The Fun Way to Learn Knitting

Well, it's been awhile, but we're back in the saddle again!  This charming little pattern book, The "Fun" Way To Learn Knitting, seemed like a great way to get back to sharing free patterns and techniques.  A short book, covering the basics including how to cast on, a variety of stitches, joining yarns, terms and four beginner patterns.

Here we go, starting with an adorable cover:

Enjoy these fun, free knitting patterns from this sweet, vintage pattern book.  A few holiday gifts should come together quickly!  Happy stitching!

Filet Crochet or Cross Stitch Animal Motifs

Today I have the animal filet crochet or cross stitch patterns that I mentioned previously.  These designs are also from the vintage 1920 pattern book that the last patterns came from.  These little guys were originally designed for a baby coverlet but could be used for anything.  

The instructions from the book say size 50 or 60 thread with a number 12 steel crochet hook.  Each grid gives an approximate finished size as well as how many meshes or squares are involved.

This chicken design would look terrific cross stitched onto a kitchen towel:

This would be so cute in a baby's room!

Imagine this little fellow cross stitched onto a Christmas stocking:

Stork for a baby shower:

A bunny for Easter:

Make this in orange and black for a Halloween candy dish towel:

Another design that speaks kitchen to me:

 Longer motifs for crocheted pillowcase edgings or towels.  They could be cross stitched for simple samplers too for baby's room.

 The book offers these suggestions:  "All the work patterns of the animals are suitable for either filet crochet or cross stitch work and they may be used in many ways to make the nursery a delight to its little owner."

Pony or horse:

Can't forget Fido for the dog lover!

Another bird motif:

This would look lovely in a country cabin:

The natural designs of these images would make perfect handmade Christmas ornaments.  The simplicity of the patterns would make teaching cross stitch to children easy and delightful.

The images used alone or used together, crocheted or cross stitched, these lovely little patterns offer so many possibilities.  Enjoy!

Free Baby Cap and Bonnet Patterns

It's the end of September and there's a chill in the air.  Cold weather means bundling up, especially for little ones.

These two vintage crochet patterns fit the bill perfectly!  They are as adorable now as they were "back in the day" and will stitch up very quickly.  The first, a toque, would be perfect for a boy or girl and is super easy to make.

The second vintage crochet pattern is for a bonnet and it too would be perfect for either a boy or a girl.  In fact, because it ties with a ribbon at the chin, it would probably be preferable for a younger baby because the ribbon will help it stay in place.

Both the cap and bonnet can be made in various color schemes to match jackets and coats.  And, with the holidays coming up, these would also make lovely gifts.  I'm thinking of some lucky nieces and nephews this Christmas!

I'm so pleased to share these free vintage crochet patterns from my vintage pattern book collection -- enjoy and happy stitching!