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83 Free Rainbow Projects

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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!

83 Free Rainbow Projects - Marly Bird

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of rainbow knit and crochet projects are most popular?

Rainbow blankets are absolutely beloved… a granny stripe or C2C blanket in rainbow order is incredibly satisfying to make and look at. Rainbow shawls and scarves let the colors flow across a long piece beautifully. Rainbow amigurumi creatures (a rainbow unicorn! a rainbow caterpillar!) are joyful. Rainbow dishcloths and kitchen items brighten up everyday life. Rainbow hats and accessories for kids are always popular. And rainbow temperature projects… blankets and scarves that use rainbow colors to represent temperature ranges… have their own dedicated fanbase.

What's the best way to organize yarn colors for a rainbow project?

Sort them in spectral order… red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet (ROYGBIV). Lay them out physically before you start so you can see the whole progression. For projects where you want very smooth color transitions, choose yarns that share undertones (all cool-toned, or all warm-toned). For a classic saturated rainbow look, bright primaries and secondaries in consistent saturation give you that perfect rainbow aesthetic. Gradient yarn that transitions through the rainbow automatically is another popular option… no yarn juggling required!

How do I work with many different colors without ending up with millions of ends to weave in?

A few strategies! For striped projects, carry the yarn up the side of the work by twisting it around the working yarn instead of cutting after each stripe. This works when stripes are narrow (2-4 rows each) and you're coming back to each color regularly. For color sections you won't revisit, cut and weave in as you go rather than saving all ends for the end… spreading the end-weaving through the project makes it less overwhelming. Russian join or spit splice techniques eliminate some ends entirely. And honestly… a rainbow blanket with a lot of ends is a small price for how beautiful the finished piece is.

Are rainbow projects good for using up stash yarn?

They're PERFECT for it! A rainbow blanket made from stash leftovers is wonderful… the variety of yarns adds richness and the rainbow order gives it cohesion. Even if the yarns are different textures or weights, arranging them in color order creates visual harmony. The only thing to watch is making sure all yarns are the same weight category for a project with consistent gauge. For a deliberately eclectic, scrappy rainbow blanket… just go for it. The variety is a feature, not a bug.

Are rainbow-themed knit and crochet projects popular as Pride Month projects?

Yes! Rainbow crafts have a deep connection to LGBTQ+ pride, and crafters often specifically make rainbow-themed projects in June and throughout the year as expressions of support and identity. A rainbow shawl, rainbow accessory, or rainbow amigurumi creature can be both a beautiful craft project and a personal statement. There are also specific Pride-themed colorways from yarn dyers available during Pride Month. Making rainbow projects is for everyone who loves the color combination… and many crafters love it for both the aesthetic and the meaning.

Summer Vacation Plans? Take Flat Marly 2022!

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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.

Cartoon character wearing a beret and scarf, joyfully riding a fluffy white sheep, promoting a knitting blog.

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!

flat marly 2022

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Flat Marly?

So here's the thing… Flat Marly is our fun summer game, inspired by the Flat Stanley books! It's basically a paper version of me that you can take on all your adventures this summer. You print me out, pack me along, and snap some fun photos wherever you go!

How do I participate in Flat Marly 2022?

Honestly… it's super easy! First, you'll want to download and print out the Flat Marly 2022 version. Then, just pack me with you on all your summer travels, near or far. Remember to take a family-friendly photo of me in new places and share it in the Marly's Minions Facebook group using #FlatMarlyAdventures2022.

When does Flat Marly 2022 run?

Yes! The fun officially kicks off on June 1, 2022, and keeps going all the way through August 31, 2022. So you have plenty of time to pack me along for all your summer outings, staycations included!

Can I really take Flat Marly anywhere?

Absolutely! You can take me on big road trips, plane rides, or even just to local spots like parks, museums, or the zoo. And of course… I especially love visiting local yarn stores!

Are there prizes for Flat Marly?

You bet! We'll have some fun giveaways happening throughout the summer in the Marly's Minions Facebook group. Plus, at the end of the season, we'll award a “Travel Trophy” to the person who took Flat Marly to the most amazing places!

Knit Beach Bag Patterns For Summer Fun

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We recently updated our roundup of crochet beach bag patterns. When we did, we realized we didn't yet have a similar roundup for the knitters. Since we believe in BiCraftiness here at Marly Bird, we had to remedy that immediately. So, here's your roundup of knit beach bag patterns. These are all roomy, durable, and ready to hit the sand.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a percentage of sales from these links. Your price doesn't change. THANK YOU.

knit beach bag patterns

Sea Breeze Knit Bag Pattern

sea breeze knit beach bag

The drop stitch pattern is such an easy design for a beach bag. Work it in almost any color, although this natural jute is a great choice. Line the bag so you don't have to worry about anything falling out through the open knit stitches.

Knit Market Tote Pattern

knit market tote

Of course, you can use any knit market bag pattern as a beach bag pattern. However, some are better than others for the job. Most market bags are openwork designs, which have pros and cons. On one hand, the sand easily runs through it and doesn't get stuck inside. On the other hand, small beach toys can easily slip through. So, if you're looking for a denser knit stitch, here's a good choice.

Felted Knit Shopping Bag Pattern

felted shopping bag

Felting a bag is one of the best ways to make sure you close up any holes in the stitches. It also creates a dreamy blend of yarn colors. This bag is large and colorful and perfect to use as one of your knit beach bag patterns.

Summer Bag Knit Pattern

Mary's summer bag

Knit the bottom of this bag in a garter stitch for a dense, sturdy, durable bottom. Then work in knit lace for a more openwork summer beach bag pattern. Use double-stranding as one of the techniques in this design.

Watermelon Knit Beach Bag Pattern

melon pocket bag knit pattern

This is one of the most unique knit beach bag patterns. It functions like an openwork knit market bag. Fill it with towels and other beach supplies. Then, once it's empty, it folds up, zips closed and becomes a little watermelon-designed clutch purse. Super cute.

Off to Market Knit Bag Pattern

knit market bag pattern

This knit bag was designed as a market bag. However, it's truly perfect as a beach bag. It's got blue and white stripes, so it has a nautical feel. Additionally, it's got an external pocket so you don't lose things like your cell phone or chap stick in that bigger bag.

Lovely Lunch Bag Knit Pattern

knit lunch bag

This is one of the most unique knit beach bag patterns since it was originally designed as a lunch bag. It's a dense stitch in a bright sunny yellow which is perfect for a summer bag. If you're looking for a bag to pack a picnic into this summer, this might be the one you're looking for.

Seaside Knit Beach Bag Pattern

seaside knit beach bag pattern

This is one of my own knit beach bag patterns. It has a felted bottom, so you don't have to worry about it falling apart. And yet it also has a ton of stretch. You can fit a surprising amount of stuff in there!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are these patterns good for beginners?

Honestly… some of them are great for advanced beginners! The Sea Breeze Knit Bag Pattern has a really easy drop stitch design, and others like the Summer Bag Knit Pattern use techniques like garter stitch for a sturdy bottom. You'll totally got this!

Can I use any of these patterns for more than just the beach?

Yes! So many of these patterns are actually designed as market bags or shopping bags, like the Knit Market Tote Pattern and the Off to Market Knit Bag Pattern. They're super versatile and perfect for all sorts of errands, not just beach days.

What if I don't want my stuff to fall out of an open knit bag?

Here's the thing… If you're worried about small things slipping through, you have a few great options! The Felted Knit Shopping Bag Pattern closes up those holes with felting, and the Sea Breeze Knit Bag Pattern suggests lining it. Plus, the Knit Market Tote Pattern offers a denser knit option.

I love a bag with extra features!

Oh me too! The Off to Market Knit Bag Pattern is a fantastic choice because it has an external pocket. That's perfect for keeping your phone or chapstick handy so you don't lose them in the main part of your bag!

Are there any really unique bag patterns on here?

You bet! The Watermelon Knit Beach Bag Pattern is super unique because it functions like a market bag, but then it folds up and zips into a cute little watermelon clutch when it's empty. How fun is that?!

Crochet Beach Bag Patterns For Summer Ease

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These crochet beach bag patterns give you room to carry everything summer fun requires. Fit your sunscreen, beach toys, beach blankets, swimsuit coverups, and so much more into these bags. Of course, you can also use these big bags for other activities like picking up food at the farmer's market or hauling your library books back to return them. Have fun crafting these!

crochet beach bag patterns - Marly Bird

Crochet Beach Bag and Mat Patterns

Convertible crochet beach bag and mat

This is a terrific crochet beach bag pattern. However, it's more than you think. Once you get to the beach and empty out your sunglasses, summer reading, and other supplies, you can unroll a mat from the inside. This turns the beach bag into a beach yoga mat or beach blanket. It's perfect! You don't have to carry a second blanket with you to the beach. Crocheted in cotton, it even works in a pinch as a towel.

Tremendous Tote Crochet Bag

Tremendous Tote roomy purse pattern

I designed this crochet beach bag pattern based on the Fibonacci sequence. Therefore, if you find yourself drawn to the pattern, it might be because it's scientifically considered beautiful. I recommend combining different yarns for this bag. You'll use felting to change the design, and those two different yarns will have different felting results. This is fun to make and super useful, especially since it has a pocket on the inside.

Rainbow Hexagon Crochet Beach Bag

rainbow hexagon bag crochet pattern

We don't usually think of rainbows as summer patterns in particular. However, they're sunny and bright and perfect for summer. These textured hexagons are perfect motifs to craft and then use in a summer beach bag.

Floral Rainbow Crochet Bag Pattern

floral rainbow crochet beach bag

Here we see that terrific rainbow color set put together in an entirely different way. This is a fun beach bag – fun to make and use. Doesn't it make you ready to fill it up and head to the beach today?

Sunny Day Tote Bag

sunny day tote bag to crochet

Here's one more really colorful crochet beach bag pattern. It also uses rainbow-inspired colors in a totally different design. Add that great sunny applique on the front to celebrate summer. Of course, you could use other appliques instead to personalize this design.

Crochet Bento Bag Pattern

Bento Bag

This crochet bento bag is a versatile design that's easy to crochet. It's also really fun, thanks to the unique design. I've created a video tutorial to accompany it. Get ready to head to the beach soon with this tote in hand.

Nautical Striped Crochet Bag

nautical striped beach bag

Nautical blue and white are natural choices for crochet beach bag patterns. They're bold and beautiful. Here those stripes are paired with a red bottom to the bag, making it especially perfect for patriotic holidays like Fourth of July. Worked in cotton, this is an easy breezy bag.

Beach Days Crochet Tote Bag Pattern

beach days tote

The great thing about crochet beach bag patterns is that you can work them in any color. Here we have a solid bottom and a variegated top half to the bag, worked in sand-inspired hues. However, tassels add a pop of fun pastel color. Note: you can create crochet handles for these bags or buy purse handles.

Crochet Beach Party Bag Pattern

beach party bag pattern

Not all beach bags can easily go from day to night. However, this is one of the crochet beach bag patterns that definitely can. That creative round handle with a pop of color is perfect against the granny stripe, easy beach bag body design.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these crochet beach bag patterns for more than just the beach?

Oh, absolutely! Honestly… these bags are pretty big and super versatile. You can totally use them for trips to the farmer's market or even to haul your library books back home. They're just great for carrying all sorts of things!

I love the idea of a bag that does double duty. Which pattern is like that?

So here's the thing… the Crochet Beach Bag and Mat Pattern is super neat because it can actually unfold into a mat! It's perfect for when you get to the beach and don't want to carry a separate blanket. Plus, it's made of cotton, so it could even work as a towel in a pinch.

Is there a pattern that's a bit more unique?

Yes! The Tremendous Tote Crochet Bag is designed based on the Fibonacci sequence… which means it's supposed to be scientifically beautiful! It also has an inside pocket, which is always a plus, and you can do some fun felting with different yarns to change up the design.

What if I'm looking for something really colorful?

You're in luck! There are a few really colorful options here. The Rainbow Hexagon Crochet Beach Bag uses bright hexagons, and the Floral Rainbow Crochet Bag puts a rainbow color set together in a different way. And don't forget the Sunny Day Tote Bag with its rainbow-inspired colors and a cute sunny applique!

Are there any patterns that are good for beginners?

Most of these are pretty accessible! The page mentions that the Nautical Striped Crochet Bag is an “easy breezy bag” and it's worked in cotton. The Crochet Bento Bag is also described as easy to crochet and comes with a video tutorial, which is always super helpful when you're learning something new.

Craft Summer Reading: Yarn & Books Summer Make-Alongs!!

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I'm thrilled to collaborate with Robyn, Erin Lane Bags, and Destination Yarn to bring you this summer's Craft Summer Reading Make-alongs. We'll have three two-week-long make-alongs, each with one knit and one crochet option – for six patterns over six weeks if you're BiCrafty. You can choose from one of three genres (romance, thriller, and sci-fi) or make them all. But that's just the beginning. You'll order your boxes to get so much more than the yarn and the pattern – there's a Craft Summer Reading list, a course, Erin Lane bags, and the community experience, which includes so much. We can't wait to share it with you; but it's coming up fast so order your Craft Summer Reading Boxes soon!

Craft Summer Reading

How Does Craft Summer Reading Work?

First, you order a box (or three). Each box is themed to one of the three reading genres (romance, thriller, sci-fi.) Each box comes with all six knit and crochet patterns designed by myself and Robyn. Each box also comes with:

  • Three 50-gram skeins of Destination Yarn's Souvenir DK weight yarn in three new, exclusive colorways to fit the theme of each box.
  • Matching handmade bags by Erin Lane Bags; all new and custom-designed, with a different type of bag in each box.
  • The four creators have added their book suggestions to a Craft Summer Reading list.
  • Non-food extra treats are included in the box to surprise and delight you.
  • In addition to the patterns, you get a full digital course for the make-along.

Camp Colorwork

We're calling that digital course Camp Colorwork. When you order one box for this make-along, you get all six patterns – three knit, three crochet. Moreover, you get access to Camp Colorwork, a complete video class on improving and learning colorwork techniques in both knit and crochet. And we'll offer pattern support during the make-along.

It's All About the Craft Community

Well, it's also about the great yarn and books and patterns and bags. But we join CALs/KALs largely because of the community, right? There's an exclusive Facebook Group for Craft Summer Reading. For six weeks this summer, join us for reading suggestions, reading parties, trivia, and more.

Which Box Should I Order?

Craft Summer Reading Themes

You can order one, two, or more boxes to participate in the make-alongs. Each box has its own theme and color story related to the genre. Each box will work with any of the six included patterns. So, if you want to get just one box, say in the romance theme, and crochet just one of the patterns, then you can do that.

For example:

craft summer reading thriller box

However, the make-along lasts for six weeks, and we'll highlight each box for two weeks at a time. It all starts with the Romance Box on June 21st, followed by the Sci-fi box two weeks later, and the Thriller box starts two weeks after that on July 19th, 2022.

So, you might have more fun if you order all three boxes and make three of the patterns! If you want to do that, we've made it easier for you by offering $10 off any two boxes using code TWOBOXES and $20 off any three boxes using code THREEBOXES.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is this Craft Summer Reading thing all about?

So here's the thing… it's a super fun make-along collaboration with some amazing friends! We've got yarn, patterns, books, and even bags… all themed around different reading genres like romance, thriller, and sci-fi. It's a great way to craft and connect this summer!

How do the make-alongs work?

Honestly… you order a box (or three!) and each one is themed to a genre. Inside, you'll find exclusive yarn from Destination Yarn, custom bags from Erin Lane Bags, a reading list, and all six knit and crochet patterns designed by me and Robyn. Then we have two-week-long make-alongs for each genre, starting with Romance!

What is Camp Colorwork?

Yes! Camp Colorwork is a special digital course you get with your box order. It's all about helping you learn and improve your colorwork techniques for both knitting and crochet. We'll even have pattern support during the make-along, so you're never alone!

Can I just get one box, or do I need all three?

You can totally just get one box if you like! Each box has its own theme and yarn colors, and all six patterns work with any of the boxes. However… if you want the full experience, you can get all three boxes and save some money with the codes TWOBOXES or THREEBOXES!

What else is included besides the yarn and patterns?

Oh, you get so much more! There are handmade bags from Erin Lane Bags, a curated Craft Summer Reading list with book suggestions from all of us creators, and some other fun little treats in the box to surprise and delight you. Plus, there's an exclusive Facebook group for the community experience!

Marly Bird’s Most Popular Knitting Video Tutorial

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Yesterday, I shared my most popular YouTube tutorial with you. It's a crochet video tutorial. However, as you know, we're BiCrafty around here. We love knitting and crochet equally. And I celebrate both of them over on YouTube. So, you might wonder, what is Marly Bird's most popular knitting video tutorial? I'll tell you today!

Marly Bird's Most Popular Knitting Video Tutorial

A Little Bit About Marly Bird on YouTube

I hope you've already subscribed to my YouTube channel. I really love sharing video content with you there. So, if you're not, head on over and hit subscribe. On the fence? Here are some things you might want to know about the Marly Bird YouTube Channel:

  • I launched the channel in 2014, starting with a series of lessons on crochet basics.
  • When I became a Red Heart Ambassador and then a Yarnspirations Ambassador, my video content really began to soar. I started offering lots of crochet and knitting tutorials, including many for their free patterns. These remain some of my most popular videos to date.
  • I launched the Yarn Thing podcast as an audio podcast. However, it eventually moved to YouTube. That way, you could see the people I was talking to and the yarn, books, and patterns we were discussing.
  • I have 291K subscribers on YouTube to date. I'd love for you to join me if don't already. Help me hit this year's goal of 300K!
  • My most popular video ever is a crochet video, as I said. It's for a beginner throw pattern. It has over 1 million views.
  • The Marly Bird YouTube Channel has 21,536,609 views across all of my videos. Thanks to each and every one of you who watches my videos there.

Marly Bird's Most Popular Knitting Video Tutorial

Okay, we know that the most popular crochet video is for a beginner crochet blanket. But what about the knitters? What do they love most? What is Marly Bird's most popular knitting video tutorial? Here it is:

That's right; it's my video tutorial for My First Big Comfy Sweater. People have really enjoyed the “My First” and “Absolute Beginner” knit and crochet video tutorials that I've done over the years. It's a great way to get step-by-step visual instruction to complete a pattern for something you'd like to create, even if you're new to the crafts. In this case, you can start as a beginner knitter and end up with your first sweater!

This sweater pattern uses garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and a rib at the hem. You create two same-shaped (T-shaped) knit panels and stitch them together. Therefore, you don't need to learn increasing and decreasing, yet, to complete this oversized sweater pattern. It's an easy design that you'll be super proud of when it's done!

My Most Popular Knitting Video By The Numbers

I first published this video on Oct 5, 2016. It's received almost 450K views since that time. So it's not as popular as my most popular crochet tutorial, but it's still gotten lots of love. 10,000 people have hit that thumbs-up button. If you like this video, you can do the same to support me in a simple way! It's even received over 500 comments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's your most popular knitting tutorial on YouTube?

So here's the thing… my most popular knitting video tutorial is for “My First Big Comfy Sweater”! It's a great one for beginners who want to make their first sweater.

Is the “My First Big Comfy Sweater” video tutorial good for absolute beginners?

Honestly… yes! It's designed to be super approachable. You don't even need to know increasing and decreasing yet, and you end up with a fabulous oversized sweater!

How many views does the “My First Big Comfy Sweater” video have?

Wow… it's gotten almost 450K views since I first published it back in October 2016! It's gotten a lot of love from knitters all over.

Do I need to know advanced stitches for the “My First Big Comfy Sweater” tutorial?

Nope! You'll work with garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and a rib at the hem. The sweater is made from two simple T-shaped panels stitched together, so it's perfect for moving beyond the absolute basics.

How can I support your videos if I enjoy them?

That's so sweet of you to ask! The easiest way is to hit the thumbs-up button on the videos you love… it really helps me out!