New Patterns NOW Available in Ad-Free PDF! Check out The Pattern Shop

34 Free Applique Patterns to Crochet and Knit

By Leave a Comment

Appliques are a great way to add a bit of crochet (or knitting) to your project! You can even make the sweater, blanket, or hat to which you want to add the applique. Or stitch a hand knit or crocheted applique on a purchased item, such as a canvas tote bag or denim jacket. Make any bag, hat, or sweater your very own using these cute applique patterns to crochet and knit whatever shape you choose!

34 Free Applique Patterns to Crochet and Knit

Patterns with Appliques

These projects include instructions for the project (blankets, bibs, and more) and the applique! Make the entire pattern, or just use the applique for your own personal project.

Snail Blanket Free Crochet Pattern

Applique Patterns To Crochet And Knit

Add these applique patterns to any handknit or hand-crocheted item or branch out and sew them onto ready-made bags, jackets, shirts, and more! Choose anything from bugs to hearts and from flowers to skeletons. There's something here for everyone.

Cool Sun Applique Free Crochet Pattern - applique patterns to crochet and knit

If you've enjoyed these applique patterns to crochet and knit, maybe you'd like these quilt-inspired projects. Seriously – they're simply gorgeous! Check them out!

You May Also Like

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crochet or knit applique?

Applique is a small decorative element that you make separately and then attach to a finished project. In yarn crafts, this means crocheting or knitting little shapes… flowers, leaves, hearts, letters, animals… and sewing them onto hats, sweaters, bags, or blankets. It's a fantastic way to add personality and color to a plain project without working colorwork into the original pattern. Make the project first, then add the appliques as embellishments.

Are applique patterns good for beginners?

Most appliques are very beginner friendly because they're small and simple! A basic crochet flower is just a few rounds of single crochet. A little leaf is a few chains and simple stitches. A heart or star uses basic shapes. Since they're worked flat or in small rounds, they're great practice for new crafters. You can make a bunch of appliques and decorate anything… a plain baby onesie, a hat you already made, even non-yarn items like a tote bag.

What's the best way to attach a crochet applique to a project?

Leave a long tail when you finish the applique and use that to sew it on. A tapestry needle and the same yarn works beautifully for attaching to knit or crochet fabric. For attaching to woven fabric (like a clothing item), use a sharp sewing needle and matching thread for a secure, invisible attachment. Always pin the applique in place first and step back to check the positioning before you sew… once it's on, it's on. Start with just a few anchor stitches, check it looks right, then finish sewing all the way around.

Can I put crochet appliques on knit projects and vice versa?

Yes! Crochet appliques go beautifully on knitted sweaters, hats, and blankets… and knit appliques can decorate crochet projects. The attachment method is the same. Mixing the two crafts in one project is very BiCrafty and results in some really interesting textures. A knitted leaf on a crochet bag, or a crochet flower on a knitted hat… the combinations are endless.

Can I use appliques to personalize gifts?

This is one of the best uses for appliques! A plain baby blanket becomes a truly personalized gift when you add a little crochet elephant or the baby's initial. A simple knit hat becomes special with a crocheted flower or star applique in the recipient's favorite color. You can make the base project quickly and then spend the extra time on the applique embellishments that make it unique. It's a great strategy for making something simple feel really thoughtful and customized.

Short Sleeved Cardigan Crochet Pattern

By Leave a Comment

Have you ever seen my Capricious Cardigan crochet pattern? If not, I'd love for you to take a look. It's one of those oldies-but-goodies you might like if you see it. It's a short-sleeved cardigan crochet pattern, making it the perfect extra layer for summer. It works as a beach cover-up, but it can also be worn over a cocktail dress.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. Your price doesn't change, but purchases from those links pay me a small percentage. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Capricious Cardigan - short sleeve crochet shirt - Marly Bird

Summer Is For Short Sleeves

Oftentimes, we talk about putting on a cardigan in the summer for when the temperatures drop and that chill creeps into the air. Usually, we're thinking about adding sleeves to our outfits. However, sometimes long sleeves are a bit too much. You want the warmth of an extra layer, but you don't want to be too warm. So, think short sleeves! This short-sleeved crochet cardigan is the perfect second layer on summer nights.

A Cardigan That Doubles as a Beach Cover-Up

We recently rounded up some great crochet beach cover-ups. There are so many different styles, including some that work almost like dresses. However, a classic cardigan can be one of the best options. Throw it over your swimsuit to warm up after you get out of the water. Pull on jeans, and you've got a whole casual outfit ready to go. This short-sleeved cardigan crochet pattern is very versatile and would definitely serve as a good beach cover-up.

Use a Shawl Pin to Close This Cardigan

You can wear this crochet cardigan with the front open. The drape will look nice. However, I designed it to have a cross-over front with an overlap. It has no built-in closure, so you can showcase your favorite crochet shawl pin. If you don't have one, getting one is worth it. It adds to your style and helps you keep warm when wearing a shawl or open-front cardigan like this one.

Choosing The Best Yarn

I designed this cardigan to use Mirasol Nuna yarn. It's a terrific luxury yarn made of 40% merino wool, 40% silk, and 20% rayon from bamboo. It's soft and has a wonderful drape. But here are some other sport weight yarns that would also work for this pattern.

  • Shine Sport. This is a terrific cotton blend yarn. It's 60% Pima cotton, a soft cotton with a terrific drape. And it's 40% Modal natural beech wood fiber which is also soft, a bit like bamboo.
  • Galileo. This is a wool-bamboo blend that's 50% of each. It offers the perfect stretch and lightness for a good drape on your cardigan.
  • Heatherly Sport. This is a mostly acrylic yarn with a little wool in the mix.

Get The Short Sleeved Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Short sleeved cardigan crochet pattern - Marly Bird

Get the short-sleeved cardigan crochet pattern over on Ravelry.

You Might Also Like:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear this cardigan even when it's not chilly out?

Honestly… yes! While it's perfect for that little bit of summer chill, it's also designed to be super versatile. You can totally wear it over a cocktail dress or even as a chic beach cover-up after swimming.

How does this cardigan close?

So here's the thing… it doesn't have a built-in closure! I designed it with a lovely crossover front, and you can use your favorite crochet shawl pin to keep it closed or just let it drape open.

What kind of yarn did you use for this pattern?

Yes! I designed this with Mirasol Nuna yarn, which is a beautiful luxury blend… but I've also listed a few other sport weight yarns that would be just gorgeous too, like Shine Sport or Galileo!

Is this cardigan pattern difficult to make?

Well, it's listed as Advanced Beginner… so if you've got some crochet basics down, you should be totally good to go! It's a really satisfying project.

Can this be worn as a beach cover-up?

Absolutely! It's perfect for throwing over your swimsuit when you hop out of the water… or even for a casual outfit with jeans later on!

Knit and Crochet Kimono Shirt Patterns

By 1 Comment

The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment. However, the kimono shirt is a more fluid term. It refers to several different shirt designs, generally loose-fitting, often with a wrap front. While you won't find too many knit and crochet kimono shirt patterns, they do exist. They provide you with new option designs for your tops. So, we wanted to round up some of those patterns for you today.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links.

knit and crochet kimono shirt patterns - Marly Bird

What Is A Kimono Shirt?

Of course, it's important to be accurate when talking about things that derive from a culture other than your own. The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment with a long, rich history. It's typically a floor-length T-shaped garment. However, the exact length, pattern, sleeve style, and other details vary a lot and have specific meanings within the culture.

On the other hand, a kimono shirt is a more general term from the fashion world. Of course, it's inspired by the kimono, but it's a different thing. Japanoscope explains that the word “kimono” actually translates to “clothing.” They further explain that the kimono shirt usually refers to a style that would actually be more likely to be called a Happi or a Hanten in Japan; these are often considered jackets rather than kimono.

Generally, a kimono shirt is loose and free-flowing. It is cardigan-shaped, so it is split at the front rather than a sweater shape. It's often got a cross-body or wrap front, although not always. It often has a V-shaped neck, but, again, not always.

Naked and Famous Denim sells a version they explain is a “Noragi: open-front, straight silhouette, front-tie closure.” In their version, the tie is across the center of the kimono shirt, similar to the obi belt worn over a traditional kimono. In other versions, including my crochet kimono shirt, which you'll find the pattern for below, the tie is closer to the neckline.

Knit Kimono Shirt Patterns

Here are some knit kimono shirt patterns for you to try:

Kimono Knit Jacket Pattern

kimono knit jacket pattern

One common design for knit kimono jackets is to create an open front with wide lapels that edge the opening from the neck to the waistband. These are usually waist-length or typical jacket-length designs, although, of course, this varies. The sleeves are typically loose and mid-length. This is an easy knitting pattern and a great place to start if you want to learn the kimono shirt style.

Kimono Sleeve Cardigan Pattern

knit kimono sleeve cardigan pattern

This knit kimono pattern is similar in style. However, as you can see, the lapels are wider. They fold back and drape loosely in a flattering style that showcases the knit fabric's texture. The sleeves are nice and loose on this one. It's wonderfully flowy, perfect for summer.

Eclipse Knit Kimono Pattern

Eclipse Kimono knit pattern

This knit summer cardigan pattern is made with cotton yarn, so it's a great cover-up even in warmer weather. With the blue and white stripes, it has a nautical feel. You can dress it up or down. The pattern is written in six sizes, from small through 3X.

Kids' Knit Kimono Shirt Patterns

knit and crochet kimono shirts for kids

Yarnspirations offers four cute designs for knit kimono shirts for kids. They all have wrap fronts, characteristic of a traditional kimono, although the design of these necklines varies. Sleeve length varies as well. If you're looking for some really cute new knit clothing for kids, then check these out:

Crochet Kimono Shirt Patterns

First, let me tell you about my kimono shirt:

Amimono Kimono Crochet Shirt Pattern

kimono-inspired crochet cardigan free pattern - Marly Bird

This is my version of a crochet kimono shirt. It's an open-front cardigan with a button and ties closure at the low neckline. The sleeves are loose but not oversized. It's a great summer cardigan pattern.

And here are some other crochet kimono shirt patterns for you to try:

Kimono Jacket Crochet Pattern

kimono jacket crochet pattern

If you just glanced at this crochet pattern, you might mistake it for a typical crochet cardigan. However, note the wide lapels, one of the signatures of crochet kimono patterns. The drape and the sleeve flow and length add to the design. As you can see in the image, it enhances the effect when you style a knit or crochet kimono with a wide obi-style belt.

CARON X PANTONE Crochet Kimono Cardigan Pattern

kimono cardigan crochet pattern

If you take a kimono shirt and cross it with a crochet crop top pattern, you might get something cute and trendy like this. It's an open-front cropped crochet cardigan, built from motifs, with wide crochet lapels. The sleeves are short and wide.

Lace Crochet Kimono Pattern

Lacy Days lace crochet kimono pattern

This lacy crochet kimono pattern with well-draped flowing sleeves cinches at the waist with a thin belt. It's a perfect top for summer and also works as a crochet beach cover-up.

Lindy Kimono Crochet Pattern

Lindy Kimono crochet pattern

This is a longer version of a kimono-inspired crochet shirt. It's made with a simple granny stripe using cotton yarn that's great for summer.

You Might Also Like:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a kimono-style knit or crochet top?

A kimono-style top is inspired by the traditional Japanese kimono… an open-front garment with wide sleeves and a flowing silhouette. In yarn craft, this typically means a loose, drapey top or cardigan that opens in the front (often worn tied or belted rather than buttoned), has kimono-style sleeves (wide and flowing rather than fitted), and is constructed with minimal shaping. The aesthetic is relaxed, elegant, and very wearable. Kimono-style garments are particularly beloved because the loose construction makes them forgiving on fit.

Are kimono-style tops beginner-friendly garment projects?

Many of them are! The traditional kimono shape is essentially a rectangle (the body) with rectangles or T-shapes (the sleeves) attached or knit together. No set-in sleeves, no complex armhole shaping, no complicated waist darts. For a first garment project, a simple kimono or kimono cardigan is far less intimidating than a fully fitted sweater. The loose, flowing nature means gauge doesn't need to be as precise as for fitted garments. Look for patterns specifically labeled for beginners or with simple rectangular construction.

What yarn is best for a kimono-style top?

Drape is everything! A kimono should flow and move beautifully rather than standing stiffly away from the body. Bamboo and bamboo blends have incredible natural drape. Silk blends are luxurious and flow beautifully. Lightweight wool and wool blends can drape well in finer weights. Avoid anything stiff, heavy, or with too much spring-back… these fight the flowing quality that makes kimono silhouettes so beautiful. When choosing yarn for a kimono, hold a length up and watch how it falls… flowing and fluid is what you're looking for.

Do knit and crochet kimonos fit all body types?

Kimono silhouettes are generally very flattering across body types precisely because of their loose, draped nature. The flowing fabric doesn't cling or create fitted emphasis anywhere. Open-front designs can be worn loose, tied, or belted to create different proportions. Length is adjustable to suit your preferences. Wide sleeves work on all arm sizes. The main fit consideration is overall width… check the pattern's finished measurements and choose a size that gives the drape you want rather than stressing about “fitting” in the traditional sense. Kimonos forgive a LOT.

How do I style a handmade kimono for different occasions?

The versatility of kimono-style tops is one of their greatest assets! Belted over a simple dress for a boho layered look. Open over jeans and a tank for casual elegance. Over a bathing suit as a beach cover-up. Tied at the waist for a more defined silhouette. Draped open and loose for maximum flowy drama. Paired with wide-leg trousers for a sophisticated, fashion-forward look. The same handmade piece can dress up or down completely based on what you wear with it. A well-made knit or crochet kimono becomes one of those wardrobe pieces you reach for constantly.

O’Go Yarn Crochet Hat and Mittens Set

By Leave a Comment

I've shared O'Go Yarn with you in the past. There are so many great things that you can make with this yarn, of course. Today, I've got a new set for you. It matches – an O'GO Yarn crochet hat and mittens set that takes full advantage of the color array in Caron® Big Donut O’Go. It's called the Caron Shannon Crochet Hat and Mitt Set.

Note: This is a matching crochet pattern set. You know I love being bicrafty, so I also created a knit set: the Caron Sharon Knit Hat and Mitt Set.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a commission from those sales, but your price doesn't increase. Thank you for your ongoing support.

matching crochet set hat and mitts

A Little More About O'Go Yarn

As a reminder, O'Go Yarn isn't a specific type of yarn. Instead, it's a format for yarn delivery. For example, you usually purchase your yarn in either balls or skeins, right? Well, you can also opt to purchase some brands in the O'Go yarn donut format. It's designed to allow you to easily pull the yarn tangle-free.

Moreover, there are two ways to work with the yarn's color array. You can either work it straight through the colors for a self-striping or color-blocking project, or you can easily separate out the colors to work with the ones you want at any given time. This makes it great for colorwork, which I've showcased in this new O'Go Yarn crochet hat and mittens set.

Caron Shannon Crochet Hat and Mitt Set

This O'Go Yarn crochet hat and mitt set is designed for intermediate crocheters interested in playing with unique techniques that emphasize color.

Yarn

o'go yarn

The Caron Shannon Crochet Hat and Mitt set uses the Caron® Big Donut O’Go yarn. I've chosen Lemon Plum as the best colorway for this pattern. The donut itself comes in five different colors in this colorway. You'll note on the pattern that I've labeled each A – E so you can see which one to work with at any given point in the pattern. So, you'll only buy one colorway, but you'll get five colors to work with.

Note that Caron® Big Donut O’Go comes in about ten colorways. However, a few of these are solids. Since this is a colorwork project, you want to stick to the options with five colors on the donut. That still gives you more than half a dozen colorways to choose from. Therefore, although I like Lemon Plum, you might choose another colorway, such as Blue Velvet or Mint Julep.

Crochet Colorwork

I really wanted crocheters to be able to use this pattern to play with unique colorwork. We're doing this by changing colors but also using very unique stitches. Have you ever worked split single crochet? If not, you'll learn with this pattern. Have you ever worked back post single crochet (Scbp)? Many people have only worked double and treble crochet post stitches, allowing you to put your skills to new use. The result is a lot of fun colorwork as you play with adaptations of techniques you likely already know.

Materials for O'Go Yarn Crochet Hat and Mittens Set

Here are the materials that you'll need to complete this crochet project.

Yarn

You'll use just one donut for this project! Yes, for the whole set. So, order one Caron® Big Donut O’Go yarn in your preferred colorway. (Or, get a few since you could gift this hat and mitt set to many people this year.)

Crochet Hooks

For this project, you'll use two crochet hooks: Sizes U.S. G/6 (4 mm) and U.S. H/8 (5 mm) crochet hooks or sizes needed to obtain gauge. (Recommended: WeCrochet Hook or ergonomic TooShay Crochet Hook)

Optional

Notions: Locking stitch markers from WeCrochet, Chenille, and tapestry needles for weaving in ends

Get The Pattern

crochet hat and mitts set

This is a free crochet pattern. In addition to detailed written instructions, the pattern includes color charts for the hat and mittens.

You Might Also Like:

Frequently Asked Questions

What yarn do I need for this hat and mittens set?

So here's the thing… you'll need one donut of Caron® Big Donut O'Go yarn! I used Lemon Plum for the sample, but there are tons of colorways with five colors on the donut, which is perfect for this colorwork project. Just make sure you pick a colorway that has multiple colors on the donut, not a solid one!

Is O'Go yarn a specific type of yarn, or is it just a format?

Honestly… O'Go yarn is a format, not a type of yarn. Think of it like how you usually buy yarn in balls or skeins, right? Well, O'Go is another way some brands package their yarn, like a donut shape, that's designed to be tangle-free. It makes it super easy to pull the yarn out as you work!

What skill level is this pattern for?

Yes! This set is designed for advanced beginner crocheters who are ready to play with some fun colorwork and unique stitches. You'll get to try out split single crochet and back post single crochet, which are really neat ways to use colors!

Do I need a special crochet hook for this project?

Well, you'll need two crochet hooks for this pattern… Sizes U.S. G/6 (4 mm) and U.S. H/8 (5 mm) are recommended, or whatever sizes help you get gauge. I do have some affiliate links for hooks I love if you need some recommendations!

Can I use any color of Caron® Big Donut O'Go yarn?

You can definitely choose any colorway you like… but here's the thing, since this is a colorwork project, you'll want to pick a donut that actually has five different colors on it. Sticking to those multi-color donuts will give you the most fun with the color changes in the pattern!

O’Go Yarn Knit Hat and Mittens Set

By Leave a Comment

Recently I created a matching hat and mittens set using O'Go Yarn. Actually, I created two similar sets: the Shannon Crochet Set and the Sharon Knit Set. This post tells you more about the O'Go Yarn Knit Hat and Mittens Set.

One of the best things about O'Go Yarn is all the colors you get in one donut. I've tried to take full advantage of the color array in Caron® Big Donut O’Go for both the crochet and knit mittens and hat sets. The yarn really sings, allowing me to use simple knit stitches to create a beautiful design.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a commission from those sales, but your price doesn't increase. Thank you for your ongoing support.

o'go yarn knit hat and mittens set

What Is O'Go Yarn?

If you aren't familiar with it, O'Go Yarn isn't a specific type of yarn. In other words, it's not a certain fiber or yarn weight. Instead, it's a format for yarn delivery. It's an alternative to yarn skeins, hanks, or yarn balls. It's the O'Go yarn donut, that allows you to easily pull the yarn tangle-free. And it's available in different yarn brands. For the O'Go Yarn knit hat and mittens set, I've used Caron® Big Donut O’Go.

It's important to note that there are two ways to work with the yarn's color array. If you want a self-striping or color-blocking project, you just work from one end of the donut to the other. However, you can easily separate out the colors to work with the ones you want at any given time. This makes it great for colorwork, which I've showcased in this new O'Go Yarn crochet hat and mittens set.

Yarn Colors

I've done something different here because I've worked with colors from two different colorways of Caron® Big Donut O’Go. You'll buy two different donuts of this yarn. One is Lemon Plum. The other is Blue Velvet. Each donut has five colors. You'll use two colors from one and three from the other to complete the Sharon O'Go Yarn knit hat and mittens set.

Of course, you could also use the remaining yarn to complete a second set. After all, you'll have three unused colors of Lemon Plum and two of Blue Velvet to combine to create that second matching set of acessories.

Caron Sharon Knit Hat and Mitt Set

I designed this O'Go Yarn knit hat and mitt set for intermediate knitters interested in playing with simple techniques emphasizing color play. It's an accessory set for adults.

Materials for Sharon Knit Hat and Mittens Set

As aforementioned, you'll use five yarn colors from two different donuts of Caron® Big Donut O’Go. You'll also need:

Additional Notes

You'll note that you need both circular and DPN knitting needles in two sizes each. Use the circulars for the hat; use the DPNs for the mittens. The smaller sizes make a good fit for the hat brim and mitten cuffs, while the larger sizes are for the bodies of those accessories.

Sharon Knit Hat and Mittens Set Pattern

knit hat and mitts set

This is a free knitting pattern. In addition to detailed written instructions, the pattern includes color charts for the hat and mittens.

Other Recommended Articles:

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is O'Go Yarn?

So here's the thing… O'Go Yarn isn't a specific fiber or weight, it's more about how the yarn comes to you! It's a cool donut shape, way easier to pull from without tangles than a regular ball or skein, and it's available from different brands.

Can I use just one color of O'Go Yarn for this hat and mittens set?

Honestly… you could, but you'd miss out on the amazing color effects! The pattern is designed to use colors from two different Caron Big Donut O'Go colorways, Lemon Plum and Blue Velvet, to get that beautiful striped look.

Is this pattern difficult to make?

Yes! This set is designed for advanced beginner knitters. It uses simple stitches, but the focus is really on playing with the yarn's colors to create a pretty design.

What kind of needles do I need for the hat and mittens?

You'll need a few different types… You'll use circular knitting needles for the hat and double-pointed needles for the mittens, and you'll need both sizes US 5 (3.75 mm) and US 6 (4 mm) for both the hat and mittens.

Will I have enough yarn left over to make another set?

Good question! Yes, you actually will… Since you buy two donuts and only use five colors total, you'll have plenty of yarn left from the unused colors to make a second matching set!

Knitting – I Did It and So Can You

By 2 Comments

I first started blogging around 2005. My blog and website have changed so much over the years. And so, of course, have I. When I first started writing, I'd share stories about my children, who were just wee little ones back then. And I shared that I'd just started learning how to knit. Back in 2006, I wrote a post about how I really wanted to make a living out of this knitting thing, but I was scared. I was scared to fail. I wanted to give you a glimpse of that old post because it says much about where I was, how far I've come, and what's possible in knitting. And I hope you know that I was scared, but I did it anyway, and you can, too … whether you want to knit or do something else entirely. Take the leap!

knitting with Marly Bird

Original 2006 Blog Post Excerpt

Here's what I said in that July 16, 2006, post on my old Knit Thing blog:

I Was Just Getting Into Knitting

I have, over the past year, become obsessed with knitting. In fact, I can't get enough! I am reading more books about knitting than I read my entire five years in college! (Yes, five years…I was an athlete, and that amount of time is needed to juggle both sport, school, and fun 🙂 ) Not only am I reading, but my mind is bombarded with ideas for sweaters, afghans, hats, scarves, baby sets – you name it, I have most likely thought about it. I have even thought about writing books. I am sure that after reading my writing style you all are thinking that book would never get published, but who knows.

Spoiler Alert: I've since authored lots of knitting books.

Marly Bird in 2008

Mom Was Sure That I Could Do It

When I read inspiring things, it makes me dream about yarn and patterns and needles and…and…a sense of fulfillment. I call my mom often and tell her of my dreams of becoming somebody in the world of knitting. She is so great.

See, my mom hates knitting; she claims that she doesn't have the patience for it. BUT she completely appreciates the art and respects those who love it. Recently I knit my first pair of socks and gave them to my mom. She was so happy and I know that she will take such good care of them.

Spoiler Alert: I Taught My Mom How To Knit, We Filmed It For YouTube, and It Was a Huge Hit

I digress…mom tells me to go for it…to take advantage of this gift that God has bestowed on me. She tells me to make a living out of something I love.

But I Was Afraid

Her advice is great, but it scares me. See, I have always had this bad habit of believing I can do something but not taking the steps to actually achieving it. Almost as if just knowing that I could achieve it is enough. Like, if I don't actually try I can't fail. What a sorry way to go through life! I did that my entire sporting career. I could have been great but never wanted to take the extra step to be great in fear I would fall flat on my face.

What do you say then? I wasn't great? In my mind I think that saying I could have been great is better than saying I wasn't great. However, by not trying to be great I WASN'T great! But, that is my warped sense of self. So, when it comes to actually taking that step to being what I want to be I am scared out of my mind.

What if I enter a contest and don't win; what if I submit patterns and magazines say no thank you. Or what if I am not that GOOD! What if I try and fail? Then again, what if I try and succeed?

Become a Capital K Knitter

My friend once told me, “Don't put God in a box”. Is that what I am doing? Should I try to be more than a knitter and become a KNITTER with a capital K? My heart tells me yes, my mind feels numb, and my soul is shouting…GET ON WITH IT!

slip stitch wave hat by Marly Bird

And Then I Did It!

What do you think when you look back at this post? Are you surprised to see how nervous I was? The thing is, everyone gets scared about doing the things that they really want to do, that will truly change their lives. It's because the risk is high, but so is the reward. Since that old post, I've published hundreds of knitting and crochet designs, taught many classes and workshops, developed my blog and social media, including the Marly's Minions group, launched a craft podcast, started my own yarn line, collaborated with amazing people, and so much more. I didn't know that I could do that back then. I put one step in front of the other, did the work, and realized my dream. And you can too!

What's your big dream for your life? Share it in the comments. Or share it on social media and tag @themarlybird. Everyone here on the Marly Bird team believes in you.

Knit With Me

Frequently Asked Questions

Did you always want to be a knitting designer?

Honestly… no, not always! When I first started blogging way back in 2006, I was just learning to knit and dreaming about making a living from it, but I was so scared of failing. It's wild to look back and see how far I've come since then!

You mentioned being scared… what were you afraid of?

So here's the thing… I used to have this habit of thinking I *could* do something, but then not actually taking the steps to achieve it. I was scared of trying and not winning contests, or of pattern submissions getting rejected. What if I tried and failed, right?

What made you decide to go for it anyway?

Yes! My mom was a huge encouragement, telling me to take advantage of my gift and make a living from what I love. Plus, a friend once told me, “Don't put God in a box,” and that really made me think about becoming more than just a knitter… a KNITTER with a capital K!

What's the biggest takeaway from your journey?

The biggest thing is that everyone gets scared when they want to do something big that could change their life. The risk feels high, but so is the reward! I just put one foot in front of the other, did the work, and my dream came true… and you can totally do it too!

How can I learn more from you?

Oh, I'd love to knit with you! You can check out my free knitting patterns, find my patterns on Ravelry, or watch my top 20 YouTube knitting videos. There are so many ways to dive in and keep learning!