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8 Ways to Celebrate I Love Yarn Day

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I Love Yarn Day is the second Saturday of October every year. Therefore, it's coming up on October 9, 2021. If you aren't entirely sure what this holiday is, or how to celebrate it, then this post is for you. And even if you already know all about I Love Yarn Day, here are some extra thoughts about what to do to share your love of yarn with others.

Note: This post includes affiliate links. I receive a percentage of sales from those links. Your price doesn't increase. You still get the best sales deal! Thanks for the support.

yarn day 2021

What Is I Love Yarn Day?

The Craft Yarn Council created this holiday in 2010 as a way to celebrate all yarn crafts. It's hard to believe that this is already the eleventh year of this annual event.

You know that I'm all about being BiCrafty. As both a knitter and crocheter, I love bringing the community together. Whether you do one craft or both, this is something that we can all celebrate together. After all, I Love Yarn Day celebrates the joy of yarn regardless of how you work with it.

8 Ways to Celebrate I Love Yarn Day

Anything that you do or share related to yarn celebrates this international holiday. In particular, it's just a way to announce to the world that fiber has made your life better in small or big ways. However, there are certain things that you can do to more fully celebrate this holiday. If yarn makes you feel good, then make your weekend better than usual with one (or more) of the following options:

1. Buy Yarn

wecrochet yarn sale for I love yarn Day

If you want an excuse to buy yarn, then this holiday provides a great excuse. And it's not just because we're all celebrating yarn. It's also because there are some great sales in honor of I Love Yarn Day. For example, both KnitPicks and WeCrochet offer 20% off yarn in honor of the celebration. This sale begins October 7, 2021. It ends at midnight on October 11, 2021. During the sale, both sites have 20% off all yarn using promo code ILOVEYARN.

2. Share How Yarn Helps You

The Craft Yarn Council has done a great job over the years of raising awareness about the health benefits of crochet and knitting. In particularly, they've emphasized how yarn crafts help relieved stress. In fact, one year, the entire theme of the event was “Stitch Away Stress.” Yarn helps.

“Research we conducted in April at the height of the pandemic shows that 84% of fiber artists are currently creating with yarn to relieve stress.” – Jenny Bessonette, executive director of the Craft Yarn Council

Have you used yarn to relieve stress? Has it helped you in other ways? Knitting and crochet have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even physical pain. Share in the comments on this post how yarn has helped you! Let others know how yarn has helped you by posting about it on your own blog, on social media, or just mentioning it in conversation with a friend. Hashtags #craftastherapy #crochetismytherapy and #knittingistherapy are great places to find similar posts on social media.

Alternatively, do some research into the health benefits of yarn. Or take an hour to yourself to de-stress with yarn. That's a smart way to celebrate I Love Yarn Day!

3. Share #ILoveYarnDay on Social Media

Use the “#ILoveYarnDay hashtag on Facebook, Instagram, or your other favorite social media site. Share your works in progress, finished pieces, your favorite ever make, or just a photo of your yarn stash. Don't forget to browse what other people are sharing with the tag. This is a great way to draw attention to the wonders of yarn. Plus, even just browsing the images can feel relaxing!

BONUS: MAKE YOURSELF A YARN SCREENSAVER OVER ON MY INSTAGRAM.

Go to @themarlybird. Underneath my bio, you'll see my saved highlights. The first one is “wallpapers.” All of those are images from my yarn stash. Screenshot one or more to add to your phone. Let it delight you!

4. Try a New Knit or Crochet Pattern

Set aside some time this weekend to make something with yarn. After all, isn't that what loving yarn is all about? Try a new technique. Or try a new pattern.

In fact, consider joining BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Edition. It's not too late to join. And we're making lots of fun crochet patterns together. The group just worked on my new double-stranded baby blanket crochet pattern.

Of course, I also have hundreds of other knit and crochet patterns for you to choose from, including many that are free patterns. If you haven't finished crocheting for Halloween, yet, then check out our roundup of 150+ Halloween knit and crochet patterns. Also, remember that October is breast cancer awareness month, so you might want to check out these 21 free knit and crochet breast cancer patterns, which include my free knit chemo cap pattern. Or, if you're ahead of the game and getting ready for the holidays, you might want to start this weekend with my free crochet granny square stocking pattern.

5. Take a Yarn Class!

Knit and crochet classes are a great way to learn new things, make something fun, and connect with other people in the community. There are online and in person yarn classes. And there are some classes you can do at your own pace. For example, check out the latest deals on Creativebug online craft class memberships.

6. Teach Someone Else to Knit or Crochet

I Love Yarn Day is all about spreading the love of yarn. What better way to do that than to teach a yarn craft to someone who doesn't know how to knit or crochet yet? If you only do one of those crafts, perhaps you'll want to trade lessons with someone who knows the other craft.

Or schedule some time, in person or online, to pass along your love of the craft to the next generation. Many of us learned to knit or crochet from a mother, grandmother, or aunt. Even if we didn't stick with it at the time, that memory lingered and we came back to yarn later. Sharing that is special.

7. Check Out Craft Giveaways

There are usually a variety of sites offering craft giveaways for I Love Yarn Day. For example, check out this year's Interweave Giveaway. My friend Tamara of Moogly blog always has some good giveaways going on as well. Check her blog for the latest ones.

8. Knit or Crochet Something for Charity

Crafting for others is such a great way to spread the love of yarn. It's also good for you. When we do something to help others, it warms our own hearts. The Craft Yarn Council supports Warm Up America as their charity of choice for I Love Yarn Day. However, you can also choose the cause you most care about and donate locally or globally. Alternatively, knit or crochet a gift for someone that you know is need.

What are you going to do to celebrate I Love Yarn Day? What is the number one reason that you love yarn? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is I Love Yarn Day?

So here's the thing… I Love Yarn Day is celebrated every year on the second Saturday of October. In 2021, it fell on October 9th! It's a whole day dedicated to celebrating yarn and all the amazing things we create with it.

How did I Love Yarn Day start?

Honestly… The Craft Yarn Council created this fun holiday back in 2010. It's all about celebrating every kind of yarn craft out there, whether you're a knitter, a crocheter, or both! It's pretty neat that it's already been going for over a decade.

Can I buy yarn to celebrate?

Yes! This holiday is the perfect excuse to snag some new yarn. Plus, there are often some really great sales happening. For example, in 2021, KnitPicks and WeCrochet offered 20% off yarn with a special promo code for the occasion!

How can I share my love of yarn on social media?

Oh, that's easy! Just use the hashtag #ILoveYarnDay on platforms like Instagram or Facebook. You can share your works in progress, finished projects, or even just a picture of your yarn stash. It's a great way to connect with other yarn lovers!

What if I don't have any new patterns to try?

Don't worry, friend! The page mentions that there are hundreds of knit and crochet patterns available, many of them free. You can explore patterns for holidays, charity projects, or just something fun to try a new technique with.

21 Free Breast Cancer Patterns to Knit and Crochet

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we'd like to highlight some free breast cancer patterns to knit and crochet. Unfortunately, it's common for cancer patients to lose their hair from treatment. And they often have to spend long hours in cold hospitals. So we've gathered 21 FREE Yarnspirations and Marly Bird knit and crochet patterns for hats, scarves, cowls, and shawls. You can make these for cancer patients, whether your family, friends or in your community.

Of course, they're in pink, the traditional awareness color for breast cancer. But you can easily make them in another color for a different cancer awareness or the recipient's favorite color.

Free breast cancer patterns to knit and crochet - 5 patterns shown: 2 caps, shawl, cowl, and scarf.

10 Free Crochet Patterns for Breast Cancer Patients

These 10 free crochet patterns include five different chemo cap patterns, a warm shawl, three scarf patterns, and two cowls.

With Hope Scarf Free Crochet Pattern

11 Free Knit Patterns for Breast Cancer Patients

These 11 free knitting patterns include 5 chemo caps, three shawls to wrap someone in love, a scarf, a cowl, and cozy wristers to keep hands warm.

Soft and Cozy Knit Hat Free Knitting Pattern

Many of the above patterns are simple, but some are a little more complex. But worked in soft yarn we know they'll be well-received.

We hope you'll use these breast cancer patterns to knit and crochet to bless someone going through a difficult time.

Also on the Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of breast cancer awareness projects can I knit or crochet?

Pink ribbon patterns are the classic choice… brooches, pins, and appliques that support awareness. Chemo caps (soft, comfortable hats for patients undergoing chemotherapy who've lost their hair) are one of the most meaningful and needed items. Post-mastectomy drainage pouches are a practical item many patients need and appreciate. Comfort shawls and prayer shawls for patients in treatment. Little breast prostheses for post-mastectomy patients. Awareness bracelets and accessories. And pink ribbon items for general awareness and fundraising.

How do I make a chemo cap that will be comfortable for a patient?

A few key things make a chemo cap ideal. Use VERY soft yarn… the scalp becomes sensitive during treatment, so no scratchy fibers whatsoever. Soft acrylic, bamboo, or Tencel are good choices. A gentle stretch (slouchy beanie style) is more comfortable than a very fitted hat. Seamless construction (worked in the round) avoids any irritating seams against the scalp. No embellishments that could dig in. And it should stay on without being tight… loosely fitting but not so loose it falls off. Always check with the specific organization or recipient about preferences.

Are there organizations that accept handmade donations for breast cancer patients?

Yes! Several wonderful organizations coordinate handmade donations. Check with your local hospital's oncology department… many welcome chemo cap donations directly. The Chemo Caps group on Ravelry coordinates international donations. Look for local knitting and crochet groups that do organized donation drives. When donating to any organization, always check their specific requirements for yarn type, construction, and item type before starting. Every organization has different needs and guidelines.

What is the best yarn for chemo caps?

The most important quality is softness… the softest yarn you can find. Bamboo or bamboo blends are incredibly soft and have natural temperature-regulating properties which can help with hot flashes (a common side effect of some cancer treatments). Organic cotton is gentle and breathable. Very soft acrylic like Lion Brand Pound of Love is popular because it's budget-friendly, machine washable, and genuinely soft. Avoid wool (some chemo patients have sensitivities) and anything textured or scratchy. When in doubt, rub the yarn against your own cheek… if it feels soft there, it'll feel soft on a sensitive scalp.

How can I support breast cancer awareness through my crafting beyond making items?

Craft fairs are a wonderful venue for selling pink ribbon items and donating proceeds to breast cancer research organizations. Organizing group knit-a-thons or crochet-a-thons where participants pledge money per item completed is a fun community activity. Teaching others to make chemo caps or awareness items multiplies your impact. Simply sharing information about making items for patients when you share patterns on social media spreads awareness. And just wearing something you made with a pink ribbon or breast cancer awareness motif starts conversations that matter.

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Tips for Making Chemo Caps & Care Items

Making gifts for cancer patients is such a meaningful way to show you care… but there are a few things to keep in mind to make your projects truly comfortable for them.

Fabric & Yarn Choices Matter

Scalps can be extra sensitive during treatment, so reach for soft, breathable yarns like Red Heart Super Saver in pastels, Caron Cakes, or anything with a smooth finish. Avoid scratchy novelty yarns or anything with loose fibers. If your pattern calls for wool, consider a gentle merino blend or switch to acrylic for maximum comfort.

Pattern Selection Tips

  • Chemo caps should fit snugly without being tight… think supportive, not constricting. The fitted styles on this list work beautifully.
  • Shawls and wraps are perfect because they're versatile for shoulders, laps, or draping in medical settings.
  • Cowls and scarves keep necks warm without the bulk of traditional scarves that can feel restrictive.

Add a Personal Touch

Include a handwritten note with your gift. Share which yarn you used, care instructions, and a message of encouragement. It transforms a thoughtful handmade item into something truly unforgettable. Need more gifting ideas? Check out our favorite crochet gift ideas for additional inspiration.

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6 Free Racoon Patterns to Crochet

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Raccoons are a common sight across much of North America! These little animals, often affectionately referred to as bandits or trash pandas due to their coloring, can be celebrated with these free crochet patterns!

6 Free Racoon Patterns to Crochet

Racoon Hat

Little kids will be so cute in this hat!

Download the free Racoon Hat crochet pattern

Raccoon Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Racoon Lovey

This little lovey is a great friend for a little one!

Download the free Raccoon Lovey crochet pattern

Raccoon Lovey Free Crochet Pattern

Raccoon Ornament

This raccoon with colorful mittens works as an ornament or just a small toy!

Download the free Raccoon Ornament crochet pattern

Raccoon Ornament Free Crochet Pattern

Rocky Raccoon

This raccoon is 22″ tall — plenty big for everyone to play with!

Download the free Rocky Raccoon crochet pattern

Rocky Raccoon Free Crochet Pattern

Racy Raccoon Ornament

Colorful yarn makes this raccoon stand out!

Download the free Racy Raccoon Ornament crochet pattern

Racy Raccoon Ornament Free Crochet Pattern

Lil' Bandit Blanket

Wrap toddlers in this hooded blanket for extra coziness!

Download the free Lil' Bandit Blanket crochet pattern

Lil' Bandit Blanket Free Crochet Pattern

Also on the Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell me about the different raccoon crochet patterns available?

So here's the thing… this post features six super fun and totally free raccoon crochet patterns! We've got a cute hat for little ones, a sweet lovey, a little ornament, a big ol' Rocky Raccoon, another fun ornament called Racy Raccoon, and a cozy hooded blanket called the Lil' Bandit Blanket. Plenty of adorable options!

Are these patterns suitable for beginners?

Honestly… the page lists the difficulty for the hat pattern as “Advanced Beginner,” so most of these are probably best if you've got a little crochet experience under your belt. But don't let that stop you… if you're feeling brave, you can always give them a whirl!

What is the largest raccoon pattern you have?

Yes! The Rocky Raccoon pattern is for a raccoon that's 22 inches tall… which is pretty darn big and perfect for cuddling or playing with!

Can I get these patterns as a PDF?

Oh, that's a great question! While these patterns are free to download from the links provided, the page does mention that you can get new patterns available in an Ad-Free PDF in The Pattern Shop… so you might find them there if you prefer!

What other free animal patterns do you have on your blog?

You know, it's always fun to crochet other critters! The page mentions you might also like 6 Free Crochet Pig Patterns, 5 Free Crochet Turtle Patterns, and even 13 Free Dinosaur Projects. So many cute things to make!

Double-Stranded Crochet Blanket Free Pattern

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(Extra Credit for BiCrafty Bootcamp: Crochet Lessons for Knitters)

Hi BiCrafty Bootcamp Crocheters! We are giving you a break this week from learning something new in crochet. After all, you've really been soaking up a whole lot of information over the past few weeks. So, we're skipping the live video. But we don't want to leave you without a project. So we're sharing a single double double-stranded crochet blanket free pattern for you to work on this week as extra credit. It will help you practice your basic crochet skills, build your muscle memory, and start something new.

BiCrafty Bootcamp Lessons to Date

Here's where you can find what we've done in BiCrafty Bootcamp so far. This includes links to each of the four lessons we've completed. Each lesson has links at the bottom for extra suggested projects you might like. The main post and individual posts also have a live video tutorial for each section. There's already a lot of info here, and we're only one month into this terrific crochet bootcamp.

It’s not too late to join BiCrafty Bootcamp. Sign up free here.

Click Here to Join BiCrafty Bootcamp with Marly Bird

What is Single Double Crochet?

You've heard me mention single double crochet stitch before. It's one of my favorite stitch patterns. Single double crochet stitch simply means, as the name suggests, that you alternate single crochet stitches and double crochet stitches across the row. You work single crochet into double crochet from the row below and vice versa. You might also have heard this called seed stitch, griddle stitch, lemon peel stitch, or another name. Crochet stitch names aren't consistent across different designers and eras. But the design is a beautiful texture, no matter what you call it. We call it single double combination crochet stitch.

Learn how to crochet this stitch right here.

What is Double-Stranded Crochet?

This is a double-stranded crochet blanket pattern. That sounds like something complicated. Doesn't it? It's not at all. It simply means holding two strands of yarn together while you work. We're going to use a worsted weight yarn. So you'll make this double-stranded crochet blanket by holding two strands of worsted weight yarn together. Since this makes a thicker, bulkier yarn than a single strand, you'll work with a larger crochet hook. Other than that, though, you're doing the same thing that you've already learned how to do as a crocheter. Nothing new here. Just practice and build muscle memory.

Materials for Double-Stranded Crochet Blanket Free Pattern

Hopefully, you already did your shopping with your handy BiCrafty Bootcamp Yarn List. This list covers what you need for the next five lessons, too.

Yarn: 4 balls of Red Heart Ombre Super Saver – 2 balls in color A, 2 balls in color B (colors of your choosing)

Hook: 1 Size K (6.5 mm) crochet hook OR 1 size L (8 mm) crochet hook (WeCrochet Hook, TooShay Crochet Hook)

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

Double-Stranded Crochet Blanket Free Pattern

This is my go-to crochet baby shower blanket pattern. If I need a quick gift to whip up, I grab two colors of ombre yarn and make this fun blanket.

It keeps me interested while I crochet because it is exciting to see the colors meld and flow into one another as I crochet.

Plus, because I hold the yarn double, it works up double quick! I have been known to make a blanket like this in one day. Mind you, I was sitting all day and only working on the blanket, but I did it 🙂

Now you can make your fun Go To Crochet Baby Shower Blanket.

>>The pattern can be found here <<

or click the image below.

Click here for a Double-Stranded Crochet Blanket Pattern - Baby Shower Blanket - Marly Bird

Video Tutorial For Single Double Crochet Stitch Pattern and Working Double-Stranded

Here's the promised video! Click on the image below to see how to work this simple crochet stitch with two strands of yarn. You'll have a baby gift in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is double-stranded crochet?

Double-stranded crochet means holding two strands of yarn together and crocheting with them simultaneously as if they were one strand. This creates fabric that's twice as thick as single-strand crochet with the same yarn, works up much faster because you're covering more area per stitch, and creates a beautiful slightly textured surface where the two yarn colors (if different) blend together. It's a simple technique with dramatic results… no special skills required beyond what you already know.

Why make a blanket double stranded?

Double stranding a blanket has several advantages! It's much faster than single strand… you're essentially doing the same amount of crochet but getting double the fabric coverage. The resulting blanket is thicker, warmer, and more substantial. For gifting, a double-stranded blanket has a luxurious, substantial feel that single-strand blankets in the same yarn don't quite match. You can also combine two different colors for a subtle heathered or marled effect that's beautiful. It's a particularly popular technique for quick gift blankets when you want something that feels premium.

What yarns work best for double-stranded crochet?

This technique works with almost any weight yarn but practical considerations apply! Double-stranding worsted weight (holding two worsted strands together) gives you something between bulky and super bulky… great for blankets and works up very fast. Double-stranding DK gives you a nice worsted equivalent. The two strands don't have to be the same yarn… many crafters combine a heathered or textured yarn with a solid for an interesting blended effect. Just make sure both strands are the same weight and you adjust your hook size up (usually 2-4 sizes larger than single strand recommendation).

What hook size should I use for double-stranded crochet?

Significantly larger than for single strand! If single-strand worsted uses a J/6mm hook, double-stranded worsted might need an M or N (9-10mm) hook. The goal is fabric that's appropriately dense for a blanket without being so stiff you can't work through it. Too small a hook with double strand creates very tight, hard fabric. Too large creates very open, loose fabric. Swatch a small test piece and check that it feels like a good blanket fabric… dense and cozy but not cardboard. Adjust hook size until it feels right.

How long does a double-stranded blanket take to make?

Much faster than single strand! A lap-sized blanket that might take 15 to 20 hours in single strand can take 7 to 10 hours double stranded because each stitch covers so much more area and the larger hook means fewer stitches per inch. This makes double-stranded blankets fantastic for last-minute gift making… you can produce a full-size throw in a weekend if you're focused. The fast visible progress is also very motivating. Each row visibly advances the blanket, which keeps you going through the project.

How to Tink Your Knitting: Easy Video Tutorial to…

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Sometimes, you make a mistake in your knitting. You have some different options for how you deal with that. In both crochet and knitting, you can “frog” the work. However, you have an even better options sometimes with knitting. You can “tink” it. In other words, you can “un-knit” your work back to the point of the mistake and then begin again. Do you want to learn how to tink your knitting?

Want to learn how to knit from the ground up? Check out our Beginner Knitting lessons for Crocheters. They work for newbies to yarn as well.

Frogging vs. Tinking in Knitting

If you're either a knitter or a crocheter, then you've likely heard the term “frogging.” It means that you “rip back” your work. In other words, you unravel your work. You might frog an entire work in progress because you decide that you don't want to make it anymore.

Alternatively, you might see a mistake many rows back and frog back to that point. (Tip: put a stitch marker into the work where you want to stop frogging it so that you don't go too far!)

Why is it called frogging? Because you “rip it, rip it, rip it” back. Which sounds like ribbit. A fun little fact.

Understanding When to Tink in Knitting

You can frog knitting. However, sometimes you don't want to rip back all of that work. Instead, you just want to go back to the point where you've made a mistake. In crochet, that's easy to do with frogging. After all, each loop is separate from the others in its row. However, in knitting, the loops in a row are all connected. Trying to rip back can cause some of them to drop off of the needle and make even more of a mistake.

Therefore, you might just want to tink. If you look at the word closely, you'll see that it reads “knit” backwards. And that's exactly what tinking is. You'll knit backwards to the point where the mistake is. Or, more accurately, you will un-knit to that point.

So you can use frogging in both knitting and crochet to get back to a certain spot in the work. But if you want to carefully undo just a few stitches backwards, then you want to learn how to tink in knitting. Basically, if you want to undo some stitches, or even some rows, without removing your knitting needles from your work in progress, then your solution is tinking.

How to Tink in Knitting

Now you understand when you would use tinking, right? But how exactly do you do it? Well, let me show you:

You might be surprised to learn just how easy tinking is. This video is just about five minutes long. Yet, it shows you what you need to know in order to learn this technique. It's such a helpful way to deal with knitting mistakes.

Basics of Tinking: The Daughter and Mother Stitch

The first thing that you'll see in this video is that you can stretch out your stitches just a little bit by pulling them down slightly. This allows you to see the separate stitches very easily. You'll see the first stitch that's on your needle. We call that the daughter.

Directly underneath it is the mother. When you tink, you insert your needle into the mother stitch. Why? Because we want to get the daughter off of the needle; that's the one we are un-knitting. To do that, we need to go through the mother.

So, insert the left-hand needle into the mother stitch. Then let the daughter stitch just fall off the right hand needle. Now the mother stitch is back on the left hand needle where she belongs as we un-knit the work.

How To Tink Your Knitting and Your Purls

As you'll also see in the video, you can tink knits and you can tink purls. And you know what? There's no difference at all! So whether you're working with knits or purls, which are our two basic foundation stitches in knitting, you do the exact same thing. So easy right?!

More Tips From This Video

I've tried to make this as super simple for you as possible. Therefore, I've incorporated some additional tips into this video about how to tink your knitting. You'll see:

  • How to continue adjusting your tension and stretch to accommodate for the changes as you tink your work. This really helps you see where to insert the needle as you un-knit.
  • What happens if you accidentally skip the “mother” stitch and insert the needle below into the “grandmother” stitch. It's a common mistake; don't worry, I show you how to fix that, too.
  • Some stitches tink a bit differently than the knit and purl stitches. For example, the ssk sits a little differently on your needle. So I explain that as well.

You Might Also Like:

Subscribe to the Marly Bird YouTube Channel for lots more tips and tricks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “tinking” mean in knitting?

Tinking is “knit” spelled backwards… and it means unknitting one stitch at a time! Instead of ripping your work off the needles and frogging (ripping out many rows at once), tinking lets you carefully back up stitch by stitch to undo a mistake without losing control of your stitches. It's slow but precise… you stay on the needle the whole time and undo only what needs to be undone. For fixing small mistakes a few stitches back, tinking is usually the right tool.

When should I tink vs. frog my knitting?

Tink when: the mistake is recent (1-5 stitches back), the stitch pattern is complex (lace, cables, colorwork where dropping stitches could cascade), or you're working with slippery yarn that would be hard to pick up after ripping. Frog (rip it out) when: the mistake is many rows back and tinking would take forever, the yarn is forgiving and stitches are easy to pick up, or a lifeline is in place to catch your stitches safely. For lace and cables especially, tinking is almost always safer than frogging.

How do I tink a knit stitch?

Here's the basic method step by step. With the working yarn at the back, insert your left needle into the stitch below the one on the right needle (from front to back). Slip the right needle out of the stitch. Pull the working yarn to undo the stitch… the loop now sits back on the left needle in its original position. Repeat for each stitch you need to undo. Go slowly… if you move too fast you can drop extra stitches or twist the ones you're recovering.

How do I tink a purl stitch?

With the working yarn at the front, insert your left needle into the stitch below the one on the right needle (from back to front this time… the reverse of the knit tink). Slip the right needle out of the stitch. Pull the working yarn gently to undo the purl. The loop sits back on your left needle. This is slightly trickier than tinking a knit stitch because the yarn position is different, but with Marly's video tutorial showing exactly what to do with your hands, it clicks quickly.

What about tinking cables or lace?

Cables and lace are where tinking really earns its keep! With cables, you need to track which stitches were twisted and restore them to the right orientation as you tink. Going slowly and referring to the chart for the row you're undoing helps enormously. For lace, you're mainly dealing with yarn overs (which were added stitches) and decreases (which removed stitches)… tinkling both of these requires care to restore the stitch count correctly. Marly's video tutorial covers these specific scenarios. When in doubt: lifelines before complicated rows prevent needing to tink very far in the first place!

Dress Up Your Holiday Dinner Table with Red Heart…

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We recently did a roundup of nearly 30 free knit and crochet table runner patterns from Yarnspirations. Each one of them is great for different seasons and decor inspiration. Today, I wanted to specifically highlight the Red Heart Planned Pooling Argyle Table Runner Free Crochet Pattern. It's a versatile table runner in terms of color; you can use it throughout the rest of the season. And it's a great way to brighten up any dinner table, big or small.

Colorful crocheted table runner in vibrant red, orange, and blue hues with a diamond pattern, set on a wooden table with appl

What Is a Table Runner?

If you're not familiar with the idea of a table runner, it's basically an alternative to a table cloth. It runs the length of the table but is not as wide as the table. Typically, you place it down the center of the table lengthwise. It adds a decorative touch. If you use candles, place dishes of butter or condiments, etc. on the table, the the table runner is a great place to hold them. While most times you'll run the table runner lengthwise, sometimes a short table runner can work running down the center of the width of the table. And although you don't usually see them on circular tables, you can definitely make them work.

Why Use a Table Runner?

A table runner is such an easy way to make any dinner table look just a little bit more special. Choose colors that work for the season or theme of the dinner you're having. This particular argyle table runner free crochet pattern is a great one for early fall. So, if you're having people over for apple pie, pumpkin carving, or just a nice autumn dinner, then this one works well. Rather than decorating the whole house for a party or even a whole season, a table runner is such a simple way to set the mood.

The Red Heart Planned Pooling Argyle Table Runner Free Crochet Pattern

That's a mouthful, I suppose. But it covers a lot of what you need to know about this pattern.

First of all, it's obviously a free crochet pattern for a table runner.

Secondly, it's an argyle design that uses the planned pooling technique. Don't be too intimidated if you haven't used this technique before. I have lots of instructions here on the site all about planned pooling.

Third, it uses Red Heart yarn. Specifically, you'll use Red Heart With Love. This is a 100% acrylic yarn that's surprisingly soft. It's a worsted weight yarn that you can wash and dry by machine. That's perfect for a table runner since you want to be able to easily clean it after the meal is done. You'll use solid colors fo the border but multicolored Red Heart with Love for the planned pooling effect.

Creative Ideas For Ways To Use a Table Runner

You can definitely just use a table runner on your table as intended. However, there are also some other creative ways to use this table runner free crochet pattern.

When I posted about the table runner roundup that we did on Instagram, the wonderful Tamara of Moogly blog mentioned that many of those would make terrific rectangular shawls as well. This is so true! I can definitely see this one working as an autumn shawl, right?

Additionally, it would work really well as a wall hanging. Whether horizontal or vertical, this could easily make a great statement wall art piece.

And table runners can also make great picnic blankets, especially for tailgate parties. They aren't typical blanket size but that's totally okay for a picnic blanket.

Get This Table Runner Free Crochet Pattern

You can get this table runner free crochet pattern right here or click the image below.

Crochet table runner featuring planned pooling in vibrant red, green, and yellow argyle pattern on a wooden table.

More Table Runner Patterns

See our roundup of other table runner patterns you might enjoy here (or click the image below).

29 Free Knit and Crochet Table Runner Patterns

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a table runner, and how do I use it?

So here's the thing… a table runner is like a tablecloth's stylish cousin! It runs down the center of your table lengthwise, adding a pop of color and design. It's perfect for holding candles or dishes… and it totally makes your table feel extra special.

Why would I choose a table runner instead of a full tablecloth?

Honestly… table runners are just so easy to use and they add a lovely touch without covering up your whole table. This argyle one is especially great for fall dinners… think apple pie and pumpkin carving!

Is this argyle table runner pattern really free?

Yes! You can grab the Red Heart Planned Pooling Argyle Table Runner pattern for free… it's a super fun way to try out the planned pooling technique, and don't worry if you haven't done it before, I have tons of help on the site!

What kind of yarn do I need for this pattern?

For this project, you'll want Red Heart With Love yarn, which is a 100% acrylic worsted weight yarn that's surprisingly soft. Use solid colors for the border and multicolored Red Heart with Love for that amazing planned pooling effect!

Can I use this table runner pattern for anything else besides a table runner?

Oh, absolutely! This pattern is so versatile… you could totally turn it into a rectangular shawl for autumn, or even use it as a unique wall hanging! It would even make a cute picnic blanket for a tailgate party!