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Free Knitting Pattern: Slip Stitch Pillow

Slip Stitch Pillow by Edie Eckman

A chunky knit pillow with a minimalist modern look! The knitting pattern is free, and the Slip Stitch Pillow will look fantastic on your sofa. It makes a great gift for all home decor styles.

Slip stitch ribs on a background of garter stitch makes for super easy knitting. Even novice knitters can master this stitch pattern.

photo of pillow and basket of yarn on sofa

The free knitting pattern and video tutorial is below. You can also purchase a printable ad-free pdf.

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Thanks to Lion Brand Yarn and Fairfield Products for providing the materials for this project. This post contains affiliate links, which may provide a small income to me, but don’t cost you anything extra.

About the Materials

6 Super Bulky logo

The pillow takes about 212 yards [194 m] of super bulky yarn. The pillow pictured is knit with two balls of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (80% acrylic, 20% wool) in color 099 Fisherman. I used US size 13 [9 mm] knitting needles to get gauge.

You’ll need a 14″ [35.5 cm] square pillow form. I used Fairfield Products Poly-fil Premier Ultra Plus Pillow Insert.

Fairfield Products Poly-fil Premier ultra plush pillow insert

Free Pattern: Slip Stitch Pillow

Slip Stitch Pillow flat lay

Finished Dimensions

14″ [35.5 cm] square

Materials

Super-bulky weight yarn: approximately 212 yds [27 m]. Sample used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 6 oz [170 g], 106 yd [97 m]), 2 balls 099 Fisherman

US size 13 [9 mm] knitting needles or size to obtain correct gauge

Size M/N [9 mm] crochet hook for finishing (optional)

14″ [35.5 cm] square pillow form

Tapestry needle

Gauge

11 sts and 20 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Slip Stitch Pattern
To save time, take time to check gauge.

Abbreviations

k: knit
p: purl
rep: repeat
RS: right side
sl: slip
st(s): stitch(es)
WS: wrong side
wyib: with yarn in back

Slip Stitch Pattern

Multiple of 4 + 3
Set-Up Row (WS): K3, [p1, k3] across.
Row 1 (RS): K3, [sl 1 purlwise wyib, k3] across.
Row 2: K3, [p1, k3] across.
Rep Rows 1 and 2 for pattern.

Instructions

(Make 2)
Long tail cast on 35 sts.

Work in Slip Stitch Pattern until piece measures 13″ [33 cm] from beginning, ending with a WS row. Bind off knitwise.

Weave in ends.

Finishing

Crochet seam (optional): Holding front and back pieces with WS together, single crochet evenly through both layers around to seam three sides. Insert pillow form before closing fourth side. Weave in ends.

If you prefer, sew front and back together on three sides; insert pillow form before finishing final seam.

Weave in ends.

https://youtu.be/q3GQ80Fr3o4

More Easy Knitting Projects

Looking for more free and easy knitting patterns? Check these out:

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Turk Mountain Hat Knitting Pattern

Turk Mountain Hat knitting pattern by Edie Eckman

Wear this hat on your mountain hikes or your in-town errands. The Turk Mountain Hat knitting pattern is sized for adults. Unisex styling, classic yarn and a traditional shape combine for a super grab-and-go project.

Turk Mountain Hat knitting pattern by Edie Eckman

The stitch pattern, with an unusual 1/1/1 cable, is a fun twist on more familiar cables. And it looks great on the reverse side too, so you can wear the hat inside out if you prefer!

Where is Turk Mountain?

Turk Mountain is in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, not too far from where I live. The Turk Mountain Trail is a popular hiking trail. I like to name designs for interesting and beautiful places. This one just happens to be close to home!

This post contains affiliate links, which may provide a small income to me if you buy something by clicking on a link on this site. Affiliate links do not cost you anything extra.

About the Yarn

Craft Yarn Council Icon for 4 Medium Weight Yarn

The Turk Mountain Hat is well-matched for any worsted-weight (medium-weight) yarn. A solid color will show off the unusual stitch pattern. It takes about 130 yards [119 meters].

I knit the sample with Kraemer Yarns Naturally Nazareth (100% wool, 200 yd [183 m], 3.5 oz [100 g], 1 skein #3121 Melon. I had lots of yarn left over; maybe enough for a child-size hat.

Kraemer Yarn Naturally Nazareth in color pumpkin
Kraemer Naturally Nazareth yarn in color Pumpkin

Test knitters used a variety of yarns, including Lion Brand Heartland, Rowan Pure Wool Worsted, Cascade 220, Knitpicks Swish Worsted Brights, Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Plymouth Encore, and Yoth Father.

About the Pattern

Knit the hat in the round, beginning with a 16″ [40 cm] circular needle, then use double-pointed needles to shape the crown. Of course, you can use the Magic Loop method to work in the round if you prefer. I used US size 8 [5 mm] to get gauge.

The Coins Stitch Pattern has an unusual 1/1/1 Center Cross Cable that requires two cable needles. Instructions for the stitch pattern are offered as both text and chart, and there are video tutorials to help with the cable and decreasing techniques. The cable makes this best for skill levels from advanced beginner through experienced.

Turk Mountain Hat by Edie Eckman reverse side of fabric
The reverse side looks good, too!

Adventurous knitters may want to practice doing the 1/1/1 Center Cross Cable without a cable needle or with only one cable needle. It can be done, although some knitters found it more trouble than it’s worth and went back to using two cable needles.

The pattern is sold as an interactive downloadable pdf.
Happy Knitting!

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Free Knitting Pattern: Star Coasters

star coasters on table

It’s a party any time you use these cute star-shaped coasters! Use them for Independence Day, birthday parties, or holiday decor. They are quick and easy gifts for everyone.

Looking for a beginner project that teaches new skills? Check out the video tutorials below. You’ll increase, decrease, use stitch markers, seam, and weave in ends, but you’ll never have to purl!

Star Coasters by Edie Eckman

The star is made by knitting five separate points first, increasing from the tip of each point toward the center. Then the points are joined and the center of the star is worked back and forth in rows, decreasing toward the center. When the decreases are complete, there is one short seam to sew.

The free knitting pattern is below. You can also purchase a printable ad-free pdf that includes links to the tutorials.

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About the Yarn

Symbol for 4 weight yarn

Each coaster takes just 25-30 yards [23-27 m] of medium-weight yarn. Mix and match colors to increase your stash-busting potential. Or use a bulky wool and large needles to create a pot holder or hot pad!

I used a variety of stash yarns for my samples. The red star pictured is knit from Red Heart Soft (100% acrylic) in color Really Red. I used US size 8 [5 mm] knitting needles.

image of Red Heart Soft yarn in color Really Red

Gauge is always important, but it’s not crucial in this project. As long as you are happy with the fabric you are knitting, a slight variation in size won’t matter.

Knitting Skills Used

This is a perfect project for beginners willing to take on new skills. If you know how to knit (you won’t have to purl), you’re ready for the next step.

The pattern uses the knit front and back increase (kfb), knit 2 together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases. Once you have practiced those, you’ll have a chance to learn the slip2-knit-pass (s2kp) double decrease. You’ll also see how stitch markers are used to mark shaping.

There are video tutorials for the whole thing, so you have plenty of support!

And if you aren’t a beginner? This is a quick, easy and portable project.

Red knitted star coaster

Star Coasters Pattern

Finished Dimensions

Approximately 6″ [15 cm] tip-to-tip

Materials

Worsted Weight Yarn: approximately 30 yds [27 m] of any color desired C. Red sample used Red Heart Soft Yarn (100% acrylic, 5 oz [140 g], 256 yd [234 m]), 1 skein Really Red

US size 8 [5 mm] knitting needle or size to obtain correct gauge; you may choose to knit back and forth on a circular needle .

Stitch markers; tapestry needle

Gauge

20 sts and 18 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Garter Stitch (knit every row)

Gauge is not crucial in this pattern. If your gauge is different the size of your coaster will also be different, and you may use a different amount of yarn.

Abbreviations

dec: decrease
inc: increase
k: knit
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
kfb: knit into the front and back of the stitch
pm: place marker
rep: repeat
rnd(s): round(s)
RS: right side
s2kp (slip 2, knit, pass): slip next 2 stitches together knitwise, k1, pass 2 slipped sts over the knit st
ssk (slip, slip, knit): slip next 2 stitches one at a time knitwise, insert left needle into the fronts of these 2 stitches and knit them together through the back loops
st(s): stitch(es)
WS: wrong side

Red, yellow and blue star coasters

Pattern Note

Leave at least a 4” [10 cm] yarn tail to allow enough length for weaving in ends.

Instructions

Star Point (Make 5)

Long tail cast on 3 sts.

Row 1: Knit.

Row 2: [Kfb] 2 times, k1—5 sts.

Rows 3-5: Knit.

Row 6 (Inc Row): Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1—2 sts increased.

Rows 7-9: Knit.

Rep last 4 rows 2 times—11 sts.

Cut yarn; leave sts on needle. On last point, do not cut yarn. You will have 55 sts on your needle. Make sure that each point is arranged with the ending yarn tail on the right edge, ready to work a RS row.

Star Center

Row 1 (Joining Row, RS): [K11, pm] 4 times, knit to end.

Rows 2-3 (Dec Row): [Ssk, knit to 2 sts before marker, k2tog] 4 times, ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog—35 sts.

Row 4: Knit.

Rows 5 and 6: Rep Rows 3 and 4—25 sts.

Row 7: Rep Dec Row—15 sts.

Row 8: Knit, removing markers.

Row 9: [S2kp] across—5 sts.

Row 10: Knit.

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing. Thread yarn tail through remaining stitches and pull tight. With RS facing, sew open edges of star center together. Weave in ends.

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Easy Colorblock Knitted Washcloths (or Dishcloths)

Easy Knitting Colorblock Washcloths-6 designs shown

Whether you use them as dishcloths or as washcloths, knitted squares are a useful and popular project for knitters of all skill levels. Who doesn’t love a beautiful, soft hand-knit cloth to pamper their face, or a cute and sturdy cloth for that thankless chore that is kitchen cleanup?

This collection of six knitted washcloths (or dishcloths) helps you brush up on your knitting skills.  Links to video tutorials help you with unfamiliar techniques. 

Easy Knitting Colorblock Washcloths or Discloths-6 designs shown

With these patterns, knitting garter stitch was never so rewarding! Relax into the meditative rhythm of all-over knit stitches and enjoy the beauty of color. 

Beginning knitters will be comfortable knitting stripes, then progress to knitting on the bias. After that, step up to the joy that is a mitered square. Garter stitch intarsia techniques take you from beginning to intermediate skills in easy steps. There’s no purling needed!

This post contains affiliate links, which help support me but don’t cost you anything extra. Many thanks to Trailhead Yarns, who provided the yarn for this project. 

Easy Knitted Colorblock Washcloths by Edie Eckman- rolled up

The free pattern for the easiest cloth, Team Colors, is presented below. Buy a printable downloadable pdf of all six patterns, and knit your cares away.

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The Yarn

Use a cotton or cotton-blend fine- or light-weight yarn to make these soft and absorbent projects. The pattern calls for five colors, so this is a perfect time to try out a colorful pack of mini skeins!

Basket of 5 colors of yarn ready to knit

For the cloths pictured I used Trailhead Yarns Appalachian Trail Yarn Crew mini-skeins. Appalachian Trail is 65% cotton, 35% nylon. I used about 108 yds [99 m] each of five colors to complete all six washcloths. 

Other knitters who tested the pattern had good success with Cascade Ultra Pima Fine, Ultra Pima DK, or Premier Yarns Cotton Fair.


Finished Dimensions

The finished size will vary based on the yarn and needles you use, and your particular gauge. The washcloths shown measure about 6 3/4″ [17 cm] square. 

Size is not crucial in this project, but if you substitute yarns, choose a needle size that results in a fabric that is not too dense and not too loose.

Easy Colorblock Washcloths arranged in a basket

Materials

Fine-weight yarn: approximately 40 yds [36.5 m] each of two colors (Color A & Color B) for the Team Colors cloth below.

US size 2 [3 mm] knitting needles or size to obtain appropriate gauge

Gauge

30 sts and 22 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in garter stitch in fine-weight yarn

See note above about gauge.

Instructions

Team Colors

With Color A, long-tail cast on 50 stitches.

Rows 1-23: Knit. You have 12 garter stitch ridges. Cut A.

Rows 24-75: WIth Color B, knit. You have 26 garter stitch ridges in B, Cut B.

Rows 76-99: With Color A, knit. You have 12 garter stitch ridges in A. 

Bind off. Weave in ends. 

What’s Next?

Knit: Basics & Beyond offers links to help you improve your knitting skills.

Check out these other easy knitting patterns:

My First Scarf
Easy Two-Toned Pillow
Quick & Easy Summer Placemats
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Free Crochet Pattern: Easy Little Baskets

Basic crochet skills are all it takes to make these Easy Little Baskets. Looking for a good project for a new crocheter? This is it!

Using just single crochet and small amounts of yarn, you’ll be soon be turning these out by the dozen! They’ll hold your crochet hooks, pencils, paperclips, glasses, keys, or tiny treasures.

Round, Oval, and Square-to-Round shapes can be crocheted with any yarn. It’s a great way to use up odds and ends of yarn you have on hand!

This post contains affiliate links, which don’t cost you anything, but may provide a small income to me.

Instructions for the baskets are given below. You may also purchase a downloadable ad-free pdf of the pattern which includes stitch diagrams for all three baskets.

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The Yarn

You can use any medium-weight yarn you have on hand, in any colors you like. Depending on the yarn you use, you’ll be able to get several baskets out of a single skein. Use a smaller hook than you normally would with your chosen yarn, as you want to create a stiff fabric.

For the baskets pictured I used Universal Yarn Yashi, a 100% raffia tape. The raffia fiber is stiffer than regular yarn, but it adds a unique look to the crochet.

Each ball of Yashi has 1.41 oz [40 g], 99 yd [90 m]. I used 1 ball each #106 Hot Green, # 104 Super Pink and #105 Bright Aqua.

Finished Dimensions

Round: 3″ [ 7.5 cm] diameter x 3½” [9 cm] high
Oval: 6″ [15 cm] long x 3¼” [8 cm] wide x 3″ [ 7.5 cm] high
Square-to-Round: 3¾” [9.5 cm] square x 4½ ” [11.5 cm] high

The finished size will vary based on the yarn and hooks you use. Size is not important in this project.

Materials

Worsted Weight Yarn: approximately 200 yds total for all 3 baskets.

US size I-9 [5.5 mm] crochet hook for raffia fiber
US size G [4.25 mm] or H-8 [5 mm] crochet hook for acrylic or wool yarn.

Stitch marker

It’s easy crochet: you’ll use single crochet, double crochet and slip stitch.. There are no seams at all; it’s entirely one piece. Crocheters just beyond the beginner level should find this bag within their ability.

Gauge

12 sc and 16 rnds = 4″ [10 cm] with 5.5 mm hook and raffia yarn
16 sc and 18 rnds = 4″ [10 cm] with 5 mm hook and medium-weight yarn

Gauge is not crucial in this project. However, you should use a hook size that results in a slightly stiff fabric so that the basket holds its shape.

Pattern Notes

  • This pattern uses American crochet terminology.
  • Color designations are made as MC (main color) and Contrasting Color (CC) or Contrasting
  • Color 1 (CC1) and Contrasting Color 2 (CC2), because it really doesn’t matter which colors you use. Use the photos as a guide if you want to copy the colorways shown.
  • Baskets are worked in unjoined rounds. Leave at least a 4″ [10 cm] tail of yarn in order to have enough yarn to weave in ends securely.

Abbreviations

CC, CC1, CC2: contrasting color, contrasting color 1, contrasting color 2
ch: chain
MC: main color
pm: place marker
rep: repeat
rnd(s): round(s)
RS: right side
sc: single crochet
sc2tog (single crochet 2 together): [insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop] 2 times, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook
st(s): stitch(es)

Round Basket

Easy Little Crochet Basket Round, bottom view

With MC, ch 4, join with slip st to form a ring.

Rnd 1 (RS): Ch 1 (does not count as a st), 6 sc in ring—6 sc. Pm in first st to indicate beginning of rnd and move marker up as you work each rnd.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in first st, 2 sc in each st around—12 sc.

Rnd 3: Sc in first st, 2 sc in next st, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] around—18 sc.

Rnd 4: 2 sc in first st, sc in next 2 sts, [2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts] around—24 sc.

Rnd 5: Sc in first st, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] around—30 sc.

Rnd 6: Sc in back loop only of each st around—30 sc.

Rnds 7-16: Sc in each st around, changing to CC on last st of Rnd 16. Cut MC.

Rnds 17-18: With CC, sc in each st around.

Slip st in next st. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Oval Basket

Easy Little Crochet Basket Oval, bottom view

Ch 9.
Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 6 ch, 3 sc in last ch; continuing across the other side of the foundation chain, sc in next 6 ch, 2 sc in last ch; do not join—18 sc.
Pm in first st to indicate beginning of rnd and move marker up as you work each rnd.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next 3 sc, sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in last 2 sc—24 sc.

Rnd 3: Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc, [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times, sc in next 6 sc, [sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 2 times—30 sc.

Rnd 4: 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc, sc in next 6 sc, [2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc] 3 times, sc in next 6 sc, [2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sc] 2 times—36 sc.

Rnd 5: Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sc, [sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 6 sc, [sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 2 times—42 sc.

Rnd 6: 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, sc in next 6 sc, [2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc] 3 times, sc in next 6 sc, [2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sc] 2 times—48 sc.

Rnd 7: Sc in back loop of each sc around—48 sc.

Rnds 8-16: Sc in each st around, changing to CC on last st of Rnd 16.
Cut MC.

Rnds 17-18: With CC, sc in each st around.

Slip st in next st. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Square-to-Round Basket

With MC, ch 4, join with slip st to form a ring.

Easy Little Crochet Basket Square to Round, bottom view

Rnd 1: Ch 1, 8 sc in ring; do not join—12 sc.
Pm in first st to indicate beginning of rnd and move marker up as you work each rnd.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in first sc, sc in next sc, [3 sc in next sc, sc in next sc] around, sc in same st as first sc—16 sc.

Rnd 3: 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 3 sc, [3 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc] around, sc in same st as first sc—24 sc.

Rnd 4: 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 5 sc, [3 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc] around, sc in same st as first sc—32 sc.

Rnd 5: 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 7 sc, [3 sc in next sc, sc in next 7 sc] around, sc in same st as first sc—40 sc.

Rnd 6: 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 9 sc, [3 sc in next sc, sc in next 9 sc] around, sc in same st as first sc—48 sc.

Rnd 7: Sc in back loop only of each st around—48 sc.

Rnds 8-15: Sc in each sc around.

Rnd 16: [Sc2tog, sc in next 10 sc] around—44 sc.

Rnds 17-19: Sc in each sc around.

Rnd 20: [Sc2tog, sc in next 9 sc] around—40 sc.

Rnd 21: Sc in each sc to last st; on last st, change to CC1. Cut MC.

Rnd 22: With CC1, sc in each sc around.

Rnd 23: Sc in each sc to last st; on last st, change to CC2. Cut CC1.

Rnd 24: With CC2, sc in each sc around.

Slip st in next st.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

What’s Next?

Looking for more ways to up your crochet game? Check out Crochet: Basics & Beyond.

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Primavera Lace Socks Knitting Pattern

Primavera Lace Socks Knitting Pattern designed by Edie Eckman

Put a little spring in your step with Primavera Lace Socks. This is a quick, easy knit that will go with all your spring outfits. They are lacy enough to be cool on those warm spring days yet warm enough for that occasional spring chill.

Primavera Lace Socks designed by Edie Eckman

This post contains affiliate links, which may provide a small income to me if you buy something by clicking on a link on this site. Affiliate links do not cost you anything extra.

About the Yarn

You can use any sock-weight yarn for these socks. I’ve knit them twice, with different yarns, and had great results with each.

I knit the light green socks you see above with Cascade Yarns Heritage (75% merino superwash/ 25% nylon, 3.5 oz [100 g], 437 yd [399 m]). I used 1 skein #5629 Citron and had plenty of yarn left over.

For the teal sock pictured above, I used KnitPicks Stroll Solids (75% fine superwash merino wool/ 25% nylon, 1.75 oz [50g], 231 yds [211 m]). I used 2 balls #28181 Patina for the pair. Again, with plenty of yarn left over.

About the Pattern and Construction

These are classic cuff-down socks with a heel flap and gusset. Instructions are given for both double-pointed needles and the Magic Loop method, but of course you can adapt that to the two-circular method if that is your preference.

These socks work up beautifully, using either text or chart instructions for the lace rib pattern. The pattern is easily memorized for faster knitting, and there is a video tutorial for the Magic Loop method.

Happy Knitting!

Want to learn to knit socks using the Magic Loop method? Check out my Twisted Ribs Socks class on Creativebug.

Looking for more sock patterns? Check out my Rebecca Socks.