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59 Sparkly Free Patterns to Knit and Crochet

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It's dark outside this time of year, so bring some glitter and sparkle into your home to brighten it up! Whether you're making something to decorate for Christmas or wear on New Year's Eve, you're sure to find patterns to knit and crochet in this sparkly pattern round-up from Yarnspirations.

With dozens of patterns made in sparkle and metallic yarns, there are projects for everyone to do.

59 Sparkly Free Patterns to Knit and Crochet

Sparkly Yarns

Or, just grab a sparkle yarn and use it in an everyday pattern to make it more festive! For example, use Caron Simply Soft Party in Caron Simply Soft patterns.

Here are some sparkly yarns from Yarnspirations to choose from.

Red Heart Croquette Yarn

Holiday-Themed Home Decor

Crochet, knit, and craft holiday decor! Whether you're wrapping items in yarn to make sparkly letters and stars or making your own metallic garlands, you'll find the perfect project to add glitz to your home. Plus, kids can help with the craft projects!

Craft Sparkly Holiday Decor

Sparkling Star Free Craft Pattern

Knit Sparkly Holiday Decor

Mosaic Stripes and Chevron Knit Blanket Sparkle Free Knitting Pattern

Crochet Sparkly Holiday Decor

Festive Sparkly Table Runner Free Crochet Pattern

Sparkly Items to Wear

Shawls, wraps, hats, cowls, and even socks can be sparkly and metallic! Be glamorous and stylish in your holiday attire.

Knit Sparkly Items to Wear

Sumptuous Cable Cowl Free Knitting Pattern

Crochet Sparkly Items to Wear

Cable Twists Crochet Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Sparkly Scrubbies for All Year

Crochet and knit scrubbies to have themed cloths for your kitchen or bath year-round! Scrubby Sparkle can be used for these patterns or any other scrubby patterns to add a bit of glitz to your regular routine.

Knit Scrubbies to Sparkle

Polar Bear Scrubby Mitt Free Knitting Pattern

Crochet Scrubbies to Sparkle

Precious Penguin Scrubby Free Crochet Pattern

Also on the Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a knit or crochet project “sparkly”?

The sparkle usually comes from the yarn! Metallic or tinsel yarns have metallic threads woven in that catch light and shimmer. Sequined yarns have little plastic or glass sequins attached to the yarn that catch the light beautifully. Some yarns use a lurex or metallic fiber blended with regular fiber for a subtle gleam. You can also add sparkle after the fact with sequins, beads, or metallic embroidery thread as embellishments. For the most dramatic sparkle, the yarn itself is usually the magic ingredient.

Is sparkly metallic yarn hard to work with?

It can be a bit fussier than regular yarn! Metallic threads can be slippery, they sometimes separate from the base yarn while you're working, and the metallic element can cut into your fingers a bit if you crochet or knit tightly for long sessions. A few tips: use smooth hooks or needles (not bamboo, which can grab), keep your tension slightly looser than usual, and take breaks if the metallic thread feels rough on your hands. The results are so gorgeous it's worth the extra attention.

Can I wash sparkly yarn projects?

Check the yarn label! Many metallic and sequined yarns are hand wash only or even dry clean only because heat and agitation can damage the metallic elements or cause sequins to come off. Gentle hand washing in cool water is safest for most sparkly yarns. Avoid the dryer for anything with metallic content. If a project is purely decorative (a holiday ornament, a table centerpiece), you probably won't be washing it much anyway. But for wearable sparkly items… always check care instructions before buying the yarn.

What projects are best for sparkly yarn?

Holiday projects are the obvious choice… Christmas ornaments, wreath accents, star decorations. But sparkly yarn is also amazing for evening bags and clutches, special occasion accessories like shawls and wraps, holiday sweaters and cardigans, and festive hats and headbands. The key is letting the sparkle be the main event… simple stitch patterns in sparkly yarn look more impressive than complex stitch patterns because the texture competes with the shine. Let the yarn do the work!

Can I add sparkle to a regular yarn project?

Yes! You can hold a strand of thin metallic thread alongside your regular yarn for a subtle shimmer effect without changing the gauge much. You can also do duplicate stitch or surface embroidery using metallic embroidery floss to add sparkle after your project is finished. Sewing on sequins or small beads to a finished item is another approach. These post-project sparkle additions work especially well for holiday accessories and anything you want to look a little more festive and special.

25 Free Christmas Tree Home Decor Projects

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Expand beyond your Christmas tree itself with these tree- themed home decor projects from Yarnspirations!

25 Free Christmas Tree Home Decor Projects

🎄 Countdown to Christmas 🎄

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Days
—
Hours
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Mins
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Secs

Until Christmas Morning! 🎄

🤴 Start your handmade gifts now — December comes faster than you think! 🎅

Christmas Trees Alone

Knit, crochet and craft these trees for your tabletop, mantel, dresser, or other flat surface that needs some holiday style!

Christmas Trees Free Crochet Pattern

Tree-Themed Decor

Trees can be made on throws, into scrubbies, into wall decor, and more!

Yarn Pom Pom Wall Tree Free Craft Pattern

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these tree projects for more than just my actual Christmas tree?

Oh, absolutely! This post is all about bringing that festive tree vibe into your home decor beyond the main tree. You can make cute little trees for your tabletop or mantel, or even incorporate tree designs into blankets and wall hangings!

Are these all crochet patterns?

So here's the thing... while there are tons of crochet patterns, the post mentions knit and craft projects too! So there's a little something for everyone who loves to make holiday decor.

I'm looking for a specific tree pattern with a red background and white branches... where is it?

Honestly... it sounds like you might be describing the "Christmas Tree Wall Hanging" pattern. It's listed under the "Tree-Themed Decor" section, and I think it has the red background and white tree you're looking for!

What kind of projects are included besides just individual trees?

Yes! You'll find all sorts of fun ideas like blankets with tree motifs, bottle toppers, wall hangings, scrubbies, gift card cozies, stockings, and even a yarn pom-pom wall tree. It's all about spreading that tree cheer!

Are these projects super difficult?

Well, there's a mix! Some are great for advanced beginners, while others might require a bit more focus. The good news is that the list gives you a variety so you can pick what fits your crafting mood best.

Garter Stitch Lace Knit Scarf Pattern

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Back in 2013 Love of Knitting published my Shangri-La Scarf / Shawl Pattern. This garter stitch lace knit scarf pattern is designed so that you can easily adapt into a shawl if you desire a warmer wrap. The pattern is now available for sale directly through Ravelry.

What Is a Garter Stitch Lace Knit Scarf?

As you know, garter stitch is one of the simplest knitting techniques. As soon as you learn to knit stitch, you learn garter stitch. After all, it's just rows of repeating the knit stitch. This pattern is designed to have a garter stitch border all the way around the edges.

Garter Stitch Lace Knit ScarfShawl Pattern

The center that makes up the design detail of the scarf is lace knit. I've created a repeating openwork pattern that has a very pretty geometric design. The bold angles of the design combined with the soft beauty of the yarn work together for strong visual impact.

In this case, then, a garter stitch lace knit scarf refers to a pattern that is primarily lace knit with a garter stitch frame around it.

Use Your Luxury Yarns On This Pattern

This garter stitch lace knit scarf pattern is named after the yarn originally used in the design. Unfortunately, Bijou Bison Ranch has closed its doors in the time since I designed this pattern for them. The owners retired, and their website now goes to a different yarn seller. However, the pattern still stands strong on its own merit. I recommend that you find a comparable luxury yarn to use in the design.

The original yarn was a yak/silk yarn blend. It was 50% of each, making for a very soft, warm yarn that also had lightness and sheen. MYak has a blend that looks very similar, although admittedly I haven't had a chance to try it out myself. Similarly, Expression Fiber Arts has a blend like this that they describe as “amazing, SOFT, lustrous, luxurious, creamy, rich, vibrant yarn that is hard to ignore.” That's exactly the type of yarn that you want for this project!

Learn why it is good for you to use your luxury yarns!

A Scarf/ Shawl in 3 Sizes

Oftentimes we write knit scarf patterns for one size only. However, it's a lot more interesting if we make them more versatile, isn't it? Some people enjoy skinnier scarves whereas others really want to be wrapped in a cozy shawl-size scarf instead. In fact, you might prefer one over the other at different times depending on the season and what you're styling it with.

That's why I've designed this pattern for three different sizes:

  • The small size is 14 3/4″ wide x 61″ long.
  • The medium size is 20 1/2″ wide x 71″ long.
  • The large size is 25 1/4″ wide x 81″ long.

Of course, once you get the hang of the pattern repeat, you could make your shawl even wider if you wanted to! Have fun with this pattern.

Shangri-La Lace Knit Scarf or Shawl Pattern

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this into a shawl?

Yes! So glad you asked… This garter stitch lace knit scarf pattern was designed so that you can easily adapt it into a shawl if you desire a warmer wrap. It’s super versatile that way!

What exactly is a garter stitch lace knit scarf?

Honestly… it's a scarf pattern that's primarily lace knitting in the center, but it has a garter stitch border all the way around the edges. Garter stitch is just rows of repeating the knit stitch, so it's nice and simple!

What kind of yarn should I use for this pattern?

Well, the original yarn was a yak/silk blend, which is super soft and luxurious. You'll want to find a comparable luxury yarn… something with a lovely softness, warmth, and sheen!

Does this pattern come in different sizes?

Yes! This pattern is designed for three different sizes… a small, a medium, and a large. This way, you can make a skinnier scarf or a cozy shawl-size wrap, depending on what you like!

Is this pattern difficult to knit?

This pattern is designed as an advanced beginner project. Since garter stitch is one of the simplest knitting techniques, and the lace is a repeating pattern, it's totally manageable for those looking to stretch their skills a bit!

What Yarn Weight Is Best for a Lace Knit Scarf?

For lace knitting, you'll want to use lace weight (size 0) or fingering weight (size 1) yarn. These thinner threads allow the openwork holes to breathe and show off the intricate lace stitch detail beautifully.

For the Shangri-La scarf, the original design used a luxury yak/silk lace weight blend — the silk gives the finished scarf a gorgeous sheen and fluid drape, while the yak fiber adds surprising warmth without bulk. When substituting yarn, look for:

  • Fiber content: At least 20% silk, alpaca, or mohair for best drape and stitch definition
  • Weight: Lace (0) or fingering (1) — not heavier, as bulkier yarn will obscure the openwork
  • Twist: Loosely plied yarns show off lace beautifully; tightly spun yarns can close up the holes
  • Avoid: Superwash wool alone — the stretchy treatment can cause open stitches to lose their definition over time

Is the Shangri-La Lace Knit Scarf Good for Beginners?

This pattern is designed as an advanced beginner project — perfect for knitters who have the basics mastered and are ready to try their first lace pattern. The two key techniques you'll need are:

  • Yarn over (YO): Creates the openwork holes that form the lace design
  • K2tog (knit two together): A basic right-leaning decrease used throughout the pattern

Because the design uses a repeating lace pattern, once you memorize the repeat, the rhythm becomes very natural. A few tips for your first lace project:

  • Use a lifeline — a smooth piece of scrap yarn threaded through your live stitches every few rows as a safety net if you need to rip back
  • Count your stitches at the end of every row — lace can get away from you if you miss a yarn over
  • Don't judge the finished knitting until it's blocked — off-the-needles lace always looks crumpled

New to knitting? Start with Marly's complete guide to knitting basics before diving in.

How Do You Block a Lace Knit Scarf?

Blocking is essential for lace knitting — it's the step that transforms crumpled knitting into open, airy lace. Here's how to block the Shangri-La scarf:

  1. Soak the finished scarf in cool water with a small amount of wool wash for 15–20 minutes
  2. Remove from water and gently squeeze out excess moisture — do not wring or twist the fiber
  3. Roll in a clean dry towel and press to absorb remaining water
  4. Pin to blocking mats at your target finished dimensions using rust-proof T-pins or blocking wires
  5. Dry completely — allow 24–48 hours depending on your fiber and humidity level

The lace pattern will open up beautifully as it dries. For silk/yak blends, a light misting with a spray bottle rather than full submersion may better preserve the fiber's natural drape properties.

🧶 Love lace knitting patterns like this? Join the Marly Bird House community for exclusive patterns, tutorials, and knitting inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

Can Machines Crochet?

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There are cars on the roads that practically drive themselves. There are people going into space for tourism. Whether you love it or hate it, technology is amazing. But you know what's even more amazing? Despite all of those advances in technology, there are certain things that only work right when we do them by hand. A lot of people ask, “can machines crochet?” Despite the fact that there are so-called crochet machines out there, the answer is a resounding no.

machines can't crochet

Knitting Machines and Weaving Machines and Sewing Machines

We do have machines for all different types of crafts. Of course, everyone knows that we have sewing machines for both individual and industrial sized projects. As you might know, weaving machines and knitting machines also exist. That said, there are still plenty of people who knit, weave, and even sew by hand. There's just something to be said for the handmade touch.

Handmade: Made With Love

You've probably seen, and maybe even used, the phrase “handmade with love.” When you take the time to sit down and stitch something piece by piece, loop by loop, you are dedicating your time, energy, and yes, love to that piece. The piece gets infused with that energy and spreads to the people you gift with your creations.

The Benefits of Crafting By Hand

As we've discussed in various posts on this blog over time, knitting and crochet offer a diverse array of mental and physical health benefits. You can heal from grief and trauma, work through depression and anxiety symptoms, and practice mindfulness meditation through crafting. While some might argue that you can do with a sewing machine, there's definitely something unique about the tangible benefits of seeing yarn move through your hands to become a handcrafted item.

Can Machines Crochet?

So, even if the answer to “can machines crochet” were to be yes, a lot of people would still choose to crochet by hand. Perhaps that's why there's never been deep investment into creating crochet machines. That said, there are machines out there that are marketed as such. These mostly exist at the industrial level. For example, if you search for Comez crochet machines, you'll find products that they call as much.

However, the truth is that machines can't crochet the way that people can. Knitting and crochet, although so similar in many ways, have key differences. In knitting, of course, you pull up a bunch of live loops onto the needle in each row. In contrast, in crochet, you pull up one loop at a time and essentially bind it off at the end of each loop. Knitting machines are able to replicate the stitchwork of that craft. However, there are no crochet machines that can replicate the loop-by-loop design of crochet.

Crochet Is Always Handmade

Therefore, if you see crochet fabric in a store, then you're looking at one of two things:

  • A machine made it, in which case it's not crocheted. Look closer and you'll see that it's some other lace variation on knitting.
  • It was made by hand. As a result, you want to source finished crochet items carefully in the marketplace to make sure that the maker is getting paid fairly for that hard work!

Did you know that machines can't crochet?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can machines actually crochet?

No! Unlike knitting (which can be mechanized through knitting machines), crochet cannot be done by any current machine technology. Crochet requires a hook to be inserted and manipulated through stitches in three dimensions in ways that vary with every stitch type… something industrial machines cannot replicate. Every crocheted item anywhere in the world was made by a human hand. This is not a limitation… it's what makes every crocheted piece inherently handmade and uniquely valuable.

Why can knitting be mechanized but not crochet?

Knitting machines work by transferring loops between needles in a sequential, predictable mechanical motion. Crochet requires inserting a hook through a specific stitch, wrapping yarn in a specific direction, and pulling it through in a specific way that changes for every stitch type. The three-dimensional, variable nature of crochet hook movement is extremely difficult to replicate mechanically. Researchers have attempted to build crochet machines… none have succeeded in creating the variety and flexibility of human crochet. The craft remains stubbornly human.

What does this mean for the value of handmade crochet?

Everything you see crocheted was made by a human being. There is no factory-made crochet anywhere. When you make something with your hook, you're creating something that literally cannot exist without your specific hands. That's not just a cute fact… it's the foundation of crochet's inherent value. Your time, your hands, your skill created something irreplaceable. Pricing handmade crochet appropriately means recognizing that there's no cheaper alternative and never will be.

What about AI and crochet?

AI can write crochet patterns (instructions) but cannot execute them into physical fabric. An AI can describe how to crochet a hat in meticulous detail… but the actual crocheting, the stitch by stitch creation of fabric, requires human hands. AI may help with design, troubleshooting, and inspiration (like this FAQ being written by Meg, an AI content agent!), but the making remains entirely human. In a world where AI is automating many skills, crochet stands as a genuinely irreplaceable human craft.

Does this make crochet more valuable than machine-made alternatives?

Yes! Mass-produced items “inspired by” crochet (fabric with crochet-look prints, machine knit items styled similarly) have a completely different value proposition than actual handmade crochet. When someone buys or receives a crocheted item, they're getting something a human being made stitch by stitch with their hands… something that could not exist without that specific person's time and skill. No algorithm can replicate that. No factory can produce it. The value of handmade crochet is literally incomparable to manufactured alternatives.

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Why Hand Crochet Really Does Make a Difference

So here's the thing… when you crochet by hand, you're making decisions that a machine simply can't. You're adjusting tension on the fly, reading your fabric as it grows, and fixing mistakes in real time. That responsiveness? That's what creates fabric with beautiful drape, even stitch definition, and that indefinable quality people call “handmade magic.”

If you're shopping for crochet items or thinking about selling your own work, remember this: authentic crochet is always made with a hook and hands. Period. When you crochet mindfully, you're not just making something… you're pouring intention into every single stitch.

Quick Tips for Appreciating (and Creating) Handmade Crochet

  • Look for makers who share their process… that transparency matters
  • Pay fair prices for handmade crochet… the hours of work deserve it
  • Start with simple patterns like beginner-friendly projects to build your own hand skills
  • Appreciate the slight variations in handmade pieces… those “imperfections” are proof of the human touch

Hand crochet isn't just a craft… it's a love language. And that's something no machine will ever replicate.

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Fun, Colorful Stitch Sampler Knit Cowl Pattern

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🎉 Looking for the Full Free Pattern?

The complete Game Changer Knit Cowl pattern — row-by-row instructions, video tutorials, and yarn alternatives for the now-discontinued Chic Sheep — is free right here on the blog. This post tells the story behind the design… ready to knit?

→ Get the Free Game Changer Cowl Pattern ←

⚡ Quick Answer:

The Game Changer Cowl is a free Advanced Beginner knit cowl pattern by Marly Bird, featuring 5 colors, Latvian Braid accents, and 8 stitch sections worked in the round on a US 9 [5.5mm] circular needle. Finished size: 28.25″ circumference × 14.5″ tall. Full free pattern here →

The Game Changer Cowl is an easy, but interesting, knit cowl design. It uses fairly easy stitches, which allows even an advanced beginner to tackle this project with ease. Yet, the variation among the stitches keeps the attention of even the most advanced knitters. Combine those stitches with five different colors, and you get a really unique design. This stitch sampler knit cowl pattern is truly that perfect project.

Hey, bestie 💛 This is one of my personal favorites — born from a last-minute design pivot and shaped by the energy of our Game Day Make-Along community. Whether you're just building your knitting confidence or you're a seasoned knitter looking for something that actually keeps you engaged… this cowl has you covered.

💡 Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you make a purchase through my links — at no extra cost to you. Thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! 💛
Fun, Colorful Stitch Sampler Knit Cowl Pattern — Game Changer by Marly Bird, showing vibrant multicolor sections and Latvian Braid detail

The Story Behind the Game Changer Cowl

I originally designed this pattern for our Game Day Mystery Make-Along 2020 — a day-long annual event where knitters and crocheters come together to craft something new while watching the big game. Whether or not you like sports, you can absolutely enjoy this day of crafting.

I have to choose the designs for this type of project carefully. On one hand, it has to be easy enough that you can quickly craft each section — after all, the point is to complete the project in one day! On the other hand, you don't want to get bored. While you want some mindless repetition within sections, you also want variation between them. That's what keeps you inspired enough to craft through to the end of the game.

The Game Changer Cowl fits the bill perfectly. You change colors frequently enough to keep yourself entertained with the color play that's unfolding. And because this is a stitch sampler, you also change stitch designs regularly — which is a great way to practice stitches AND keep the project interesting.

Colorful Stitch Sampler Knit Cowl Pattern

One of the things that sets this stitch sampler knit cowl pattern apart from others is the fun color play. You'll choose five different colors to make this design, and in each section you'll use more than one color — so you're combining stitch variations with color variations at the same time. The result is a truly unique cowl design. Even though the individual stitches are pretty simple, their variation combined with the colorful design makes for an eye-catching stand-out accessory.

The Latvian Braid Detail

When I did BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Knitting Lessons for Crocheters, I introduced everyone to the Latvian Braid. This surprisingly easy technique ended up being one of the most popular parts of the course. Beginner students loved that they got to learn something that looks incredibly difficult… even though it actually isn't. Advanced knitters were excited to learn something new that wasn't already in their repertoire. And yes — I've incorporated it into this stitch sampler knit cowl pattern.

✨ Designer Tip: The Latvian Braid looks incredibly intricate but it's just a two-color purling technique. Don't let it intimidate you — it'll become your new favorite detail to add to any knit project! A full Latvian Braid video tutorial is linked on the full pattern page.

What You'll Need for This Stitch Sampler Knit Cowl Pattern

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

Yarn

⚠️ Heads up: Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ has been discontinued. Visit the full pattern page for a complete list of worsted-weight alternatives that will work beautifully for this cowl!

Original yarn used: Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (100% wool, 3.5 oz / 100 g, 186 yd / 170 m), 1 ball each of 5 colors. Multi Color Sample used 1 ball of each color (finished weight is 188 g). Marly's colorway:

  • Color A — Suede
  • Color B — Velvet
  • Color C — Linen
  • Color D — Regal
  • Color E — Sunset

Needle

Size 9 (5.5mm), 24″ circular knitting needle

Notions

The Pattern

Get the full free Game Changer Cowl pattern right here on the blog — complete row-by-row instructions, video tutorials, and yarn alternatives included. Want an ad-free PDF to print and use at your craft table? Grab it on Ravelry or Shopify.

Why the Game Changer Cowl Is Such a Great Learning Project 🧶

One of the things I hear most from people who've made this cowl? “I can't believe I actually did that.”

And that's exactly the point. This cowl is designed to stretch your skills just enough to feel exciting — without throwing you in the deep end. Here's what you'll come away knowing how to do:

  • ✅ Working multiple stitch patterns — each section introduces something new, so you build confidence progressively
  • ✅ Colorwork in the round — managing multiple colors without tangles or tension issues
  • ✅ The Latvian Braid — a showstopper technique that looks far harder than it is
  • ✅ Clean color transitions — jogless stripes done right
  • ✅ Gauge and tension control — working with 5 colors over 8 sections absolutely levels up your consistency
✨ Designer Tip: If you've been knitting for a year or two and you're wondering “what's next?” — this is your project. It's the cowl that teaches you that you can do way more than you think you can.

More Free Knit Cowl Patterns You'll Love

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a beginner really make this cowl?

Honestly… yes! Even though it looks super fancy with all the stitch and color changes, it really is an Advanced Beginner project. The stitches are pretty easy — you just need to be comfortable knitting in the round. And the full pattern walks you through every step with video tutorials for every technique.

What exactly is a stitch sampler knit cowl?

A stitch sampler cowl works through multiple different stitch patterns in sections — so each band of the cowl looks and feels different. You might have stockinette in one section, then lace, then a textured stitch, then colorwork. It's the best kind of practice project because you're making something beautiful the whole time… not just swatching.

What is the Latvian Braid detail?

It's a two-color decorative braid technique worked by alternating colors while purling. It looks incredibly intricate but is very approachable once you see how it works. I introduced it in my BiCrafty Bootcamp and it became one of the most-loved techniques I've ever taught. There's a full Latvian Braid video tutorial linked on the pattern page!

What yarn do you recommend for this project?

The original sample used Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™, which has since been discontinued. Any smooth worsted-weight yarn with good stitch definition will work beautifully. Check the full pattern page for a complete list of Chic Sheep alternatives with affiliate links to make it easy!

Where can I get the full free pattern?

The complete free pattern is right here on the blog — full row-by-row instructions, video tutorials, and all the details you need. Prefer an ad-free PDF? Grab it on Ravelry or Shopify.

How many colors do I need?

Five! That's part of what makes this cowl so eye-catching. You'll use each color throughout multiple sections, and the way they play off each other is what creates that wow factor. Pick 5 colors you love together — neutrals with one bold pop color, or go full rainbow… it all works. Have fun with it!

Is this pattern good for learning new techniques?

Absolutely — that's basically its whole purpose! The Game Changer Cowl was designed to be a skill-builder you'll actually want to wear. You'll come away knowing how to do Latvian Braid, manage colorwork in the round, and handle multiple stitch pattern transitions. Those are skills you'll use in your knitting for years to come.

Final Thoughts 💛

The Game Changer Cowl holds a really special place in my heart… it's the design that wasn't supposed to be, and ended up becoming one of the most-loved patterns I've ever created. I hope you love knitting it as much as I loved designing it.

When you cast it on, please share your progress! Tag me @marlybird on Instagram or Facebook and use #MMMDI (Marly Made Me Do It), #MarlyBird, or #GameChangerCowl so I can see your gorgeous make. There is nothing I love more than seeing your finished projects. 💛

And don't forget — the complete free pattern is right here on the blog. Happy knitting! 🧶

❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird

Marly Bird BiCrafty Bestie cartoon avatar with rainbow hearts

Crochet Chicken Hat Takes World By Storm

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Have you seen the crochet chicken hat lady? She started to gain attention online a few years ago. Now she's really trending. People all over the word have fallen in love with the cute little hats that she makes for chickens to wear. Adorably, she calls herself a “chicken milliner.” That's right, she designs unique, adorable, fashionable hats for chickens.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I receive a percentage of sales made from those links. Your price doesn't change. I appreciate this support!

Crochet Chicken Hat Designs by HereChookChook
Images by HereChookChook

Who Is The Crochet Chicken Hat Lady?

Mandy Watts is an Australian woman who started a business for years ago making crochet chicken hats. Thanks to the power of social media, people all around the world began to take notice. As a result, she now has a thriving business creating these cute crochet hats for chickens everywhere. You can follow her on Instagram and on Etsy.

What Is a Chook?

If you checked out Mandy's social media, then you might have noticed her business name: Here Chook Chook. What is a chook? It's Australian slang for a chicken. Mandy has shared that she grew up around chooks. She's always loved them, and she has close to a dozen of her own now.

Interestingly, she also shares that her chooks helped her through her grief. In less than five years, she lost a son, sister, and father. Sitting outside watching the chickens peck gave her focus and made her smile. We know that crochet can also help us heal through grief, so it's no surprise that the crochet chicken hat business came into being!

Learn More About The Crochet Chicken Hat Lady

Check out this YouTube video that allow you to see her adorable little creations in action:

In this video, Mandy shares how Australian Poultry Magazine did a Facebook post showcasing her crochet chicken hats. The post got over one million views. As a result, she was inundated with requests for her makes.

She shows off her seasonal crochet chicken hats – the Christmas ones you see shared here in this post as well as witch hats for Halloween, etc. However, she says that the viking crochet hat for chickens is probably her most popular design. People also like the bonnets and top hats.

Mandy Watts In a Chicken Book

this chicken life book includes the crochet chicken hat lady

A 2019 book called This Chicken Life features Mandy. The book is all about “chickens and the people who love them.” Specifically, it's about modern day Australians who love chickens. It has stories of rescue chickens, Instagram chickens, and chicken therapy. The book shares the story of how it all began for Mandy. She saw a chicken wearing a toy cowboy hat on a friend's post, decided to start crocheting hats for her own chickens, and social media took delight in her makes. It all developed from there. This is such great inspiration to just follow your own passions and see what unfolds!

Knit and Crochet Chicken Hat Patterns

Mandy Watts doesn't actually use crochet patterns. People send her ideas for new hats, and she just sits down and designs them. She doesn't write up her patterns. You can draw inspiration from this and come up with your own original designs!

However, if you're looking for knit and crochet chicken hat patterns, we've found some for you. We noticed that if you simply search for crochet chicken hat patterns, you're going to get a lot of patterns for humans featuring chickens as the design. Those are great, too, of course. However, if you want to crochet hats for chickens, then check out these options:

  • UniquelyMore on Etsy has clearly been inspired by Mandy's designs. She primarily sells finished items. However, she does have crochet patterns for sale, including a crochet chicken hat with a gingerbread man pattern for the holidays.
  • Instructables has a knit chicken hat pattern. This is a simple stockinette knit hat, made tiny for the chickens. This will also give you an idea of general chicken hat sizes, which can help you in knitting or crocheting your own designs.

And if you happen to have an Addi Knitting Machine, then check this out:

Alternatively, you can search for tiny knit and crochet hat patterns. They might not originally be intended for chickens, but worked small, they can absolutely be adapted to this end. For example, a few years back, Knithacker shared a tiny knit witches hat, originally designed as a keychain object or fascinator, that was adapted to a chicken hat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Crochet Chicken Hat and why did it “take the world by storm”?

The Crochet Chicken Hat is a free pattern for a crocheted hat designed to look like a chicken is sitting on someone's head… complete with a body, wings, and tail. It went viral because it's both impressively crafted AND absolutely hilarious. It captures that perfect intersection of “I can't believe someone made this” and “I need one immediately.” The internet love for absurdist, unexpected crafts found its perfect expression in a hat that makes you look like you have a chicken on your head. It became a genuine sensation in the crafting community.

Is the Chicken Hat pattern beginner-friendly?

Intermediate… the main hat body is straightforward crochet in the round, but all the chicken details (body shape, wings, comb, beak, eyes, tail feathers) require multiple separate pieces and assembly. Getting the chicken to look recognizably like a chicken requires some attention to proportion and placement. The result is absolutely worth it though! If you've made basic crochet hats and some amigurumi, you have the skills. The viral popularity of this hat means there's a lot of community support, photos to reference, and encouragement available.

What yarn do I need for the Crochet Chicken Hat?

The main hat in white or a neutral chicken-body color (cream, light yellow, grey for a grey chicken). Red yarn for the comb and wattle. Orange or yellow for the beak and feet/claws if included. Black for the eyes. Small amounts of contrasting yarn for wing detail if included. Machine washable acrylic in worsted weight is practical… this hat will be worn and shown off frequently and needs to be washable. The yarn amounts are relatively small… this is another great stash-busting project.

Has Marly made the Crochet Chicken Hat herself?

The blog post celebrates the Crochet Chicken Hat phenomenon! The pattern became famous in the crochet community and Marly, being completely in tune with what excites and delights her community, featured it. The post is a celebration of the joyful, funny side of fiber arts… yes, you can make serious heirloom lace shawls, AND you can make a hat that looks like a chicken. Both are valid expressions of craftsmanship. The crochet community loves both ends of the spectrum!

Is the Crochet Chicken Hat appropriate as a gift?

For exactly the right person, it's the PERFECT gift. The person who would appreciate a crocheted chicken hat knows who they are. They've been known to wear silly hats unironically, they have a great sense of humor about fashion, or they're the kind of person who will immediately put it on and wear it to the grocery store just to see people's reactions. This is the gift that makes someone say “I can't believe you made this for me” with actual joy and wear it with genuine delight. For that person… there is no better gift.