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Butterfly Crochet Cowl Free Pattern with Video Tutorial

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We here at the Marly Bird team have been looking through all of the many amazing things Marly has done in the past to make sure that you're not missing out on great content. We've discovered some terrific knit and crochet video tutorials that don't have blog posts here on the site. So we're digging into those archives and bringing you the best of them. We're starting today with a beautiful butterfly crochet cowl free pattern. It's appropriately named Le Papillon, which, of course, is French for butterfly.

how to crochet butterfly cowl with Marly Bird

What Makes This a Butterfly Crochet Cowl?

What does “butterfly crochet cowl” even mean really? Well, the idea is that you create an effect in which you have a center detail out from which come two different wing-like sections. Of course, since it's a cowl, it's wrapped all the way around your neck. In other words, it's subtler than the big wings of a butterfly shawl. However, this design adds an ethereal, whimsical feeling to your crochet cowl. You get the essence of a beautiful butterfly without being too literal about it. It's really a special design.

How We Achieve The Butterfly Crochet Cowl Effect In This Pattern

This free crochet cowl pattern uses two bold, but easy, crochet stitches. First, there are bobbles. They have such wonderful texture. If you've never made crochet bobbles before, don't fret. If you know how to single crochet and double crochet then you can learn this textured stitch. It's all about paying close attention to the yarn overs and the placement of the hook. And, if you look closely, a row of bobbles looks a little bit like a caterpillar. Or, in this case, the center body of a butterfly. So that's why it's the perfect starting point for this crochet cowl.

Crochet shell stitch is the other main stitch used in this free pattern. You'll work one direction of shell stitch rows coming out of the bobble foundation. Then, you'll turn the work around and, working from the bottom of that foundation, create shell stitches facing the other way. That's how you get the symmetrical design that makes it look like a butterfly crochet cowl.

Le Papillon Crochet Pattern and Materials

In order to create this crochet cowl, here's what you'll need:

  • Le Papillon free crochet cowl pattern from Yarnspirations. Note that the original pattern is by Michele Maks.
  • One ball of Red Heart Unforgettable Yarn. This is such a beautiful yarn with intriguing colorways. The color does the work for you. While the original pattern suggests the Springtime colorway, we encourage you to yse whichever suits you best. Butterflies come in all kinds of colors, after all!
  • Susan Bates Size J crochet hook. Thanks to a larger-than-average hook for worsted weight yarn, this butterfly crochet cowl pattern works up really quickly.
  • You might also want a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
  • And you'll probably want my video tutorial …

Le Papillon Crochet Cowl Video Tutorial

Are you ready to crochet this all-season cowl? Here's my step-by-step video to help you along:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this cowl look like a butterfly?

So here's the thing… the design creates an effect with a center detail and two wing-like sections that wrap around your neck. It's a subtler take on a butterfly, giving you a whimsical and ethereal feel without being too literal!

I've never made a bobble stitch before, is it hard?

Honestly… no! If you know how to single crochet and double crochet, you can totally learn bobbles. It's all about paying attention to your yarn overs and where you place your hook. Plus, the bobbles look like a little caterpillar… or, in this case, the body of a butterfly!

What yarn do you recommend for this cowl?

Yes! The pattern calls for Red Heart Unforgettable Yarn, and it's gorgeous. The colorways do all the work for you, which is just lovely. The original pattern suggests ‘Springtime,' but honestly, any color that makes you happy will work beautifully!

How quickly can I crochet this cowl?

You'll be surprised how fast this works up! It uses a larger-than-average crochet hook for the yarn weight, so you get a nice, speedy project. Grab your J hook and get stitching!

Can you show me how to make it?

Absolutely! I have a step-by-step video tutorial linked in the post that will walk you through everything. Just click on the video link and we can crochet this pretty cowl together!

32 Free Knit Dress Projects

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Update your wardrobe — or your child's wardrobe — with these knit dresses! With projects for adults, children, babies and even a doll outfit, there's plenty for everyone.

For crochet dresses, check out the round-up of 30 Free Crochet Dress Projects.

32 Free Knit Dress Projects

Adults

Show off your cable skills, or just be simple with a handmade LBD (little black dress).

Slouchy Sweater Dress Free Knitting Pattern

Children

With sizes ranging from infant to tween, kids will love the opportunity to help pick out the colors and styles of the outfit you're making just for them!

Knit Ruffle Collar Dress Free Knitting Pattern

Bonus: Doll Dress

Even an 18″ doll can have fun with this princess costume!

Light blue knitted doll outfit with a ruffled dress, crown, and matching shoes; free pattern offered.

Also on the Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is knitting a dress harder than knitting a sweater?

In some ways yes, in some ways no! Dresses require more knitting overall (longer body) and often more careful length calculations. But the basic construction is similar to a sweater… you're knitting a body with or without sleeves, just longer. Dresses also tend to need good drape, which means thinking carefully about yarn and gauge. The upside is that waist and hip measurements are less critical for fit than a sweater's bust and shoulder measurements in some styles. A flowing, unfitted dress can be more forgiving on fit than a structured sweater.

What yarn makes the best knit dresses?

Drape is everything for a dress that moves beautifully! Silk and silk blends are stunning but expensive. Bamboo and bamboo-blend yarns have incredible drape and a beautiful sheen. Fine merino or merino blends can drape well in lighter weights. Plant fibers like linen or cotton-linen blends have natural body with drape. Avoid very springy or bouncy yarns… they create dresses that puff out rather than drape down. Hold a length of yarn by one end and let it hang… if it flows, it'll make a beautiful dress. If it spirals or bounces, it'll fight the dress construction.

How do I adjust a knit dress pattern for my height?

Height adjustments happen in the body length section! Most patterns specify the length from the underarm (or waist) to the hem. To lengthen, add more rows before working any shaping or bind-off. To shorten, subtract rows. For a dramatic height difference, you may also need to adjust where the waist shaping occurs relative to your actual waist. Keep notes on how many rows you added or removed so you can make both dress pieces (front and back) the same adjustment. When in doubt, try it on as you work rather than waiting until the end.

What's the easiest knit dress style for beginners?

A simple top-down seamless dress worked in the round is the most beginner-friendly… it's essentially a very long top, and you can try it on as you go to check length. Minimally fitted A-line silhouettes are more forgiving than fitted styles. Simple stitch patterns (stockinette, garter, or a simple 2×2 rib) avoid the complexity of textured or lace stitches. If you're making your first knit dress, prioritize simple construction over dramatic design… you can always add complexity in future projects once you understand how knit dress construction works.

Can I make a knit dress for warm weather?

Yes! A lightweight cotton, linen, or bamboo yarn in a breezy stitch pattern (mesh, lace, or an open-worked texture) creates a summer dress that's actually wearable in the heat. DK or fingering weight in a plant fiber is the standard for warm-weather knit dresses. The challenge is that fine yarns take much longer to knit than chunky yarn… plan accordingly! A summer knit dress in fingering weight is a significant project… but the finished piece is truly stunning and often becomes a favorite year-round layering piece.

Knitting Mittens For Beginners, Part Three (BiCrafty…

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Over on our last BiCrafty Bootcamp: Knitting Lessons for Crocheters live video, Marly and I were marveling at just how far we've come in a few short months. Most of us didn't even know the difference between types of knitting needles at the start of this weekly workshop. Now we've knit mug rugs and coffee cup sleeves, a cowl and a hat. And we're about to wrap up knitting mittens for beginners.

Knit Mittens Pattern Part Three

BiCrafty Bootcamp Is Almost Done!

Before we get into the details for knitting mittens for beginners, let's talk about this bootcamp. It's almost come to its end! You've learned what you need to know as crocheters to truly considered yourselves knitters now. Heck, you've mastered the Latvian Braid which many experienced knitters don't even know. So yes, bootcamp is coming to an end. But that doesn't mean your adventures are over. Here are some ideas for next steps:

  • If you haven't already, it's not too late to join the BiCrafty Champions workshop. We're doing it as an Olympics CAL/KAL. But you'll get both the crochet and knitting patterns (and all the video instructions, etc.) so you can do the knit part on your own time if you wish.
  • Or, if you're looking for something with a little bit less time investment, then join the Christmas in July Stocking KAL/CAL. It actually takes place August 6-8. This is a great opportunity to practice your knitting skills. In fact, if you watched last week's live video, you saw a sneak peak of the knit stocking. Therefore, you know that you already have all of the knitting skills necessary to complete it.
  • Keep Your Eye Out for BiCrafty Bootcamp: Crochet Lessons for Knitters. That's right, many people have asked and we're ready to provide! Even if you're an experienced knitter, you might enjoy learning Marly's approach. Plus it provides a great opportunity to get back into your crochet groove with weekly projects / homework. Moreover, we'd love your input as crocheters about how best to teach knitters the craft. You can help us a lot!

Crocheter's Edge: We Want Your Input

Crocheters Tips to Learn Knitting

We've shared a lot of crocheter's edge tips with you over the past few months. These are ideas about how to apply what you know in crochet to make it easier to learn knitting. Hopefully these have been helpful. However, as in-depth as we try to be, we can't know what works best for everyone. So we would love your help … what are your best tips as crocheters who have learned how to knit? What would you suggest as the best crocheter's edge tips for these lessons? Input wanted!!

Knitting Mittens for Beginners, Parts 1 and 2

If you're all caught up on our lessons, then here's what you've done already:

  • In Part 1, you learned the provisional cast-on. Then you added the Lacy Arrows Stitch to your repertoire. This gave you the cuff part of the knit mittens.
  • In Part 2, you added the optional Latvian braid detail that you had already learned previously. Then you learned to pick up stitches and create a thumb gusset.

Knitting Mittens for Beginners, Part 3

Now it's time to almost finish up these knit mittens. You're going to learn a lot here as a final push to achieve in BiCrafty Bootcamp. We believe in you! This week we're going to finish up those thumbs. We'll work on more shaping, then you're going to learn kitchener stitch, how to pick up and knit that thumb and do a 3 needle bind off.

At the end, you'll have knit mittens that complement your knit hat and cowl.

This Week's Live Video

BiCrafty Community Mittens

Designed by Marly Bird

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Size

Adult Medium Women (Adult Large Women, Adult Large Men)

Hand Circumference: 7-8 (8-9, 9-10) inches [18-20.5 (20.5-23, 23-25.4) cm]

Finished Measurements

Finished Hand Circumference approx: 7 (8, 9) inches [18 (20.5, 23) cm]

Hand Length (not including cuff) approx: 6 (7, 8) inches [15 (18, 20.5) cm]

Gauge 

24 stitches and 30 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch in the round

MATERIALS

Yarn

Red Heart, Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (100% washable merino wool; 186 yds [170m], 3.5 oz [100 g]): 2 ball MC, 1 ball CC (optional for Latvian braid).

Needle

US 7 (4.5 mm) set of 5 double pointed needles — or size required for gauge

Hook

US H (5mm) for provisional cast on. 

>> Use Code: MARLYKNITS and get 10% off your order of Signature Needle Arts <<

Notions 

Scrap yarn for holding stitches, stitch markers, tapestry needle

ABBREVIATIONS

BO – Bind Off

CO – Cast On

DPN – Double Pointed Needle

K – Knit

LHN – Left Hand Needle

M1 – Make 1 (1 increase) 

P – Purl

RHN – Right Hand Needle

Skp – slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over knit st

Sk2togp – slip 1 knitwise, k2tog, pass slipped st over knit st

Sl – Slip

SSK – slip, slip, knit

St st – Stockinette Stitch (see pattern stitches)

st(s) – stitches

SPECIAL STITCHES

k2tog: Knit 2 stitches together (1 st decreased).

M1: (make 1) Insert LHN under horizontal strand between st just worked and next st, from the front to the back, knit through the back loop (1 st increased).

Kitchener Stitch:

Divide stitches evenly onto 2 dpns, and hold them parallel to each on the with WS facing. With working yarn on back needle, cut yarn, leaving a long tail, and thread tail into tapestry needle.

Prep: Bring threaded tapestry needle through first st on front needle as if to purl, leave on the needle.  Bring threaded tapestry needle through the first st on the back needle as if to knit and leave on the neede.

Step 1: Bring threaded tapestry needle through first st on front needle as if to knit and slip this st off needle.

Step 2: Bring threaded tapestry needle through next st on front needle as if to purl and leave st on needle.

Step 3: Bring threaded tapestry needle through first st on back needle as if to purl and slip this st off needle.

Step 4: Bring threaded tapestry needle through next st on back needle as if to knit and leave st on needle.

Rep Steps 1–4 until all stitches have been grafted.

         Front needle: Knit off, purl on.

         Back needle: Purl off, knit on.

Provisional Cast-on: Using a crochet hook and scrap yarn, chain desired number of stitches. Fasten off. Using knitting needle, pick up and knit 1 st in each chain, using the back-bump, or spine, of the chain. After piece is completed, you can unravel the crochet chain to reveal, and work from, live stitches at CO edge. Here's a video to show you how you'll do this part:

Three Needle Bind Off Method: Slip the stitches from holders onto each of 2 needles; with the RS of garment pcs together (to form ridge on inside of garment), hold the needles parallel. With a third needle knit the first st of front and back needles together, *knit next st from each needle together, (2 sts on rhn), BO 1 st; rep from * until all sts are BO.

NOTES

  • Sizes are written for the smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).
  • Mittens are worked in the round from cuff to fingers.

VIDEO TUTORIALS

Knit Mittens Pattern, Part 3

HAND CONTINUED…

Continue in Stockinette stitch until the hand measures about 6 (7, 8)” [15 (18, 20.5) cm] from cuff or approx. 2.5” [6.3 cm] from desired top of mitten. 

TOP OF MITTEN

Distribute the number of stitches the 4 dpn’s as follows: 

Needle 1: 11 (12, 14) stitches

Needle 2: 10 (11, 13) stitches

Needle 3: 11 (12, 14) stitches

Needle 4: 10 (11, 13) stitches

Round 1 (decrease round): 

Needle 1: Knit to three stitches to the end of the needle, ssk, k1,

Needle 2: K2tog, knit to the end of the needle,

Needle 3: Knit to three stitches to the end of the needle, ssk, k1, 

Needle 4: K2tog, knit to the end of the needle — 4 stitches decreased. 

Rounds 2 and 3: Knit

Repeat rounds 1-3 two times more — 30 (34, 42) stitches remaining.

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 three times — 18 (22, 30) stitches remaining. 

Repeat round 1 for 2 (2, 3) times — 10 (14, 18) stitches remaining. 

1st FINISHING

Place the stitches from needles 1 and 4 on a needle, and the stitches from needles 2 and 3 on another needle. 

Graft mitten stitches together using Kitchener stitch as follows: Hold both needles together in your left hand, with wrong sides facing inward. 

Cut a long tail from the working yarn (about 4 times the width of the fabric to be joined), and thread tail into yarn needle.

Proceed with Kitchener stitch across row. 

Weave in all loose ends.

THUMB

Place gusset stitches from scrap yarn onto dpn’s. 

Round 1: With MC, pick up and knit 1 stitch at cast on, then with RS facing, work in Stockinette stitch around the thumb —  10 (12, 16) stitches 

Continue in Stockinette stitch until measures 1.5 (2, 2.5)” [3.8 (5, 6.3) cm] or to desired length. 

Next Round: *K2tog; repeat from * to end of round —  5 (6, 8) stitches. 

Cut yarn leaving a long tail and thread onto tapestry needle. Working around the work, insert the tapestry needle as if to knit and remove the stitch from the needle. Pull the tail through all the stitches and pull snug like a drawstring. 

Weave in tail to the WS of the mitten. 

2nd FINISHING

Seam Cuff

The cuff can be kitchenered together should you wish, however, I like to have a seam on my cuff to withstand the pull and tug of putting on the mittens. Therefore, I prefer the three needle bind off method. 

Set-up: Starting at the end of the crochet chain from the provisional cast on, unravel the chains and as the knit stitches are released from the chain, place them on a dpn. 

Note: When the first row you knitted into your chain is released from the chain, it will not appear as a knit or purl. 

On the other side of the cuff, place the stitches on scrap yarn on another dpn. 

With the RS of the cuff facing you, starting at the last row of the cuff and working with the long tail, proceed to execute the three needle bind off the two sides of the cuff. 

Weave in all ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did I learn in the previous parts of this mitten series?

So here's the thing… in Part 1, you learned the provisional cast-on and added the Lacy Arrows Stitch for the cuff. Then, in Part 2, you added that optional Latvian braid detail and learned to pick up stitches for the thumb gusset. You're doing so great!

What exactly will I learn in Part 3 of the mitten pattern?

Honestly… this is the final push to finish up! You'll learn to finish those thumbs, work on more shaping, and then master the Kitchener stitch, picking up and knitting the thumb, and doing a 3-needle bind-off. You'll have a finished mitten!

What size mittens can I make with this pattern?

Yes! This pattern is designed for Adult Medium Women, Adult Large Women, and Adult Large Men. The finished hand circumference is about 7, 8, or 9 inches, and the hand length is approximately 6, 7, or 8 inches.

Can you explain the 3-needle bind-off for the cuff?

Sure! You'll unravel the provisional cast-on to reveal live stitches and place them on a needle. Then, you'll place the stitches from the other side of the cuff on scrap yarn onto another needle. With the right sides facing you, you'll use a third needle to knit the first stitch from each needle together, bind off one stitch, and repeat until all stitches are bound off. It creates a nice, sturdy seam!

What yarn and needles do I need for these mittens?

You'll need Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird yarn, using 2 balls of the main color and 1 ball of a contrasting color if you're doing the Latvian braid. For needles, grab a set of 5 US 7 (4.5 mm) double pointed needles, or whatever size you need to get gauge. You'll also need a US H (5mm) crochet hook for the provisional cast-on.

Ultimate Guide: Learn How to Knit Socks with Marly Bird…

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Many people who learn to knit do so because they want to learn how to knit socks. In fact, lots of the BiCrafty Bootcampers said that was why they decided to learn knitting. While we didn't cover knitting socks for crocheters in our BiCrafty Bootcamp lessons, we did prepare the crafters with all of the knowledge that they need to learn how to knit socks now. And you can learn to knit socks, too. Today I bring you a roundup of some of my easiest lessons, patterns, and video tutorials for learning how to knit socks.

ultimate guide to learn how to knit socks

Sock Knitting All Year Round

Socks are great because you can truly craft them all year round. They're small enough and lightweight enough that they're comfortable to craft even in the heat of summer. Now is the perfect time to begin learning how to make them. Moreover, as we head into fall, they're an even better project. Why? Because everyone loves to receive handmade socks for holiday gifts. So you can craft your way through your gift list.

Resources Before We Begin

Before we get into the tutorials and patterns, here are some resources that you might find helpful as you begin to learn about sock knitting. These are two different ways to begin knitting socks. Practicing these lessons can help you with lots of different projects. In particular, watch the No Cuss Cast on for Double Pointed Needles if you have a fear of working with DPNs.

Option 1: My First Knit Socks

how to knit socks guide

Let's start, appropriately, with My First Knit Socks. This was a 2018 KAL where we learned from start to finish how to knit socks with DPNs. If you're not used to using DPNs, don't fret. They aren't as hard as you might think. They BiCrafty Bootcampers only learned to knit a few months ago and they've got them figured out. Plus this KAL came along with tons of detailed video tutorials to teach you everything that you need to know in order to complete these first knit socks.

This was a 6-Part Knit-Along. Find the first post here with all the details. Scroll down in that post to see the links to all of the other posts in order. This is a great way to start learning how to knit socks! And here are the video tutorials for this project, in order:

Option 2: My First Toe-Up Knit Socks

first toe up knit socks pattern

There are different ways to construct socks, of course. Many people like to work toe-up. After all, this allows you to try on the sock as you go. You can make adjustments easily, especially in terms of the finished height of the sock. If this sounds appealing to you, then you might want to check out My First Toe-Up Knit Socks. I made these as part of a 2020 sockalong, which came in three parts.

You can find the details of the original post here. It includes links at the bottom to each of the three portions of the KAL. Additionally, this sockalong included a matching toe-up crochet sock pattern from Rohn Strong. All details for that are in the post as well. And here are the three videos for My First Toe-Up Knit Socks:

More Marly Bird Knit Socks Patterns

I recommend that you follow the patterns and videos for the two KAL socks above to get started. They really show you step-by-step absolutely everything you need to know as you learn how to knit socks. However, I have lots of other socks patterns and resources for you. Here are some of the things you'll want to check out:

Hygge Stripe Socks Pattern

hygge striped knit socks

So, this is actually the same pattern as the 2018 Socks KAL shown above. In fact, you can follow the same tutorials to complete this pattern. What's different? This one has stripes! So, if you want to add that little color change detail to make your socks special, this is a good pattern to help you out.

Gemstone Knit Socks

gemstone knit socks pattern

I originally designed these socks back in 2014 for Knit Crate. They're an easy knit-purl top-down seamless knit sock pattern. You can now purchase the pattern on Ravelry using the link above.

Marly Socks

Marly Bird knit socks pattern

One of my earliest knit socks patterns was this lace-top cozy sock design. I created it back in 2009. You can also purchase this pattern today on Ravelry. It's a top-down, in-the-round knit sock pattern. It uses Kitchener stitch. And speaking of that, you might also like this resource as you learn about sock knitting:

Yakka Dabba Bamboo Socks

Marly Bird knit bamboo socks pattern

Here's another 2009 knit sock design now available for purchase on Ravelry. This is a textured, toe-up knit sock with a short row heel. Like almost all of my sock designs, it's a mid-calf height. And also like my other sock patterns, it's written for feet of different sizes.

Himalayan Knit Socks

how to knit socks with Marly Bird

When I originally created this knit sock pattern, here's what I said about it:

“I love the look of a single panel of lace down the side of a sock combined with the simple elegance of the stockinette stitch. It reminds me of tracks in the snow on the side of a mountain.”

I still get chills when I think about how fun these socks are to make. And cozy to wear. This is another Ravelry download.

More Marly Bird Knit Socks Video Tutorials

If you love to follow along with my video tutorials then here's one more set for you. It's for the Red Heart Cheerful Knit Slipper Socks. These are festive cozy socks that are great for the holiday season. (And if that's something you love then you might also like our Christmas in July stockings KAL/CAL patterns!) Here are the videos for this project:

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Frequently Asked Questions

I'm new to knitting, can I really learn to make socks?

Oh goodness, yes! Lots of people learn to knit just so they can make socks. This guide has some super easy lessons, patterns, and video tutorials specifically for learning how to knit socks. You totally got this!

What's the difference between the top-down and toe-up sock patterns?

Honestly… they're just different ways to get to the same cozy result! The top-down sock patterns start at the cuff and work down, and the toe-up ones start at the toe and work up. Toe-up is great because you can try them on as you go!

I'm a little scared of double-pointed needles (DPNs)… any advice?

Yes! Don't let those DPNs scare you… they aren't as tricky as they seem. There's a “No Cuss Cast On for Double Pointed Needles” video that can really help if you're feeling nervous about them.

Can I knit socks even if it's hot outside?

Totally! Socks are awesome because they're small and lightweight… perfect for knitting even when it's warm out. Plus, they make amazing gifts as the weather cools down!

Are the “My First Knit Socks” and “Hygge Stripe Socks” the same pattern?

Yes! They are indeed the same pattern… the Hygge Stripe Socks just add a fun stripe detail. So you can use the same video tutorials for both!

Olympian Tom Daley Knits Dog Jumpers and Crochet Sweaters

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If you've paid any attention at all to the Olympics as a crafter then you've probably already seen that Tom Daley knits and crochets. We had reported on this back in May and again in June, in our roundup of craft news links. We loved seeing how he used the craft to cope with quarantine, give to good causes, and settle his own mind. But now that he's actively knitting at the Olympic games, the news has spread all over. And it's so fun to see how Tom Daley knits and crochets!

Note: All photos on this page come from the official Instagram called MadeWithLoveByTomDaley.

Olympian Tom Daley knits and crochets

Tom Daley Crafting Through Quarantine

Back in May we briefly shared that “British Olympic diver Tom Daley brought knitting and crochet to pass the time during Olympic quarantine.” In June, we had some more information for you: “His husband had seen people doing the crafts to pass the time and suggested it to Daley who was on pause during the COVID break. He crafts everything from swim trunks to cat couches. He loves making things for his son. Recnetly, he designed his first pattern for sale. And “in more humanitarian endeavors, he made a blanket for a boy named Jake, who has a rare genetic mutation called PCH-pontocerebellar Hypoplasia causing shrinking of the brain.”

So many people began to knit and crochet during quarantine. First of all, people needed something creative and productive to do while at home. Or, if you were training for the Olympics, then during quarantine in hotel rooms. Additionally, the pandemic has increased everyone's stress levels. Knitting and crochet offer therapeutic benefits to reduce anxiety. As we've seen recently with Simone Biles, Olympians are under even more stress than usual during a COVID year. So it makes a lot of sense that people like Tom Daley are using yarn crafts for daily stress relief.

In fact, Daley said on his Instagram, which has been quoted widely, that “The one thing that has kept me sane throughout this whole process is my love for knitting and crochet and all things stitching.” He's also said it's part of his mindfulness routine which also includes yoga and visualization. He's even got The Telegraph talking about the benefits of knitting as therapy.

Tom Daley Knits Dog Jumpers

celebrity knitters and crocheters

As aforementioned, Daley has been knitting and crocheting just about everything he comes across. For example, he made those cat couches that were trending. However, what's really taken off in recent news is that Tom Daley knit dog jumpers. These are adorable little sleeveless sweaters for cute doggos of all kinds. In fact, Insta-famous dog Izzy the Frenchie is going to wear one of Tom Daley's jumpers to fashion week, one he made during the games. Tom shared several photos of dogs wearing sweaters that he knit using a pattern from @knittingland.

Are you a dog lover? Make sure you meet all of the Marly Bird Team's dogs as well as some other crafters pets.

Tom Daley Crochets Adorable Rainbow Textured Sweaters

Although everyone's obsessed with how Tom Daley knits jumpers for dogs, it's his crochet sweaters that are taking over Instagram. He has an Instagram account just for his knit and crochet work. Head there and you'll see an awesome colorful striped sweater that he's raffling off for a good cause (brain tumor research and prevention). You'll see Tom himself in a colorful striped chevron crochet sweater. You'll see a granny hearts rainbow sweater, pattern by sunflowerraes. Tom is always great about letting everyone on Instagram know if something is his original design. If not, he's great about giving credit to the pattern designer.

Don't Forget His Olympic Gold Medal Pouch

One of the first things that he got attention for during this Olmypic season was for knitting his own Gold medal pouch. It has his flag on one side and the Japanese flag on the other. He can take his Olympic gold medal in there to keep it safe and sound. How adorable and wonderful is this?

Other People Knitting at The Olympics

This isn't the first time that we've seen knitting at The Olympic games. For example, in 2018, Bustle reported that Finnish Snowboarding Coach Antti Koskinen was spotted knitting during the snowboarding competition. It was a way for him to keep calm during this stressful time. Knitting grounds us, focuses us, gives our hands something to do. It's all very therapeutic and meditative. People who have anxiety do well to reduce their stress through knitting and crochet. It's surprising that more people aren't doing this … and won't be at all surprising if more people pick it up now.

Remember Ravelympics?

There's some controversy about knitting and the Olympics, though. Remember when Ravelry used to host The Ravelympics? It was a knitting competition, a sort of knit-along during the games when people were encouraged to play “scarf hockey” or participate in a “knitting marathon.” So, what, you ask? We knit and crochet along to sports games all the time? Well, in 2012, the Olympics said heck no. They didn't want knitters naming their “sport” after The Olympics. Therefore, they sent a Cease and Desist letter to Ravelry. They basically said it was “making a mockery of the Games with their needlework.” It was a whole ordeal. We wonder what The Olympics heads are thinking this year now that Tom Daley knits and crochets and it's gone viral with tons of support!

Other Famous People Who Knit or Crochet

As we've mentioned in previous craft news posts, there are lots of celebrities who have taken to knitting and crochet recently. And many more who have been doing it for ages. A partial list that we know of includes:

  • Amy Adams who learned to knit from Meryl Streep
  • Michelle Obama who famously took up knitting during the pandemic
  • Kamala Harris crochets. However, her daughter is a knitter.
  • Demi Lovato, Ryan Goslin, and Julia Roberts are on a long list of knitters compiled by KnitCrate
  • KnitPal also has a list of famous crocheters / knitters that includes crocheters Katy Perry, Bette Davis, and Aretha Franklin
  • And Knitting Authority shares 100 celebrities who knit including TV stars Zooey Deschanel, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Tiffani Amber Thiessen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Wait, Tom Daley knits and crochets too?!

Yes! Honestly, it's so cool to see Olympians using yarn crafts to de-stress. Tom Daley's been knitting and crocheting for a while now, even using it as part of his mindfulness routine during the Olympics.

So he's making cute dog sweaters?

He sure is! Tom's been knitting these adorable little dog jumpers, and they've become super popular. He even shared photos of dogs rocking his creations, and one lucky Frenchie is set to wear one to fashion week!

What about his crochet work? Is it just dog sweaters?

Oh no, he's crocheting some amazing things too! You should totally check out his Instagram… he's got these awesome colorful striped sweaters, and a super fun granny hearts rainbow sweater. He's really good about giving credit to pattern designers when he uses them.

Did he really make a pouch for his Olympic medal?

Yes! How cool is that?! He knitted his own Gold medal pouch with the flags of his country and Japan on it. It's such a sweet way to keep his medal safe.

Has knitting shown up at the Olympics before this?

Yes! It's not the first time yarn crafts have been seen at the Games. Back in 2018, a Finnish coach was spotted knitting to stay calm during a competition. It just goes to show how therapeutic and grounding these crafts can be!

33 Knit and Crochet Owl Projects

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Whooooo's there? Owls! This majestic bird is found on every continent except Antarctica and is a popular choice for projects.

33 Knit and Crochet Owl Projects

Hats and Scarf

These fun knit and crochet owl hats for all ages — and even scarves and a cape — let you dress up as an owl!

Gray owl hat with ear flaps and eyes, worn by a baby sitting on a light background. Text promotes a free knitting pattern.

Toys

These stuffed owls, small and large, work as toys for children or decorations in your home.

Colorful owl cushion, crocheted in orange with blue accents, featuring button eyes, against a light background.

Home Items

If you love owls, show it! With pillows, bags, baskets, mug wraps, and cozies, there's definitely an owl pattern perfect for you!

Crocheted owl container in neutral colors with colorful yarn balls inside, featuring large eyes and a beak.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make owl-themed items for my kids?

Oh goodness, yes! This post is full of adorable owl projects perfect for kids… and kids at heart! You'll find everything from super cute hats and capes to cuddly stuffed toys that they'll just adore.

What kind of owl projects are there besides wearable items?

Honestly, there's a whole hootin' good time waiting for you beyond hats and scarves! We've got darling stuffed owls that make great toys or decorations, and a whole section dedicated to home items like pillows, tote bags, and even a toilet roll cover!

Are these projects just for crocheters?

Nope! While there are tons of crochet patterns, I've made sure to include some fabulous knit owl projects too, like the “It's a Hoot Knit Owl Hat.” So whether you knit or crochet, you'll find something special here.

I'm looking for something to decorate my home with… any ideas?

Yes! If you want to bring some owl love into your living space, you're in luck… There are quite a few home decor options listed, including oversized pillows, cute tote bags, fun containers, and even mug cozies and tea cozies!

What skill level are these owl projects?

So glad you asked… This collection actually features a range of skill levels, but many are listed as “Advanced Beginner,” like the “Give a Hoot Crochet Owl Hat.” That means even if you're still getting the hang of things, you can totally tackle many of these!