Marly Bird, Author at Marly Bird

Best Fall Crochet Sweaters Patterns for This Autumn

September 6, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

It’s sweater weather, and I love making and wearing crochet sweaters. They’re cozy and comfy, and you can make them in so many different styles. I’ve designed cardigans and sweater patterns, even a swancho over the years. Here’s a roundup of all of my best fall crochet sweaters patterns.

Crochet Swancho Pattern

One of my all-time favorite fall designs is the Crochet Swancho Pattern. It’s not a poncho. It’s not a sweater. Instead, it’s the best of both worlds! This was originally a CAL but is now a free pattern on my site. It’s available in sizes from small to 5x making it one of the most size-inclusive of all crochet sweaters patterns.

Crochet Ruana Patterns

I really love making and wearing crochet ruanas. They’re the perfect layering pieces. And since you never really know the weather in autumn, they’re great to have on hand. I make mine extra cozy and warm but with short sleeves for breathability. And pockets for convenience! I designed a couple of these for you:

Creekside Crochet Ruana

Originally a CAL, this crochet ruana is one of the coziest designs. The short sleeves mean you won’t be too hot. And yet, you can stick your hands in your pockets if you get chilly!

Lyvia Crochet Ruana

I love, love, love my Creekside Crochet Ruana. However, I wanted one that was similar but a bit lacier. So, I made the Lyvia Ruana. It’s a bit dressier and lighter for those warmer autumn days.

Crochet Cardigan Patterns

Of course, many prefer traditional crochet cardigan patterns instead of ruanas. These are also great layering pieces. They have long sleeves and wonderful drape. Here are some I’ve designed:

Hamilton Crochet Cardigan

I love wearing sweater cardigans that feel good, have a bit of flair, and swing as I walk. This crochet cardigan hits the mark on all accounts! The oversized front lapels have lots of great swing!

Candy Apple Tie-Front Crochet Cardigan

Candy Apple crochet cardigan - Fall Crochet Sweaters Patterns - Marly Bird

I also really like cardigans that have a tie-front. Tie-front sweaters transition easily from season to season. Create a simple knot in the front at the waist, leaving the long ends dangling for an effortless, playful look. Or, wrap the ties around your waist and tie them in the back for a fitted and elegant style. This one is a lace design.

Midnight in Paris Cardigan

Here’s another great tie-front cardigan. I love these for fall crochet sweaters patterns! Don’t you?!

Granny Square Cardigan

If you’re looking for free fall crochet sweaters patterns, then start with this cardigan. Use the granny square in terrific colors to create a great look for autumn!

Floral Grannies Crochet Cardigan Pattern

Floral crochet cardigans pattern - Fall Crochet Sweaters Patterns - Marly Bird

Take those grannies to the next level with floral squares. This one might have open-work squares but look how thick and cozy the rest is. The original color makes it more of a spring design, but change it up to a mustard or a neutral, and you’ve got a great fall design. This is a free pattern!

Lacy Shawl Crochet Sweater with Collar

Combine lace rectangles with terrific thick ribbed sweater cuffs for a timeless chic sweater design. You can get this pattern when purchasing the Fall 2015 Love of Crochet digital edition from Interweave Crochet.

Bainbridge Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Use fine wool and silk yarn to create a lovely textured fabric for this cardigan with scalloped neckline edges. I originally designed this for spring, and in fact, you’ll find it in the digital edition of the Spring 2015 issue of Love of Crochet from Interweave Crochet. But the color works for all seasons, really, and you could obviously change the color for more of a statement autumn style.

Hydroponic Crochet Cardigan

Hydroponic Lace crochet cardigan pattern - Marly Bird

This is crocheted in one piece, a unique style for crochet sweaters and cardigans. Although it has long sleeves, it’s lacy, so it’s definitely meant to be a layering piece.

Xanadu Crochet Pullover Pattern

Xanadu crochet pullover sweater pattern - fall crochet sweaters patterns - Marly Bird

Interestingly, I haven’t designed many crochet pullover sweaters. However, do check out the Xanadu, a free crochet pattern for a short-sleeved (but still warm) crochet pullover. The ribbed hem is particularly cozy.

Practically Perfect Poncho Pattern

Practically Perfect crochet poncho pattern - fall crochet sweaters patterns - Marly Bird

We began this roundup with the Swancho, so let’s wrap it up with a regular poncho. The Practically Perfect Poncho is one of the coziest fall crochet sweaters to throw on and cuddle up in. Wear it to yoga. Wear it over jeans. Layer it over a dress. Have fun with it!

17 Free Fair Isle Cardigan Patterns

September 5, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

These Fair Isle cardigan patterns from Yarnspirations include projects for all ages! This is really the type of sweater that works for anyone. Fair Isle cardigans can have the traditional yoke or an all-over or banded pattern. In other words, you can have tons of color and design across the whole sweater or maybe just a pop of that unique use of Fair Isle design. Use these patterns to make a beautiful sweater and practice your Fair Isle knitting technique.

Don’t know Fair Isle? Learn all about how to do it at Camp Colorwork!

What Are Fair Isle Cardigan Sweaters?

Fair Isle is one specific type of colorwork knitting. There are many different ways to knit with color, including different ways to make bold colorful designs. We cover lots of them in Camp Colorwork, including Fair Isle. Fair Isle is one of the most classic popular techniques. Once you know what it is, you’ll always be able to recognize it.

The technique is named for a type of knitting that originally comes from the Fair Isle, which is a small Scottish island. In true Fair Isle, you work with two colors per row. You might change which two colors you use from one row to another, so you can have a very colorful overall design. People often use common motifs or design shapes when creating Fair Isle cardigan sweaters and other patterns in this technique.

Although the technique is very specific, people today often use the term to refer to various types of knit colorwork. In particular, if you create stranded colorwork, people might say you are working Fair Isle. If you’re using more than two colors per row, longer strands and repeats, and other changes, then you might not be using traditional Fair Isle but rather another type of knit colorwork design. The general idea is the same, though – color is used to make interesting designs on a beautiful sweater or other item.

Knit Fair Isle Cardigan Sweaters Free Pattern

So, now that you’re ready to make your own, here is our roundup of free patterns for you. These are all Fair Isle Cardigan sweaters. As you’ll see, though, there is so much variety among them. You’ll find sweaters for children and adults of any gender. You’ll find super colorful all-over designs and sweaters with only small bands of the design. Have fun exploring these options.

Helpful Instruction:

Learn how to tuck Fair Isle floats as you knit! This video shows you how to advance your skills when working on these patterns. Learn more tips and techniques like this – SO MANY MORE – by signing up for Camp Colorwork, a knit and crochet colorwork course you can take online at your own pace.

Tunisian Crochet Resources

September 5, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

What’s a little bit like crochet, a little bit like knitting, and a lot of fun? Tunisian crochet, of course! You use a special crochet hook, sometimes even a double-ended one, and pull loops onto it like you might with knitting. The fabric is totally unique, and people who enjoy either or both crafts also often love all of the possibilities that open up with this niche craft. We wanted to share our roundup of Tunisian crochet resources with you today.

What Is Tunisian Crochet?

Tunisian crochet resources - hooks, stoppers, and tools - Marly Bird

In this post, we tell you all about Tunisian crochet and why it’s the ultimate bicrafty craft. You learn to take the skills you already have from either or both crafts (crochet and knitting) and use them in a new way. This allows you to create new fabrics compared to the other crafts. For example, you could use a crochet color chart with Tunisian crochet and get a similar, but much more elongated, design. If you like the look of knitting but the technique of looping with your hook, you might really enjoy this technique.

Tools For Tunisian

What do you need for Tunisian crochet? To start learning the basics, you don’t need anything different than your usual crochet hooks. However, you’ll want to get a set of Tunisian crochet hooks for most projects. These are the same as regular crochet hooks in terms of size. For example, your go-to might be a size G Tunisian crochet hook. However, the Tunisian crochet hook shaft is longer than usual, allowing you to hold your loops on the hook as needed. In some instances, you might also want a double-ended Tunisian crochet hook. We’ll be creating a brand new post about this for you soon.

Where To Learn This Crochet Technique

Camp Colorwork - Crochet Colorwork Charts - sample in 2 colors

Keep your eyes peeled (or sign up for our newsletter) for the chance to dive deep into Tunisian crochet soon. In the meantime, though, one of the best ways to start learning Tunisian crochet is to check out the related modules in Camp Colorwork.

Tunisian Crochet Patterns

A roundup of Tunisian crochet resources would be incomplete without patterns you can use to explore the possibilities of the craft. Here are some of our favorites:

Tunisian crochet cap sleeve tank pattern

Tunisian crochet clothing and accessories patterns allow you to elevate your wardrobe with this technique. Make yourself things that you can wear!

Tunisian crochet blanket patterns offer the chance to really sink your teeth into this great technique.

These Tunisian crochet home patterns allow you to utilize the technique to dress up your decor. There are small projects as well as larger ones.

I also have a couple of Marly Bird CALs that use Tunisian crochet:

Tunisian Crochet Books

Of course, some people love to learn and get patterns from books. That’s why we have a Tunisian crochet books roundup. We also have some specific reviews for Tunisian Crochet Projects and Tunisian Crochet Workshop.

Our Favorite Crochet and Knit Color Techniques

September 3, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

There are so many different aspects of crochet and knitting to love. The feeling of the fiber. The relaxing nature of stitching. Learning new things. But of all of the things that people love, color is the one that’s cited most often. The pure joy of choosing your colors and mixing them together in a new creation just can’t be overstated. Perhaps that’s why designers and artists over the years have come up with so many different crochet and knit color techniques. Some people like all of them but most of us have a few favorites. We thought we’d share some of our favorites here on the Marly Bird Team.

Be sure to let us know what your favorite crochet and knit color techniques are, too, by posting in the Marly’s Minions Facebook Group or tagging @themarlybird on Instagram. And learn as much as you can about your options when you sign up for Camp Colorwork classes!

camp colorwork crochet and knit color techniques

Robyn’s Favorite Crochet Color Techniques

If you have already joined Camp Colorwork then you know that Robyn gets really excited about colorful crochet. She teaches so many different options in that online course, and she gets excited about all of them. You’ll hear her say in class: “Just have some fun. Color is fun! It is bright, vibrant, and wonderful!”

In addition to being a great crochet teacher, Robyn always likes learning new things in crochet. So, it’s no surprise that she says, My favorite colorwork technique is always the next oddball one that I learn. I love anything unusual, and once you see it, you say OH! that’s so fun and not hard.” But here are some more specific favorites:

Interlaced Crochet

Robyn says, “When I have lots of mini balls left, I go to Interlaced Crochet. This technique has many different names, but that’s what I call it most often. It is a simple way of threading your foundation chain through the previous row and then crocheting into it. So, it interlaces the foundation chain in the work you have done. It looks complicated, but once you see it, you realize that it’s so easy. It’s a great way to play with color, especially working with lots of different colors that you have in small amounts.

Tunisian Mosaic Crochet

When Robyn picked Interlaced Crochet as her favorite, she added, “Granted, I can say the same things about mosaic crochet too! The magic that happens when it forms is incredible. It’s so much fun.” Robyn loves all crochet, but she’s particularly skilled at Tunisian crochet. So, she especially loves Tunisian Mosaic crochet. She notes that it sounds really hard, but as soon as you learn a few tricks (which she teaches you in Camp Colorwork), you find that it’s not that hard at all. And it’s so beautiful.

Meg’s Favorite Knit Color Techniques

Social media support team member Meg doesn’t think of herself as someone who does a lot of colorwork. But after thinking about it, she realized she has a favorite: Knit Fair Isle. She had been working for a site doing a cowl of the month project. To be able to write about the cowls, she knit a bunch of them, and she came to really like working with crochet and knit color techniques specifically Knit Fair Isle.

Meg says, “Doing that project helped me improve at English style knitting since I grew up knitting continental style. It was fun to use both hands and work with color. It is almost like ‘color by numbers’ because you’re following a picture. In Camp Colorwork, you’ll learn many ways to use the same grid chart with different crochet and knitting techniques to play with color creatively!”

Kathryn’s Favorite Crochet Color Techniques

*Double crochet in back loop only using two yarn colors held together*

Blogging team member Kathryn learned to knit in BiCrafty Bootcamp, but she still loves crochet first and foremost. She really loves the healing aspects of crochet, so she likes meditative, repetitive projects – large granny squares and big blankets made in ribbed half double crochet. She loves color, but she likes to let the yarn do the work. So she’s in love with variegated yarns, self-striping yarns, and other color-rich yarns.

She also really likes using double-stranded crochet to create new effects with color. In other words, she’ll work a very simple stitch pattern holding together two different yarn colors. She might combine a variegated yarn with a solid or even with another variegated. It’s fun to see how the colors meld and pop over the course of this kind of project. And it’s an easy way for even a beginner crocheter to play with color.

Cryssi’s Favorite Knit Color Technique

Team member Cryssi says, “Honestly…I really like stranded knitting because I love how I don’t have to weave in so many ends! I know that’s really unromantic but it’s true – the fact that I can switch colors multiple times and carry along others and not have to cut my yarn each time is a dream for me.” And we know she’s not the only one who feels this way. Many crocheters and knitters love color but don’t want to weave in tons of ends, so they prefer techniques like stranded knitting that reduce that problem. And that’s totally okay!

Marly Bird’s Favorite Crochet and Knit Color Techniques

Over in Camp Colorwork, Robyn shares all of the crochet techniques, and Marly shares all the stuff for knitters. But we’re all BiCrafty around here and love celebrating color in every stitch. So, what are Marly’s favorite crochet and knit color techniques?

Like Cryssi, Marly really loves two-handed stranded knitting. If you went by the total number of knit colorwork projects she’s ever completed, stranded knitting might come up number one. However, even though it might sound slightly cliche, Marly has no favorite. She loves ALLLLL the colorwork. Marly immediately thinks of planned pooling, entrelac, and mosaic as a few options. She says, “I love anything where I can combine colors to get a unique-looking fabric. THAT IS MY JAM!”

And really, that’s why Camp Colorwork came about. Robyn and Marly especially just love all that there is to know about different color techniques and wanted to share them all with everyone so that you can love them, too.

SO, TELL US YOUR FAVORITES!!!! And if you haven’t checked out Camp Colorwork yet, be sure you do!

My Favorite Knit Sweater Pattern

September 2, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Years ago, I bought a Lane Bryant sweater that I loved and loved and loved. As a designer, many things inspire me, including clothes I love to wear. So, taking what I loved most about that sweater and tweaking it, I have a new sweater design for you. This is my favorite knit sweater pattern ever! It’s a two-color striped knit sweater. You work it flat in stockinette, so it’s super easy for beginners. But I designed it with extra-flattering A-line shaping enhanced by the offset design of the striped colors. Eeeeee. I love it. I hope you do too.

My favorite knit sweater pattern - Marly Bird

8 Reasons This Is My Favorite Knit Sweater Pattern

Of course, it’s easy to love a new design when fresh from the needles. But a favorite sweater inspired me, so I love this design for longer-lasting reasons. And there are certain things I’m really proud of that make it My Favorite Knit Sweater Pattern. Here they are:

1. Offset Stripes Are Slimming and Attractive

Yes, my favorite knit sweater has horizontal stripes, but I offset them. As you can see in the images, Color A is on the left, and Color B is on the right, and then in the next row, it’s the opposite. The result is super flattering for all body types. The eye doesn’t get stuck in one place but instead roams with the movement of the colors. It creates a very slimming effect, which you don’t always get with horizontal stripes.

2. There Are So Many Options for Your Two Colors

Go bold like mine for a design that really pops. I love this! However, you can use any two colors that you love together to create a style that works well for you. This is the kind of pattern that works as well in neutrals (a tan and olive, for example, or black and gray stripes) as it does in bold colors.

3. Knit Flat So It’s Beginner Friendly

You knit this sweater flat rather than in the round. And you knit it in pieces then seam together with mattress stitch. This is really perfect for those offset stripes because it allows you to make sure you’re matching the stripes up perfectly as you work. This creates a really beginner-friendly design.

4. Stockinette Stitch With Smart Shaping

Knit My Favorite Knit Sweater Pattern in stockinette stitch. This is also beginner-friendly. Or great for relaxing, meditative stitching. And yet, I’ve incorporated smart shaping into the design. The shaping happens along the side edges. It is negative ease at the upper body and positive ease at the lower body. The result is a very flattering A-line shape that works with many different body types.

5. V-Neck Is Also Flattering

I’ve designed my Favorite Knit Sweater with a V-neck. I love how that looks on me. Plus, I think it’s really flattering for lots of people. It’s not just that it’s a V-shape but, more specifically, that it’s a really flattering depth of the V. And it works well geometrically and visually with the offset striping.

Two color knit striped sweater - Marly Bird

6. Super Versatile Yarn Options

In addition to different color options for your yarn, you can actually play with different fiber types for making this sweater. Knit the sweater in pieces and seam it together. The seaming helps hold the weight of the yarn. Therefore, you get the drape and shape you want regardless of the yarn type.

While there might be some exceptions, you can use pretty much any worsted weight yarn that holds the weight. So, if you want to make this sweater in cotton, linen, acrylic, wool, or some blend, go for it. The sweater will work!

7. Broken Ribbing For Even Better Fit

Sometimes a whole sweater is almost perfect … except that the ribbing around the hem and cuffs isn’t quite right. Sadly, you pinch in at those places and end up looking like a balloon. Not so with My Favorite Sweater Pattern. The broken ribbing around the hem and the cuffs don’t pull in, so this piece won’t make you look like a balloon!

8. Great For Gifting!

You can make it for others since this sweater is flattering for all types of people. Plus I wrote the pattern for seven sizes. It’s especially great for beginner knitters ready to start gifting handmades to people!

Get My Favorite Knit Sweater Pattern

Ready to go? Get My Favorite Knit Sweater Pattern over on Ravelry!

53 Free Knit Fair Isle Accessory Patterns

August 29, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Yarnspirations has dozens of free stranded knitting patterns for you to make, showing off traditional and modern patterns in projects ranging from simple to complex designs. Even non-crafters can see the love and care that goes into making Fair Isle patterns, and these small projects are perfect for establishing a new skill. This roundup of knit Fair Isle accessory patterns includes mittens, hats, cowls, capes, and more.

Learn Fair Isle and many other crochet and knit colorwork techniques at Camp Colorwork!

53 Free Knit Fair Isle Accessory Patterns

Ponchos and Capes

Ponchos and capes add a layer on top of your current outfit, with fewer worries about fit — making them great for gifts!

Cowls and Scarves

Cowls let you work the stranded design in a circle — some Fair Isle scarves are also knit to be double thick, so the pattern is on the right side on both sides.

Knit Fair Isle Accessory Patterns: Mittens

Everyone will admire your hands when wearing these elaborate stranded knit mittens!

Socks and Slippers

Colorwork patterns on your socks and slippers make a fun treat!

Fair Isle Twist Knit Slipper Socks Free Knitting Pattern

Knit Fair Isle Accessory Patterns: Sets

Coordinate different accessories with these sets, mixing hats and mittens, hats and cowls, and more for an easy casual but pulled-together look.

Northern Fair Isle Knit Hat and Mittens Free Knitting Pattern

Hats

Hats are a classic Fair Isle project, and for good reason! Working in the round is perfect for stranded knitting, and here you’ll find a variety of gorgeous designs.