Chunky Cable Knit Scarf :: a Free Pattern

Not only is a knit scarf the best at keeping your neck warm on a cold day, it makes a fabulous gift for just about anyone, you can always use a new one, plus they are so fun to make! There’s an infinity of options including scarf length, width, yarn gauge, stitch pattern, and finishing touches.

As a knitter, I love to make scarves as a practical way to learn new stitch patterns. You get all the practice you need, with a usable product/gift at the end of your journey. For extra cable stitch practice you may want to visit this blog post on How to Make a Cable Knit Swatch.

Cable Stitch Knit Scarf Pattern

by Emily Waechtler

Yarn: 300 gr/225 yds Bulky Weight (CYCA #5)

Suggested Yarn: Trendsetter Yarns “Me”, 100% superwash wool, 100gr/75yds, 3 skeins Floral Turquoise Waters

Needles: US size 15 (straight or circular used as straight)

Notions: Chunky cable needle, tapestry needle, scissors.

Gauge: Not important for this pattern.

Finished Measurements: Approx. 6 in/15 cm wide and 60 in/152 cm long.

Directions

Cast on 24 sts

Row 1 (RS): K3, p3, k12, p3, k3

Row 2: K6, p12, k6

Row 3: K3, p3, k12, p3, k3

Row 4: K6, p12, k6

Row 5: K3, p3, C8F, k4, p3, k3

Row 6: K6, p12, k6

Row 7: K3, p3, k12, p3, k3

Row 8: k6, p12, k6

Row 9: K3, p3, k4, C8R, p3, k3

Row 10 to 1 in. before desired length: repeat rows 2-9

3rd to last Row: K6, p12, k6

2nd to last Row: K3, p3, k12, p3, k3

Last Row: k6, p12, k6

Finishing: Bind off. Weave in all ends. Add tassels or fringe if desired.

Abbreviations:

sts = stitches

k = knit

p = purl

RS = right side of work

CN = Cable needle

C8F = Put 4 sts on CN and hold to front, k4, k4 from CN

C8R = Put 4 sts on CN and hold to rear, k4, k4 from CN

Looking for more free patterns to make? Check out these patterns!

Are you on Ravelry? Come find me at Blue Corduroy.

Happy Knitting!

xo Emily

10 Free Knit Patterns for Hand Made Gifts for Everyone on Your List

I’m no good at planning ahead to knit gifts for my loved ones at Christmas. It’s usually a last minute panic, sometime mid-November. This list of ten free knit patterns is perfect for those of you who, like me, need a great pattern that’s quick and easy, yet super cute and gift-able! I suggest getting your list of gift recipients out and writing down who’s getting what from this collection of quick knits. Plan a weekend at most for each of these projects, and some make up even as quick as an hour or two.

Bulky Hand Warmers

These bulky weight Quick Franca Mitts from Manos Del Uruguay, a women’s cooperative in Uruguay, are a great beginner project. They knit up so quick in Manos’ chunky Franca yarn, or any yarn that gives you a gauge of 10 sts per 4"/10cm with US 13-15 needles. You’re basically just knitting a rectangle and seaming the side, leaving room for your thumb to poke out. A great gift for my teenage nieces!

Slippers Like Grandma Used to Make

These Grandma’s Knit Slippers bring back all the feels of when my Grandma would make them for us! Nothing says love like hand made slippers. These start out with an easy garter stitch, and then change to a ribbed stitch up at the toe. All the shaping is made with seaming, so things stay pretty quick and easy. Great for beginners! My daughter made a pair of these in 2 days, and plans to make more for gifts for cousins and aunts and uncles!

Cable Knit Headband

I love a project that’s quick, yet not boring, and this Cable Knit Headband meets all the requirements! It’s a free pattern on Ravelry, and if you don’t already have a free account on Ravelry, it’s time to sign up! You’ll have access to thousands of patterns, many of them free, and a priceless community of knitters and crocheters. This headband has a garter stitch on the edges to keep the edges lying flat and then a basic and fun cable running down the middle. After I make a few more for myself, all the ladies on my list will get one of these!

Chunky Knit Throw Pillow

When it’s hygge season and you need more cozy, this Chunky Knit Throw Pillow saves the day! You can use any color or combo of colors to match any decor. It’s basically a hand knit hug that keeps on giving! Grab your giant needles and get started! A great gift for my bachelor uncle.

Hand Knit Reindeer Stocking

Ever been intimidated by knitting socks? This Festive Christmas Stocking is your chance to practice sock making without all the hard parts, like turning heals. The reindeer is adorable, but you could also make this in a solid color, stripes, or embroider any motif you like. Plus, knitting stockings really puts you in that holiday spirit. Make a matching set for your whole family, or for any new members.

Bulky Tassel Blanket

Look no further, you’ve just found the Perfect Throw Blanket! Thick and quick, but hand made and full of style points. Truly works up in a weekend. Plan on more yarn than you think you’ll need for those tassels, but it’s oh so worth it. My brother needs this for his new house.

Hand Knit Basket

I always wanted to learn how to weave a basket. But I never knew I could KNIT a basket! There’s 101 uses for a basket, just think of all the possibilities with sizes and colors. My husband may get a few of these for Christmas, places to put all the things he’s always loosing.

Tassel Golden Hour Scarf

Scarves are winters alternative to necklaces, am I right? So you basically can’t have too many. The Golden Hour Scarf is not only a winter wardrobe staple, but it’s fun to make. This pretty texture is really a simple ribbing with a few yarn overs, repeat. But I’m really in it for the tassels! I have a few aunties who could use another scarf.

Basic Chunky Beanie

Your classic ribbed knit beanie, the Nina Hat from Manos del Uruguay. Makes up so fast in chunky yarn (gauge 13 sts = 4” with US size 11). Perfect for guys and gals. Pom pom is optional. Just grab their favorite color and get knitting! Don’t know what to get your brother in law? You just found it.

Knit Hair Scrunchie

Yes, they’re back in style. Scrunchies forever! The only thing that makes this Knit Scrunchie pattern better is the fantastic yarn from Knit Collage! Go drool over all that yarn hand spun in India, then grab this pattern and get started. The perfect stocking stuffers for all the girls!

Now it’s your turn. Do you know who you’re going to knit what? Once you decide what your knitting, then you can gather your supplies, grab your cup of coffee and turn on your favorite movie. Happy Knitting!

xo Emily

How to Make a Simple Cable Knit Swatch

One of my favorite things about anything knit is the texture. I LOVE a chunky, cozy, complex, and inviting texture.

Cable knits totally fill this need of mine.

There’s just something fascinating about creating a rich and intricate texture by manipulating loops of yarn, using only the two basic stitches of knit and purl. Because any knit stitch pattern is really only using knits or purls in different combinations to produce endless textures and shapes. Knowing this, I find myself no longer intimidated by trying complex stitch patterns. If I know how to knit and purl, then I’ll know how to do any pattern thrown at me!

SWATCHING

A fun way to practice new techniques is by making swatches. A swatch is just a small sampling of knit “fabric”. By making a small swatch (I recommend knitting up a 6” by 6” square) you save yourself from having to make an entire product to test and try something new. There are numerous advantages to making swatches:

• practicing new stitch patterns

• testing your gauge for a new pattern

• warming up to new yarn and/or needles

• playing with color combinations

BASIC CABLE STITCH

This basic cable stitch is a fun way to prove to yourself that you can do more complicated stitches than stockinette or garter. I challenge you to make a swatch and see for yourself!

Cast on a multiple of 5 plus 1 on straight needles. (Enough to make at least a 6” row in the yarn and needles of your choice)

Row 1: *P1, K4*, repeat between *‘s, ending K1

Row 2: *K1, P4*, repeat between *‘s, ending P1

Row 3: *P1, as if to purl, slip the next 2 sts to a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, K the next 2 sts, K the 2 sts from the cable needle*, repeat between *’s across, ending P1

Row 4: same as row 2

Repeat these four rows 6” more for a swatch of your cable pattern stitch!

This video here on Youtube shows how to use a cable needle. One thing to point out though, is that she puts her cable needle with stitches to the back of her work, and in this little swatch practice I’ve written here, in row 3 it says to put your cable needle to the front of your work. Both ways work! But if you experiment with doing them both ways, you will notice that it affects which way your “twist” goes.

Let me know if you give this a try! I’d love to hear what you think and cheer you on!

xo Emily

Want to try some of my FREE PATTERNS?

Want to try another fun swatch? Here’s the Bubble Stitch.

Ready to knit a sweater? These sweater kits are great for beginners!

Simple Weekend Baby Hat Crochet Pattern

Relaxing at the beach on the weekend with a simple crochet project is always my idea of a good time.

This simple Heirloom Bonnet Crochet Pattern I made years ago is the best quick bonnet pattern for beginners or advanced crocheters. Quick litlle projects are easy to carry along in your beach bag and don’t require too much focused attention, so you can let your mind daydream while watching the waves roll in.

Cotton yarn is my go to for sunny beach day projects because it doesn’t over heat you while your working in the sun like wool tends to do. No one wants a big wool afghan blanket draped over them when it’s 80 degrees out!

I decided this hand painted cotton yarn from Wool and the Gang in color Aperol Orange would be a fun yarn to work up while sitting on the beach. Those colors are fabulous!

First things first, check your gauge!

The more I crochet and knit, the more I understand how important test swatching for gauge really is. Without making a test swatch before you begin your project, your really just gambling that the project will be the size you hope it to be. One persons stitches are never exactly the same as another’s.

Gauge defined: “Stitches per inch times the desired number of inches will determine the size”

Other things to keep in mind while testing your gauge:

• make it on the needles and yarn you will be using for the project

• use the same pattern stitch specified

• make sure you’re relaxed

• must be at least 4” wide

• don’t try to count the stitches within the swatch, instead, divide the total number of stitches in the swatch by the width of the piece.

Once you’ve got your pattern, your yarn, the right needles to get the right gauge, you’re ready to hit the beach and start your relaxing weekend baby hat crochet project!

I love this pattern for many reasons, one of them being the simple stitches used to make a functional and cute product. It starts with a magic circle, continues in the round with single crochet, and then the main body of the hat is worked up quickly with a double crochet stitch. The ribbed edging is made by working a version of the double crochet stitch called a “front” or “back post stitch”, which is where you work the double crochet around the post of the double crochet stitch from the previous row, either from the front or from the rear.

Heirloom Crochet Baby Bonnet Pattern

Looking for some help with your crochet skills? Check out my Crochet Lessons series!

You may want to try these fun FREE patterns for crochet and knitting!

Have fun crocheting at the beach!

xo Emily

How to Knit a Bubble Stitch

Knitting this Bubble Stitch is easier than it looks!

For all it’s luscious texture you would think it was an elaborate design for only experts to achieve! You’ll be happy to learn that the majority of the rows of this stitch are a simple stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row). The bubble pattern is actually achieved with one out of every six rows using a “knit four down” technique. This technique is way easier to show in a video than explain with words, so don’t forget to watch the video below!

Bubble Stitch Pattern

cast on multiples of 4 plus 3

row 1: Purl

row 2: Knit

row 3: Purl

row 4: Knit

row 5: Purl

***now is the time to add a new color if desired***

row 6: *Knit 3, Knit 4 below*, repeat from *to end of row. (see video below for this “knit four below” technique)

rows 7 to 11: Repeat rows 1-5

***now is the time to add a new color if desired***

row 12: Knit 1, Knit 4 below, *k3, Knit 4 below*, repeat from * to end of row.

repeat rows 1 to 12 as desired.

Be warned, this stitch is addicting!

Looking for some fun patterns to try? Check out my growing list of FREE Patterns here:

As always, I’d love to see your work! Tag me on Instagram @emily_bluecorduroy and I’ll show your photos in my stories! Enjoy your knitting!

xo Emily

Grandma's Knit Slipper Pattern

I have a FREE pattern for you! I can’t tell you how many of these slippers I made this winter, but it was ALOT! They’re simple to make, and the perfect gift for just about anyone. They’re also a great project if you’re just learning to knit, because you only need to know how to cast on, knit and purl. I taught a handful of girlfriends to knit these slippers this winter and if they can do it I know you can too!

I call this pattern Grandma’s Knit Slipper Pattern because these are the exact slippers my Grandma would knit for us when we were kids. Now I know why she was always making them for us, because they’re so fun to knit and even more fun to give!

The pattern pdf includes a list of materials needed, clear instructions, and photos for each step. I even explain how to figure out what size to make your slippers for a custom fit each time.

Not only does knitting bring you the benefits of relaxation and the joy of creating, but to be able to give hand knit items to others is the icing on the cake and the cherry on top of it all! Join me in bringing back the tradition of hand knit slippers, just like Grandma used to make!

When you do end up making your own Grandma’s Knit Slippers, don’t forget to tag me on instagram @emily_bluecorduroy, because I want to see your works in progress and finished project photos! It’s always so fun to be inspired by what other people are making and putting their own spin on!

xo Emily

p.s. Looking for more free patterns? Check these out!

4 Easy and Quick Knit and Crochet Baby Bonnet Patterns for You to Make

It’s been a dream of mine for a few years now to have a collection of patterns available for you. This is just the beginning, because in my dream, there’s going to be a lot more where this came from!

Here is a round-up of the baby hat patterns I’ve made this last year and I’ve been so thankful for the wonderful response from all the people who have bought and made these patterns with great success!

Both knit and crochet patterns are available as well as FREE patterns and lessons to get you started!

Crochet Baby Bonnet Patterns

Heirloom Bonnet Crochet Pattern

This simple Heirloom Crochet Bonnet is a great beginning bonnet pattern. Mostly made with single crochet stitches and an easy to read pattern. I highly suggest using Magnolia and Oak Fibers Baby Alpaca yarn, once you do, you’ll never want to crochet with anything else! See this blog post for more details: Simple Crochet Baby Bonnet Pattern Blog post.

Crochet Shell Pixie Bonnet Pattern

Any child who wears bonnets definantly needs a pixie bonnet in their collection! This Crochet Pixie Bonnet pattern is crocheted with a shell stitch that creates a beautiful texture. See this blog post for more details on this pattern: Make Your Own Crochet Baby Pixie Bonnet blog post.

Free Crochet Dishcloth Pattern

For those of you who really want to make one of these crochet bonnets, but need to learn still, or want an easier project to warm up with, then grab this FREE Crochet Dishcloth Pattern, and visit my Blue Corduroy Crochet Lessons Series. You CAN do this!

I find that I equally love knitting and crocheting. Anything with yarn, people! But I’m well aware that many of you prefer one to the other, or have only learned one so far. For those of you who are knitters…

Knit Baby Bonnet Patterns

Knit Garden Bonnet Pattern

Bonnets are so quick to knit up that they are the perfect project for learning new stitches and techniques. This sweet Garden Baby Bonnet uses a technique called stranded colorwork, where you use two strands of different colored yarn to create a color design. See this blog post for more details: The Garden Lattice Knit Baby Bonnet Pattern.

Knit Checkerboard Bonnet Pattern

Knitting is really just different combinations of Knits and Purls, right? Well this Checkerboard Knit Baby Bonnet Pattern uses knits and purls to create a classic checkerboard texture. For more details you can read: Knit Baby Bonnet Pattern :: A Chunky Checkerboard blog post.

Free Knit Scarf Pattern

Need to warm up your knitting needles? This FREE Scarf Pattern is a great way to get your groove back, and learn a simple new stitch in the process. Complete with video tutorial to help you every step of the way.

I truly hope at least one of these patterns gets you excited and motivated to CREATE! When you finish your project, I’d love to see it! You can tag me on Instagram @emily_bluecorduroy.

Sign up for my newsletter and get %15 off your next purchase in my shop, including patterns! And be the first to know when new patterns and products are released.

xo Emily

Are You Ready to Knit a Sweater?

Once you learn how to knit a baby sweater, there’ll be no stopping you! Sweaters for all the babies!!!

Knitting a sweater always has felt like the measure of wether you can call yourself an experienced knitter or not. But really, isn’t it all just combinations of knits and purls? There are definitely some perks to knitting a sweater, the obvious being the fact that you now own a handmade quality, custom, wardrobe staple that you will probably have for the rest of your life! Or in this case, you’d be able to pass down a baby sized sweater to your grandchildren’s grandchildren.

Knitting your first sweater can feel a little daunting so buying a kit may make it easier to just dive right in! Wool and the Gang makes all sorts of knitting and crochet kits that include the pattern, yarn, and tools you’ll need to complete your project. No guess work on what size yarn would work best, or time lost gathering needles you don’t have.

This sweet baby sweater kit from Wool and the Gang is called the “Mamma Sweater” and is mainly knit up in the seed stitch which gives it that great texture. I love the bold blocks of color too. Baby sweaters are a great way to start your sweater making skills because they knit up so much quicker! However, you still get the practice of following a more complex pattern, piecing your project together, and probably learning new stitch techniques along the way.

Sweater weather is also a sure sign that it’s bonnet weather too! Hand made goodies from head to toe, what a treat! This Blue Corduroy Sherpa Baby Bonnet in Mustard Corduroy sure looks cute with this color block knit sweater! Bring on the hand made coziness!!!

xo Emily

p.s. Looking for an easier knit to get started with? Try my Golden Hour Scarf pattern with video tutorial to guide you along the way!

p.p.s. Interested in more inspiration and motivation to get knitting? Visit my “How to Knit” Pinterest board!

Looking for more patterns to make? Check these out!

Come to the Beach with Us :: a Video

Take a trip to one of our favorite beaches with us! Ruby takes the camera and catches a few glimpses of our trek to the beach and behind the scenes of our scarf photo shoot on location.

I love this video for so many reason! First of all, this memory of laughing with my daughter. Teens really are special people and I love getting to be a part of the awesome woman she is becoming. Of course, the fact that we love where we live and we can share this special place with you via video is another reason I love this. And getting to combine my two passions, nature and creating, into one visual explosion is beyond thrilling!

You already saw the outtakes to this video, and if you haven’t, it’s worth a good laugh. We really do have a lot of fun together! You can watch it here.

And to get your hands on one of these scarves, you’ll find them in my shop.

Or if you’d rather make your own, I’ve got a free pattern for you here!

xo Emily

Check out the new scarves in the shop here and as always, become a new subscriber to my newsletter and get 15% off your first purchase, and once you're on the list, you’ll be the first to know when new products are added to the shop.

Free Knit Scarf Pattern: The Golden Hour Scarf

I have a free scarf pattern for you!

There’s no better way to learn to knit than to get yourself a simple pattern that pushes your skills just a little bit. This pattern is the perfect project for someone who knows the basics of knits and purls and wants to learn the next step.

It’s also the perfect pattern for all you advanced knitters who need a quick and simple project to work on at the end of a long day, while you zone out in front of Netflix.

Grab your free pattern!

Golden Hour Knit Scarf Pattern

I called this the Golden Hour scarf, because it’s just the thing you’ll be grabbing for, that pretty time of night called “golden hour”, when you rush out the door to watch the sun sink towards the horizon. It’ll be your sunset scarf! Or maybe your more of a sunrise scarf kind of gal? I’m pretty sure this scarf will satisfy in both cases.

There’s a Bonus for You Beginners!

I’ve even added a bonus for any of you who are a little intimidated with reading knit patterns, or with trying new stitches. Included with the free pattern, I’ve included a link to a video tutorial, which walks you through each row and how to do it! It’s like I’m sitting on the couch right next to you!

The Perfect Handmade Gift!

Now is the time to start making a bunch of these, because once you make your own, you’re going to want to make one for every one on your Christmas list!

Grab your FREE pattern here: Golden Hour Knit Scarf Pattern. And if you want to brush up on your crochet skills as well, you can also grab my FREE Crochet Dishcloth Pattern!

Don’t feel like your ready yet to knit your own? That’s okay. You can still have your own Golden Hour Scarf, I’ll make it for you! Head over to the Blue Corduroy shop and pick the color you like best.

xo Emily

Wrap up in a Long Knit Scarf with Fringe

Knit winter scarves are here! They’re long, they’re thick, they’re soft, they’re lacy, and they have the perfect amount of fringe!

We had a lot of fun taking photos of these winter scarves, despite the fact that it wasn’t actually cold enough to be wearing a scarf. But it must be scarf weather somewhere, right?

As the product photos were being taken, we made a few videos of our photo shoot process for you. The blooper clips are my favorite, if you wanna laugh with (at) us, they’re on this post: Behind the Scenes at Golden Hour.

These scarves come in a handful of different colors, on point with the season. Come take a look in the shop to see which color works best with your winter wardrobe!

Feel like you’d rather knit your own scarf? I’ll send you the pattern! Click the link to let me know what email you’d like me to send it to: Free Golden Hour Knit Scarf Pattern

Check out the new scarves in the shop here and as always, become a new subscriber to my newsletter and get 15% off your first purchase, and once you're on the list, you’ll be the first to know when new products are added to the shop.

The Garden Lattice Knit Baby Bonnet Pattern

A knit baby bonnet pattern in worsted weight yarn! A quick intermediate level project or for a seasoned beginner wanting to practice some stranded colorwork. These make perfect gifts for baby showers or your own little ones! There can never be too many bonnets for any baby, am I right?

This worsted weight baby bonnet starts out with some rows of ribbing, and then a two color stranded pattern, worked in stockinette stitch. The edges eventually are joined together to finish up the bonnet knitting in the round. I use a crochet hook to add the ties and finish up the bottom edge. You can use either double pointed needles throughout the whole project or circular needles, or switch out between them both as you desire.

I always think the funnest part of using multiple yarns in a project is picking out the colors! I recommend using Magnolia and Oak Fibers worsted weight hand dyed alpaca yarn for this fun project.

For more knitting inspiration, visit my “How to Knit” Pinterest Board!

Every new subscriber to my newsletter gets 15% off their first purchase, and once you're on the list, you’ll be the first to know when new bonnets are added to the shop!

Knit Baby Bonnet Pattern:: A Chunky Checkerboard

I've got a new Baby Bonnet pattern for you! 

I've been knitting baby bonnets for decades. And I'm thrilled to be releasing my very first knit baby bonnet pattern so that you can make your own! If you crochet, you may be interested in one of my crochet baby bonnet patterns.

Baby bonnets are such quick and satisfying knits, and this one is even quicker because it's made with a bulky weight yarn. It's perfect for that last minute gift for baby or expecting mama.

This knit baby bonnet pattern provides material list and step by step instructions with photos to guide you through making your own knit baby bonnet in newborn to toddler size range. The pattern starts off with a ribbing stitch. The main body is knit in a checkerboard pattern using knits and purls. You will knit in the round for the final portion of the pattern. The ties and finishing bottom edge is worked with a crochet hook. 

If you want to skip knitting, and buy one already made, I'm happy to knit it for you! Check out my shop for tons of cozy baby bonnets!

It’s such a pleasure to be able to share the fun of knitting baby bonnets with you! I’d love to see your finished product, you can email a photo to me at emily.bluecorduroy@gmail.com or tag me on instagram @emily_bluecorduroy. 

If you want to hear about new patterns as they become available be sure to sign up for my Newsletter!

xo Emily

*This pattern is for personal use only, not for use in resale.

Make Your Own Crochet Baby Pixie Bonnet

I love pixie bonnets, they're so whimsical!!!

I've just released a pattern so you can now make your own crochet baby pixie bonnet!  The main stitch is a crochet shell stitch which adds a sweet feminine texture.  The pattern uses a bulky weight yarn so this bonnet can be made up quick and easy for a fun evening project or a last minute gift.

The crochet pattern provides a materials list, directions and photos to guide you through making your own crochet baby pixie bonnet from sizes newborn to child.

It's written for an intermediate skill level; someone who is able to read patterns, and has a knowledge of basic stitches.  I've set up a Crochet Lessons Series to make it easier to practice those basic skills that you may need a little help with. And I've just added the Shell Stitch Lesson to help walk you through the main stitch of this new pattern with a a bonus Shell Stitch Blanket pattern, which means you could make a Pixie Bonnet and Crochet Baby Blanket matching set!!!

For more knitting inspiration, visit my “How to Crochet” Pinterest Board!

Every new subscriber to my newsletter gets 15% off their first purchase, and once you're on the list, you’ll be the first to know when new bonnets are added to the shop!

If you end up making this hat, or the blanket, or just starting out with the basic lessons, I'd love to hear how your progress is going and see what you've been making! You can find me on Instagram @emily_bluecorduroy or shoot me an email at emily.bluecorduroy@gmail.com.

xo Emily