New Patterns NOW Available in Ad-Free PDF! Check out The Pattern Shop

Free Argyle Patterns to Crochet and Knit

By Leave a Comment

Today is Argyle Day! Argyle is a traditional pattern made of diamonds with lines through them. Argyle projects can be knit or crochet, and argyle designs can be put on any kind of project.

Argyle comes from a traditional tartan, or plaid, of one of the Scottish clans. It was popular in the 1920s and is often still seen on golf sweater vests and other golf-related clothing and accessories.

18 Free Argyle Crochet and Knit Patterns

Argyle Projects

A great place to get started knitting argyle is with this Chic Highland Argyle Cardigan I designed. It's designed for advanced beginners, and has tutorial videos to help you learn how to do the techniques to make argyle. You'll use four colors of yarn: one for the background, two for the diamonds, and one for the lines.

Colorful argyle cardigan featuring pink, yellow, and green patterns, with textured ribbed cuffs and buttons. Free pattern ava

Argyle patterns don't have to be knit cardigans, however! You can add argyle designs on to all kinds of projects to crochet and knit to wear or for your home.

Planned Pooling Argyle Projects

Planned pooling is a crochet technique where colors in certain multicolored yarns can line up to make an intentional pattern. As long as you stitch carefully, the argyle shows up with just one skein of yarn instead of changing colors!

If you've never done planned pooling before, get started with the Total Beginner's Guide to Crochet Planned Pooling.

Ultimate Guide to Crochet Planned Pooling

Another good place to start is with the My First Series-Planned Pooling Argyle Poncho.

argyle crochet poncho pattern

Get your planned pooling argyle on with these free patterns from Yarnspirations!

18 Free Argyle Crochet and Knit Patterns

Also on the Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

What is argyle and why is it popular for yarn crafts?

Argyle is that classic diamond-grid pattern with diagonal overlapping lines… you've seen it on preppy sweaters, socks, and blankets. It originated in Scotland and has been a knitwear staple for centuries. In yarn crafts, argyle is beloved because it's genuinely timeless and sophisticated-looking… an argyle sweater or pair of socks looks intentional and polished. It can be worked through planned pooling with variegated yarn, intarsia, stranded colorwork, or even surface embroidery, giving crafters multiple routes to the same beautiful result.

What's the easiest way to create an argyle effect in crochet?

Planned pooling is the most magical approach… using self-striping yarn with the right stitch count, the colors pool into diamond shapes that look exactly like argyle without any color switching mid-row. It requires upfront swatching to find your magic number, but once you're set up, the crocheting itself is straightforward. The other option is tapestry crochet, where you carry multiple colors and work them according to a chart. Both create beautiful argyle… planned pooling is more spontaneous, tapestry is more controlled.

Is argyle knitting hard?

Traditional knitted argyle uses intarsia… separate yarn bobbins for each diamond section, with the yarns twisted at color joins. It's intermediate level because of the yarn management, but the geometric shapes themselves are very regular and learnable. Many knitters find their first argyle project takes patience but the second is much more manageable. If traditional intarsia sounds intimidating, look for argyle patterns that use stranded colorwork or slip stitch techniques instead… these achieve a similar effect with less yarn juggling.

What items look best in argyle patterns?

Classic argyle items are: socks (the original argyle expression), sweater vests and cardigans (very preppy chic), blankets where the diamond pattern creates graphic visual interest, mittens and fingerless gloves, and headbands and hats. Argyle has a smart, put-together quality that works beautifully in neutral tones with one accent color… think cream and navy, grey and burgundy, tan and dark green. Bold multicolor argyle is also stunning and feels more modern and fun.

Do I need to buy special yarn for argyle projects?

For planned pooling argyle, you need self-striping yarn with long consistent color repeats. For intarsia or stranded argyle, you just need regular worsted or DK weight yarn in the colors of your design… nothing special about the yarn itself, just the colors you choose. Plain, smooth yarn with good stitch definition shows the argyle pattern most crisply. Fuzzy or textured yarns blur the geometric lines. For socks, sock weight with nylon content is the practical choice for durability.

Total Beginner’s Guide to Crochet Planned Pooling

By Leave a Comment

Crochet planned pooling is a fun technique that many people think is much harder than it is. That's because it looks so amazing. You use multicolored / variegated / self-striping yarn to create intentional patterns of color pooling within a project. The result s a beautiful, colorful, geometric design that really makes a statement when you look at it. And yet, because it uses basic crochet stitches, it's actually a lot easier than you might think. I've done a lot of posts, patterns, and even a book about crochet planned pooling, so I wanted to round them all up here for you. Follow the links to all of the resources that you need to learn yarn pooling from start to finished product.

Fun Fact: Planned pooling turns a negative into a positive. Historically, knitters and crocheters would complain about color pooling – the effect of blotchy spots of color in their work caused by multicolored yarn. However, planned pooling harnesses the power of that yarn glitch as a unique design tool in creating original work.

Note: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one and then buy something, you support my work because I get a small portion of the sale. Your price does not increase at all.

Yarn Pooling Made Easy: The Book

Knit and Crochet Book - Yarn Pooling Made Easy Book - Crochet Techniques - Marly Bird

Below you'll find lots of different posts that will teach you all about crochet planned pooling. But if you're really serious about wanting to learn, then it might be worth it to you to check out my Yarn Pooling Made Easy book. It's one of the most popular Marly Bird knit and crochet books at Leisure Arts. The ebook is $7.99; the paperback is $9.99. You can go from not knowing anything about this technique to making a variety of colorful accessories in no time by following this book. If you want to learn more about this book, including behind-the-scenes info about each of the patterns in it, then check out this blog post about the original blog tour.

So, What is Crochet Planned Pooling All About?

You work with a variegated yarn, use some math, and adjust your tension or crochet hook size to create a specific color pattern for your design. It's often used to create an argyle pattern (or its variations: tartan and harlequin designs). However, you can also create other color patterns, especially if you learn to work this technique in the round.

Total beginners guide to Crochet Planned Pooling - Crochet Planned Pooling Tutorial - Marly Bird

Getting Started: What You Need to Know

There are a few key things that you need to know as you get started with planned yarn pooling. One thing not to ignore is the “planned” part of “planned pooling.” In other words, take the time at the beginning to put everything in order for the project. Work out the details of the yarn, including where to start in its changing color sequence, in advance. The more prep work you do, the easier this technique will go. If you're familiar with the term mise-en-place in the kitchen then you can apply that mentality to your crochet.

Yarn for Crochet Planned Pooling

The most important thing that you need to know when it comes to planned pooling is that it's all about the yarn. You have to choose the right yarn or you simply can't do planned pooling. After all, the technique is designed to use the color changes in a multi-colored yarn in a strategic way so that you get the color placement that you want.

There are a lot of tips and guides to working with the yarn that you choose. But before you get too far into those, there's a little secret that you should know: Red Heart Has Yarn Specifically For Planned Pooling!! When I started sharing crochet planned pooling with others, I quickly realized that people often gave up on the projects early because they couldn't get the yarn to work out right. I worked directly with Red Heart to create a yarn that would limit these frustrations. Thus, Red Heart Super Saving Pooling Yarn was born.

Planned Pooling Yarn - Red Heart Super Saver Pooling Yarn - Marly Bird

Tips for Choosing Your Yarn

Of course, if you want to use a different yarn option, you can, especially as you get more and more comfortable with figuring out planned pooling. Here are some tips:

  • Consistent color length; look for yarn that has color changes at the same distance each time. Super Saving Pooling Yarn has 12″ color lengths, but the length itself matters less than consistency in length. That said, short color changes (less than 6″ won't work well.)
  • Consistent color repeat; the colors in the yarn should repeat in the same order over and over again. They should not repeat in random order.
  • Make sure that you have enough balls of yarn that are all in the same dye lot. It matters more with planned pooling than in other versions of the craft.
Digital Knit Pattern - Crochet Planned Pooling Projects - Marly Bird
Find these patterns in my Yarn Pooling Made Easy crochet book

Crochet Stitches for Planned Pooling

You can use a few different stitches for this technique. The more you practice and understand the math behind the designs, the more you can play around with this. But when you're getting started, I highly recommend moss stitch. Single crochet and half double crochet also work well for this technique.

Additional Beginner Tips

Most of the time with a new crochet technique, you want to just dive in. But with planned pooling, the more you learn in advance, the better off you're going to be. So, before you get too far into it, make sure that you read my 10 Secrets to Perfect Planned Pooling for some important tips. Also, although it's not here on my site, A Pattern to Follow learned crochet planned pooling from me and offers another 10 Tips for Conquering The Technique.

One thing that you'll learn that might surprise you is that the color of your stitch matters more than the stitch tension or even the hook that you use! In fact, you might switch crochet hooks mid-row. Here's what you need to know about choosing your crochet hook for planned pooling.

One thing you'll need to learn as a beginner is how to create an offset stitch. In other words, how to make the colors go where you want them to go. Here's the info on how to do that. Related to that, here's a beginner post on Planned Pooling Color Placement.

Oh, and one more thing. Because of the way that you work the color placement, you might have unused starting chains left in your project. Here's all about what to do with them.

Crochet Planned Pooling Patterns

Here are some patterns to work through as you learn about this technique:

Basic Criss-Cross Argyle Pattern

Free Crochet Digital Pattern - Basic Argyle Crochet Pattern - Marly Bird

This is a good place to start if you just want to make a swatch to see what yarn pooling is all about.

Planned Pooling Crochet Throw Free Pattern

Free Crochet Digital Pattern - Planned Pooling Crochet Throw - Marly Bird

If you're ready to start your first color pooling project, then this is a good free pattern to begin with.

Argyle Poncho Free Crochet Pattern

Free Digital Crochet Pattern - Argyle Crochet Poncho pPattern - Planned Pooling Crochet - Marly Bird

I made this as part of the My First series. In other words, it's a great beginner pattern if you're new to crocheting argyle using the planned pooling techniques.

Granny Stitch Planned Pooling Crochet Blanket Pattern

Free Crochet Blanket Digital Pattern - Granny Stitch Planned Pooling - Marly Bird

You can use different types of stitches in color pooling. However, taller ones like the granny stitch have their own tips. Before you work on this pretty blanket pattern, check out the section on the granny stitch in the “advanced crochet planned pooling techniques” outlined below.

C2C Planned Pooling Chevron Crochet Blanket Pattern

Free Crochet Digital Blanket Pattern - C2C Chevron Planned Pooling Pattern - Marly Bird

This unique crochet pattern incorporates three different techniques: corner-to-corner crochet, chevron striping, and color pooling.

Advanced Crochet Planned Pooling

Once you know the basics of the technique, there are more things you can learn. Here are some of those things:

Multiple Sequence Planned Pooling Crochet

When you first start out, you'll likely work with crochet projects that begin with a starting chain between 24 and 36 inches long. That will be one color sequence. However, if you want to make wider crochet projects, then you'll need to know how to work with multiple sequences. Sometimes, it's straightforward, but this post will provide tips for the times when it's not working right.

Hidden Starting Chain Technique

You can crochet on the opposite side of your starting chain. This hides the chain in the work. Here's how to do that in crochet planned pooling.

Granny Stitch Planned Pooling Crochet

Yarn pooling doesn't work out as easily with tall stitches, even the double crochet height used to make the granny stitch. However, you can do it if you make some adjustments. This post explains how that works.

How to Create Crochet Planned Pooling Charts

You don't have to rely on other people's patterns to make beautiful. crochet projects. Instead, make your own. This post explains how to create your own charts so that you know in advance how the color design will turn out.

Summary of All Planned Pooling Posts

Here's an alphabetical list of all of the related posts linked to in this article so that you can easily find everything that you might want to know about this fun, graphic crochet technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is planned pooling in crochet?

Planned pooling is a technique where you use the color repeats in a variegated yarn and pair them with a specific stitch count to create an intentional plaid or argyle-like pattern. Instead of letting a variegated yarn stripe randomly, you engineer the color placement to align across rows… creating that cool graphic effect that looks like so much more work than it is. The key is finding the right combination of yarn, stitch count, and gauge to get the colors to “pool” where you want them.

Is planned pooling hard to learn?

It takes some setup, but once you figure out your magic number (the stitch count that makes the colors align), the actual crocheting is pretty simple. The trickiest part is the math and the swatching at the beginning. You need to swatch to find the exact stitch count that lines up your color repeats. This post walks you through the whole process step by step, and Marly has a video tutorial to show you exactly how to find your magic number.

What yarn works for planned pooling?

You need a self-striping or variegated yarn with long, consistent color repeats. The key word is CONSISTENT… the color changes need to happen at predictable intervals so the math works. Some yarns are specifically designed for planned pooling and label the repeat length. Check your yarn's color repeat length before you start so you can do the calculations. Short, random color changes in a variegated yarn won't give you that clean pooling effect.

What stitch patterns work for planned pooling?

The moss stitch (also called the granite stitch) is the most popular for planned pooling because the stitch structure works perfectly with the yarn color alignment. You alternate single crochet and chain stitches in a specific way that places colors where you want them. It's actually pretty simple once you understand the mechanics! Some crafters have also figured out planned pooling with other stitches, but if you're new to it, start with the moss stitch as your introduction.

Can I plan out my pooling before I start crocheting?

Yes! Many crafters use graph paper or a spreadsheet to map out what the pattern will look like before they start. You can also use apps designed to visualize crochet pooling. But honestly… the real planning happens in your swatch. Work a test swatch, adjust your stitch count until the colors line up the way you want, and THEN start your project. Don't skip the swatch on this one. It'll save you a lot of frogging later.

Star Wars Knitting the Galaxy Book Review

By Leave a Comment

If you're a Star Wars fan then you should be thrilled to know that there's a brand new book out just for you: Star Wars: Knitting the Galaxy – the Official Star Wars Knitting Pattern Book. Tanis Gray put together these 28 knitting patterns, created by a handful of talented, recognized designers, into a collection that meets the needs of any Star Wars fan.

Star Wars knitting the galaxy book review

Whether you're a Padawan or a Jedi (beginner or advanced), you'll find patterns in here to match your skill level. And whether you're most inspired by Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, or one of the other Star Wars characters, you'll find designs that celebrate your favorites. And each pattern comes rich with information, fun facts, and behind-the-scenes details from the movies.

Note: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, then you're supporting my work because I get a portion of the sales. Your price never changes.

Comprehensive Star Wars Knitting Book that Covers Every Detail

The first thing that stands out about this book is that it's huge. It's hefty. It's a full color hardback book with more than 200 pages of content. And what this means is that you get absolutely everything you could ever ask for from this book. It includes:

  • 28 themed knitting patterns in multiple categories: toys, costumes, clothing, accessories, and home decor
  • The patterns are clear, concise, original, easy-to-follow and have all of the complete information you could need at every step
  • Charts as needed for the color work in some of the patterns; schematics where needed for garment design
  • Terrific full-color photos of the knit items themselves as well as images from the Star Wars films
  • Behind-the-scenes information and movie quotes for Star Wars fans; these make working with the patterns even more fun!
  • Good-to-have extra information like an abbreviations list, a yarn resource guide, and a glossary explaining things like how to do a long tail cast on and tips for wet blocking

Porg: An Example Of What To Expect from a Pattern

Porg Star Wars Knitting the Galaxy Toy Pattern

Let's take a closer look at the first pattern in the book: Porg by Susan Claudino. It's a small toy (about 4.5″ tall and the same size wide since it's a round creature). It is worked in 3 colors of worsted weight yarn, using US 5 / 3.75 needles, crafted mostly in the round although the Porg's belly patch is worked flat.

If you are a big Star Wars fan, then you already know what a Porg is and what it looks like. You'll have fun with the pattern no matter what. But what's great is that if you're only a little bit into Star Wars (or you got the book to knit items for someone who loves it more than you) then you'll also get to learn some things. The book has a paragraph that tells you all about the Porg: puffin-like birds introduced in the sequel trilogy.

The chapter also provides some fun facts:

  • Chewbacca once ate Porgs for dinner
  • How the writer-director was inspired to add the Porgs, which weren't originally included in The Lost Jedi script
  • How they created the sounds the Porgs make in the movie
  • A quote from General Leia Organa related to the Porgs
  • Images of the Porgs from the movie

And of course detailed images of what your own knit Porgs will look like when you've completed the pattern.

Each of the 28 patterns in this Star Wars knitting book offers a similar combination of fun facts, added details, and all that you need to know to knit the design.

All 28 Star Wars Knitting Patterns

Star Wars Knitting Patterns

Here are the patterns that you'll enjoy finding in this book:

4 Stuffed Knit Toy Patterns

The aforementioned Porg falls into this category. You'll also be able to make a Pocket Yoda, a Chewie, and a Death Star toy.

4 Costume Replicas

Whether it's for a convention, Halloween, or just for fun, enjoy making these four popular Star Wars costumes:

  1. Luke Skywalker's Flight Vest
  2. Princess Leia's Hoth Snow Vest
  3. Rey's Vest and Arm Wraps
  4. Padme's Battle Wrap

17 Star Wars Knitting Patterns for Garments and Accessories

The majority of the knitting patterns in this collections are for things that you can wear. In addition to the four costumes, which are replicas of those in the movie, you'll find seventeen patterns for everyday wearable items inspired by the films. These include:

  • 3 pullovers, inspired by The Order of the Jedi, General Leia Organa, and Darth Vader
  • 3 pairs of mittens and another pair of mitts (the latter inspired by Yoda)
  • 2 scarves – Starfighter and Chancellor Palpatine
  • 2 cowls – The Millennium Falcon and Anakin's Infinity Cowl
  • 2 pairs of knit socks – Lightsaber and Wookiee
  • 1 shawl, inspired by The Rebel Alliance
  • 1 matching hat and mittens set, inspired by TIE Fighter
  • 1 Clone Trooper hat
  • 1 Ewok-inspired hood

Home Decor Patterns

The book wraps up with three Star Wars knitting patterns for the home: the BB-8 Throw Blanket, the Droid Throw Pillow Set, and the Villainous Mini Sweater Ornaments. The latter is a set of ornaments that look like knit sweaters adorned with various Star Wars designs. It's one of the cutest knitting patterns in the book.

Get To Know the Knitting Designers

Star Wars Knitting the Galaxy Lightsaber Socks pattern

This book is a collection of patterns from several outstanding designers. The book itself is by Tanis Gray who designed the Chancellor Palpatine Scarf, the Anakin's Infinity Cowl, the Clone Trooper Hat, the BB-8 Throw Blanket, and the Droid Throw Pillow Set. You might know this designer from a variety of other things she's done – including Harry Potter Knitting, which she talked to me about previously on the Yarn Thing Podcast.

The other designers with patterns in the book are:

  • Susan Claudino, knit toy designer also known as No Knit Sherlock!
  • Carissa Browning of Carissa Knits where she shares both knitting and sewing
  • Martaschmarta, who describes herself on Ravelry as “Mom, teacher, evil stepmother, wife, friend, fiber craftsman…craftswoman…maker of handcrafted items and patterns, and throughout it all, a diehard sci-fi/lit/fantasy geek.”
  • Stephanie Lotven, designer and founder of Tellybean Knits
  • Heather Zoppetti, author of Unexpected Cables and part of designer collective Stitch Sprouts
  • Trysten Molina, knitwear designer and indie yarn dyer
  • Meghan Regan of Bad Wolf Girl Studios
  • Jessica Goddard of ODDKnit
  • Cassandra Cruikshank, who designed the Lightsaber Socks shown in the above image
  • Barbara Benson, author of Mosaic and Lace Knits and Big Yarn, Colorful Lace Knits
  • Rhiana Bams
  • Lotta Lundin, also known as KnittingLotta
  • Susanna IC, a designer with Wool Studio capsule knit collection
  • Therese Sharp, who notes on Ravelry that she's the “founder of Swedish charity organisation Hjärtekatten, where crocheters all over the country try to make life a little better for children with heart disease.”
  • Natalie Sheldon, who sells handmade ceramic buttons for knits at Etsy store Remembrances Pottery.
  • Christy Houghton of Yarn Cafe Creations who is passionate about dyeing yarn
  • Susan Claudino, knit toy designer also known as No Knit Sherlock!
  • Carissa Browning of Carissa Knits where she shares both knitting and sewing
  • Martaschmarta, who describes herself on Ravelry as “Mom, teacher, evil stepmother, wife, friend, fiber craftsman…craftswoman…maker of handcrafted items and patterns, and throughout it all, a diehard sci-fi/lit/fantasy geek.”
  • Stephanie Lotven, designer and founder of Tellybean Knits
  • Heather Zoppetti, author of Unexpected Cables and part of designer collective Stitch Sprouts
  • Trysten Molina, knitwear designer and indie yarn dyer
  • Meghan Regan of Bad Wolf Girl Studios
  • Jessica Goddard of ODDKnit
  • Cassandra Cruikshank, who designed the Lightsaber Socks shown in the above image
  • Barbara Benson, author of Mosaic and Lace Knits and Big Yarn, Colorful Lace Knits
  • Rhiana Bams
  • Lotta Lundin, also known as KnittingLotta
  • Susanna IC, a designer with Wool Studio capsule knit collection
  • Therese Sharp, who notes on Ravelry that she's the “founder of Swedish charity organisation Hjärtekatten, where crocheters all over the country try to make life a little better for children with heart disease.”
  • Natalie Sheldon, who sells handmade ceramic buttons for knits at Etsy store Remembrances Pottery.
  • Christy Houghton of Yarn Cafe Creations who is passionate about dyeing yarn

Get Knitting the Galaxy on Amazon today.

You Might Also Like:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book good for beginners?

Honestly… yes! Whether you’re a Padawan or a Jedi, you’ll find patterns in here to match your skill level. The book itself is huge and has over 200 pages of content, so there's plenty to explore!

What kind of Star Wars knitting patterns are included?

So here's the thing… there are 28 patterns in total, covering all sorts of things! You'll find toys, costumes, clothing, accessories, and even home decor patterns. So there's a little something for every fan.

Does the book have clear instructions?

Yes! The patterns are described as clear, concise, original, and easy-to-follow. They also have all the complete information you could need at every step, including charts and schematics where needed.

Are there any specific character patterns?

Oh, absolutely! You can make a Porg, Pocket Yoda, Chewie, and a Death Star toy. Plus, there are costume replicas for Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Rey, and Padme. You'll also find sweaters inspired by Darth Vader and General Leia, socks inspired by Lightsabers and Wookiees, and so much more!

Who are the designers featured in this book?

It's a whole galaxy of talent! Tanis Gray put the book together and designed several pieces herself. Plus, you'll find patterns from 17 other amazing designers like Susan Claudino, Carissa Browning, and Heather Zoppetti. So many cool creators!

Stitch-For-Yourself: Knit Argyle Cardigan Pattern

By Leave a Comment

In a recent blog post, we discussed how important it is to take some time now and then to stitch something just for yourself. The new year is a perfect time to do that. And we have the perfect knitting pattern for you: The Chic Highland, a knit argyle cardigan pattern.

Argyle Cardigan Free Knit Pattern

It's Perfect Because It's For Advanced Beginners

The perfect project to stitch for yourself challenges your skills a little bit but doesn't cause you a lot of stress. This is a very straightforward, easy-knit cardigan pattern. However, there's a twist – the argyle, which is made with intarsia knitting.

The argyle print isn't difficult if you follow the video tutorials that are linked in the free pattern. The pattern also includes notes that will help you if you're new to intarsia knitting. The combination of notes and video support should make working on this project relatively easy, even if you're an advanced beginner.

Although it should be fairly easy, this knit argyle cardigan pattern gives you something special. This combination of an easy cardigan pattern along with a part of it that requires a little bit more focus is perfect for a stitch-for-you project.

It's Perfect Because It's Fun to Wear

When you stitch something for yourself, you should enjoy wearing it. The knit argyle cardigan pattern gives you a garment you should enjoy. The pops of color in the argyle print are statement-making.

This knit argyle cardigan pattern comes in seven sizes, making it an inclusive design. It's flattering on many different figures.

Put it over a black dress to make it snazzy. Wear it with jeans so that it's the piece that stands out. Have fun adding this to your wardrobe.

And when people inevitably ask you about that great cardigan that you're wearing, you can say, “I knit it myself!”

The Perfect Knit Argyle Cardigan Pattern is COZY

Although oversized and warm, this knit argyle cardigan is also lightweight, so you can easily layer it. You can wear it in multiple seasons of the year. The wool yarn is truly delightful to work with and to wear. What better type of project to make for yourself than one that feels super cozy?

Some Other Things to Know About The Knit Argyle Cardigan Pattern

Here are a few additional things you might like to know:

  • You'll use size US 7 – 4.5 mm needles when knitting this cardigan.
  • The cardigan is worked flat and bottom-up.
  • It's designed to have 4″ – 6″ of positive ease.
  • Anne of Annetarsia Knits creates helpful videos. Her name tells you that she's the perfect person to teach you about intarsia knitting and making argyle patterns.
  • It's available as a free pattern on the website. However, you can also purchase an ad-free PDF through Ravelry if you prefer.

Get The Knit Argyle Cardigan Pattern

Ready to make this wonderful argyle cardigan for yourself? Get the pattern here:

knit argyle cardigan free pattern

You Might Also Like:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “stitch for yourself” philosophy?

The concept of making something for yourself… not as a gift, not for someone else, but as an act of self-care and self-expression. Many crafters (especially those who do a lot of gift knitting and crocheting) struggle to justify making something just for themselves. The “stitch for yourself” philosophy challenges that and says: you deserve handmade too! Making yourself a beautiful, high-quality garment is an act of self-love. A knit argyle cardigan for yourself is exactly that… a luxury you're creating for your own pleasure and enjoyment.

What is an argyle cardigan pattern?

An argyle cardigan features the classic argyle diamond pattern… those overlapping diamond shapes with diagonal lines crossing through them that you see in classic British knitwear. Worked in colorwork (typically two or three colors), argyle creates a sophisticated, preppy, timeless aesthetic. An argyle cardigan is the kind of piece that feels luxurious to wear, looks expensive, and gets noticed positively. Making one for yourself is a significant commitment but the result is a genuine wardrobe piece you'll reach for constantly.

What skill level is this argyle cardigan?

Intermediate to advanced. Combining garment construction with colorwork (even simple two-color argyle) requires managing multiple skills simultaneously. You'll need comfort with garment knitting, intarsia or stranded colorwork depending on the specific argyle technique, working in rows with shaping, and seaming or finishing the cardigan. This is a project for someone ready to tackle a sustained challenge… not a weekend project but a months-long labor of love that results in something genuinely beautiful.

What yarn works best for an argyle cardigan?

Wool is the most traditional and most beautiful choice for argyle! The stitch definition makes the diamond pattern pop, the natural elasticity keeps the colorwork even, and wool blocks beautifully to settle the finished fabric into its final shape. DK or worsted weight depending on the drape you want. Smooth, plied yarn rather than textured or fuzzy. For the colors, choose at least two with good value contrast so the argyle pattern reads clearly… a light and dark combination creates the crispest argyle.

Why is making a garment “for yourself” different from making one as a gift?

The freedom! When you're making for someone else, you're constrained by their measurements, their color preferences, their lifestyle. When you're knitting for yourself, every decision serves YOU… your measurements, your style, your yarn preferences, your desired fit. You can adjust as you go, try it on continuously, make it exactly the length you like. You can choose the most beautiful yarn you own rather than something practical. And you can take your time without the pressure of a gift deadline. A self-knit garment is often the most technically excellent and personally satisfying thing a crafter makes.

Happy You Year! Take Some Time to Stitch For Yourself

By Leave a Comment

Yarnspirations has a wonderful new lookbook with the perfect theme: Happy You Year. It's all about finding knitting and crochet projects that you can stitch for yourself. We so often craft for others, especially at the end of the year. That's a wonderful thing, of course. But stitching is also a form of self-care. And when you stitch for yourself, you treat yourself to all of the pleasures of that.

Stitching as self-care

Benefits When You Stitch for Yourself

You get many of the benefits of knitting and crochet no matter who the end product is for. After all, it's the process of crafting that gives you its benefits. However, you get an extra boost when you make the conscious decision to knit or crochet for yourself. Here are some of the specific benefits you enjoy when you stitch for yourself:

  • It's a way of putting yourself first. Of course there are so many other things that you could work on. Likely, there are many things that you think that you “should” work on. But you deserve to have something nice and handmade, too, even if it takes away a little bit from other things. When you stitch for yourself, you're sending yourself the message that you are a priority.
  • You set an awesome self-care example. Other people see you when you knit and crochet. Your kids are watching. The followers on social media notice. If the message you put out is, “I must craft for others at all costs” then you subtly tell others that they should do the same. On the other hand, you can send the message that, “hey, I matter, and so you matter, too.”
  • It helps remind you how lovely your craft is. If you're often stitching for others, and especially if you knit or crochet for an income, then you can sometimes forget how special the finished product truly is. You judge it. You stress abut it. Or you simply move on to the next thing without really recognizing it. When you stitch for yourself, you get the chance to enjoy that finished item. It reminds you of why people actually do want the things that you make. (And it might even remind you that the things you make have a lot of monetary value, should you choose to look at your rates for things you sell!)
  • You get something that you want or need. How satisfying is it that you can make the things you want or need with just some yarn and a hook or needles? It's truly a magical thing.

The Yarnspirations Happy You Year Lookbook

2021 knit and crochet projects you can stitch for yourself

This post was inspired by Yarnspirations theme for their new pattern lookbook: Happy You Year. The idea is that you can start the crafty new year off right by choosing some projects to knit or crochet for yourself. The new year is a time for a new perspective, which means it's a perfect time to refocus on yourself. Or to tackle a new type of project.

The lookbook page will take you to knit and crochet patterns for blankets, sweaters, and information about an upcoming sock-a-long, All of these types of projects are cozy. What better way to practice self-care than to treat yourself to cozy crafting? It'll be fun to knit or crochet these items and then you get to enjoy them. Whether it's a blanket on your lap, a sweater on your shoulders, or the indulgence of hand-crafted socks, you'll really be treating yourself.

Plus a lot of these projects give you the opportunity to practice new skills. Of course, if you'd rather relax into some meditative crafting with your self-care project, that's totally okay, too. But if you want to boost your own confidence and get the year off to an energetic start, then learning new knit and crochet techniques while making something for yourself is a great way to do so.

Choosing a Project to Stitch for Yourself

knit or crochet as self care

Here are some tips to choose a project to knit or crochet for yourself:

  • Is there something you have always wanted to make for yourself but never have? Do it!
  • Look around your house and ask yourself what you truly need. What would make your life easier or cozier? From spa scrubbies and dish towels to an everyday sweater for around-the-house or jewelry for a special occasion, craft yourself the thing that you truly need.
  • Browse through the Yarnspirations pattern lookbook. Whatever catches your eye, make it. Even if it seems indulgent or above your skill level or whatever other excuse you can come up with – make it anyway.
  • Use your best yarn. Take your time. Treat this as the special project it is because it's going to you, the special person it's for!
  • Share it with others but only if you want to. In other words, no normal rules apply so just because it's amazing and might get a ton of social media likes doesn't mean that you have to share it. Conversely, if it's totally off brand but you love it, share it online anyway! This is your project for you whatever that might mean!

Check Out Behind The Scenes of Happy You Year

In addition to all of the knit and crochet patterns in the lookbook, there's something else you should check out: The Behind The Scenes video with Shayna Rose. Shayna Rose is a precocious thirteen year old who has interviewed several celebrities. She has a charming personality and also happens to be an awesome knitter. In the 13 minute video she goes behind the scenes and you get to see more about this lookbook. And she also has a waffle stitch dishcloth tutorial she shares on the same page.

You Might Also Like:

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the “Happy You Year” theme all about?

So here's the thing… Yarnspirations has this super cute new lookbook called “Happy You Year,” and it's all about making knitting and crochet projects just for yourself! We spend so much time crafting for others, but stitching can totally be a form of self-care, too.

Why should I stitch for myself?

Honestly… when you stitch for yourself, you're basically sending yourself a message that you matter. It's a way to put yourself first and remind yourself how lovely your craft really is, plus you get something handmade that you actually want or need!

What kind of projects are in the Yarnspirations lookbook?

Yes! The lookbook has all sorts of goodies like blankets, sweaters, and even info about a sock-a-long. They're perfect for cozy crafting and treating yourself, whether it's a blanket for your lap or a new sweater.

Do you have any tips for picking a project to make for myself?

Oh, definitely! Think about something you've always wanted to make but haven't, or what you truly need to make your life cozier. Don't be afraid to just pick something that catches your eye in the lookbook, even if it seems a little fancy… use your best yarn and really treat yourself!

Is there a video about this “Happy You Year” theme?

You bet! There's a super fun “Behind The Scenes” video with Shayna Rose, who's a thirteen-year-old knitter and interviewer. She chats about the lookbook, and there's even a waffle stitch dishcloth tutorial on the same page!

Quick Knitting Patterns: Afternoon Delight Hat and Cowl Set

By Leave a Comment

You can end the old year, or start the new one, off with great satisfaction when you choose instant gratification knitting projects. Of course, quick knitting patterns are useful to have on hand all year long. Whether you just want to feel good because you accomplished something beautiful or you have a last-minute gift to give for a birthday or holiday, quick knitting projects do the trick. The Afternoon Delight set is perfect; both the hat and the cowl work up quickly. Together, they make an unforgettable accessories set.

Afternoon Delight quick knitting patterns

Stashbusting / Scrap Yarn Projects

One of the best things about these quick knitting patterns is that they're designed to use up scrap yarn. Therefore, you already have the yarn in your stash. Chances are that you even know exactly where you're storing it. You can go to that closet or shelf or basket or bin and dig it out right now. Grab matching needles and you're ready to go. You don't have to spend time shopping or hunting for the perfect yarn because you already have it. This makes getting going on an instant gratification knitting project as easy as can be.

Finish 2 Quick Knitting Patterns In One Day

There's a reason that this knit pattern set is called Afternoon Delight. No, it's not because of the double entendre. It's because you can make each of these patterns in a single afternoon. Therefore, you can quickly craft the full set in one day. Of course, if you only have a few hours, then you can choose either the cowl or the hat to make first. Make the other one the next time you need an instant gratification project. Either of these is great on its own even though they are more special as a cohesive set.

Afternoon Delight Quickie Knit Cowl and Hat Patterns

The Afternoon Delight Quickie Knit Cowl and Hat pattern set is available as two separate patterns. Both patterns are free on the website. Additionally, both are available on Ravelry for purchase if you prefer ad-free versions (or just want to support designers since that's how we make our living!)

Get the quick knitting patterns:

Afternoon Delight Quickie Knit Cowl Free Patter

Get the Afternoon Delight Quickie Knit Cowl Pattern

Afternoon Delight Quickie Knit Hat Free Pattern

Get the Afternoon Delight Quickie Knit Hat Pattern

Basics About These Quick Knitting Patterns

Here are a few basic things you might want to know about the Afternoon Delight Quickie Knit Cowl and Hat Patterns:

  • Yarn: You'll use seven different colors of Aran weight yarn to complete this project. Of course, you can always use fewer or more colors if you want variation in the striping compared with the original project. If you use DK or worsted weight scrap yarn, adjust your needles to fit the gauge.
  • Knitting Needles: You'll use US 9 – 5.5 mm 24″ knitting needles to complete the cowl. The hat uses both US 9 – 5.5 mm and US 7 – 4.5mm 16″ needles. Again, though, adapt that as necessary for correct gauge.
  • Cast-On: You'll cast-on 90 for the hat and 120 for the knit cowl.
  • Stitch Pattern: This stitch pattern is a multiple of 10 sts and 12 rounds for both quick knitting patterns.
  • Special Stitches: The knit hat pattern has more special stitches than the knit cowl pattern. In both, you'll use slip stitch and work with yarn in front, but in the hat pattern you'll also have the opportunity to Center Double Decrease, Knit Two Together and Slip, Slip, Knit.

You Might Also Like:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really finish both the hat and cowl in one afternoon?

Yes! That's why they're called the “Afternoon Delight” set. Honestly, you can knock out each project in a single afternoon, so the whole set is totally doable in a day… especially if you're just looking for that instant gratification!

Are these patterns good for using up my scrap yarn stash?

Oh, absolutely! So here's the thing… these patterns are designed with your stash in mind. You can probably dig out the perfect yarn right now from your closet or wherever you keep your treasures, which makes starting a project super easy.

Do I need special yarn for this set?

Well, the original called for seven colors of Aran weight yarn, but you can totally mix it up! Feel free to use more or fewer colors for a different look, or even use DK or worsted weight scraps if you adjust your needles to get the right gauge.

Are the patterns free?

Yes! You can get both the hat and cowl patterns for free right here on the website. If you prefer an ad-free PDF version or just want to support the designer, you can also purchase them on Ravelry.

What knitting needles should I use?

For the cowl, you'll want US size 9 (5.5mm) 24″ needles. The hat uses both US size 9 (5.5mm) and US size 7 (4.5mm) 16″ needles. But remember, these are just suggestions… always adjust your needles to get the correct gauge for your yarn!