Marly Bird, Author at Marly Bird

Seed Stitch Knit Hat Free Pattern: Beginner, One-Ball,…

March 11, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Beginner knitters looking for a next-step project would do well to check out this seed stitch knit hat free pattern. The seed stitch is a very easy knit stitch. It's also a very repetitive stitch pattern so advanced knitters seeking a meditative (or mindless!) project will also want to bookmark this one. As a one-ball project that works up within a few hours, it's great for making a last-minute gift or accessory.

What Is Knit Seed Stitch?

Bicrafty folks might already know that there's a crochet seed stitch as well as a knit seed stitch. Seed stitch can also go by a variety of different names in either craft. But basically, when you knit seed stitch, you work knits and purls into one another. You'll knit your purls and purl your knits.

Therefore, if you get stuck at all with where you are in this project, then you simply need to look at the next stitch that's on your needle. If the next stitch is a knit stitch, then you'll work a purl stitch into it. And if the next stitch is a purl stitch then you'll work a knit stitch into it. It's easy-peasy. And it creates a really great texture that's perfect for your knit hat.

Meditative – or Mindless – Stitching

When you have a really simply repeating knit stitch pattern like this, you can approach your project in one of two ways.

On one hand, it is perfect for mindless stitching. For example, if you want to knit while watching your favorite tv show, then you can easily do that with this seed stitch knit hat free pattern. Even if you get immersed in the show, you'll easily continue to work the stitch pattern.

On the other hand, you can approach a pattern like this with mindfulness or meditation in mind. Mindfulness means that you pay attention to the details of each moment. A repetitive stitch pattern can help lull you into a state that allows for mindfulness practice.

One-Ball, Quick, Easy Hat Pattern

This is a one-ball hat pattern. Therefore, you can use it as a stash buster. Or you can find a really great luxury yarn in your stash to make a special hat using this pattern.

It's also a quick hat pattern. You should be able to work it up in just a few hours. Therefore, it's a great go-to pattern for last minute projects. You can use it to whip up a gift. If you want to add a cute accessory to an outfit, then use this pattern. Or, if you just want the instant gratification of a start-to-finish same-day project, then give this seed stitch knit hat free pattern a whirl.

Get the Seed Stitch Knit Hat Free Pattern

Ready to get stitching? Get the seed stitch knit hat free pattern here or click the image below:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is seed stitch exactly?

So here's the thing… seed stitch is when you alternate knits and purls, knitting your purls and purling your knits. If you're ever unsure, just look at the stitch on your needle. If it's a knit, purl it. If it's a purl, knit it! It makes such a lovely texture for hats.

Is this hat pattern good for beginners?

Yes! This seed stitch knit hat pattern is perfect for beginner knitters looking for their next step. The stitch itself is super easy and very repetitive, making it totally approachable.

Can I really make this hat with just one ball of yarn?

Honestly… yes! This is designed as a one-ball project, so it's fantastic for using up stash yarn. You could even pick out a really special luxury yarn to make it extra special.

How long does it take to knit this hat?

Good news! This hat works up really quickly… you should be able to finish it in just a few hours. It's a great option for a last-minute gift or if you just want that instant gratification of finishing a project the same day!

Is seed stitch good for mindless knitting?

Oh absolutely… if you want to knit while watching your favorite show, this pattern is perfect for that! But you can also use it for mindful meditation… focusing on each stitch can be so calming.

Ultimate Guide to Knitting Needles: Everything a…

March 11, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Are you ready to start knitting? If so then the first thing you need to figure out is what kind of supplies you'll need to get started. Obviously, you'll need knitting needles. Pretty soon, choosing your needles for a project will be second nature. But as you get started, it can feel a little daunting. This guide tells you all there is to know about different types of knitting needles. After all, the more knowledge you have, the easier it will be to make decisions about your supple needs.

NEW TO KNITTING? SIGN UP NOW FOR MARLY BIRD'S FREE BICRAFTY BOOT CAMP: KNITTING LESSONS FOR CROCHETERS. NON-CROCHETERS WHO ARE NEW TO KNITTING ARE WELCOME TOO.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I get a percentage of sales made from those links. Your price doesn't increase. Thank you for your support.

Note for Crocheters Learning to Knit

If you're a crocheter seeking to become bicrafty by learning how to knit then you have a bit of an edge up on others. You already know the anatomy of a crochet hook. While knitting needles differ from crochet hooks, you'll be able to easily grasp the different parts of the needle.

Likewise, you'll quickly comprehend that knitting needles can be made in different sizes that correspond in large part to the yarn that you'll use. When you look at a yarn label, you're used to checking what size crochet hook it calls for. Although you've likely ignored it for years, there's a knitting needle size listed there as well. For example, Red Heart Hello Gorgeous yarn is a worsted weight yarn that calls for size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook or size 8 (5 mm) knitting needles.

Also,, you'll know that knitting needles can be made from different materials (such as aluminum or bamboo.) However, don't assume that what's true of yarn on hooks is exactly the same on needles. There are slight differences that you should be aware of when choosing your knitting needles.

Finally, when you go to look at knitting needle options, you might feel overwhelmed because there are soooo many choices. But think of it like with crochet hooks: there are tapered and inline crochet hooks, hooks made of different materials, different hook sizes, and ergonomic hooks. You could easily spend a fortune buying them all but the reality is that when you get started as a beginner, you only need a few. Then over time you'll explore others. Don't let it overwhelm you. You can start with a few basic knitting needles and expand later.

3 Types of Knitting Needles

There are three main types of knitting needles: straight needles, double point needles (also called dpns) and circular needles. The very brief summary is that straight needles are for working in rows, dpns for working in the round, and circular needles can do both. Circular needles are the most versatile and tend to be the option of choice for many knitters so as a beginner that might be where you'd like to start.

Straight Needles

If you've ever seen a drawing of someone knitting then you've probably seen straight needles. Or if you ever watched your grandmother knit when you were young, then you probably saw her straight needles. After all, they were the only kind around when she was learning knitting as a girl. So, when you first picture knitting needles, this is probably what you have in mind.

Straight needles are used to work back and forth, never in rounds. They are usually 10″ – 14″ in length. And they can get quite heavy. Therefore, they aren't the most common needles used in the US today. Depending on the type of knitting you're doing, you may want some, though. It's good to know what they are. Sometimes these are also called single point needles.

Even within this category, there are different options. For example, ChiaoGoo has straight, speciality, and flexible single point needles.

Double Pointed Needles (DPNs)

Whereas single point needles have a pointed end on one side and a flat end on the other, double pointed needles have points at both ends.

Double Pointed Needles are shorter, and therefore lighter, than straight needles. They're typically about 6″ – 8″ in length. You don't buy them individually but rather in sets of either 4 or 5.

You'll work on either 3 or 4 of them at a time, working in the round, using the loose one to knit with. Beginner knitters may want to get a set of DPNs to work with.

Circular Knitting Needles

Circular knitting needles are versatile knitting needles used to work both in rows and in the round. Therefore, they're a popular choice. If you're seeking to buy knitting needles for the first time then circular knitting needles are your best bet.

As we'll discuss more below in the section on the anatomy of a knitting needle, circular knitting needles have a cable. The cable holds the stitches for you. (Whereas on a straight needle all of the stitches are on that long needle, on circular needles, they're held on the cable). We'll discuss this further in the section below on knitting needle sizes.

Interchangeable Knitting Needles

Interchangeable knitting needles are a specific type of circular knitting needles. With regular circular needles, you'll buy a bunch of different sized needles as well as different sized cables. An interchangeable knitting needle set allows you to detach the cable from the rest of the needle so that you can mix-and-match your sizes. Beginner knitters would serve themselves well to get a set of interchangeable knitting needles.

That said, they have pros and cons. They feel a little bit different than regular circular needles (because there's a place where the parts pull apart on interchangeables.) What you prefer is up to you and you'll just have to try different types and brands of knitting needles to figure that out.

One important point is that you won't remove knitting needles from a project that's in the works. Sometimes crocheters take a hook out of one project to use it on another. But with knitting that can easily lead to the first project falling apart. Therefore, if you are going to have different WIPs going at the same time, you'll need different needles in each of them. With interchangeables, you might have the needle part you need in an existing project so you can't use it for another. If that sounds like you, then you'll either need multiple sets of interchangeable knitting needles or you might want to try sets of circular knitting needles so you can use different sizes in different projects.

Note that “regular” circular needles (that aren't interchangeable) are also called fixed knitting needles.

Note also that there is a tool called a cable knitting needle. It's essentially a cable that is made of a solid piece of wood or aluminum. We'll discuss this tool more in our upcoming article on Knitting Tools, Supplies, and Notions.

Anatomy of a Knitting Needle

Each knitting needle has certain parts. Each part can have slight variations that have different pros and cons for different projects. Here's what you need to know about the basic anatomy of a knitting needle:

Tip, or Point, of a Knitting Needle

In terms of where this is located on the knitting needle, it's pretty obvious. So why does it matter? Because you can have tips in varying degrees of sharpness. There are very sharp points and much duller points. Neither is better than the other overall but what you want can vary significantly depending upon your knitting style, the pattern, and the yarn that you're working with. Therefore, as a beginning knitter, you'll want to explore needles with different tip sharpness to figure out how they each work for you.

Needle Shaft

If you're a crocheter then you know that a crochet hook has a shaft. It's the part of the hook that is flat instead of round. On knitting needles, there's a tapered part and then there's the shaft which is not tapered. You don't want your stitches to fall off of the knitting needles. Therefore, they need to sit up on the shaft of the needle.

Cable

When working with straight needles, you may use a cable to prevent stitches from falling off as you work. The cable size is proportionate to the needle size. In other words, bigger needles use bigger cables. The stitch size may be affected by the cable size, which is why this matters.

Circular knitting needles also have cables. However, they are skinny cables that don't typically affect the size of the stitches. However, the place where the shaft joins the cable can be rough or uneven if you'er using poor quality of damaged knitting needles. This can make your knitting more difficult. Look at this area of you're troubleshooting problems with your knitting needles.

Knitting Needle Sizes

There are two different measurements you need to know for knitting needles: the length and the needle size.

Knitting Needle Lengths

The length is pretty straightforward – the measurement of the needle from tip to end (on straight needles) or tip to tip (on circular needles). For example, ChiaoGoo offers straight knitting needles in five sizes: 7″, 9″, 12″, 13″ and 20″.

But don't forget that you'll use cables on circular needles and cable lengths also differ. As you get more into knitting, you'll get a better sense of the cable size you'll need for different projects. For example, if you're knitting a large project such as an afghan, then you want a cable that's at least 36″ long. On the other hand, if you're knitting a hat, you'll want a shorter cable. Note that you'll often use different size cables – or needle lengths – even within the same project. As a beginner, rely on the pattern to let you know what to use.

Going back to the topic of interchangeables, let's say that you have circular needles in sizes 6 and 7 and you have each one in lengths of 16″ and 24″ and 36″. So you have six needles all together – 3 lengths for each of two sizes. If you use interchangeables instead, then you'll have two shafts (size 6 and 7) and three cables (to bring the lengths to 16″ and 24″ and 36″.) And of course you might use those cables on other size needles as well. So that should give you a sense of different needle sizes and how cables work when it comes to interchangeable circular knitting needles.

Knitting Needle Sizes (mm)

If you're a crocheter then you know that crochet hooks are measured in sizes. As described above, a worsted weight yarn pattern might call for a size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook. Often, that number is written / etched right on to the crochet hook. So you can look at the hook and see what size it is.

Unfortunately, knitting needles are less likely to have the size written right on the needle. (Straight needles often do but other needles often don't.) However, there are different sizes just like there are with crochet hooks. And it's actually not that hard to figure out what size your needle is thanks to needle gauges. You should keep one of these handy at all times. You simply stick the knitting needle through the holes until you find the one that matches up, and then you'll know what size knitting needle you have in your hand.

The size of your crochet hook or knitting needle typically corresponds to the weight of the yarn. The smallest knitting needles are 000 – 3 for fingering weight and sock weight yarn. Mid-weight yarns like DK and worsted calls for size 5 – 9 needles. And there are needles that start at size 17 and go up to as high as 50 for jumbo yarn.

That said, you might use a bigger hook / needle with a finer yarn in order to achieve a certain effect. And you might go up or down a size to achieve the gauge that the pattern calls for. Play around with different knitting needle sizes as you get used to the craft.

Materials of Knitting Needles

Just like with crochet hooks, there are different materials used to make knitting needles. You'll commonly find them made of metal, wood, and plastic. You might also find needles made of other more unique materials.

Each material grips the yarn a bit differently. The yarn will slide around a lot on metal needles. It won't slide nearly as much on wooden needles. Since you don't want to drop your stitches, the material can matter a lot. But it's all about what you're comfortable with. Try different types of knitting needles to see what material works best for you.

Ready to Buy Some Knitting Needles?

Check out our suggestions for the best knitting needles for beginners.

How to Store Your Knitting Needles

You'll want to store your knitting needles in an organized fashion. In particular, if you have knitting needles that don't have the size written right on them, then it makes sense to store them in order of size. That way you'll easily see what size you're grabbing from storage for your project. Of course, you can double check it with your needle gauge but make life easy on yourself by keeping it organized.

There are many different options for storage. Some are more aesthetically pleasing and others are more functional. You might have more than one storage option. For example, if you have your grandmother's old straight needles with the size etched into them then you might store those in a beautiful vase on your craft table. Then you might have a big storage area that holds the majority of your needles and cables. And you might also have a set of knitting needles in an organized storage caddy that goes with you wherever you go. The main thing is that you want to be able to easily access whatever knitting needles you need for a project.

Here's our complete guide to knitting needle storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of knitting needles?

There are three main types. Straight needles are the classic pair you probably picture… great for flat projects worked in rows. Circular needles have two needle tips connected by a flexible cable… you can use them for projects in the round like hats and sweaters, but also for flat projects (the cable holds all your stitches so you don't have to worry about them falling off). Double-pointed needles (DPNs) come in sets of 4 or 5 and are used for small circumference projects like socks and the tops of hats.

What material should my knitting needles be made of?

It depends on your yarn and your preferences! Metal needles are smooth and fast… great for slippery yarns and quick knitting. Bamboo and wood needles have a slight grip that's wonderful for beginners (stitches don't slide off accidentally) and for working with slippery fibers. Plastic needles are lightweight and budget-friendly. Acrylic yarn tends to work well with metal or bamboo. Grippy fibers like mohair do better with smoother needles. Try a few types and see what feels best in your hands!

Do I need different needles for different yarn weights?

Yes! Needle size and yarn weight go hand in hand. The yarn label will recommend a needle size range, and the pattern will specify what size to use. Going up a needle size creates a looser, softer fabric. Going down creates a tighter, denser fabric. For most projects, you want to match the needle size to achieve the pattern's specified gauge. The Craft Yarn Council has a great chart that shows which needle sizes pair with which yarn weights… it's a helpful reference for beginners.

What needle length should I choose?

For circular needles, the cable length matters! For knitting in the round, your cable should be shorter than your project's circumference (so there's no strain). A 16-inch circular works for most hats. A 32 or 40-inch circular is great for sweaters and blankets. For flat knitting on circulars, longer is generally better since more stitches can comfortably rest on the cable. For straight needles, 9-inch straights are great for small projects and 14-inch for larger ones. Magic loop technique lets you use a long circular for any size project in the round!

Can crocheters learn to use knitting needles?

Absolutely! If you already crochet, you have a head start because you understand yarn tension and stitch construction. The hand movements are different (crochet uses one hook, knitting uses two needles) but the concepts overlap. Many crocheters find circular needles easier to learn on than long straight needles. Marly teaches knitting for crocheters in BiCrafty Bootcamp… it's a fantastic structured way to make the transition if you want to become fully BiCrafty!

Slouchy Knit Hat Free Pattern

March 10, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Sometimes the best thing that you can do when designing a knit hat is just to simplify. Sure, it's fun to play with new yarns and explore advanced knitting techniques. But when the yarn is perfect, you can use a fairly straightforward design to showcase it. The result is chic and stylish. I think that's what I've achieved with this slouchy knit hat free pattern.

Make a Big Cable The Star of the Show

In terms of design, this hat was created to boldly showcase a panel of knit cables. It's always fun to knit cables. They make such a classic statement. They're sophisticated. They have a sense of style. Yet, despite their rich history across centuries of knitting, cables can always look contemporary. So the main thing that this slouchy knit hat free pattern is all about is the broad cable panel across the front.

Showcase the Yarn with This Slouchy Knit Hat Free Pattern

I designed this pattern using my Chic Sheep yarn. The yarn is luxurious to the touch, and you can almost see that when you look at it in this design. I chose a rich green color for this hat which I named “Road to Success.” Whether success to you looks like lots of money in the bank or a relaxed life out in nature, green is the color that comes to mind. Of course, you could choose a different color for this hat to create your own statement. But the green is a solid choice that stands out as a beautiful accessory. And you can see that the cable looks really good in that green hue!

A Ribbed Brim Keeps The Hat In Place

You'll use a simple K1 tbl, p 1 repeat around six rounds to create the brim of this hat. The result is a ribbed brim. Obviously this is always a good choice for keeping the hat securely on your head. It stays in place and doesn't let in the cold. It works especially well with a slouchy hat, which this knit cable hat with pom is designed to be. The slouch gives it a bit of a sporty, casual feel. The ribbing and cabling maintains the sophistication. It's a very versatile design.

Add a Pom On Top

Top off the slouchy knit hat free pattern with a Pom Pom on top. You can easily use a Pom Pom maker to create this finishing touch for the design. The pom complements the sportiness of the slouch hat style. Because it's worked in the same solid color as the rest of the hat, it's still stylishly sophisticated. This is the kind of hat that almost anyone can wear almost anywhere. Make it the star of the show by wearing it with an outfit in neutral colors. It's a quick way to add panache to an on-the-go outfit.

Get the Slouchy Knit Hat Free Pattern

If you're ready to make the hat then get the free pattern here or click the image below:

You Might Also Like:

Here are some of my other knit hat patterns that feature cables as a key aspect of the design:

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main design feature of this hat pattern?

So here's the thing… the main star of this hat is definitely the big cable panel right across the front! It's designed to really make that cable pop and be the main focus.

What kind of yarn did you use for this slouchy hat?

Honestly… I designed this one using my Chic Sheep yarn because it's just so luxurious. I used a gorgeous green color called “Road to Success,” but you can totally pick any color you love!

How does the brim stay on the head so well?

Yes! The ribbed brim is made with a simple K1 tbl, p1 repeat for about six rounds. This makes it super snug and helps keep the hat securely on your head, even with that slouchy style!

Can I add a pom-pom to this hat?

Oh absolutely! You can totally top off this hat with a pom-pom. It adds a fun, sporty touch that perfectly complements the casual feel of a slouch hat, but keeps it chic.

Where can I find the actual free pattern to make this hat?

You're in luck! You can grab the free pattern right here on the page… just look for the link or click the image below the “Add a Pom On Top” section. Happy making!

Knit Skater Hat Free Pattern: Striped, Unisex, Sporty…

March 9, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

This striped knit skater hat is a free intermediate knitting pattern. It has some optional features that elevate it to the next level including an elastic band that makes for perfect adjustable fit. It was designed with men in mind. However, it definitely works as a unisex design. it's an easy, sporty, casual hat to wear anytime throughout the year.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase for one, then I get a percentage of the sale. However, your price doesn't change. Thank you for your ongoing support.

About This Knit Skater Hat

This hat was designed as a skater-style casual hat. It's designed with men or teen boys in mind. However, it's a cute unisex design that easily works for women as well. If you want to donate hats to charity or make a bunch of gifts for future presents then this hat pattern is a good one to bookmark.

This is a striped hat pattern. Worked in two different colors, you have a variety of different options for color play. For example, work with two similar colors for a subtler striped look. In contrast, choose two complementary colors for a bolder design. If you're making this hat for a specific person, then consider using their two favorite colors or the colors of their favorite sports team.

Design note: You'll cut the yarn each time that you end off with one color and begin again with the other. You won't carry the unused yarn in this particular knit hat design.

This hat combines stockinette stitch and regular knit stitch with kfb (knitting front and back). It's more advanced than a beginner knit hat but an advanced beginner or intermediate knitter could enjoy this pattern.

Optional Designs Features Elevate the Pattern

There are two optional design features on this knit skater hat. First, there's the pom on top. It tops the design off nicely, giving it that finished sporty look. However, the hat works perfectly well without it, too. If you're looking for a more versatile, casual design then you can leave the pom off.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, is the optional elastic band. If you add this, it makes the hat much more comfortable. Obviously you don'y have to be a skateboarder to wear a knit skater hat. It can be just about the style. But if the hat is for a skateboarder then rest assured that it will stay on the head with this adjustable elastic band. In other words, it's a functional feature of the design as well as an aesthetic choice.

That said, beginner knitters – or people seeking to simplify the pattern – can leave off one or both of these optional features. In fact, you might want to knit the hat in a few different styles to find out what you like best.

Get the Knit Skater Hat Pattern

Are you excited to get started working on this knit skater hat? If so, then click here to get the pattern or click the image below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of crafter is this hat pattern for?

So here's the thing… this hat pattern is designed for an intermediate knitter. It uses techniques like stockinette stitch, regular knit stitch, and kfb (knitting front and back). If you're looking for something a little more challenging than a super simple beginner project, this one's for you!

Can I make this hat if I'm a total beginner?

Honestly… yes! While it's listed as intermediate, there are optional features you can skip if you're just starting out. You can leave off the pom and the elastic band to simplify things. It's a great pattern to try as you move up from beginner projects.

Is this hat just for guys?

Yes! Although it was initially designed with men and teen boys in mind, it's definitely a cute unisex design. Women can totally rock this hat too, so don't hesitate to make one for yourself!

What makes this hat “sporty”?

Well, it has a really casual, sporty vibe… and there's an optional elastic band feature. This makes it super functional, especially if you're making it for someone active like a skateboarder, as it'll help keep the hat on their head.

How do the stripes work in this pattern?

Oh, that's easy! For the stripes, you'll actually cut the yarn each time you switch colors. You don't need to worry about carrying any yarn up the side, which makes it a bit simpler to manage those color changes.

Fun With Unique Yarn: Pom Pom Knit Hat Free Pattern

March 9, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Are you looking for something different and fun to knit? Something with some whimsy and character? Then look no further because you've found it. This Pom Pom knit hat free pattern uses two types of yarn, one of which is Pom Pom yarn. The result is a cozy hat with tons of personality that you can knit up quickly.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links in which case I receive a portion of any sales from those links. Your price doesn't change. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Pomp-A-Doodle Yarn

This Pom Pom knit hat free pattern was designed specifically to showcase the fun Red Heart Pomp-a-Doodle yarn.

The yarn itself is made with big pom poms that are strung together. There are approximately four inches of string between each Pom Pom. You knit or more or less like normal, working on the string, not the poms themselves.. if you're not sure about it, then check out this video if you want some tips for knitting with Pom Pom yarn.

This is considered a #7 jumbo weight yarn. However, as you work with the string part of it, you may find that it behaves like a lighter weight yarn. Knit together, it looks like a series of Pom Pom balls next to one another. It's a bold statement for accessories and one that's really playful!

Pom Pom Top and Brim

In this hat, you'll use the pom pom yarn to knit together a thick, cozy, whimsical hat brim. You also have the option to make a super pom at the top of the hat to tie the whole thing together..

Of course, knitting with this yarn might all be a little much for an entire hat. Therefore, the body of the hat uses a different yarn to complement the point and brim. You'll work the body of the hat in a complementary color of Red Heart Soft Essentials Yarn.

You'll work the body of the hat primarily in stockinette stitch. So, this is more or less an easy beginner pattern, except for the fact that you're working with a slightly different type of yarn than normal. You'll use mattress stitch to seam together the very top of the hat before adding on the optional Pom Pom.

Sometimes working with a unique yarn makes you feel like you're learning something new. It can be a terrific, easy way to shake up your crafting. And really, how can you not have fun working with a yarn made of pom poms? They're simply joyous. Want to keep playing with this yarn? Check out some other Pom Pom yarn project ideas here.

Get the Pom Pom Knit Hat Free Pattern

Ready to have fun knitting up this hat with Pom Pom yarn? You can get the free pattern right here or click the image below.

Play around with knitting the hat in different color combinations to see what style works best for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of yarn is used for this hat pattern?

So here's the thing… this fun Pom Pom knit hat pattern was designed specifically to show off the unique Red Heart Pomp-a-Doodle yarn! It has big pom poms strung together… you knit on the string part, not the poms themselves.

How do I knit with the Pom Pom yarn?

Honestly… it might seem a little different, but you just knit on the string between the pom poms. The yarn itself is a #7 jumbo weight, but it can feel like a lighter weight yarn as you work with it. If you're not sure, there's a video linked in the post to give you some tips!

Can I use just one type of yarn for the whole hat?

Well, working with the pom pom yarn for the entire hat might be a lot, so this pattern uses two different yarns. The pom pom yarn is used for a thick, cozy brim and an optional pom pom on top. The body of the hat is worked in a complementary color of Red Heart Soft Essentials Yarn.

Is this pattern difficult to knit?

Yes! It's mostly worked in stockinette stitch, so it's pretty beginner-friendly, with the main difference being how you work with that fun pom pom yarn. It's a great way to shake up your crafting and try something new!

Where can I find the free pattern?

You can get the free Pom Pom knit hat pattern right here on the blog or by clicking the image of the pattern below the main text. It's a super fun project to get started on!

How to Crochet Socks + 5 FREE Crocheted Sock Patterns

March 4, 2021 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

how to crochet socks with five free patterns

Typically when we think of handmade socks we think of knit socks. However, thanks to excellent options for yarn, crochet hooks, and patterns, you can now make crocheted socks with just as much ease as knit socks. That's right; you can make handmade socks that are warm, comfortable, and stylish using the craft of crochet. Today I'll share some helpful tips about how to crochet socks with you. Plus I'll share links to five free crochet sock patterns.

*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a portion of the purchase will go to the blog, the price you pay does not change. By using one of these links the small commission I make helps me to bring you more free content like this. Thank you for your continued support.*

Crochet Socks vs. Knit Socks

There are some people who will tell you that they will NEVER make a pair of socks using crochet. I understand that these can be bulkier than knit socks. However, they do serve their own purpose.

Many, although certainly not all, crocheted socks are made to be worn as what is known as slipper socks. These are house socks that you wouldn't necessarily wear to go out shopping but something that you put on when you are around the house to keep your feet warm. That said, there are some terrific crocheted sock patterns for wearing outside with your shoes on, too.

Personally, I love handmade socks of any kind: knit or crochet. Crocheted socks, for me, work up faster than knit socks. They are a great handmade gift at the holiday time. So, that's why I want to make sure that you know how to crochet socks if you want to.

How to Crochet Socks

You can make very simple crocheted socks. Alternatively, you can make very elaborate, stylish crocheted socks. Here are some of the most common things that people want to know about when it comes to how to crochet socks. This video tutorial will show you more about crocheting socks.

Toe Up or Top Down Crocheted Sock Designs

Another of the great sock debates is toe up or top down construction. Again, this is really a personal preference. People tend to like the toe up versions of socks because you can try them on easier as you go to make sure that they will fit. However, designers have created terrific crocheted sock patterns in both styles.

Crochet and the One Sock Blues

When knitting socks, you can work them two at a time. People tend to do this because once they finish one sock they get sockitis and never finish the second one! They get the one sock blues. If you're worried that you might encounter this issue as a crocheter, then plan ahead. You can crochet two socks at one time, alternating between the two, by getting two balls of the same yarn and working from each of them in turn.

Yarn Weight for Crocheting Socks

Typically, when we think of handmade socks, we think of crafting with sock weight/fingering weight yarn. This is very fine yarn requiring small hooks and needles. Although this is what is typically used, it is not the only thing that can be used to crochet or knit socks. You will find in our round up that some of the socks use a bulky weight yarn. The thicker the yarn, the more of a slipper sock it becomes.

5 FREE Crochet Sock Patterns

Ready to get started learning how to crochet your own socks? Here are five free crocheted sock patterns to get you off on the right foot.

1. Patons Family Crochet Socks

This pair of crochet socks using sock yarn for a terrific fit and feel. There are instructions for making one for every size person in your family. This is a great pair of beginner crochet socks.

2. My First Toe-Up Crochet Sock

This pattern was originally a part of a stitch-along in collaboration with Rohn Strong. Therefore, you'll find the free crochet sock pattern written in three parts (all linked to in the pattern description.) Alternatively, you can purchase an ad-free PDF of the entire pattern through Ravelry. If you're bicrafty then you might also want to check out the accompanying toe-up knit sock pattern.

3. Cozy Crochet Slipper Socks

B.Hooked crochet designed these super warm crocheted socks using super bulky yarn. They are cozy and perfect for wearing around the house. If you want to learn the basic construction of how to crochet socks, this is a great place to start. This is a toe-up crochet sock pattern that uses post stitches.

4. Crochet Mustache Slipper Socks

Repeat Crafter Me designed these adorable socks for men. Women with larger feet might enjoy them also. They're designed as thick slipper socks to wear around the house. The little mustache design adds fun whimsy. This is an easy toe-up single crocheted sock pattern.

5. Valerie's Knee High Socks

The Lavender Chair's pattern offers great information on how to crochet socks that go up to the knee. If you're looking for a really stylish pair of socks to wear peeking out of boots or to put on display with a short skirt, this is the pattern for you. This is a toe-up pattern worked in simple lace crochet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really crochet socks that are comfortable to wear?

Yes! Crocheted socks feel different from knitted socks but they're absolutely wearable and comfortable. The key is using the right yarn (sock weight with nylon content for durability) and the right stitch… single crochet and slip stitch create a dense, smooth fabric that works well next to skin. Crocheted socks tend to be slightly thicker and less stretchy than knitted ones, so many crocheters make them for slippers and cozy indoor socks rather than for wearing in shoes. But yes… crochet socks absolutely work!

What yarn should I use for crochet socks?

Sock weight yarn (CYCA #1 super fine) with nylon content is the best choice for durability. The nylon reinforces the heel and toe areas that get the most wear. Pure wool socks will felt and pill relatively quickly with wear and washing. Look for a sock yarn that's at least 20% nylon… many sock yarns are 75-80% wool or superwash wool with 20-25% nylon. Self-striping and variegated sock yarns are popular because they create fun, colorful socks without any extra effort.

Is crocheting socks harder than knitting them?

They're different challenges! Knitted socks use multiple double-pointed needles or magic loop technique that some people find awkward to learn. Crocheted socks use a regular hook and are worked in the round similarly to amigurumi. The heel construction differs… crochet heels are often worked slightly differently than knit heels. Most people who already crochet find crochet socks more intuitive than learning to knit socks from scratch. If you crochet, the crochet sock patterns in this collection are a great starting point.

How do I get crochet socks to fit properly?

Gauge is critical for socks! Even a small difference in gauge creates a big difference in a sock that needs to fit a specific foot. Measure your foot carefully… foot length, foot circumference, and ankle circumference. Then swatch the sock yarn with the recommended hook size and measure your gauge against the pattern. If your gauge doesn't match, adjust your hook size. Working in the round sometimes creates a different gauge than swatching flat, so try to swatch in the round if possible. Take your time with gauge for socks and the fit will be worth it.

How long does it take to crochet a pair of socks?

Longer than you'd think because sock weight yarn is small and the rows are short at the foot width! A pair of adult socks in sock weight yarn takes most crocheters anywhere from 6 to 15 hours depending on the pattern complexity and individual speed. Baby socks and toddler socks work up much faster. The upside is that sock weight yarn projects are very portable… slip your project in a small bag and work on it anywhere. Socks are the perfect “waiting room” project.