Christmas Knitting Shop
Materials : Oddments of red and white. Small amount of toy stuffing. Length of ribbon. 3mm single point needles.
Abbreviations : k – knit. p – purl. st – stitch. tog-together. st-st – Stocking Stitch (k1row, p1row). inc— increase. Knit into the front and the back of the stitch
Hearts
With red, cast on 4 sts
Purl 1 row
Next: increase into all stitches (8 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: inc1, k2, (inc1) twice, k2, inc1 (12 sts)
purl 1 row
Next: inc1, k4, (inc1) twice, k4, inc1 (16 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: inc1, k6, (inc1) twice, k6, inc1 (20 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: inc1, k8, (inc1) twice, k8, inc1 (24 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: inc1, k10, (inc1) twice, k10, inc1 (28 sts)
St-st 4 rows
Purl 14 sts and turn. Work with these stitches only
Next: (k1, k2tog) to last 2 sts, k2 (10 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: k2tog to end (5 sts)
Draw thread through the remaining stitches and pull tight
Reattach yarn to the remaining 14 sts and purl to end
Next: (k1, k2tog) to last 2 sts, k2 (10 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: k2tog to end (5 sts)
Draw thread through the remaining stitches and pull tight
Sew down the row ends of the heart – seam will be at the back. Fold into a heart shape at the top and sew around the edges. Add a little toy stuffing before sealing up
Attach each heart to the end of a piece of ribbon at the top centre and decorate as desired.
Here is a bear with a heart.
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Bear with me, this could get grizzly. Here is our take on a sweet little Valentine's Day bear knitting pattern, complete with a squishy heart.
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No sly tricks here—just a soft and cuddly fox pyjama case to keep things neat. A great project for kids or animal lovers.
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Duck, Rabbit andd 2 Gift Bags to Knit in one Booklet. Spring is on the way !
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Bride and Groom knitting pattern in a gnome style. A lovely gift for a wedding day.
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Hip Hop and Get this Spring Time Easter Buttercup Bunny Knitting Pattern
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No mammoth task here! Knit Grace the Elephant, a cuddly soft toy in a hoodie, perfect for elephant lovers.
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Summer is here, time to find those trunks! Here is our elephant in a swimsuit to get you in the mood for summer holidays.
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Yarn : Oddments of white, red orange and black. Small amount of toy stuffing.
Needles : 3mm single pointed needles
Abbreviations : k – knit, p – purl, st – stitch, st-st – stocking stitch (k1row, p1row), tog – together, inc—increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch.
Tension : 26sts x 33rows = 10cm x 10cm in stocking stitch
Dimensions : Approx. 11cm tall
Snowman—Make 1
With white, cast on 8 sts
Purl 1 row
next: increase into every stitch (16 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: (k1, inc1) to end (24 sts)
Purl 1 row
next: (k2, inc1) to end (32 sts)
Starting with a purl row, st-st 15 rows
Next: (k2, k2tog) to end (24 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: (k1, k2tog) to end (16 sts)
Purl 1 row
Increase for head
Next: (k1, inc1) to end (24 sts)
Purl 1 row
next: (k2, inc1) to end (32 sts)
Starting with a purl row, st-st 13 rows
Next: (k2, k2tog) to end (24 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: (k1, k2tog) to end (16 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: (k2tog) to end (8 sts)
Draw thread through the remaining stitches and pull tight
Sew down the row ends of the snowman. Add stuffing and seal. The seam is at the centre back.
Hat—Make 1
With red, cast on 32 sts
Next: (k1, p1) to end
Complete the last row 10 times
Starting with a purl row, st-st 5 rows
Next: (k2, k2tog) to end (24 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: (k1, k2tog) to end (16 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: (k2tog) to end (8 sts)
Draw thread through the remaining stitches and pull tight
Sew down the row ends of the hat, add to snowman’s head and secure with stitches.
Scarf—Make 1
With red, cast on 56 sts
Knit 2 rows
Cast off
Wrap round the snowman’s neck.
Buttons—Make 2
With red, cast on cast on 7 sts
Purl 1 row
Next: increase into every stitch (14 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: k2tog to end (7 sts)
Draw thread through the remaining stitches and pull tight
Sew down the row ends, then fold flat with the bound off stitches in the centre front. Sew to the snowman’s body one above the other.
Sew a nose to the centre of the snowman’s face with a little orange yarn. Sew two eyes in black 2 sts apart above the nose.
Add a loop of yarn to the top centre of the hat so it can be hung.
Another Snowman
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Get winter all wrapped up with Snowman on Skates. He has a top hat, gloves and knitted skates too. Get knitting now with this Christmas themed knitting pattern.
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This scruffy pup is looking for a forever home—knit your own Scrumpy Dog soft toy for a cuddly, handmade companion.
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This knitted owl is the perfect way to keep chocolate eggs warm just before they’re eaten. A great project for Easter, gifting, or a fun Easter Egg Hunt.
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Attention! Knit a King's Guard of your own. He is another Royal character keeping guard at Buckingham Palace.
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Oink, oink—time to get knitting. This pig hand puppet pattern is great for kids, farm animal lovers, and anyone who enjoys a fun and interactive handmade project.
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No drama, just llama! This adorable alpaca soft toy pattern is a fun and simple project, especially when knitted in soft alpaca wool.
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Bring a touch of joy to your table with Santa and snowman Christmas crackers
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This little dog pattern has been created with double knitting yarn, 3mm needles and a little toy stuffing.
Abbreviations : k – knit. p – purl. st – stitch. tog-together. st-st – Stocking Stitch (k1row, p1row). inc— increase. Knit into the front and the back of the stitch
Body and Head—Make 1
With brown, cast on 32 sts
Starting with a purl row, st-st 19 rows
Next: (k2, k2tog) to end (24 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: (k1, k2tog) to end (16 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next (k1, inc1) to end (24 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: (k2, inc1) to end (32 sts)
St-st 9 rows
Next: (k2, k2tog) to end (24 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: (k1, k2tog) to end (16 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next: (k2tog) to end (8 sts)
Draw thread through remaining stitches and pull tight.
Sew down the row ends of the head and body. Add stuffing or lavender as desired. Sew the bottom flat and seal up. Thread a piece of yarn round the neck of the dog to define the shape and secure at the back.
Ears—Make 2
With lilac cast on 10 sts
Next: (k1, inc1) to end (15 sts)
Starting with a purl row, st-st 9 rows
Next: (k1, k2tog) to end (10 sts)
Cast off in purl
Sew down the row ends. Attach one ear at either side of the head.
Nose—Make 1
With lilac, cast on 4 sts
Increase into every stitch (8 sts)
Starting with a purl row, st-st 3 rows
Next: k2tog to end (4 sts)
Cast off
Sew round the outside loosely and then gather the yarn and pull tight. Attach to the front of the dog’s head in the centre of the face.
Sew two eyes in black above the nose and a smile in lilac below the nose.
Collar—Make 1
With lilac, cast on 24 sts
Cast off
Wrap round the neck of the dog and secure at the back with stitches.
Add a loop in brown to the top of the head of the dog.
Here is another great dog pattern
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Here is our Bruce the Dog knitting pattern. He has floppy ears and freckles too. To complete the look he has a pair of braces. Another easy knit.
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No need to be sheepish, here is Meadow the lamb knitting pattern
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Two Patterns for a Fiver. Cheap Christmas Knitting
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More than divine. This knitting pattern creates a sweet and heavenly cover for chocolate eggs, perfect for gifts and displays.
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Here is something new! A knitted hand bell decoration for Christmas 2023. Reindeer is second in the collection!
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Bunnies!! Knit a last minute basket for Easter treats.
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He's pretending to be a rabbit. This cute egg on legs has a chocolate egg in his sack and is feeling all Eastery!
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Needles : 3mm Single pointed needles
Dimensions : Small 500ml hot water bottle 13cm wide. 17cm from bottom to neck. 22.5 cm from bottom to top.
Yarn : This cover was made with double knitting yarn. 100g will be enough to make 2 covers. Small amount of toy stuffing for the knitted balls.
Tension : 26sts x 33 rows =10cm in st-st
Abbreviations : k – knit. p – purl. st – stitch. tog-together. st-st – Stocking Stitch (k1row, p1row). inc— increase. Knit into the front and the back of the stitch
Cover—Make 1
With Double Knitting yarn of your choice, cast on 51 sts
Purl 1 row
Next: (k2, inc1) to end (68 sts)
Starting with a purl row, st-st 47 rows
(Note—The work should be almost at the top of the main part of the bottle. It is pos-sible to add more rows here if your bottle is longer. There should be room for the 4 rows below until the bottom part of the neck is reached.)
Next : (k1, k2tog) 3 times, k16, (k1, k2tog) 6 times, k16, (k1, k2tog) 3 times (56 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next : (k2tog) 3 times, k16, (k2tog) 6 times, k16, (k2tog) 3 times (44 sts)
Purl 1 row
Neck. Next: (k2, p2) to end
Complete the last row 44 times
Cast off loosely in pattern
Sew down the row ends of the bottle cover. The seam will be at the side. Fold the bottle in half and insert it into the cover. Fold over the top collar.
Balls—Make 2
Cast on 10 sts
Purl 1 row
Next: increase into every stitch (20 sts)
Starting with a purl row, st-st 11 rows
Next: k2tog to end (10 sts)
Draw thread through the remaining stitches and pull tight
Sew down the row ends of each ball. Add a little toy stuffing to the ball. Sew one end of the twisted cord inside the ball before sealing it up.
A twisted cord is made by taking three pieces of yarn approx. 1 metre long and fastening one end to a static object for example a door handle. Take the other end of the yarn and twist lots of times. Then allow the yarn to fold in half upon itself and it will twist. Knot each end to stop the twist from unravelling. Cut to the length desired. Make a bow from the cord and attach it to the front of the cover.
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Great for little Christmas gifts! Make a Santa gift bag.
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Knitted Baby Bunny Comforter. Rabbit Baby Gifts Yay!
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This knitted pram charm is a sweet little addition for baby essentials. A simple and meaningful knitting pattern that makes a lovely handmade gift.
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Knit a chocolate rabbit that won’t melt! This tall and elegant Easter soft toy is dressed in a lovely cream and chocolate outfit.
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Give your bathroom a ribbiting makeover with this frog toilet roll cover. A fun and quirky knitting project that keeps spare rolls hidden while adding a splash of personality.
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This cute Handy Owl knitting pattern will make a great knitted gift for friends, family or even a special teacher. He has 10 pockets for all those little knick-knacks.
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We love knitting. There are no rules in knitting. Here is some general knitting advice and tips that we have picked up, some witty, some inspiring and some helpful. Enjoy.
General Advice for Knitters
Knitting for others is a gift of love. Have a list of projects you want to knit for yourself and the others. Make sure you appear in the list.
One project at a time. If you can’t stick to that, have no more on the go than you can count on your fingers. There are different WIPs for different situations so it is completely ok, we understand.
Spread the word and pass on your knitting knowledge. Teach anyone who wants to know how to knit. Teach those that ask you to knit something for them that you can’t knock out a new cardigan in 2 hours.
Don’t knit for someone who isn’t worthy. Don’t feel bad about it. Ever.
Don’t knit for someone that you don’t like or will be ungrateful. Don’t feel bad about it. Ever.
Agreeing to knit something that you aren’t going to enjoy just because your favourite relative asked for it can be a tricky one. Just remember love conquers all.
If someone has an opinion on how you should be knitting, your colour choices, techniques, choice of knitting pattern etc. Feel free to completely ignore them forever. If they get on your nerves, feel free to tell them to be quiet in whichever way you see fit. Nothing bad will come of this. You may not ever talk to someone who wasn’t worthy of you anyway – nothing lost.
If you get mad over their opinion, stop knitting until you feel more calm, it won’t go well for the knitting. But don’t ever feel bad about it. Ever.
Where to Knit
Knit in public and don’t be embarrassed. You will be surprised how many friends you can make that way.
Places that some non-knitters may find unacceptable to knit are… Whilst driving or operating heavy machinery, eating fish and chips (mainly because of the greasy yarn), at a job interview – unless it is for a wool shop, on a date or perhaps giving birth. There may be one or two others.
When you go to the cash machine and it says “enter PIN”, your knitting needle won’t do and you won’t get money that way.
Make friends online. There are lots of knitting forums and websites. Just remember the time you spend on there could be used knitting, so spend it wisely.
Yarn Tips
A yarn / pattern / accessories stash can never be too big. Having nowhere to store it isn’t enough of a reason to stop buying more.
Don’t spend all that money on a fancy yarn just because the pattern says so. You might already have an alternative in your stash. If not, there are always other yarns – it’s time for shopping.
If you are buying yarn from your local yarn shop, don’t forget the husband stood outside in the rain with the dog.
Don’t leave an unattended WIP in the presence of children, cats, dogs or any kind of animal as well as your spouse. You may need to pull back your work, unbend dog chewed knitting needles or sort out fishy smelling cat spaghetti.
Swatching and tension squares are optional. If you like skydiving, high stakes poker and are one of life’s risk takers then you might wonder what a tension square is. It’s ok if you know someone bigger than you who will like that cardi when it is 3 sizes too big.
Knitting Patterns
A well cared for knitting pattern can last for years. Laminate and protect. Keep away from the red wine and all will be ok.
Pick your knitting patterns carefully, you will spend a lot of time on them. You can knit a favourite one lots of times and will still be good in the years to come.
The Act of Knitting
Before you actually sit down and begin. Have you got…. needles, yarn (and the next ball too), pattern, cup of tea/coffee, tape measure, row counter, stitch holders, notepad, remote for the telly, phone in case it rings. Have you been to the loo? Use this as a handy checklist. There’s no point in getting up again in 10 minutes.
Don’t ever stop knitting before the end of a row. It’s just asking for trouble.
Don’t think “I’ll just do this couple of rows and have a pee” – Something will give and it could get soggy.
Someone once said knitting is a form of exercise – that it is good enough for me.
If someone interrupts you while you are counting your knitting, don’t answer, just count louder so you don’t lose your place. Use your “leave me alone, I’m knitting” face if needed.
Always knit plenty of ribbing, there isn’t a shortcut here.
If a WIP isn’t working, put it down and find something that does. Leave some notes in the bag as after 10 years or so, you might forget what you were doing.
Try to finish your WIPs. Ooh but that new pattern looks yummy….
Frogging – The Art of Dealing With Unintended Design Features
Don’t be surprised if you end up with 3 sleeves if you are watching a good film.
After a mistake, you have a choice. Either, pull it back and spend another 3 days re-knitting. Or you call it a design feature and knit onwards. Nobody will ever have another the same. There is a value to exclusivity.
If you have to pull back a whole piece, make sure you pull back the one you mean to pull out and not the front of the cardi you knitted correctly.
Don’t ever feel bad about deviating from the pattern accidentally. Ever.
When to Knit
Knitting is a very personal thing and you should love what you do as a little bit of you is in your WIP.
If you aren’t feeling it, stop. Life is short, only do things that make you happy.
Know to stop knitting when you are tired, or drunk or both. It will only lead to a reknit the next day.
Be loyal to your knitting pattern. Don’t pick up another by mistake and carry on knitting. This will not turn out well.
If you knit in bed, try not to fall asleep knitting. Knitting needle up the nose time. Ouch.
If you dream about knitting, be prepared when you wake up to actually have to finish the piece.
Be careful you don’t sit on your needles. Needs no explanation.
From personal experience. Don’t tip your cup of tea into your knitting basket.
Finished Objects
The end of the knitting isn’t the end of the work. You may need the sewing up fairy to help you to the end.
Be careful not to sew your new knitted jumper to the cardigan you are wearing. Also make sure the right sides are together before you start to sew up your knitting.
Always show off your work to others. What you just made is special, completely unique and worthy of celebration however small.
Don’t forget. Housework is for those that have no interest in knitting. If someone suggests housework to you, offer them a cloth – but only after you stop laughing.
Enjoy the journey. Don’t forget, everything that isn’t immediately life threatening is absolutely optional. Including all the advice above.
What can be a more purrrrfect gift than a knitted cat?
Handmade with a Knitting by Post cat knitting pattern. Lots of choice and easy to make. All cat patterns are available as a PDF download or an A5 leaflet.
There are sitting cats, laying cats and even the odd lion too. There won’t be much purr-suation to pick one of these moggies.
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Keep Your Chocolate Orange Under Elf Supervision This Christmas Time.
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A PURRRfect Cat Knitting Pattern
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Little Reindeer that is Short and Sweet for you to knit.
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Santa’s sleigh won’t be complete without a knitted reindeer to lead the way. This pattern is perfect for holiday decorations, gifts, or a cozy Christmas display.
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Squeak squeak. It is Cheddar the Mouse knitting pattern.
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The first in a new series of smaller knitting patterns for little hands. Here is our Short and Sweet Raccoon.
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Are you looking for that perfect gift for a new baby? Do you want to make something personal and unique? we have lots of baby knitting patterns that can help. From quick knits that you can make in an hour to heirloom toys that you can decorate and personalise. There’s something for everyone here.
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No spells needed—just knitting needles! This Witch Baggles Gift Bag is the perfect way to hold Halloween treats in spooky style.
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This reindeer isn’t just cute—he can hold tiny chocolate Santas, making him the perfect holiday gift or stocking filler.
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Hang a knitted Santa bauble on your Christmas tree this year. A quick knit in a Santa and Gnome style.
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Hop to it! Bertie the Bunny is a charming soft toy knitting pattern with standing ears, a bow, and a cozy scarf.
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What's Up Duck? In a flap! Have some fun with our cute duck knitting pattern.
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Give your bunny a cozy place to nap with this Rabbit Snuggler Pet Bed knitting pattern. Perfect for small pets or as a soft cushion.
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How can you resist a cute gnome?
There are lots of toy knitting patterns to choose from. Bed time to Easter themed gnomes are popular. You can make your own with our gnome knitting patterns.
Our gnome patterns are especially good if you find it difficult to make faces as once the nose is made, there is no further detail. This makes them easy to finish off.
All gnome patterns are available as immediate download or leaflet posted to you wherever you are in the world.
Unicorns are the cutest of all mythical creatures. Knit a unicorn with any of these cute knitting patterns.
We have unicorns for all occastions, if it is for bed with the pyjama case or one of our squishy toys, any of these toy knitting patterns will make a great gift.
Click on the pattern title to take you to that pattern page.
Stardust the Unicorn Knitting Pattern
Stardust stands up and will ride around the room. Knitted in pink and white, she is small enough for little hands but cute with just enough knitted detail. Make it on 3mm needles and double knitting yarn.
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Stardust the Unicorn Knitting Pattern
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Skylar the Unicorn Knitting Pattern
Skylar has style and is a modern unicorn. She has a hoodie and a curly perm hair do too. Make her in pink and white for an extra different take on a unicorn.
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Skylar the Unicorn Knitting Pattern
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Unicorn Little Sweetie Knitting Pattern
This little sweetie is a little treat. She has a ring body so a small chocolate egg will sit nicely in her back. A great alternative present for Easter.
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Unicorn Little Sweetie Knitting Pattern
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Suki the Unicorn Pyjama Case Knitting Pattern
Made in chunky yarn, Suki the Unicorn Pyjama case can host a pair of child’s pyjamas or nightie in her belly. she will sit on your little one’s bed just waiting for bed time.
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Suki the Unicorn Pyjama Case Knitting Pattern
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Unicorn Baggles Knitting Pattern
Are you looking for a gift bag with a difference? This is a Baggle. The unicorn head moves up and down on the handle to allow lots of goodies into her belly.
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Unicorn Baggles Gift Bag Knitting Pattern
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Unicorn Toilet Roll Cover Knitting Pattern
Another cute addition to any house. She will sit in the littlest room and look after the toilet paper roll in her belly until it is needed. Lots of fun and a definite conversation starter.
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Unicorn Toilet Roll Cover Knitting Pattern
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Sprinkle Unicorn Knitting Pattern
Sprinkle is large and squishy. She is the largest of our unicorns so you can really get your knitting needles going. A sweet soft toy cute enough for a gift to any litttle girl.
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Sprinkle the Unicorn Knitting Pattern
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Find Unicorn Knitting Patterns Here
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No need for wrapping paper—this Santa gift bag is ready to sleigh. A charming and practical Christmas knitting project perfect for gifting and craft stalls.
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Another Sweet and Unique Toy Knitting Pattern. It is a Bear in a Basket.
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Sleepy and ready for bed is this cute little girl. She is in pink with a nightie and a hat.
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Two Cute Dolls All Ready For Play Time. Knitting Pattern for Bag, Dollies and Accessories.
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Four festive knits to make your needles jingle all the way
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Tiny toes, big memories! This Baby Feet knitting pattern is a simple and sweet keepsake, perfect for pram charms or new arrival gifts.
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It’s really convenient that you can get your knitting pattern instantly. Click pay and an email drops into your inbox with a link to your pattern. Great.
This quick guide should help you to get the best from your online knitting pattern and should help with any pitfalls that you may fall into when using it.
Checking you have the right software
All Knitting by Post downloads are in PDF format. This is a widely used file type for documents on the internet. A PDF file cannot be shown by itself and needs some reader software to make the file appear on your computer or device.
You may already have some software on your computer that allows you to read PDF documents as most devices come with a reader installed. If so, that’s great, you don’t need to install any other software.
Adobe is a software company and they originally created the PDF file format. If you cannot read your knitting pattern, it may be that you don’t have the right software. You can get a reader for your computer or device by downloading it from by using the link below. Adobe Acrobat Reader is the reader that will be most reliable and give you the best results.
https://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/otherversions/
Downloading your knitting pattern
Now you have the correct software, the next thing to note is that there are two places to get your download knitting pattern. You can download directly from the website after you pay. You do need to have setup a user account and not use the ‘guest’ login for this to work. If this is the case, you will be directed to your account and download section after payment.
You will also receive two emails after you purchase, one is the email to confirm your order and you will also receive an email with your download details on them.
IMPORTANT : If you don’t receive an email with your download, please check your spam or trash folder, sometimes it ends up there because it is an automated system.
Check the second email that you receive. You will see something like this
Click on the link under the “Download” column and your download will begin.
Where your download goes after you click on the link is entirely up to the type of device that you are using. This is not under the control of Knitting by Post. We provide the download PDF file but your device will save it depending on either the default settings or any changes you have told your device to make.
Where has my pattern gone?.. is a very common question that we get asked but the answer is dependent upon your device and out of our control. Here is some general advice.
Usually, to help you out, your device will open the file after you click the download link and show you the knitting pattern. It makes the assumption that you want to look at it right away and so it pops up for you to look at it.
Where your computer, tablet or smartphone saves your file so you can use it later, entirely depends upon your device and settings. Even if you view your file, it is likely that your device has stored the file somewhere too. Are you using a SmartPhone, tablet or computer?
Android SmartPhone / tablet
Android devices have a download folder on the phone and if you haven’t changed where to save them, you can find them there. You will have a files app. Go into there, click on your phone and then the downloads folder. Here is a guide that may help if you can’t find it.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-find-downloaded-files-on-android/
Apple devices
If you have an Apple device, the download folder should be where your files go. Again if you have changed this, they will go to the location that it changed to. Here is a guide for Apple users
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/safari/download-items-from-the-web-sfri40598/mac
PC Computer
Downloads go into the download folder. Here is a guide to setting the location to save your files to.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/4026331/microsoft-edge-change-the-downloads-folder-location
DON’T FORGET – If you can’t find your file later, you can either go back into your email and download it again from the Knitting by Post website or you can go into the My Account section of the website and get it from there too.
But… My knitting pattern looks odd
Here is some general help for you to troubleshoot your device.
If your knitting pattern doesn’t look right after you look at it on your computer, it is possible to do some troubleshooting to sort it out. Examples of display problems can be duplicated pages, instructions in the wrong order or no display at all. This is likely to be a problem with your device and not the knitting pattern itself. If you are not sure, you can drop us a message at shop@knittingbypost.com if you think that we should check the file.
- If you are using the Adobe Reader, you can reset your display settings for the internet. Here is a link that may help you to do this
https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/acrobat/kb/cant-view-pdf-web.html - Try to view the file using another device – if you are using a SmartPhone, try it on a computer instead.
- Make sure you are using the most up to date PDF reader on your device. Download any updates and try it again.
- If you have another PDF reader on your device, try to read your file with that instead.
- Restart your device and try again
- Delete any temporary internet files on your device.
So what else do I need to know?
Now you should have your download and be able to open it up to look at it. Next we are going to look at some of the common pitfalls of using a PDF document that you may fall into when reading a Knitting by Post knitting pattern.
All Knitting by Post knitting patterns are laid out in “Magazine Style”. This means that each page of the knitting pattern has 2 columns
The pattern is read from top left, to the bottom of the page and then back to the top to read the right hand column. This may not be obvious, especially if you zoom in and read the pattern on a phone or tablet that has a small screen.
So why do we do this?
It is to save paper. Knitting patterns can be really long as they involve lots of instructions and pictures. We want to save as much paper as possible.
Printing your knitting pattern
You may decide to print out your knitting pattern. There are a couple of things to remember when printing.
Print your PDF document using the default options. Don’t make any changes to the printing options – some options can change the layout of your knitting pattern, it can move pictures and in some instances change the order of the knitting pattern. This is the last thing that you want when you are trying to knit, the pattern may not make sense.
Examples of changing the default options are – Printing multiple pages on one page to help save paper. Changing the paper size (All patterns are A4 size – a standard UK paper size). Removing the images and printing the text only. There could be other options too that may affect the print.
If you have to use non-default options, check carefully after you have printed against the pattern that you see on the screen and make sure it is still in order and makes sense before you start knitting.
Hopefully, you will download and use your knitting pattern without any issues or problems. If you do have trouble, hopefully this guide will get you going in the right direction.
Knitting patterns can seem daunting the first time you look at them, they are written in a code with lots of commas and brackets and look like gobbeldygook. How could you possibly make that lovely toy from something that doesn’t make any sense?
A little knowledge can go a long way and at Knitting by Post we try to make our toy knitting patterns as easy to read as possible. Here is some advice for the best ways to read a Knitting by Post knitting pattern.
It’s all about Abbreviations
All knitting patterns are shortened, it is a way of saving paper so that you don’t have reems and reems of it for one small toy. If you can substitute the shortened words for the longer ones, you will soon understand the pattern better. There are lots of common abbreviations such as “k” which means knit a stitch. This is used on most knitting patterns.
Here are the most common abbriviations we use
- k – knit
- p – purl
- sts – stitches
- tog – together
- inc – increase
Let’s have an example. A row on a pattern may say …
Next: (k1, inc1) to end (12 sts)
There are lots of abbreviations on just this one line, let’s explain further.
The word “Next” is literally that. It means complete this bit after the bit that comes before it on the row above.
We will come back to the bracket. Next is the “k” or knit. This means knit one stitch. Usually there will be a number after the letter k. So for example, if the pattern says k4 it means to knit 4 stitches.
After the knit stitch is the “inc1” instruction. The abbreviation “inc” is short for increase. This means that you begin with one stitch on the left needle and when you have completed the stitch, you have two stitches on the right needle. You do this by knitting into the front of the stitch as normal, but don’t remove the stitch from the left needle as you would normally do. Next take the right needle and knit again into the back of the same stitch. Then let the left stitch fall off the needle as normal. You will have made one extra stitch on the right needle (Assumption :You are a right handed knitter)
Back to the brackets “(“. The opening bracket will always have a closing bracket “)”, they come as a pair and if you look further along the example row it is the case here. The closing bracket is after the phrase “inc1”.
Brackets with instructions inside them are repeating sections. In this example, it means repeat the k1, inc1 repeatedly to the end of the row. The words immediately after the brackets will tell you how many times to repeat the stitches. In the example, it says “to end”, so continue repeating the instruction inside the bracket to the end. If you were to write this out in long hand, easy to understand English then it would look like this.
“knit1, knit into the front and back of the stitch, knit1, knit into the front and back of the stitch knit1, knit into the front and back of the stitch knit1, knit into the front and back of the stitch”
Can you see how a knitting pattern would be huge if it was written like this? It would also be really difficult to follow too.
Next on the row is “(12 sts)”. The number of stitches (sts) at the end of a row show you how many stitches there should be on your needle after you have completed the row. It helps you to check your work as you go and make sure you haven’t gone wrong somewhere.
Watch out though! There is no universal abbreviation dictionary so something like “kfb” (knit into the front and back of the stitch) is the same as inc1 (increase 1 by knitting into the front and back of the stitch) It may change from designer to designer and pattern to pattern. Always check the abbreviations before you begin so you have a good understanding as you go.
If you can understand the basic knitting abbreviations then you will be able to read any knitting pattern and knit anything you want to. Good Luck.
Our customers are exceptionally tallented. Here is a selection of some of the knitting patterns they used to make toys with. They were shared with us on social media in February 2019.
Sue Tipple says “This is one of my personal favourites”
Get Bumble Baby knitting pattern here
£4.99 Leaflet
Buzz into a new knitting project with Bumble Baby! This soft toy bee knitting pattern is a delightful handmade gift
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Hayley Borley says “Custard finally sewn up? “
Get Custard the Rabbit knitting pattern here
£4.99 Leaflet
Eggsercise those needles and make Custard the Rabbit. Hop-Hop along and get this cute bunny knitting pattern.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Ernie Carter made Dangle the Carrot
Get Dangle the Carrot knitting pattern here
£4.99 Leaflet
Here is a little rabbit in a carrot sleeping bag. A quick and easy Easter knitting pattern.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Janet Firmin made
Get Clucky the Hen knitting pattern here
£4.99 Leaflet
Clucky the Hen is waddling around the place. She has room in her wings for lots of chocolate surprises. Knit one with this leaflet or PDF knitting pattern.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Pauline Mackinney is a rising star. She made this bunny
Get Baby Bunny knitting pattern here
£4.99 Leaflet
This Baby Bunny is ready for cuddles! A soft and adorable knitting pattern, perfect for Easter gifts, nurseries, or baby showers.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Julie Roberts says
“Knitting by post playful cat,my cousin who’s a teacher asked for a ginger cat for world book day,he’s called Hamish ?”
Get Playful Cat knitting pattern here
£4.99 Leaflet
Knit a cat that’s always in a playful mood! This fun soft toy knitting pattern captures a kitten’s mischievous charm.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Helen Chick Morris created Elephant Ballerina
Get Elephant Ballerina knitting pattern here
£4.99 Leaflet
This ballerina elephant is on her tip toes ready for her pirouettes. Her tu-tu is fixed to her waist and she is complete with ballet slippers. Make your own with this original knitting pattern.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Sharon Gray has “another one finished”
Get Toby the Chocolate Egg Dog knitting pattern here
£4.99 Leaflet
Here is Toby, he is an original, novelty dog knitting pattern. He will hold a chocolate egg in his belly and looks sweet too. A brilliant idea for an Easter gift.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Catherine Allen says “Made this for my great-niece who has her first wobbly tooth xx”
Get My Fairy Lady knitting pattern here
£4.99 Leaflet
Sprinkle some fairy magic into your knitting with this adorable soft toy doll. A lovely handmade project for little dreamers.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Jean Allen Edgar says “A mother’s gift “
Get A Mother’s Gift knitting pattern here
£4.99 Leaflet
This mother and child knitting pattern is a small easy and quick to knit character all ready for the coming festive season or as a new baby or Christening gift.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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