Wildlife Tales from My Colorado Craft Haven

Gardening in Colorado brings you face-to-face with wildlife more than you'd think. Meet the wild animals that stop by to say hello to Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Where Knitting Meets Critters and Gardens Host Gossip Sessions

So, picture this: Southwest Colorado, where my knitting needles and gardening trowels mingle with the locals – the wildlife! From my crafting corner, I’ve got a front-row seat to nature’s sitcom, and let me tell you, it’s both hilarious and awe inspiring.

Hummingbird High-Speed Chase

Colorado has the best hummingbirds. Squirrel spying on the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Ever tried knitting while hummingbirds zip around? It’s like a NASCAR race with wings! These speedsters inspire me to pick vibrant yarn colors, because, let’s face it, life’s too short for dull colors when hummingbirds are around.

Squirrel Shenanigans and Cheeky Chipmunks

Squirrel spying on the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Gardening with squirrels and chipmunks around is a bit like playing hide-and-seek. They eye my veggies, I try to protect ’em. It’s a constant game of “Who’s got the best tricks?” Their antics remind me to knit resilient stitches, just in case they decide to get crafty with my knitting basket.

A silly chipmunk tries to drive a Tonka Truck through my garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Deer Drama Queen

As twilight sets in, the deer emerge, looking all majestic until they nibble on my carefully tended plants! They’re the garden divas, strutting in for a snack. But hey, their elegance sometimes sneaks into my knitting patterns – subtle and graceful, just like those sneaky but graceful nibblers.

Mamma mule deer and her twin fawns looking for food. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Butterfly Makeovers

A caterpillar snacks on dill in the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

From caterpillar chaos to butterfly beauty, the garden’s got its own makeover show! It’s like witnessing a craft project in fast-forward. Their transformations nudge me to experiment with new knitting patterns – after all, change is a beautiful thing, right?

A yellow butterfly in flight to a fruit tree blossom. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Songbird Karaoke Nights

Wild Colorado Songbird observing the lettuce in my garden. Wild turkeys love to peck at the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

These songbirds make my gardening soundtrack! It’s a full-on karaoke session out there. Their tunes fuel my knitting rhythm. Who knew a knitting session could double as an open mic night for nature’s finest crooners? And what’s extra-exciting in my neck of the woods is to hear the Steller’s Jays imitate the local hawks. Sometimes I hear a hawk scream and look up to see this fellow. The little stinker does it to clear the garden of other birds that might be competing for food. They hear a hawk and flee, while the Jay feasts happily, knowing the birds of prey are not on the attack.

Steller's Jays can imitate hawks and other sounds. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

A hawk scratches his face, taking a break. Wild turkeys love to peck at the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Wild Turkey Troublemakers

Wild turkeys love to peck at the garden. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Now, speaking of wild birds, I often run into the most beautiful flock of wild turkeys while knitting and gardening outside. They are adorable and so fun to watch. But they do love a good garden snack, just like anyone else. Do I share? Usually. They’re too fun to run off. Oh, and it is also amazingly fun to watch wild turkeys take flight.

Bumbling Bees

Lets not forget the most important of the garden creatures to visit while I’m clicking my knitting needles. Both honey and bumble bees are both vital to the garden’s survival and to my knitting bliss. Listen to the sweet soft buzzing while you weave together your newest knitting project. Your mind will thank you for the tranquility.

Bumble bees pollinate snap dragons. Colorado wildlife knitting outside with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Don’t Forget to Look Up

Those knitting stitches do keep your eyes focused. But don’t forget to take a break and look up every now and then. Otherwise you might miss spotting some really amazing wildlife.

In Southwest Colorado, my knitting and gardening adventures unfold amidst the quirkiest cast of characters – the local wildlife! Their shenanigans and charm sneak into my crafting choices, adding a touch of nature’s comedy to my cozy craft haven.

Join Liz Chandler knitting in her Colorado mountain haven. Garden, grow, and learn to knit at purlsandpixels.com.

Knit along with me and be sure you follow me on Instagram: that’s where I share my best nature and knitting photos.

Let’s be friends! @PurlsAndPixels on Instagram.

January 1, 2024January 12, 2026

Starting Seedlings on New Year’s Day

My New Year’s Day tradition? Starting seedlings. Yes, I know it seems early, but the timing is just right if you live in a cold climate with a short growing season. Some of those stubborn, slow growing garden plants like tomatoes and peppers just don’t have time to make their yummy fruit. I can’t tell you how many sad, frozen green tomatoes I have pouted over. So, now I have a new tradition: starting seedlings on New Year’s Day. Sewing my slow-growing seeds inside on January 1st to gives them the best head-start possible.

Winter Seedlings

I live and garden in Southwest Colorado, Zone 6A. (Find your Plant Hardiness Zone at the USDA website.) That means our typical planting season, like many of the colder Zones, is pretty short. Plants can safely be outside from June 1st through mid-September. Those three and a half months fly by, and, in my experience, sneaky September frosts often kill off your favorite flowers and veggies before they fully ripen. Tragic.

Instead of planting little seedlings outside when June comes along, I need to plant fairly large tomatoes, peppers, and perennials inside quite early. To give them time to develop, I start now! And it sure makes for a happy New Year’s Day to get your hands dirty and start watching something grow.

Gardening Inside

Since my home is fairly well lit, I do have the advantage of bright sun in my bedroom most of the day. This means that come January 1st, my bedroom doubles as a seed-starting room and plant nursery. I adore waking up to my little garden of plants every morning.

When planting my seeds, I don’t do anything too fancy. I use square white starter pots and regular potting soil (affiliate links). Make sure the soil is thoroughly saturated with water before planting your seed. When watering, be gentle and careful not to disturb the seed. Or, try watering from the bottom. Place a tray under the seed pot and keep that tray filled with water; the plant will soak the water up through the holes in the pot without disturbing delicate seedlings.

I do supplement their lighting with an LED grow light like this one found on Amazon. This helps prevent the plants from getting leggy (too tall) while they wait to go outside. If your home doesn’t have great lighting, you will probably want to use grow lights for all your indoor garden plants.

Replenish their water to keep your plants hydrated, and a bit of diluted fertilizer once a month after they’ve established themselves is all you’ll need to keep your indoor plants happy. Then, once summer arrives (and those nasty freezes go away), you can harden the plants off and plant them out in the garden.

Hardening Off

Acclimating your plants to the outdoor weather is even more important when they’ve spent so much time inside. Make sure you bring them outside on nice, calm days. Too much wind, cold, or heat will shrivel your sheltered plant babies. Give them just a few hours in the outdoor shade to start with. Then, slowly add time to their outdoor recess until they can handle a full day and night outside. I’ll even take the extra step of letting them sit in their garden spot while still in their pots. If they get wilt-y or start getting crispy leaf tips, they may need a different place in the garden or a bit more time in the shade before they are planted out.

A New Gardening Tradition for a New Year

If you’re like me and live in a very chilly part of the world, starting seedlings on New Year’s Day could be an exciting new tradition. And it might just be the ticket to a full harvest this summer.

Happy New Year and happy gardening!

December 29, 2023January 12, 2026

My Knitting Garden

Build a knitting garden with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Welcoming Gardening into my Knitting Haven

Dear fellow knitting enthusiasts, welcome to an exciting new chapter in my creative journey! Today, I’m thrilled to share a budding passion that’s been quietly flourishing alongside my knitting adventures – the vibrant world of gardening. I hope you will join me in my knitting garden, so we can grow together.

A Shared Thread: Knitting and Gardening

For those who’ve followed my knitting escapades, you’ll understand the joy of crafting something magical out of a simple skein of yarn. Now, imagine that same sense of creation but with soil, seeds, and a garden spade. Gardening, much like knitting, is a canvas for creativity, a testament to patience, and a journey filled with growth.

A Personal Connection

You might wonder, “Gardening on a knitting blog?” Well, let me share a little secret – gardening has become more than just planting flowers and growing veggies. Growing food and flowers has intertwined itself with my knitting journey in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The vibrant colors of my garden have found their way into yarn choices. The rhythm of knitting often echoes the peacefulness of a garden in bloom.

Where Knitting Meets Greenery

Picture this: knitting needles click in harmony with the rustling leaves. A newly sprouted garden bed inspires the next knitting pattern. Curious wildlife wanders by. These moments, where knitting meets nature, have become cherished encounters that I can’t wait to share with all of you.

Spinning a Yarn in the Garden

Gardening and knitting – two seemingly distinct worlds – have found common ground in my creative space. Just as knitting stitches come together to form a beautiful piece, so do the seeds planted in my garden. They both sprout into a colorful tapestry that resonates with the essence of my knitting projects.

What’s Next?

As we embark on this gardening-knitting journey together, expect to see the garden growing onto my knitting blog pages more often. From planting tips that complement yarn choices, to stories where garden motifs find their way into our knitting patterns, a whole new chapter is waiting to be unraveled. I may also tell you a little about my chickens, too.

Build a knitting garden (with chickens!) with Liz Chandler @ PurlsAndPixels.

So, my dear knitting companions, prepare to see a hint of green among my yarn stash. Gardening has strolled into my knitting haven, and I couldn’t be more excited to knit this new story with all of you.

December 21, 2023December 10, 2025

Knitting: A Timeless Resolution for the New Year

The perfect new year's resolution: learn to knit. Find free knitting lessons at PurlsAndPixels.com or learn with Liz Chandler's Knitting Guide, a complete beginners textbook.

As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us scribble down resolutions like “go to the gym” or “eat healthier.” But what if this year, you resolve to do something that doesn’t require spandex or saying goodbye to your favorite snacks? Enter knitting. It’s the New Year’s resolution that’s both productive and forgiving of your occasional snack attack. 🧶🥳

New Year, new knit. Learn a new hobby this year for a cozier more self-reliant lifestyle. Go to Liz Chandler's free online knitting lessons to start now at PurlsAndPixels.com.

Cozy and Good For You

In a world spinning faster than a knitter’s yarn, picking up those needles offers a relaxing break from life’s chaos. Picture this: you, cocooned in a comfy chair, needles clacking away like a tiny percussion section, while everyone else is stuck in traffic. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a magical retreat that says, “Sorry, I’m on ‘knit’ time.”

Apart from fashioning fabulous scarves and blankets, knitting is like a personal Zen garden. Studies rave about its stress-busting powers and ability to lower blood pressure. While others are in downward-facing dog at the yoga studio, you’ll be in your happy place, creating something utterly ‘knit-credible.’ Read more about knitting wellness here.

And let’s not forget the knitting community – it’s basically a secret society disguised as a craft circle. Join one, and you’ll soon be swapping stories faster than a dropped stitch. It’s where rivalries over the best yarn blend turn into lifelong friendships.

Plus, knitting isn’t just a way to avoid buying mass-produced stuff; it’s the ultimate flex of creativity. From a simple scarf to the Picasso of sweaters, every project you finish is a high-five to your inner artist.

This year, instead of sweating it out on the treadmill, why not create your own style while watching a marathon of your favorite shows? Pick up those needles, select some yarn that speaks to your soul, and knit your way to a year filled with cozy accomplishments and endless laughter.

Who knew that something as simple as two sticks and a ball of yarn could be the key to unlocking a year of creative fun? So, grab your needles, choose your colors, and let’s make this year ‘knit-tastic’! Cheers to a new year of loops, laughter, and knitted dreams coming true! 🥂

Learning to Knit

Try my free online knitting lessons, which teach you to knit from the absolute beginning. My YouTube Videos can also show you the basics of knitting. Or, order my book, “Liz Chandler’s Knitting Guide: Learn to Knit with Practical Patterns.” There you will find both lessons and timeless knitting patterns. You can make your knitting New Year’s resolution come true! 🎆

December 11, 2023November 9, 2025

A Knitter’s Must-Haves

Explore the Knitting Supplies I Actually Use 🧶

Let’s chat real knitting. Not the curated basket‑on‑a‑white‑couch fantasy. Not the twelve‑hundred‑dollar set of heirloom needles your neighbor pretends she uses. This is the gear I actually knit with. These are the supplies that sit next to my coffee, the ones that get tossed in my tote bag, and the exact things I recommend to anyone learning or coming back to knitting.

Grab your yarn, your coffee, and zero perfection pressure. We knit here. We do not stress.

To make things easier to find, I’ve included Amazon affiliate links throughout this list. They’ll take you to the yarn and tools I usually order. Happy knitting!

Start Here: Your Beginner Knitting Kit

Brand new? Restarting after life took over? (Welcome back.💞 ) This simple setup will carry you through the first wins without overwhelm.

Choose your beginner knitting path:

Fast + useful: Knit washcloths and face scrubbies (free pattern here)
- Yarn: Lily Sugar ’n Cream (100 percent cotton, worsted weight)
- Needles: US No. 7 (4.5 mm)
- Why: Quick finishes, super practical, confidence boosters
Cozy + wearable: Knit your first scarf (free pattern here)
- Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (worsted weight)
- Needles: US No. 8 (5 mm)
- Why: Slower, soothing, and you get something you can wear and brag about
Fastest dopamine hit: Super‑bulky coaster (free pattern here)
- Yarn: Lion Brand Wool‑Ease Thick & Quick (super bulky)
- Needles: US No. 13 (9 mm)
- Why: Instant gratification, fat stitches, big win energy
- P.S. – When your coaster is done, you can make my super bulky scarf and placemat with the same tools

Choose your first knitting project and grab knitting supplies to learn to knit. Will it be a face scrubby washcloth, a scarf, or a chunky coaster? Pick one and start your free knitting lessons with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Then grab:

A tapestry needle
Super sharp scissors (or use whatever you already have)
Stitch markers (or scrap yarn loops because we are resourceful)

I teach all the basics step‑by‑step here at PurlsAndPixels. Start learning here: Free Beginner Knitting Lessons.

Books and Learning

My Learn‑to‑Knit Book

Liz Chandler’s Knitting Guide: Learn to Knit with Practical Patterns

In addition to my free online lessons, you can learn to knit in my complete guide book. I wrote this book because nobody else had. My complete instruction manual for true beginners has full‑color photos for every single step and patterns you will keep using long after you learn.

My Practical Knitting Pattern Book

Liz Chandler’s Knitting The Simple Things: A Collection of Practical Patterns

Want all the patterns from my Knitting Guide without the knitting lessons? Grab Liz Chandler’s Knitting the Simple Things. My pattern-only book has 15 designs all in multiple sizes (65 total patterns are included). This high-gloss color-printed pattern book has all the classic knits you’ll want to knit over and over: washcloths, scarves, hats, gloves, and more!

Knitting Guide Hardcover

Liz Chandler's knitting books will teach you to knit and give you patterns you'll want to make over and over again.

Yarn Staples

Buy what feels good in your hands. If you pick it up and your brain immediately goes, “ooooh, squishy!” that is your yarn.

Cotton

For dishcloths, towels, or anything you’ll wash often, Lily Sugar ’n Cream 100% cotton yarn is your best friend. It’s durable, absorbent, and feels amazing to work with.

Acrylic

If you want something smooth, washable, and easy to find, try Caron Simply Soft. It comes in every color imaginable and is perfect for scarves, blankets, and beginner projects.

Super Bulky

For instant-gratification knitting, you can’t beat Lion Brand Wool‑Ease Thick & Quick. It’s perfect for chunky scarves, cowls, or anything you want to finish fast and love forever.

Merino Wool

When you’re ready for something softer and more luxurious, try Malabrigo Merino Wool. It’s beautifully dyed, smooth as butter, and perfect for special gifts or long-lasting wearables.

What materials do I need to learn to knit or make a gift basket for a future knitter? Find out at PurlsAndPixels.

Knitting Needles

If you’ve ever wondered which knitting needles are best for beginners, here’s the short answer: it depends on what kind of knitter you are. Bamboo needles are warm to the touch, slightly grippy, and help keep your stitches from sliding off. They’re perfect for relaxed, meditative knitters or anyone just getting started. Metal needles, like Addi Turbo, are slick, fast, and great for those who love speed and precision.

Needles also come in many shapes. You’ll see straight, circular, and double point needles line the shelves. Each has its perks, so the best choice is whichever one makes your hands (and your mood) happiest. Circular needles are the most versatile of all; they can handle everything from scarves to hats and blankets without taking up much space. Here’s a quick guide that makes sense:

If you’re knitting washcloths or towels, use US No. 7 (4.5 mm) needles. For scarves and cozy basics, reach for US No. 8 (5 mm). And when you’re in the mood for fast, super‑bulky projects, go big with US No. 13 (9 mm).

If you’re only buying one kind of needle, circular needles around 16 inches long will handle most projects, from scarves to hats to washcloths.

Bamboo needles, like Clover Bamboo, are my go-to for calm, quiet knitting sessions. They have just the right grip to keep your stitches from slipping, and they feel warm and natural in your hands. Plus, they are much quieter to work with than metal needles that make a clinking noise when you work them.

Metal needles, like Addi Turbo, glide smoothly and are perfect for when you want to move quickly through a project. They’re strong, durable, and ideal for knitters who like speed with precision.

Bamboo Knitting Needles

Calm, cozy, gentle. Clover Takumi Bamboo when I want quiet knitting.

Bamboo US No. 7 (4.5 mm) 16 inch (14 cm) circular needle
Bamboo US No. 8 (5 mm) 16 inch (14 cm) circular needle
Bamboo US No. 13 (9 mm) 16 inch (14 cm) circular needle

Metal Knitting Needles

Smooth and fast. Knit with ChiaoGoo Red Lace needles when caffeine meets ambition. I like the thick cable on this brand. And, they’re good for everything, not just lace. 😉

Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles

I’ll be honest, these are an indulgence I have not yet tried. But, oh do I wish I could work with a set of interchangeable needles! They come with tons of needle tip sizes and cord lengths. It looks very handy to be able to mix and match! Here are some sets I’ve been drooling over. Have you tried them? Let me know how it went!

Finishing Tools

These little helpers make your finished pieces look tidy and professional. You’ll want tapestry needles for weaving in yarn ends, small scissors for trimming, stitch markers for tracking sections, and a row counter if you like to stay organized. Each tool makes your knitting just a little smoother.

If you want to see exactly how I use each one, check out my detailed post: Choosing Knitting Tools.

Keeping Notes

Always jot down what yarn you used and where you left off. You’ll thank yourself later. Whether you use a notebook or an app, keeping notes helps you remember what worked and what didn’t. It also saves you from trying to guess which shade of blue you used six months ago.

Liz Chandler’s knitting journals

Smart Storage

Hear me out. Fancy baskets are lovely, but containers that stack, travel, and survive kids, dogs, and gravity make the best yarn holders. Practical wins.

Containers I unapologetically use:

Yarn Storage Ideas from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Keep Learning

🧶 Learn to Knit with Liz Chandler’s Complete Free Lessons

✅ Beginner’s Guide to Knitting and Free Skills Checklist

👋 Free Knitting Starter Kit

🧺 Choosing Knitting Tools for Beginners

🎁 Make a DIY Learn to Knit Set for a Loved One

🏡 Build a Cozy Lifestyle

Learn to Knit

Shop Books and Patterns

Home & Garden DIY

Don’t Miss a Stitch! 🧶

Love cozy knitting projects? Join me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌

July 13, 2023July 13, 2023

Beginner Knitting Patterns

Knitting patterns with only knits and purls by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Knitting Patterns with only Knit and Purl Stitches

Once you master knits and purls, you’ll be able to start making simple beginner knitting patterns. Beginning knitters can easily try making Garter Stitch, Stockinette Stitch, Seed Stitch, and Rib Stitch, because they are all made with only knit and purl stitches.

Garter Stitch

Garter stitch is a knitting pattern that is composed of all knit stitches. When knitting a regular flat piece, you will knit all the stitches in one row, turn, then knit all the stitches in the next row, turn, and repeat. This creates a ribbed fabric that looks the same on both sides.

Garter stitch has a very simple abbreviation: “k” every row.

Practice the garter stitch with my free Beginner Knit Scarf Pattern.

Stockinette Stitch

Stockinette Stitch is one of the most widely used knitting patterns, which has smooth “knit side” and a bumpy “purl side.”

When knitting a flat piece in Stockinette Stitch, you cast on an even number of stitches, knit one row, turn your work, then purl one row and continue alternating knit and purl rows.

Stockinette is usually abbreviated in this way: c/o even number of stitches. *k 1 row, p 1 row.*

Stockinette Stitch is used in the “Basic Washcloth and Face Scrubby” patterns, found in my Simple Washcloth Knitting Pattern Collection.

Knitting patterns with only knits and purls, stockinette stitch basic washcloths, by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Knit, Purl Rib Stitch

Knitting patterns with only knits and purls, rib stitch, by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Knit, purl rib is a frequently used stitch for ribbed borders on clothing like hats, mittens, and sweaters. To knit this type of ribbing, cast on an even number of stitches. *Knit, purl* repeat for one row. Turn, and repeat the same row. You will be knitting into the knit stitches and purling into the purl stitches of the row below.

Abbreviated, a rib pattern will often read: c/o even number of stitches. *k, p* every row.

Try my free Ribbed Scarf pattern for practice on this stitch.

Learn to knit an easy Ribbed Scarf with this free knitting pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsandPixels.

Seed Stitch

You can knit a more elaborate texture using the Seed Stitch. Although it looks more difficult, simply alternate knit and purl stitches, much like a Knit, Purl Rib. Instead of stacking the knits and the purls in columns, however, in Seed Stitch you purl into the knit stitches and knit into the purl stitches. Both sides of the work will look the same.

To make the Seed Stitch, cast on an even number of stitches. Knit one stitch, purl one stitch, then repeat for one row or round. At the next row or round, purl one stitch, knit one stitch, then repeat until the end of the row or round. Repeat these two rows until you are finished.

The abbreviated version of this would read: c/o even number of stitches. *k, p* one row, turn, *p, k* one row. Repeat.

Try my free Seed Stitch Washcloth pattern for practice on this stitch.

After you understand these basic patterns, you can make lot of different fabrics with the same ball of yarn.

It is a great time to start exploring fun beginner patterns and learning new skills. My beginner knitting patterns use the stitches above to make your own cozy accessories.

Knitting Patterns using only Knits and Purls

More Knitting Patterns

See my entire pattern collection here.

I’ve also started a Pinterest collection of my favorite knitting patterns from my site and from other great knitting designers around the web. Look there for more great knitting ideas.

Up Next

The many sections and abbreviations in a knitting pattern can be intimidating. Learn how to read a knitting pattern in the next lesson.

Learn to read knitting patterns with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

December 7, 2022December 10, 2025

Customize Knits

Want to make your knits more unique? Learn to customize your knitwear by adding pom-poms, buttons, and other decorations in this knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Learn to customize your knitwear by adding pom-poms, buttons, and other decorations in this knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Minimalist knitting patterns are simple to knit and you can make them over and over again. But your plain knitwear does not have to stay plain. Try to customize knits to fit your personal style. You can take any simple pattern and spice it up by adding decorations or changing the yarn design.

Customize Your Knitting

Once you have learned to knit the basic patterns, you may want to find a way to make simple designs a little more unique. Choosing a colorful, variegated yarn is a great way to spice things up. Try a new material, like wool, alpaca, or silk.

Add pom-poms, tassels, bows, or faux flowers. If you are familiar with embroidery, stitch embroidered embellishments onto your knitwear using your darning needle and yarn.

Substitute Yarn

You can alter the look of a knitted item dramatically just by changing the recommended yarn. Experiment with both color and yarn material to create your own, one-of-a-kind knit. The most important thing to keep in mind when substituting yarn, however, is to choose yarn that is the same weight as the recommended yarn. When working through my beginners’ lessons make sure you select a “worsted weight” yarn.

You can also try working with different yarn materials. Each type of fiber that is spun into yarn has its own unique look and feel, so changing the yarn material can change the texture of your knit pieces. When substituting yarn, choose materials that are similar to your starting yarn. For example, wool and alpaca make excellent substitutes for acrylic yarn; they are soft, stretchy, and warm. Try a bamboo-based yarn instead of cotton, since it is absorbent and holds its shape.

Explore the wide array of colors and try a few of your favorites. Yarn-makers offer solid color yarns in every shade of the rainbow. Or, add pattern and depth to your knitting by working with a multicolored or ‘”variegated” yarn. Skeins of variegated yarn are dyed with different sections of coordinated colors; they allow you to knit in multiple colors without switching balls of yarn. Some variegated yarn is even made to be “self-striping;” it is dyed in sections that create the illusion of separately knit color stripes.

Find my recommendations for substitute worsted weight yarn here.

Add Decorations and Embellishments

Let your imagination run wild when it comes to decorating your finished knits. Handmake or purchase fun accents to compliment your knitwear. To any simple knit, consider adding:

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Find Simple Patterns

Simple knitting patterns by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

You can customize any of my simple knitting patterns using these ideas. Changing the yarn color, material, or decorating hats, gloves, headbands, and legwarmers makes these classic knits unique.

Find the patterns here.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

March 30, 2022August 6, 2025

One-Size-Fits-Most Ribbed Hat Free Knitting Pattern

Knit a stretchy, unisex, one-size-fits-most ribbed knit hat with a foldable brim using this PDF printable knitting pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Ribbed Hat

To make this ribbed hat, you will work in a simple knit, purl pattern. This will create a stretchy ribbing, which allows the hat to fit most head sizes from children through adults. Working from the bottom of the hat, upward, you will knit a long tube before adding decreases to close the top of the hat. Folding the brim will not only help it fit most heads properly, but will also add an extra layer of warmth around the ears.

Prefer to knit offline?

This pattern is free to read below, but if you’d rather print it or save it for later, I’ve created a clean, ad-free PDF version for you.

Includes complete, row-by-row instructions
Easy to print or use on your tablet
Supports my small business 💖

Download the Ribbed Hat PDF – $9.99

Get Liz Chandler's Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern PDF download at PurlsAndPixels.

Using the suggested acrylic yarn will give you a soft, solid-colored hat. Try experimenting with yarn colors, textures, and materials to make this hat more unique. Be sure you choose worsted weight yarn and check your gauge before substituting materials.

The purple hat pictured here was made by substituting Malabrigo Rios merino wool yarn in the color “Lotus.” (Amazon affiliate link.)

About This Free Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern

This simple ribbed hat is an easy-level knitting pattern. You will need to know how to make a long-tail cast on, knit, purl, decrease, and draw yarn thru the remaining stitches. If you are not familiar with these skills, find quick, free lessons in my Learn to Knit Guide.

Materials

You will need the following materials, which you can purchase at your local yarn shop or on Amazon.com via the affiliate links below:

Knitting Needles:

Short Circular Needles (optional)

16-inch (41 cm) long US No. 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Double Point Needles (DPNs)

7-inch (18 cm) long US No. 5 (3.75 mm) DPNs (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Or Long Circular Needles (optional)

36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Yarn:

One 315-yard (6 ounce) skein of worsted weight yarn* (shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn), in your choice of color.

one hat uses about one hat uses about 157.5 yards (3 oz.)

*Shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn in “Pagoda.” Weights estimated with Caron Simply Soft yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 21 yards (0.4 oz.).

Tools:

A stitch marker, a measuring tape and a darning needle.

Gauge

20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 5 (3.75 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)

Abbreviations

k = knit

p = purl

** = repeat the pattern between the asterisks

ssk = slip, slip, knit

Instructions: One-Size-Fits-Most Ribbed Hat

(Fits most children, teens, and adults or 18-inch to 25-inch head circumference)

Use the Long-Tail Cast On method. Knit in the round. For Double Point Needles, follow DPN instructions written in italics. For circular needles, follow instructions written in bold. On long circular needles, follow the Magic Loop instructions. Or, for this size, you can substitute short (16-inch) circular needles to knit in the round without the Magic Loop; you will need to switch to DPNs or the Magic Loop to complete the decreases at the top of the hat. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.

[Using No. 5 DPNs or short circular needles] Row 1: Cast on 88 stitches. Divide onto 3 DPNs (30 on 1^st, 28 on 2^nd, and 30 on 3^rd DPN). Or separate stitches on long circular needles for Magic Loop (44 on each side). Or place all cast on stitches onto short circular needles. (88 stitches)

Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and *k, p* x 44. (88 stitches)

Rows 3 – 75: *k, p* x 44. (88 stitches) {Work should measure 11 inches at this point.}

{Begin decreases.}Row 76: ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 4), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 4), p. (80 stitches)

Row 77: ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4), ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4), ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4), ssk, (*p, k* x 4), ssk, (*k, p* x 4). (72 stitches)

Row 78: ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 3), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 3), p. (64 stitches)

Row 79: ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3), ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3), ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3), ssk, (*p, k* x 3), ssk, (*k, p* x 3). (56 stitches)

[Switch to No. 5 DPNs or long circular needles and the Magic Loop] Row 80: ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p, ssk, (*k, p* x 2), k, ssk, (*p, k* x 2), p. (48 stitches)

Row 81: ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2), ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2), ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2), ssk, (*p, k* x 2), ssk, (*k, p* x 2). (40 stitches)

Row 82: *ssk, k, p, k, ssk, p, k, p* x 4. (32 stitches)

Row 83: *ssk, p, k, ssk, k, p* x 4. (24 stitches)

Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. With darning needle, draw yarn tightly through remaining 24 stitches. Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Print the Free Ribbed Hat Knitting Pattern

Printable Ribbed Hat Pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

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This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.

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