Marly Bird, Author at Marly Bird

20 Free Bias Knit Projects Made Corner-to-Corner

June 12, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

You work bias-knit projects corner-to-corner on the diagonal instead of bottom-up or side-to-side! Working corner to corner is commonly called ‘knitting on the bias.’ Your projects drape more this way than regular knitting and stretch more. Knitting in stripes really accentuates the direction of work, as you’ll see in this pattern selection.

Now, check out these beautiful projects from Yarnspirations – they’re all knit on the bias!

And don’t miss the crochet corner-to-corner blog post!

20 Free Bias Knit Projects Made Corner-to-Corner

You’ll notice most of these patterns are for blankets and throws. Why is that?

When you cut, knit, or crochet garments on the bias, they stretch very differently from being worked bottom up or side to side. This makes it really hard to get a comfortable fit. Rather, they fit really snugly because they’re worked diagonally. And not so many people love that with knit garments.

But with blankets or throws, it doesn’t matter so much which way they stretch. So can you imagine the wonderful hug you’ll get from these bias-knit blankets? Snuggle under these to your heart’s content!

Book-Match Bias Knit Blanket Free Knitting Pattern

If you love working corner to corner, check out the links below for more fabulous diagonal patterns.

Study of Ombre Summer CAL with The Crochet Crowd

June 10, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Have you seen the upcoming new Yarnspirations Summer CAL hosted by The Crochet Crowd? It’s called The study of Ombre, which tells you how much fun you’re going to have playing with color gradients. It’s an afghan CAL. It all starts June 23, 2022. After seven weeks of crafting in community, you’ll have a beautiful ombre crochet blanket. Sign up to join in the fun.

Study of Ombre Summer CAL Intro Video

Watch the five minute video above to get all of the information and inspiration that you need in order to sign up for The Crochet Crowd’s summer stitch-along.

As you’ll learn from this video, this new CAL blanket was originally inspired by last year’s “study of geometry” blanket CAL. This version takes the rich texture of that design, combines it with a snowflake pattern that was never finished previously, and gives you the opportunity to play with a wide variety of different stitches as you work with ombre color.

Make sure that you watch all the way to the end of the video above. Towards the end, you’ll get the chance to see the different stitch patterns that you’ll work with in each week of the seven weeks of this summer CAL. It’s delightful to see all of that texture. It will be a lot of fun.

The Yarn

This summer CAL is designed for you to use Red Heart Super Saver Ombre. Working with this yarn, you’ll see that you have denser color in the center of the blanket, where we begin. Then as time goes on, you get more color changes on the external rounds, by nature of their length.

The CAL has two different yarn color designs. The first is a sunny summer design that combines yellow, green, and blue ombre yarn. It’s a perfect sunshine blanket for the summer.

However, if you want a darker tone, you can do that as well, and it works really well. You’ll use pink, purple, and grey ombre yarns to create this one.

Although, of course you could always go rogue and choose your own colors. If you do, you’ll want to get two balls each of three colors of the Red Heart Super Saver yarn. This design is fun because it uses the ombre yarn to create that gradient of color within each color hue but the blanket uses three different colors so there’s different sections of ombre as you go.

What You Get When You Join This Free Summer CAL

The Yarnspirations CAL, hosted by The Crochet Crowd, is free to join. Just click this link and then enter your name and email information to sign up for the CAL. The CAL begins on June 23rd. Each week, you’ll receive:

The crochet pattern instructions for that week
A crochet diagram to assist you in better understanding the written instructions
Video tutorials to make sure that you’re able to complete the CAL.

This is a great summer project. It’s always fun to craft in community, so why not sign up and make this blanket at the same time as so many other crocheters?

15 Best Vintage Knit Swimsuit Patterns 1940s – 1980s

June 8, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Crochet swimsuit patterns are always trending. However, you’ll find that the same doesn’t hold true for knit swimwear. Do a search for knit swimsuit patterns, and you’re not likely to come up with much. What you will find in that search, however, is a lot of vintage patterns. If you enjoy working from vintage patterns, know how to substitute with modern yarn choices, and want to make knit swimwear, these vintage knit swimsuit patterns are your best choice.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. I receive a portion of sales made from those links. This helps me to continue to provide you with free blog content. This doesn’t change your price in any way. Thank you for your support.

Tips for Working With Vintage Knit Patterns

If you’re only used to modern knit designs, you might face a few challenges when adjusting to vintage knit patterns. There are slight differences. These are easier to account for if you’re a skilled knitter. However, any knitter can learn. The basics are the same; you just need to make some adjustments.

CraftFoxes offers some great tips for working with vintage knitting patterns:

Double-check the knitting needle size.

Many older patterns were written in UK, not US terms. English knitting needle sizes differ from those we use in America today. Therefore, make sure you’re using the right US size needles.

Become familiar with the terminology in vintage knitting patterns.

You might have noticed that even in standard knitting patterns, designers sometimes use different names for the same stitch or technique. This becomes even more true when looking at vintage patterns, written before there even was a more standard terminology. So, you might find different stitch names. Or you might see “turn over” instead of “yarn over.” It takes some thought, but it’s definitely doable.

Learn how to choose the right yarn.

Yarn options were limited when vintage patterns were written. We have many more options today. Using the right yarn with vintage knit swimwear patterns is especially important, so learn about yarn substitution. After all, you want a good fit. You also want a swimsuit that doesn’t get waterlogged when you wear it in the pool! Therefore, you don’t want to use wool; instead, you want to use cotton blends and acrylics.

Adapt sizing.

Finally, it’s easiest to work with these patterns if you can adapt the sizing instructions to your own fit. Unfortunately, not all designs were written with size inclusivity, particularly older patterns. But for some useful tips, By Gum, By Golly has a great blog series on resizing vintage knitting patterns.

Best Vintage Knit Swimsuit Patterns

So, here are some of the best vintage knit swimsuit patterns for sale through Etsy:

Asymmetrical 1980s Knit Swimsuit

asymmetrical 1980s retro knit swimsuit pattern

MyStitchAndKitsch on Etsy sells terrific retro 1980s knit and crochet patterns. We found a couple of great vintage knit one-piece bathing suit patterns in this Etsy shop. It”s almost like a strapless swimsuit. However, a single strap creates an asymmetrical design. Stripes and color blocking create the retro design.

1980s Retro Knit One-Piece Swimsuit Pattern

Here we have the second of the two MyStitchandKitsch patterns. It’s another one-piece swimsuit, this time in a more classic swimsuit shape. Summery stripes create the illusion of a high waist, while the top has abstract floral patterns. This also comes with a beach wrap pattern.

More Vintage 1980s Knit Swimsuit Patterns

Here are some 1980s knit swimsuit patterns from other Etsy sellers:

PatternsALaCarte has a set of two knit one-piece swimsuit patterns from the 1980s. You can see that the asymmetrical look was trending. The second suit here ties behind the neck. The bold splashes of color are classic 80s.

MoonSunArtandCraft sells this ombre color-blocked knit one-piece design.

vintage 1980's knit chevron swimsuit pattern

VintageXpressAU sells this knit chevron backless one-piece swimsuit with crocheted straps.

1940s Boat Motif Knit Bikini Shorts Pattern

vintage 1940's knit bikini shorts pattern with boat motif

More 1940s Vintage Knit Swimsuit Patterns

PrettyOldPatterns also has three other vintage knit swimwear patterns for sale on Etsy. Two are high-waisted bikini swim shorts designs:

This one (above) also includes a zipper cover-up beach skirt pattern.

And this one comes with a matching bolero jacket knit pattern. Both are great because you can go from the beach to a cafe without changing.

vintage 1940's halter top swimsuit pattern

The third is a one-piece knit swimsuit with a halter top and cheeky bottoms.

Toddler’s Vintage Knit Swimsuit Pattern

Are you looking for a young children’s knit swimsuit pattern? Look no further. This adorable one-piece shorts swimsuit for toddlers is perfect. That boat motif on swimwear must have been popular in the 1940s. Even if you don’t want to create this for your child to wear in the water, it makes a cute daily romper.

Vintage 1970s Knit Swimsuit Patterns

You can find knit swimsuit patterns from almost any era. Here are some great fun designs from the 1970’s:

PastPatternsPalooza sells this 1970s knit contrast-trim bikini pattern. Knit ribbing makes the top look a bit like seashells.

ThePatternist sells this 1970s scoop-neck knit bikini pattern. The bottoms have a lace knit design.

PatternGrove sells this 1970s knit boy shorts bikini pattern.

deep v plunging neckline knit vintage swimsuit pattern

This Deep V plunging neckline isn’t right for everyone but if you love it then you can find the pattern over at Etsy’s TheGoodWitchPatterns.

Especially good for the bicrafty among you, HoneyCombPatterns sells a set of four different knit and crochet maillot-style swimsuit patterns.

The Best Crochet Swimsuit Patterns

June 6, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Every summer, crochet swimsuits appear again for controversy. Some people love them. Others just can’t see how those designs can possibly work in the water. Some are better than others in terms of construction. For many people, it’s less about getting in the water and more about having a terrific swimsuit for sunbathing. If you want to make a crochet bikini or a one-piece, here are some of the best crochet swimsuit patterns.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I receive a percentage of sales from those links. Your price doesn’t change. Thank you for your support.

Choosing Crochet Swimsuit Patterns

Choose your crochet swimsuit patterns carefully. Ideally, you want a design that’s easy to adapt to your own specific measurements. After all, a swimsuit is something that requires the right fit. There’s not a lot of coverage, so there’s not a lot of room for error.

You also want to ensure the designer has selected the right yarn. Most designers use cotton yarn for swimsuits but you have to choose those cotton blends carefully or they can become too waterlogged and heavy.

Finally, read the details of the crochet pattern carefully. Some designers specifically state the design is for sunbathing, not swimming. If you need a swim-friendly suit, then make sure you’ve chosen a suitable design.

Top Crochet Swimsuit Patterns

Here are some of the crochet swimsuit patterns you might want to try.

Paton’s Crochet Bikini Pattern

We’ll kick things off with this one because it has pros and cons as far as crochet swimsuit patterns go. It’s a free crochet bikini pattern, which is obviously a plus. It’s also a very simple pattern, meaning it’s great for beginners to practice.

However, sizing is limited. Instructions offer cup sizes A, B, and C options, but the bottoms are only one size. It’s no problem if you can adapt instructions to fit your body (or you happen to be this one size). But it wouldn’t be a good choice if you’re relatively new to crochet and this isn’t your size.

If you want to learn how to crochet a basic bikini so you can understand the formula, start here.

Starfish Boho Bikini

This crochet bikini pattern is a little more detailed in design. A starfish inspired it. You work it in cotton, designed so you can insert bra pads into the top for full coverage. The pattern designer says it’s customizable.

Customizable Crochet Bikini Pattern

Here’s another great crochet bikini pattern. It’s beginner-friendly, water-adaptable, and customizable. The Etsy designer says, “The pattern provides the size from XS to XXL and the instructions to make the bikini set according to your unique body shapes.” The pattern also comes with video instructions.

Crochet Halter Top and Shorts

Looking for crochet swimsuit patterns with a little more coverage? How about a halter and shorts set? This is a great option for the beach, and you can comfortably hit up a beachside cafe without changing.

Granny Crochet Swimsuit Pattern

vintage crochet granny square swimsuit pattern

If you like the shorts option, consider these vintage granny swimsuit patterns. There are a lot of great vintage crochet swimsuit patterns, many of which you can find for resale through Etsy.

Fringe Crochet Bikini

This is one of the most unique crochet swimsuit patterns in this roundup. It’s covered in fringe! This would probably be lots of fun to wear, and the top is asymmetrical.

Crochet Monokini

Crochet monokinis were trending hard a few years ago. We seem to see less of them these days. Nevertheless, they remain a solid design for crochet swimsuit patterns. This one has a classic crochet pineapple shape at the center and a keyhole peekaboo at the top. Designed in three sizes.

Crochet One Piece Bikini Pattern

One-piece bikini is another name for the monokini. It looks like a one-piece from the front and a bikini from the back, so the name does make sense. This one has great texture and full coverage over the entire front, with a low-slung tie at the waist. Written for 6 top sizes and 5 bottom sizes.

Crochet One Piece Swimsuit Pattern

Like these swimsuits that have fuller coverage? This one from MayaLunaCorazon is a great choice. She, like many of the other Etsy designers linked here, offers other crochet swimsuit patterns. Written for seven sizes.

Strapless Tie-Front Crochet Swimsuit

This is a strapless one-piece crochet swimsuit. It ties closed across the front. The designer has provided instructions for two styles of bottoms – Brazilian or cheeky.

High-Waisted Crochet Swim Shorts

See the high-waisted crochet bikini shorts seen in the photo? You can easily alter the fit for your specific sizing. The designer, Shylercrochetsug, offers many other great crochet swimsuit patterns and summer crochet designs. For example, check out the Crochet Modest Kini.

83 Free Rainbow Projects

June 5, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Rainbow is my favorite color! You can make a simple rainbow with one stripe of each color or a more gradual one with several versions of each color. Here are dozens of FREE rainbow projects to knit, crochet, and craft from Yarnspirations for baby blankets, throws, home decor items, and things to wear!

Baby Blankets

Rainbows work with almost any nursery theme! The bright, bold colors are right at home with babies’ outfits.

All families can enjoy rainbow baby blankets, but families with rainbow babies may especially appreciate them. Rainbow babies are babies born after the loss of a baby. To learn more and see more examples of rainbow baby blankets, see Crochet Rainbow Blankets for Rainbow Babies.

Caterpillar Crochet Snuggle Sack Free Crochet Pattern

Free Rainbow Projects: Throws

Almost any throw can be made into a rainbow gradient, but these patterns are designed to show off the rainbow!

Marled Knit Blanket Free Knitting Pattern

Home Decor

Brighten your house with these rainbow items, from a literal rainbow-shaped pillow to beach bags made in rainbow motifs.

Knit Rainbow Pillow Free Knitting Pattern

Free Rainbow Projects: Wear a Rainbow

Show your love of rainbows with rainbow hats, ponchos, cowls, and more!

Rainbow Chip Crochet Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

More Blogs About Rainbows

Crochet Rainbow Blankets for Rainbow Babies
Rainbow Knit Hat
Rainbow Sprinkles Crescent Shawl
Yarn Thing Podcast episode on Rainbow Crochet Blankets
Yarn Thing Podcast episode on Knitting with Rainbows
Chasing Rainbows Baby Blanket: Story Behind It and Free Video Tutorial

Summer Vacation Plans? Take Flat Marly 2022!

June 1, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Summer is coming up quickly, and we are SO ready for it here at the Marly Bird team. We have a lot of fun things coming to you this summer. People are starting to travel a lot more again this year. Therefore, we want to remind you not to forget Flat Marly 2022 when you make your travel plans. If you’re unsure what we’re talking about, read on because you don’t want to miss out on this part of our summer fun!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Travel is Back On – And Flat Marly 2022 is Ready

If you’ve been a fan/friend here for a while, then you probably remember our summer fun each year with Flat Marly. And we’ve kept this fun going every year, but, of course, people didn’t travel as much the last few years. So, we’re excited to see many people getting out again, seeing their friends and family members and other parts of the country and the world. Travel is finally back on the list for many people missing it. And Flat Marly 2022 is excited to join in on all your fun!

So, What Is Flat Marly?

If you don’t know, or can’t quite remember how it works, let me remind you about the details. This fun summer game we play every year was inspired by the book series Flat Stanley. Stanley accidentally becomes flattened in the original book, which is over 50 years old. The good news is that he can go on adventures that other people can’t go on, like being mailed to other places to visit his friends.

The Flat Stanley Project

Back in the 1990s, a teacher started the Flat Stanley Project. The kids read the book, colored their own Flat Stanley pictures, and wrote imaginative stories about their Stanley’s life. Then they sent Stanley and his story to someone through the mail. The recipient takes a photo of Stanley in his new life, and writes a letter about his new adventures, mailing that back to the first student. Over the years, people have done many different variations on this. And our variation is, of course, Flat Marly 2022.

How Flat Marly Works

Download and print out this year’s version of Flat Marly 2022. You’ll find it below.
Pack this paper version of Marly with you everywhere you travel this summer. This project starts on June 1, 2022, and continues through August 31, 2022.
When you get to a new destination (even if it’s a local attraction during a staycation,) take a photo of Flat Marly. Make sure it’s a family-friendly photo that we can share online. Your photo doesn’t have to include knitting or crochet, but it’s great if it does!
Share Flat Marly’s adventure with us in the Marly’s Minions Facebook Group. You can share just the photo, or you can add your story about what your paper Marly has been up to with you! Use the Hashtag #FlatMarlyAdventures2022.

Throughout the summer, we’ll have periodic giveaways in the Facebook group. And at the end of the season, the person who has taken Flat Marly to the most places will win this year’s “Travel Trophy.”

Print Out Flat Marly!

Just click on the button above to find Flat Marly. Then download the image, print it out, and take it with you on all your summer adventures.

Where to Take Flat Marly

You can take Flat Marly anywhere you want this summer. If you’re going on a road trip or taking a bus, train, or plane somewhere, then definitely take her along, Photograph her all along the journey, on the ride and at the destination.

You can also take her with you to local travels – if you visit attractions in your area like state parks, museums, zoos, and art exhibits then be sure to bring her along. Flat Marly is up for anything! And this is the perfect excuse to visit as many local yarn stores as possible because she really loves to go there!

We can’t wait to see where you’re going this summer and we really can’t wait to go with you!

Summer Crafting

You can take your paper Marly anywhere. And you can take your knitting and crochet to most places too. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer Crochet, our Ultimate Guide to Summer Knitting, and our Summer Craft Tips.