knit colorwork designs: knit stripes, Intarsia, Stranded, Mosaic, and Brioche. Marly Bird

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. These do not change your purchase price but help me earn commission. Thank you for your support.

But what if YOU want to be the master of changing colors? What if YOU want to choose your own colors different from those chosen by the color-changing yarn designers? What options do you have to be the owner of your color choices and patterning?

I’m so glad you asked! Let’s dive in!

First of all, I’ll answer a few important questions.

What is colorwork in knitting?

Colorwork in knitting is any knit patterning that uses more than one color within a small area.

Simple? Yes…and no.

Usually, knit colorwork is viewed as using two or more colors in one row, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We’ll look at some options in a little bit.

How hard is colorwork in knitting?

It depends on the colorwork you choose to knit as to how simple or difficult it is.

For example, stripes are probably considered the easiest of all colorwork. You simply choose two or more colors you like and work one or more rows in each color.

Note: If you do work single rows of stripes, you’re going to have LOTS of ends to weave in. If that doesn’t bother you, go right ahead. Pairs of rows and multiples of two are usually the way to go.

What is the difference between Fair Isle and colorwork?

Fair Isle is a form of stranded colorwork where at least two yarn colors are used along the same row. Stranded colorwork would be the main type of knitting, and Fair Isle falls under that umbrella.

Fair Isle knitting comes from a specific location – a small island off northern Scotland. Fair Isle knitters used multiple colors to form elaborate patterned sweaters, vests, etc. Certain colorwork designs originate from this small island, and the technique is now very popular.

What is the best yarn for colorwork knitting?

The best yarn for colorwork knitting is wool or a wool blend. Wool fibers have scales that allow the yarn to cling to itself and help prevent a dropped stitch from running quickly down your work.

Can you imagine trying to pick up a single stitch through several colors and intricate patterning? Getting it right is a bit stressful and takes time and patience.

How do you keep knit colorwork stretchy?

Ah…keeping knit colorwork stretchy – that’s a really good question. You don’t want your finished piece to pucker up, as you won’t see the pretty patterns you’ve spent days (or weeks) working.

Here’s a couple of tricks…

Carry the non-working yarn no more than three stitches behind your work, then catch it up with the next stitch if there’s still more to work before the next color.
After you’ve worked three or so stitches, spread the work down your right-hand needle. This separates the stitches a little, so you add a little extra length to the float before your next stitch in the carried yarn.
Knit more loosely than you’re used to. If you wrap the yarn twice around a finger to tension it, try wrapping it once so it flows a bit more loosely.
If you’re a tight knitter, go up a needle size or two as long as you still meet the gauge.

And now for the knit colorwork patterns!

We’ve collected 65 knit colorwork patterns! Yay!

Some are more difficult than others, but we have something for all levels here, from beginners to advanced. You’ll know when you see them which ones are in your league.

If you’d love to try knit colorwork, but are a bit intimidated, don’t be.

I have a course that’s absolutely perfect for you: Camp Colorwork!

Camp Colorwork isn’t just for knitters. It’s for crocheters too. I walk you through many colorwork techniques so you can tackle ANY of these patterns. No problem!

Check it out – Camp Colorwork. Let’s get you some colorwork confidence going!

And now…the patterns!

Simple Knit Colorwork – Stripes

Stripes are by far the simplest knit colorwork technique out there. It’s simply a matter of choosing colors you like, and off you go. Here’s a few stripe patterns to get you going.

Vibrations Knit Pullover

Change Your Stripes Knit Vest

Big Stripes Beginner Knit Blanket

Striped Top Down Sweater

Rainbow Connection Knit Panel Blanket

Knit Bias Panels Blanket

Rocking Waves Knit Blanket

Radiance Knit Throw

Ombre Knit Baskets

Intarsia Knitting Patterns – Changing Colors Within A Row

Intarsia knitting involves blocks of color. These patterns are usually charted and pretty simple to follow. The difficulty with these projects is when you’re working them flat and have to remember which direction you’re reading the pattern. Once you get used to it, you’ll be fine.

Knit Landscape Sweater

Knit Donut Blanket

Mod Flower Pillow

Tropical Leaf Knit Pillow

Bold Angles Knit Pullover

Check Knit Vest

Leopard Print Knit Wrap

Star Knit Baby Pullover

Kid’s Knit Panda Hat

Pantone Monochrome Swatch Knit Sweater

Union Jack Pillow

Stranded Colorwork Knitting Patterns

This is where your knitting gets a bit more complex because you’re changing colors several times within each row. But we have all kinds of choices for you, from scarves to sweaters and some stuff in between.

Knit Go Around Fair Isle Hat

Geometry Knit Pillow

Color Kaleidoscope Poncho If you haven’t already, YOU MUST SEE THIS!!! KAL in action right now!

Stranded Steeked Knit Cardigan

Fair Isle Stranded Cowl

Leslieville Knit Swoncho

High Park Knit Vest

Knit Fair Isle Pullover

Stories Of Ice Sweater

Knit Colorwork – Mosaic Knitting Patterns

Mosaic knitting is a technique where you only use one color per row, but you use slipped stitches to get the patterning. It’s not as hard as it sounds. Check it out! It produces some fabulous looks!

Mosaic Stitch Knit Baby Blanket

Knit Mosaic Tunic

Mosaic Knit Placemat

Geometric Knit Mosaic Pillow

Shifting Shades Mosaic Knit Blanket

Men’s Mosaic Vest

Swirls & Stripes Mosaic Bag

Check Please Knit Ruana

Mosaic Squares Throw

Tweedle Doo Knit Blanket

Fringe Festival Knit Scarf

Blackwater Pullover

Hyben Cowl

Textured Mosaic Shawl

2-Color Knit Brioche Patterns

Brioche is one of my favorite techniques. It’s so squishy and extra cozy since you have two colors in a rib pattern. It’s fascinating how this works, but don’t think too hard about it, just give it a try.

Warm Brioche Knit Mittens

Knit Brioche Scarf

Knit Brioche Shawlette

Brioche Knit ZigZag Cowl

Brioche Cables Knit Hat

Allan Gardens Knit Brioche Shawl

Double-Sided Brioche Knit Kerchief

Beginner Brioche Scarf

Advancing Lines Brioche Hat

Beginner Brioche Beanie

Brioche Pointe Cowl

Chrysalis Brioche Blanket

I know you’ll have found something here that piques your interest!

And don’t forget…there’s no need to be intimidated by knit colorwork when you can learn all about it at Camp Colorwork!

Summer might be just about over, but Camp Colorwork is open all year round!

All the lessons are yours FOR LIFE!

Here’s a few more options that may interest you:

Slipped Stitches Striped Scarf

Dynamic Wave Hat

Crazy Stripes Shawl – LOVE THIS ONE!!!

Seaming And Joining Knit And Crochet

September 19, 2023 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

If you craft with yarn long enough, you’re bound to have to get into seaming and joining knit and crochet. However, you can construct many accessories and garments in such a way that you don’t need to seam at all. But certain fibers absolutely beg for seams. They don’t lend themselves to seamless construction. Let’s take a look at a few different situations, garments, and techniques related to seaming and joining.

3 images of seaming and joining knitting and crochet - Marly Bird

What Is The Difference Between Seaming And Joining?

Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of ‘seam’: “the fold, line, or groove made by sewing together or joining two edges or two pieces.” When machine or hand sewing a regular seam: hold or pin the right sides of the fabric together and sew on the wrong sides of the fabric. When this is turned right side out, the sewing is invisible, but there is a visible groove. Several types of seams are used in sewing, but let’s deal with knit and crochet.

Let’s face it: when you seam something, you’re joining 2 pieces together, which can also be called joining. But joining in knit and crochet is usually what you do as you create your piece. Joining normally refers to attaching two pieces together as you work one of them. Working this way means there’s no need for seaming.

Joining

So, joining in knitting might mean picking up stitches from the edge of one piece to begin to working the next. This is called modular knitting – knitting a larger item piece by piece and joining each new piece to a previous piece.)

When you join in crochet, it usually means connecting two or more motifs together. You usually achieve this by slip-stitching at strategic points during the final round of the second and future motifs. This gives a more open or lacy look to the joins. Sometimes it makes the joins completely invisible since other patterns seem to emerge.

Seaming

No matter which seaming method you use, you always will:

Thread a tapestry needle with usually the same color yarn that matches the pieces you’re joining together.
Hold the two pieces to be joined, right sides together.
Secure seaming yarn by bringing needle from back to front through both pieces at right-hand end of work.
Leave a 1” tail.
Hold yarn tail behind seam, and bring needle from back to front in same place as before twice more. This secures the yarn so you can release the tail and trim later.

Whipstitch

Whipstitch is a go-to option for many knitters and crocheters. It’s very simple and probably the first seaming method everyone learns for knitwear or crochet home decor.

To work whipstitch:

After securing tail of yarn in first stitch on the right, *move left to next stitch,
Bring needle and yarn from back to front, pulling yarn all the way through, being careful to avoid knots. Pull yarn so it’s secure but not tight enough to gather the seam.
Make sure your seam is flat.
Repeat from * across to the end of the seam, and secure the yarn as at the beginning.
Run yarn back through few stitches of whipstitched seam from left to right to hide end.
Trim close.

This is probably the easiest of the seams, but it’s NOT invisible. These stitches form a diagonal line across the seam on the wrong side. When you open up the seam, you may see straight lines across the seam line. You don’t have to work into every single stitch. Every other stitch may work depending on what kind of item you’re seaming and the thickness of the yarn.

Mattress Stitch

Mattress stitch is a fantastic option, especially for garments. It gives a sturdy seam which helps support some of the more slippery yarns such as alpaca, bamboo, viscose, and silk. When worked correctly, this seam can be virtually invisible. You may find it a little more bulky on the inside of the garment. You’ll find detailed instructions and a helpful video tutorial in my how to seam crochet post.

Crochet Slip Stitch Seams And Single Crochet Seams

Crochet slip stitch is a great and simple option for seaming crochet garments quickly and easily. You can use single crochet seams for decorative joins on the right side of blankets. If you can work both seams neatly enough, they’ll look great in a contrasting color for seaming granny squares.

You’ll also find instructions for these seams on my how to seam crochet post.

What is the JAYGO method For Seaming And Joining Knit And Crochet?

JAYGO is a shortened version of Join-As-You-Go. You can join as you go in knitting, crochet, and Tunisian crochet. Here you’ll find a great selection of all 3 types of JAYGO blanket patterns.

How Do You Join Granny Squares As You Go?

In simple terms, wherever there is a ch-1 space on the outside round of a granny square, you can replace that ch on the next square with a slip stitch during the final round. You’ll work that replacement slip stitch into the corresponding ch-1 space on the already completed granny square. Check out his video for a very useful tutorial about joining granny squares (and more) as you go.

What Is The Most Secure Way To Join Granny Squares?

You’ll find the most secure (and fun) way to join granny squares is the join-as-you-go method above. It means you’ll have no pile of squares to join or seam at the end. All you’ll have to do when you’re done with your squares is weave in ends and work a border. Borders are a great way to finish blankets as they help prevent curling edges.

You could choose to seam granny squares with crochet slip stitch or single crochet. This gives a more textured look on the right side,

Should You Block Granny Squares Before Joining?

If you’re planning on seaming your squares when you have them all complete, then yes, block your squares. On the other hand, if you’re joining as you go, don’t block until the end. Joining as you go causes each new square to fit in with the previous squares anyway.

What Is The Difference Between Seaming And Sewing?

Seaming is joining two pieces of fabric together. Sewing is one of the processes which can be used to join these two pieces of fabric. Check out the whip stitch and mattress stitch sections above.

There are more options for seaming and joining knit and crochet, but those mentioned in this post are probably the most commonly used and useful. Anyone can be successful using these joining methods.

Be sure to check out the links above for in-depth videos and more information.

If you’re brand new to knitting and crochet, then you need to head here and see what amazing info we have for beginners!

Check out these beginner patterns to get you on the road to success!

And, here’s my YouTube channel where I have all kinds of knitting, crochet and Tunisian crochet tutorials.

Join-As-You-Go Blanket Patterns: Crochet, Knit, And Tunisian

September 15, 2023 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

You’ll love what you’re about to hear if you haven’t heard of join-as-you-go blanket patterns (also known as JAYGO). Do you have a love/hate relationship with making blankets using motifs? You love to make knit or crochet motifs because they’re small, quick, and easy. Yes? But you hate sewing them together because it’s boring and repetitive, and you want to be done already.

That’s why join-as-you-go patterns are such a fabulous option! They drastically reduce your finishing time so you can move on more quickly to your next project.

We all know that’s what you want to do, right?

You may not have fewer ends to weave in, but you will have less time spent with a blunt-end tapestry needle in your hand trying to decide which stitches to join together.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. These do not change your purchase price but help me earn commission. Thank you for your support.

Crochet Join-As-You-Go Blanket Patterns

Here’s a great selection of JAYGO crochet blanket patterns we think you’ll love. From baby blankets to throws and blankets, there has to be something here you’ll want to try. We’ve found granny squares, C2C (corner to corner), hexagons, diamonds, regular squares, and even leaves for you to check out.

Join-as-you-go crochet blankets in rainbow colors - Marly Bird

Yes, leaves! No, they’re not knit. Click on the Leafy Knit-look Blanket link below and see for yourself!

Once you find a pattern you like, gather your crochet tools: crochet hooks, scissors, tapestry needle (just for weaving in ends because you’re joining as you go, remember), and just the right amount of cozy yarn. Let’s get crocheting!

Gotta Love Granny Throw

Chevron C2C Blanket

Building Blocks Crochet Baby Blanket

Hexagon Blanket

Hexi Quilt Blanket

Colorful Squares Throw

Pinwheel Crochet Baby Blanket

Leafy Knit-look Blanket

Rail Fence Throw

Let The Sun Shine Throw

Desert Star Throw

Confetti Dots Blanket by Marly Bird

Knit JAYGO Blanket Patterns

Knitting join-as-you-go doesn’t seem nearly as popular as crochet, but we managed to dig up a few options for you here. Your knit options include squares, strips, hexagons, chevrons, and balloons! Balloons – how cool! A great choice for a baby or kid’s knit blanket.

Knit blankets in strips, squares, and hexagons. No sewing required - Marly Bird

Check out the links below, then gather your knitting needles, yarn, and your favorite knitting tools, and let’s get creative.

Jaygo Checkerboard Knit Blanket

Balloon Baby Blanket

Fading Blocks Mitered Knit Blanket

Safe Space Blanket

Broken Crayons Blanket

North Easterly Blanket

Fair Haven Picnic Blanket

Tunisian Join-As-You-Go Blanket Patterns

I know some of you out there can’t get enough of Tunisian crochet, so we managed to find these awesome patterns for you! You’ll find squares, strips, and even a spiral. This one’s a bit of a cheat, but you could make it bigger and use it as a blanket – it’s just such a cool design it had to be included.

7 Tunisian crochet blankets in various colors and designs - Marly Bird

If you know of any more fabulous Tunisian crochet join-as-you-go blanket patterns, please be sure to share them with us in the Facebook Group.

Tunisian Entrelac Crochet Baby Blanket

Auntie Bees Entrelac Tunisian Blanket

Tunisian Strips Blanket

Only A Tunisian Quilt

Tunisian Spiral Rug/Blanket

Lake Pepin Blanket

Easy Tunisian Baby Blanket

Video Tutorials

There’s nothing better than watching how to do something when you’re just not sure. That’s why I make these videos – so you can look over my shoulder and see exactly what I’m talking about. I explain every little thing step-by-step, working join-as-you-go, where to put your hook, and how to keep your work even.

Though here I’m working on specific patterns, these instructions can be applied to any JAYGO piece you’re working on.

Confetti Dots Join-As-You-Go-Video tutorial

Byars Baby Blanket Join-As-You-Go-Video Tutorial

Crochet FLO BLO And 3rd Loop FAQs

September 9, 2023 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

This might seem like a new crochet language, but truly, it’s not. Acronyms or abbreviations make patterns so much quicker and easier to write. If you don’t know what they mean, it takes a little learning, but it’s really not that hard. Basically, crochet FLO BLO and 3rd loop are all slightly different locations where you can place your hook to form a stitch. Each one gives a different look to your crochet fabric as it pushes the stitches already worked to one or the other side of the fabric.

Crochet FLO BLO and 3rd Loop. Images marking which is which loop in crochet. Marly Bird

Because abbreviations are the way to go in pattern writing, there’s always a list of those terms used within each pattern (or there should be). If you come across a pattern that doesn’t have an abbreviations list, it’s likely not been written by a professional crocheter. So, let’s take a look at a few common questions about FLO and BLO. We’ll tackle 3rd loop in a little bit.

What is FLO in crochet?

FLO in crochet means Front Loop Only. This might not be immediately useful to you, but it will become clearer once you see this in the picture below.

What does BLO mean in crochet?

BLO in crochet means Back Loop Only. See the image below for the positions of FLO and BLO.

Image shows back loop and front loop looking down at the top line of stacked Vs. Marly Bird

Which loops are the front loops?

The front loop is the leg of the top V that is closest to you as you work. This means that the back loop is the leg of the top V that is farthest away from you as you work along the row. The front loops and back loops switch names once you turn to work along the next row. What was the front becomes the back, and vice versa.

What’s the difference between back loop and front loop crochet?

Working into the back loop along a row means that the front loop of the row you’re working into stands out as a line along the side of the work facing you. Working into the front loops makes the back loop line along the row you’re working into stand out away from you. You’ll often find that this technique of alternating rows of FLO and BLO is used as ribbing or cuffs. It’s another way to create lines and texture in crochet.

How do you crochet front and back loops?

Instead of working under both loops of the top V, you can work into one or the other (front or back loop of each V) along the row or alternate your hook placement. Just follow the instructions of whatever is called for in the pattern.

Here’s a video of crocheting FLO. You’ll see that you insert your hook under only the front loop from the bottom upward so your hook comes out between the front and back loops, splitting the top V.

This video shows how to crochet BLO. Here, your hook goes from the center of the top V downward and out behind your work catching only the back loop.

Does the loop on your crochet hook count as a stitch?

No – the loop already on your crochet hook (the working loop) is NEVER counted as a stitch, no matter which crochet stitch you’re working.

Do you crochet through both loops or just one?

Unless stated otherwise in the pattern (e.g., FLO, BLO, post, 3rd loop, between), all crochet stitches call for you to work under both loops of the top V. It’s only when the pattern tells you specifically to work into, between, or around some other part of the stitch that you change where you place your hook to begin your stitch.

What is the front loop on a crochet chain?

Since there are always stacked Vs along the top of your crochet piece, you can assume that the V should sit on the top of the crochet chain with the bump sitting underneath. As above, this would make the leg of the V nearest to you the front loop.

But, in order to get a nice neat line of Vs on the beginning edge of your work, I like to flip the chain over and work my first row of stitches into the back bumps of the crochet chain.

But what’s the 3rd loop?

The 3rd loop only appears in half double crochet stitches. Once you complete a half double crochet stitch, flip your work around and check out the back side of the stitch. Just below the top V, you’ll see a bar or 3rd loop. Half double crochet is the only crochet stitch that has this obvious horizontal bar directly below the top V.

For more information on these interesting crochet stitch techniques, check out this post on crochet stitch anatomy. In addition to BLO, FLO, and 3rd loop, you’ll also find information about crochet post stitches which you need for working crochet cables.

I hope you’ve found this crochet FLO BLO and 3rd Loop FAQ post useful!

If you need more information about crochet stitches or terminology, check out our page of crochet definitions.

Scroll a little way down this page for common crochet techniques.

And, if you want to search for a specific video, then try my Marly Bird YouTube channel.

Happy Crocheting!

5 Must-Have Fall Crochet Wardrobe Staples

September 7, 2023 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

When it comes to fall, the nighttime temperatures drop, and you begin to see your breath in the air. When you step out the door in the morning, there’s a chill, and you zipper up that jacket just a little higher. You wish you’d grabbed that scarf you love so much. That’s when you realize there’s no better time to make yourself some new fall crochet wardrobe staples.

So we decided to gather a few pieces we love and feel that you might need for a fall crochet capsule collection.

Fall Crochet Wardrobe Staples. Roundup of cardigans, cowls, sweaters, jackets, and shawls. Marly Bird

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. These do not change your purchase price but help me earn commission. Thank you for your support.

Whether you’re a beginner crocheter or more experienced, there’s something here for everyone. There are hoods, zippers, buttons, fringe, granny squares, cables, and colors galore, so there’s bound to be something that catches your eye and spurs you to grab that hook and get crocheting.

So What Are Wardrobe Staples?

Wardrobe staples are basically standard items of clothing, usually classic pieces that don’t generally go out of style and that you can dress up or dress down. They’re usually easy to mix and match, too.

But honestly, how many of us stick with a half dozen carefully curated pieces of clothing we wear all the time? Probably not many. We tend to go through phases of trying different styles to find what suits us best.

Well, I’d say everyone needs at least 5 pieces for a fall wardrobe: a cardigan, a sweater, a shawl, a cowl, and a jacket.

If you have all of these, you can layer them up as the temperature dips or peel them off as needed (if we get an Indian summer). Of course…one of each is only a starter. You’re welcome to add more to your collection, but one of each piece will be a great place to start!

So, let’s get to the good stuff!

Check out these patterns and let us know in the Facebook group which are your faves and what you’re adding to your must-do list!

Crochet Cardigan Patterns

We all love crochet cardigans, right? They’re so great to snuggle in, especially if they’re so roomy you can actually curl up in them. We wanted to give you a choice, so here’s a few selections with hoods, pockets, buttons, and no buttons.

Which will you make next?

Granny Pop Cardigan– A cardigan worked just like a granny square! Anyone can do this!

Boho Granny Cardigan – This one’s long and colorful – could even be called a coat. Get cozy in this colorful creation!

Patchwork Cardi – A classic style with colors of your choosing!

Habitat Cardigan – A single-color slouchy cardigan you can really snuggle into.

Green Groves Cardigan – It has cables and a hood! But don’t worry…find out how to work crochet cables here!

Fall Crochet Wardrobe Staples: Crochet Sweater Patterns

5 crochet sweater patterns suitable for a fall crochet wardrobe. Marly Bird

Crochet sweaters are an awesome choice for fall. Sometimes you need something that doesn’t have a closure in front that you don’t have to think about keeping closed. Some here are a little lacy, but that just means you can layer up. Choose a complementary color for the top you wear underneath for a cohesive layered look.

Granny Stitch Crochet Sweater – If you can crochet a granny square, you can make this sweater!

Crochet Ribbed Sweater – Many crocheters want the knit look without learning to knit. THIS is that sweater!

Mint To V Sweater – A perfect transitional sweater to layer or not.

Crochet Hoodie – Fall isn’t fall without a crochet hoodie!

Wavy Crochet Sweater – Though this is a cropped sweater, nothing is stopping you from making it longer or wearing it over a tunic-length tee.

Crochet Shawl Patterns

5 crochet shawls with hoods, pockets and various stitch types. Marly Bird.

Fall isn’t fall without a shawl (or two, or three!) Seriously! You need a whole closet (or wardrobe) full of shawls to match every outfit. Don’t you agree?

Not to mention, shawls are fun and reasonably quick to make. They’re great for a gift, but you should definitely save some for yourself!

Take your pick of these!

Nova Hooded Triangle Shawl – This could take the place of a cardi – so cozy and fun!

Boho Shawl With Pockets – It has fringe and pockets! What more could you want?

Better Together Hooded Shawl – Check out the colors in this one! Glorious fall at its finest!

Defiti Shawl – Texture, colors, stitch patterns…this one has it all!

Beginner Button Wrap – Super-simple but really cute for fall. You can do this!

Fall Crochet Wardrobe Staples: Crochet Cowl Patterns

Who wouldn’t want to make a crochet cowl? Like shawls, they’re a fabulous gift, and there are so many styles out there, there’s enough choices to satisfy even the pickiest of crocheters or recipients.

Larger hoods seem popular and oh-so cozy when the nights draw in quickly, so check these out. Hoods rock!

Bohemian Hooded Cowl – This is so cute and easy enough for beginners!

Keyhole Cowl – This is an unusual design, but still very simple and has a great look!

The Braids Cowl – Super-easy cable look, but it doesn’t look easy!

Simple Crochet Cowl– Longer length cowl that doubles as a capelet.

Esmerelda Cowl/Hood – Wear piled up around your neck or pull up over your head as a hood.

Crochet Jacket Patterns

Crochet jackets for fall crochet wardrobe staples. Malry Bird

Whether you call them jackets or cardigans, no matter, they both fasten up the front somehow and can really pull a look together. We’ve chosen a few stand-out designs here for your crochet pleasure.

Visual Illusion Jacket – Check this out!! It’s worked in squares and has a fascinating visual appeal!

Easy Hexagon Jacket With Hood – It’s granny stitch again, and it’s awesome!

Hooded Festival Jacket – Looks so long and cozy!

Hooded Puffer Jacket – This is so awesome – I’ve not seen a crocheted puffer jacket before!

Suit Jacket – Here’s one I’ve not seen before either. For a more formal look!

And…

One More Fall Wardrobe Staple You Can’t Live Without!

A knit poncho pattern for good luck!

I know I said crochet staples, but I’m so excited I just can’t resist telling you about my newest knit poncho pattern.

Yeah, I know…but if you can’t knit (yet,) just wait ‘til you see…

If you sign up for this Knit Along (KAL) you’ll get portions of the pattern sent to you every week for four weeks and helpful videos, so you’ll not need to leave your couch!

Have someone else cook while you knit, and let them serve you at your seat!

Ok…you can leave your couch if you REALLY want to…but you’re truly going to love this so much you just won’t want to stop!

There’s a blog post up right now explaining how you choose the colors for this fantastical Color Kaleidoscope Poncho. Really – it’s STUNNING! Right?!

Check it out now, and make sure you sign up to join in the fun!

And if you need more crochet goodies…check out these bonus links to crochet poncho patterns.

Perfectly Panache Crochet Poncho Great for beginners – comes with videos.

Popular Poncho Another one with videos and great for beginners – this was a crochet along, so you’ll see how they work.

67+ Ponchos And Capes I swear, with this selection, you’ll never run out of patterns!

Knit And Crochet Chunky Sweaters: Fall…In Love!

August 22, 2023 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

There’s nothing like throwing on a snuggly bulky sweater once those temperatures head south for the winter. So we decided to round up some ‘must haves’ for you to start before you really need them. If the fall chill hasn’t quite set in yet, these cozy knit and crochet chunky sweaters and cardigans will have you begging for cooler temperatures.

I’m already begging for cooler temperatures. Honestly, if it never got above about 75, I’d be perfectly happy. Once the 90s hit, I feel like I’m melting in a puddle of sweat.

Pretty picture, huh?

We know those temps will drop when it’s time, so now’s the perfect time to line up a few bulky projects you know you’ll need.

Knit and crochet chunky sweaters roundup - various knit and crochet sweaters and cardigans knit or crocheted in bulky yarns in shades of greys, blues, and rainbow. Marly Bird

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Why Knit And Crochet Bulky Sweaters?

Did you know bulky and oversized sweaters are perfectly in fashion right now?

Last year saw cropped sweaters gain in popularity, but this year, the comfy, longer-line, roomier styles are growing more popular.

The oversized sweater look can be extremely comfortable and flattering if you get the sizing right.

Here’s a few more reasons to make bulky sweaters and cardis:

They’re quick to make.

You use larger needles and thicker yarn.

If you’re a beginner, you can still make them.

They look awesome.

They’re so comfy to wear.

They’re usually simple shapes.

They look great with everything from minimal patterning to heavy cables.

You can wear them instead of a jacket.

You can curl up inside of them on the couch – no need to go out if you don’t want to.

You can dress them up or down using accessories or not.

The best things to wear are simply what makes you feel good. And there’s nothing like a cozy, hand-knit or crochet sweater or cardi to make you feel good.

I mean, if you made it, you should wear it proudly. Don’t you agree?

Here’s how you do that…

How To Wear Knit And Crochet Chunky Sweaters

The epitome of comfort and casual is to throw on a favorite t-shirt, a well-washed pair of jeans, and a comfy, roomy sweater.

But some people shy away from the bulky yarns and oversized look since they think it’ll make them look bigger. Following these tips, you can do it right and feel comfortable and stylish in knit and crochet chunky sweaters.

Seriously, anyone can rock an oversize sweater, no matter their number.

Here’s how it’s done!

Pair with slim-fit pants or leggings and a close-fit top to balance the look.

Keep the shape simple with minimal patterning.

Avoid huge collars and keep the neckline simple.

V-necks and long shawl collars are flattering for curvy figures.

Long necklaces, pendants, or skinny scarves left loose make a statement and help lengthen and slim the lines.

Make sure the sweater or cardi hem doesn’t sit at your widest part.

Use layers – a longer shirt or tunic-length tee under a cropped bulky sweater can work wonders.

Tall boots or higher heels can also help finish the look.

And Now For The Sweater And Cardigan Patterns

Now that I’ve sung the praises of knitting and crocheting bulky and oversize sweaters and cardigans, I think it’s about time you get to check out what I’ve found for you.

There’s something here for everyone.

Make sure you check them all out so you can make your yarn shopping lists and get creating before that cold weather hits.

Here you go…