12/12/21 • Crochet • Advanced Beginner

59 Sparkly Free Patterns to Knit and Crochet

It’s dark outside this time of year, so bring some glitter and sparkle into your home to brighten it up! Whether you’re making something to decorate for Christmas or wear on New Year’s Eve, you’re sure to find patterns to knit and crochet in this sparkly pattern round-up from Yarnspirations.

With dozens of patterns made in sparkle and metallic yarns, there are projects for everyone to do.

59 Sparkly Free Patterns to Knit and Crochet

Table of Contents

Sparkly Yarns

Or, just grab a sparkle yarn and use it in an everyday pattern to make it more festive! For example, use Caron Simply Soft Party in Caron Simply Soft patterns.

Here are some sparkly yarns from Yarnspirations to choose from.

Holiday-Themed Home Decor

Crochet, knit, and craft holiday decor! Whether you’re wrapping items in yarn to make sparkly letters and stars or making your own metallic garlands, you’ll find the perfect project to add glitz to your home. Plus, kids can help with the craft projects!

Craft Sparkly Holiday Decor

Knit Sparkly Holiday Decor

Mosaic Stripes and Chevron Knit Blanket Sparkle Free Knitting Pattern

Crochet Sparkly Holiday Decor

Festive Sparkly Table Runner Free Crochet Pattern

Sparkly Items to Wear

Shawls, wraps, hats, cowls, and even socks can be sparkly and metallic! Be glamorous and stylish in your holiday attire.

Knit Sparkly Items to Wear

Sumptuous Cable Cowl Free Knitting Pattern

Crochet Sparkly Items to Wear

Cable Twists Crochet Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Sparkly Scrubbies for All Year

Crochet and knit scrubbies to have themed cloths for your kitchen or bath year-round! Scrubby Sparkle can be used for these patterns or any other scrubby patterns to add a bit of glitz to your regular routine.

Knit Scrubbies to Sparkle

Polar Bear Scrubby Mitt Free Knitting Pattern

Crochet Scrubbies to Sparkle

Precious Penguin Scrubby Free Crochet Pattern

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a knit or crochet project “sparkly”?

The sparkle usually comes from the yarn! Metallic or tinsel yarns have metallic threads woven in that catch light and shimmer. Sequined yarns have little plastic or glass sequins attached to the yarn that catch the light beautifully. Some yarns use a lurex or metallic fiber blended with regular fiber for a subtle gleam. You can also add sparkle after the fact with sequins, beads, or metallic embroidery thread as embellishments. For the most dramatic sparkle, the yarn itself is usually the magic ingredient.

Is sparkly metallic yarn hard to work with?

It can be a bit fussier than regular yarn! Metallic threads can be slippery, they sometimes separate from the base yarn while you’re working, and the metallic element can cut into your fingers a bit if you crochet or knit tightly for long sessions. A few tips: use smooth hooks or needles (not bamboo, which can grab), keep your tension slightly looser than usual, and take breaks if the metallic thread feels rough on your hands. The results are so gorgeous it’s worth the extra attention.

Can I wash sparkly yarn projects?

Check the yarn label! Many metallic and sequined yarns are hand wash only or even dry clean only because heat and agitation can damage the metallic elements or cause sequins to come off. Gentle hand washing in cool water is safest for most sparkly yarns. Avoid the dryer for anything with metallic content. If a project is purely decorative (a holiday ornament, a table centerpiece), you probably won’t be washing it much anyway. But for wearable sparkly items… always check care instructions before buying the yarn.

What projects are best for sparkly yarn?

Holiday projects are the obvious choice… Christmas ornaments, wreath accents, star decorations. But sparkly yarn is also amazing for evening bags and clutches, special occasion accessories like shawls and wraps, holiday sweaters and cardigans, and festive hats and headbands. The key is letting the sparkle be the main event… simple stitch patterns in sparkly yarn look more impressive than complex stitch patterns because the texture competes with the shine. Let the yarn do the work!

Can I add sparkle to a regular yarn project?

Yes! You can hold a strand of thin metallic thread alongside your regular yarn for a subtle shimmer effect without changing the gauge much. You can also do duplicate stitch or surface embroidery using metallic embroidery floss to add sparkle after your project is finished. Sewing on sequins or small beads to a finished item is another approach. These post-project sparkle additions work especially well for holiday accessories and anything you want to look a little more festive and special.

Categories: Free Patterns

59 Sparkly Free Patterns to Knit and Crochet

Sparkly Yarns