Marly Bird, Author at Marly Bird

96 Free Puppy and Dog Projects to Crochet and Knit

March 23, 2021 By Marly Bird 2 Comments

Dogs are man’s best friends! Puppies are always popular, and are a great inspiration for your stitching! My dogs keep me company when I’m working, and yours may too!

Here are 96 free patterns from Yarnspirations inspired for dogs and puppies!

Fun Fact: Olympian Tom Daley knits for dogs.

96 Free Puppy and Dog Projects to Crochet and Knit

Clothes for People

Sometimes we just want to wear items inspired by our dogs! Sweaters and accessories both can have a friendly face on them.

Huggable Puppy Baby Dress Free Knitting Pattern

Toys for People

Kids (and adults!) love playing with dog-inspired toys! These cuddly friends will love you for years to come.

Sammy and Stu Crochet Puppy Free Crochet Pattern

Decor for Home

83 Pet Patterns

Get patterns for your doggie or pup to wear in this collection of 83 pet patterns!

83 Free Pet Patterns to Knit and Crochet

More Dog-Related Blogs

20 Free Mommy and Me Knit and Crochet Patterns

March 22, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

With Mother’s Day coming up, it’s the perfect time to make matching patterns that a mother and child can wear! Plus, for kids who like to mother their dolls, there are some options too! These twenty free mommy and me knit and crochet patterns are versatile, interesting, and fun. Plus, of course, you can always make the child size or the mom size alone if you’re not ready to make a set.

20 Free Mommy and Me Knit and Crochet Patterns

What Is a Mommy and Me Knit or Crochet Pattern?

All of these patterns have sizes that fit an adult woman and a child! Some of the sizes are within the same pattern, while a few have separate patterns for the coordinating pieces. The idea of a mommy and me pattern is that “mom” can wear one size and the child or children can wear a piece that matches. Use the same colors for an extra-matching look!

Mommy and me knit and crochet patterns make the child feel special. They get to dress up like Mom. If you gift them to someone, you celebrate their bond. And you can think outside of the box when it comes to who is “mommy” and “child.” For example, make a mommy pattern for grandma and matching child patterns as your Mother’s Day gift to your own mom. These sets also make great charity donations to places such as domestic violence shelters.

15 Free Mommy and Me Knit and Crochet Patterns

Here are fifteen of my favorite assorted mommy and me knit and crochet patterns. There are some really cute accessories. Find hats, mitts, cowls, and slippers. There are also some great garments like matching cardigans and pullovers.

Just Like Mom
One for Me One For You Knit Cardigan (adult and child)
Big Stitch Pullover (adult and child)
Cuddly Cables Cardigan (adult and child)
Casual Pullover (adult and child)
Mum and Me Crochet Bolero (child) and Shawl (adult)
Mom and Me Crochet Ponchos
Just Me and Mom Ponchos
Aprons for Mom and Me
Mom and Me Slippers
Mom and Daughter Love Mitts
Snowflake Hat and Mittens Set
Just Like Mom Cowl
Mommy and Me Messy Bun Hats
Mom and Me Bunny Scrubby Mitts

Just Me and Mom Ponchos Free Knitting Patterns

Dolly and Me Knit and Crochet Patterns

Kids who want to copy their parents now can! They’ll feel so grown up when their doll wears a sweater or poncho to match them. If you really want to get creative, make a mommy pattern that looks similar to one of the matching “dolly and me” patterns featured here:

Just Like Me Doll Shrug Free Crochet Pattern

Bonus: Kangaroo Pattern

Just like in the Winnie the Pooh books, kangaroos are a great example of mother-and-child from the animal kingdom. You and your child will love playing with this crocheted set together! Although it’s not a traditional “mommy and me” pattern, I think it’s such a fun twist on the concept. Plus it’s a versatile gift for all kinds of different occasions.

Mama Kangaroo and Joey Free Crochet Pattern

Also on the Blog

83 Free Springtime Crochet and Knit Patterns

March 19, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Springtime decorations and accessories are here! Look through these new springtime patterns, plus round-ups of patterns for bunnies, chicks, ducklings, lambs, and Easter and you’ll find the perfect pattern!

83 Free Springtime Crochet and Knit Patterns

Springtime Patterns

These patterns are the perfect addition to your springtime crafting!

Springtime Home Decor

Bring springtime inside with these blankets, wall hanging and other spring decor items.

Scrubbies and Dishcloths

Have friends and family over, then clean up with these floral cleaners!

Spring Clothing and Accessories

These free clothing and accessory patterns are ready and waiting to update your wardrobe.

58 Free Bunny Rabbit Patterns to Crochet and Knit

Kids and babies look adorable in bunny-themed outfits and hats! Make decorations for a new nursery or just for seasonal cheer.

13 Free Chicks and Ducks Crochet and Knit Patterns

Chicks and ducks are an enduring symbol of springtime. With clothes and toys, everyone can find something to chirp about!

13 Free Sheep Patterns | Crochet and Knit

Show your love for sheep and lambs and their wool with these projects you can make, including home dec and toys.

23 Knit and Crochet Easter Decorations and Accessories

Easter is almost here, and with it come flowers and Easter eggs! Make decorations now and use them year after year for a houseful of memories.

Other Holiday Blogs

30 Marly Bird Knit Hat Patterns – One For Every Season and Occasion

March 18, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for knit hat patterns, then you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find a complete roundup of Marly Bird knit hat patterns. Many of these are free patterns that are also available as ad-free PDFs for purchase. You’ll also find lots of them have video tutorials to accompany them.

30 Marly Bird Knit Hat Patterns - One For Every Season and Occasion

We’ve categorized the knit hat patterns in various ways, starting with links to beginner patterns and then advanced patterns. You’ll also find hats for bulky winter knit hats vs, lighter warm weather hats, hats for babies vs. hats for adults, etc. Of course, some hats fall into multiple categories, and we’ve listed them by name and link a second time where appropriate.

Beginner Knit Hat Patterns by Marly Bird

If you’re just beginning to make knit hats, then these are the best patterns for you. These are also great choices for advanced knitters who want easy, instant gratification projects for mindful crafting.

Absolute Beginner Chunky Knit Hat Free Pattern

I wrote this pattern specifically with beginner knitters in mind. It includes all of the notes necessary to make it an easy “first knit hat” pattern. Plus it has a step-by-step video tutorial. Using #7 weight yarn, it works up really quickly.

Absolute Beginner Preemie Baby Hat Free Pattern

Preemie Baby Hat Free Knit Pattern for Beginners

Even a brand new knitter can make a hat to donate for charity. This preemie baby hat free knit pattern keeps little heads warm with soft, safe yarn. It works up super fast, since it’s such a small item. And yet it’s so satisfying to make.

Donna’s Denver Football Hat

Striped Stockinette Knit Hat Free Pattern

If you know how to knit and how to purl then you can quickly knit this team spirit hat. You’ll work this hat primarily in stockinette stitch. The only thing that makes it slightly more advanced is the use of Kitchener stitch for seaming this bottom-up hat at the end. However, I’ve included written instructions and a video tutorial for you.

It’s So Suite Knit Hat Free Pattern

You might think that the beautiful chevron pattern requires advanced knitting skills. However, that’s not the case with this hat. You simply place knits and purls strategically to create the all-over subtle one-color chevron design. The hat requires no shaping and includes a video tutorial for support. This is a one-ball pattern that works up quickly and is great for gifting.

Seed Stitch Knit Hat Free Pattern

Advanced beginners can easily work the seed stitch. You just knit your purls and purl your knits. This is a one-ball quick hat pattern.

Advanced Knit Marly Bird Hat Patterns

If you’re an advanced crafter looking for a bit of a challenge, then these knit hat patterns might be right for you.

Honeycomb and Fair Isle Knit Hat Free Pattern

The Capriciously Chic Knit Hat free pattern uses honeycomb cable stitch with Fair Isle colorwork for a bold two-tone design. This design is thick and textured. It comes with a chart and a video tutorial to support you in working the design.

Cable Knit Kat Free Pattern

The Curvaceously Chic Knit Hat free pattern uses cable stitches in combination with regular knit stitch to create terrific all-over texture. This is an intermediate hat pattern designed for joy thanks to a bright color and a fun pom.

Chill Out Winter Hat Pattern

This is a Fair Isle knit hat worked in a traditional snowflake design. It’s perfect for winter wear, but it’s made with a worsted weight yarn, not a bulkier weight, so it’s comfortable in varying temperatures. The Latvian Braid is a particularly fun detail on this hat. It separates the brim from the body on this hat that’s worked from brim to crown.

Chic Knit Lace Hat Free Pattern

An advanced beginner who knows how to work with charts could probably tackle this knit lace hat. However, it’s really designed for intermediate or advanced crocheters. Using baby cables, lace, and the right yarn, you end up with a sophisticated, romantic, knit slouch hat.

Entrelac Knit Hat

Most of these knitting patterns are free here on the site. But this Entrelac Knit Hat is one that you’ll only find in one of my knitting books. Find it in I Can’t Believe I’m Entrelac Knitting, available in print and digital form.

Skeeter Beanie Knit Hat

If you like entrelac knit patterns then you might also want to check out the Skeeter Beanie Knit Hat, for sale through Ravelry.

Huckleberry Hat

Here’s one more entrelac knit hat pattern for you, also for sale on Ravelry.

Bulky Winter Knit Hat Patterns

Working with bulky yarns gives you warm knit hats that are cozy in the winter. These are great for gifts and donations to charity. Moreover, they work up quickly so you get that satisfaction of a quick project.

Of the projects shown above, here are the ones that also fit into the Bulky Knit Hat Category:

Here are some other bulky knit hat patterns:

Ebb and Flow Knit Hat Free Pattern

This fast knit hat free pattern works up super quickly because the pattern calls for super bulky weight yarn. Have it done in just a couple of hours.

Pom Pom Knit Hat Free Pattern

Use a special jumbo weight yarn that’s designed with pom poms on a string to create this cozy winter knit hat. The body of the hat is made with simple stockinette stitch so that the brim and top pom take center stage.

Snowboarder Knit and Crochet Hat

Bicrafty folks will find that they can make both a knit version and a crochet version of this warm, chunky snowboarder hat.

Berry Burst Hat and Scarf Set

This pattern set was published in the Winter 2012 issue of Love of Knitting, which you can purchase in digital version.

Spring and Summer Knit Hat Patterns

You can wear hats all year long. However, bulky hats are often too hot to wear in the winter months. That’s when you’ll want to check out these lighter weight knit hat patterns instead.

Of the projects shown above, here are the ones that are great for warmer weather:

Chic Lace Knit Hat Free Pattern

And although it can be used all year long, if you’re looking for knit hats made with lightweight yarn then you might want to check out:

Pink Courage Knit Chemo Cap

This bottom-up seamless hat is worked in the round using soft yarn that makes it a prefect chemo cap. I designed this in honor of my friend Nicole. It’s filled with beautiful intertwining cables which she loved, representing all of the lives hers touched before we lost her too soon to cancer.

Slouchy Knit Hat Free Pattern

The bright green color of this hat is perfect for spring! It’s a slouch hat with a ribbed brim and a pom on top. The star of the design is a bold cable panel.

Striped Slouch Hat Free Knit Pattern

This is another knit hat pattern that works throughout the year. It’s a unisex striped design worked in four different colors.

Paris Beret Knit Hat

Although warm, the beret style is truly perfect for spring. This hat pattern was published in the June / July 2012 issue of Your Knitting Life which is now available for eReader download on Nook.

Slouchy Bliss Knit Hat Pattern

Use luxury yarn to make this chic knit hat. Find the pattern for sale on Ravelry.

Gerri Hat Knit Pattern

The eyelets on this knit hat pattern make it perfect for springtime. Buy the pattern on Ravelry.

Knit Hats for Babies

The following hats are only available in baby sizes:

Absolute Beginner Preemie Baby Hat Free Pattern

Knit Hats for Adults

The following hats are designed for adult sizes only:

And here are some other knit hat patterns for adults:

Afternoon Delight Quickie Knit Hat Pattern (with matching cowl pattern)

afternoon delight quick knit hat free pattern

This is a stash busting quickie hat pattern. Work it up in a few short hours using a combination of basic knit stitches and a few special stitches. It’s a colorful Aran or Worsted weight knit hat. Moreover, it comes with the free pattern for a matching knit cowl.

Double Dip Knit Hat Free Pattern

This ribbed knit hat pattern uses dip stitches to create fishtail braid texture. Thanks to complete photo and video tutorials, this is easier than you might expect.

Knit Skater Hat Free Pattern

This striped knit skater hat pattern was designed with men and teen boys in mind. However, it’s a sporty, casual, unisex design.

Ratatouille Knit Hat Pattern

This easy knit pattern is for a tam-style hat. You can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

Eyelet Hat and Scarf Pattern Set

Find this pattern set published in the Holiday 2008 issue of Knit Simple. Back issues available for sale.

Knit Hat Patterns with Pom Poms

These knit hat patterns all have pom poms that make them just a little bit more fun:

You’ll also find a Marly Bird knit hat pattern with a pom in the book Stitch Mountain: 30 Warm Knits for Conquering the Cold.

And the Slouchy Knit Hat with Pom in Knitting for Dummies, 3rd Edition.

Knit Hat Patterns with Cables

These knit hats, which you can learn more about above, all featuring cables:

And if you love cables then you might want to buy my Dual Cable Knit Hat pattern.

You Might Also Like:

In addition to all of these knit hat patterns, you might also like:

6 Knit and Crochet Trends with Free Patterns for Each of Them

March 18, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

If you’re not sure what you want to make next, then you might find yourself browsing for inspiration. Of course, you can sift through Ravelry patterns or P:interest boards. But maybe you’d be better off honing in on some hot knit and crochet trends. Here are six fun trends that Yarnspirations designers have identified along with lots of links and patterns related to those trends.

This post may contain affiliate links. I get a percentage of those sales. Your price doesn’t change when you use these links. Thank you for your support.

1. Ancient Crafts

Check out the Yarnspirations Trend Spotting Lookbook. Yarnspirations asks us designers about our thoughts on current trends, the lookbook shows what we came up with for right now. The first thing up is the trend celebrating Ancient Crafts.

The idea here is to celebrate the crafts are ancestors used in their daily lives. Of course, knitting and crochet are celebrated crafts of the past. But in particular these patterns combine earth tones, ancient motifs, and rich textures.

For example, check out the Lily Sugar’n Cream Mosaic Stitch crochet dishcloth free pattern:

And the free knit pattern for the Bernat Slip Stitch blanket:

2. Playful Abundance

The next section of the knit and crochet trends look book is all about celebrating spring. It’s about bright colors, bold prints, florals and lots of layered embellishments. It’s playful and creative.

For example, check out the Caron Crochet Petal Pillows free pattern:

And the free knit pattern for the Pom Pom Poppies Blanket:

3. Minimalism

Just because abundance is one of the knit and crochet trends that some people love doesn’t mean that it’s right for everyone. In fact, the exact opposite – minimalism – is also trending right now. If you’re more on the minimalist side, then check out these patterns. They’re neutral in tone with clean lines, letting the knit and crochet stitches be the stars of the show.

For example, check out the Lily Sugar’n Cream Lunar Lunch Crochet Placemats.

The Patons Fade to Summer Gradient Knit T-Shirt is the perfect example of how a minimalist knit design can look super sophisticated. No wonder this is one of spring’s knit and crochet trends.

4. Power of Circles

Circles are powerful symbols found all throughout nature. The moon, the sun, the planets … and smaller and bigger things as well. Because it’s springtime it’s a great time to be in touch with nature. So the power of circles is one of the most inspiring knit and crochet trends.

The Bernat Crochet It’s a Phase free pillow pattern celebrating the phases of the moon.

The Patons Breezy Knit Beret is crafted in the round.

Do you love that circles are on trend? You might want to check out 20 free knit and crochet circle patterns and Circle in Square knit and crochet patterns.

5. Quilty Celebration

In addition to the four knit and crochet trends in the Trend Spotting Lookbook, Yarnspirations has rounded up two additional types of patterns that recognize recent trends. The first of those is a trend towards quilts as inspiration, in quilting and sewing but also in knitting and crochet.

For example, check out the Red Heart Scrap Quilt Throw free crochet pattern.

And also be sure to check out the Caron Spring Quilt Knit Blanket.

If you love this trend then you might also like my Crochet Chic Log Cabin blanket pattern.

6. Waves of Neutrals

And finally, neutrals are trending. We saw this a little bit already in the minimalism patterns and the patterns celebrating ancient crafts. However, find even more in the Waves of Neutrals pattern roundup.

Check out the Bernat Here and There Crochet Blanket free pattern.

And the Red Heart Posh & Pocketed Super Scarf free knitting pattern.

You Might Also Like:

Tournament of Stitches 2021 has just started. It’s such a fun stitch-along (with patterns for knitters and crocheters,) And you’ll find that it actually hits several of the knit and crochet trends that Yarnspirations identified. Join us today!

9 Free Panda Crochet and Knit Patterns

March 16, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Giant pandas are loved all over the world! With their unique black and white marking and their love of bamboo, they’re instantly recognizable. Celebrate pandas on March 16 for National Panda Day!