These convertible knitting projects transform and morph change into completely different accessories or garments with easy adjustments. Updated 12/11/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Summer Bandana Top
Versatile bandana with straps and ties designed so it can be worn as a top or as a kerchief scarf. Designed by ericagabriellastudio for We Are Knitters. Worsted weight yarn.
5 Way Shawl
This versatile shawl with buttons can be worn as a shrug, poncho, cape, cardigan, stole, and more. Knit with a 4 row repeat texture and bordered with 6 row repeat wrapped stitch. Designed by The Gourmet Yarn Shop Israel. Fingering weight yarn.
Close to You Scarf
This versatile accessory can be worn as a keyhole scarf, cowl, headwrap and more! The designer even has a video of 6 ways to wear the scarf. Knit with an 8 row repeat Diamond Brocade texture. Designed by dashaway designs. Bulky weight yarn.
Five-Way Cable Shrug
This versatile cable piece can be worn as a shrug, wrap, poncho, or stole. One of the patterns in the free ebook The Art of Cable Knitting: 7 Free Patterns. Designed by Lily M. Chin. 16″ wide x 54″ long (40.5 x 137 cm). Aran weight yarn. One of the patterns in Power Cables: The Ultimate Guide to Knitting Inventive Cables
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Or get Power Cables: The Ultimate Guide to Knitting Inventive Cables at Amazon (Kindle or Paperback)
Snapped Convertible Cowl/Shrug
Lion Brand Yarn’s accessory transforms with strategically placed snaps. Knit as a single rectangle, just seam and add snaps to get multiple options. Unsnapped it becomes a cowl. Snapping all the snaps creates arm holes for a shrug.
Alda Multi-Wear Scarf
Ruffled scarf with i-cord ties that can be worn in many different ways: as a wrapped scarf, cowl, mini stole, belt, and even as a headwrap. The frills on the scarf represent the endless waves on the vast ocean, and the name, Alda, means wave in Icelandic. Designed by Harpa Jónsdóttir for Knitty. Sport weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Kauni Wool 8/2 Effektgarn yarn at Amazon
- Consider supporting Knitty on Patreon
Criss-Cross Shrug
Knit in a simple rectangle and seamed, this easy shrug can be worn many different ways. Designed by Lion Brand Yarn. Sizes S/M (L/XL). Rated easy by Ravelrers Pictured project by translatica who made a slightly narrower rectangle than the pattern. Bulky weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Lion Brand Homespun yarn at Amazon
- See more Easy Shrug Knitting Patterns
Rectangulum Wrap
Knit entirely in garter stitch, the buttonhole placement on this elegant, drapey shawl made allows for multiple styling options. Wear it as a poncho, cardigan, and more. One size but easily adapted to other sizes by making longer or using heavier yarn and larger needles. Uses 2 skeins of any fingering weight yarn. Designed by Karen Grover. Rated very easy by Ravelrers.
Versatility
This cabled scarf with buttons along the side and added ribbons can turn into a cardigan, shrug, hood, and more. Bulky yarn. Designed by Amanda Williams for Knitty
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See Ravelry page
- See more Easy Shrug Knitting Patterns
- Consider supporting Knitty on Patreon
Convertible Diamond Wrap
This versatile accessory is knit with an 8 row repeat diamond texture. You can wear it as a shawl, scarf, cowl, or even a poncho! Designed by Yay For Yarn Patterns. DK weight yarn.
Strange Loop
This recipe for a versatlie twisted loop can be worn many different ways. It can be worn as a cowl or pushed up on the head as a headband. Arrange the twists at one end, this can be worn as a hat or as a wide headband with a hole to create a messy bun or ponytail hat. Designed by Morgen Dämmerung. Available in English and Russian. Pictured project by loopysue
Makiko
Cirilia Rose’s versatile garment was inspired by the Japanese belly warmers known as haramaki, that keep vital organs covered to warm the entire body. It has been cleverly designed so it can be layered over your regular clothes to add warmth and style, and also serve as cowl or hood. And it’s reversible! XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X)
More Free Patterns
Gennaio Basket / Hat
Here’s a fun multi-purpose project for a mitered container inspired by origami. This versatile project can be used as storage if reinforced with cardboard or even worn as a hat. Dimensions: about cm 20.5 x 12 x 16.5h but easy to adjust. Designed by Alice Liotto. Available in English and Italian.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See more Mitered Knitting Patterns
- See my tutorial on Miters on Craftsy
Convertible Halter, Tunic, Cowl, Scarf
Suzanne Resaul’s design is the ultimate multi-purpose accessory. The number of ways it can be worn seem almost endless. The pictured project by ANjELLA shortened the rib sections for even more versatility.
Avonia Cardigan
Rachel Søgaard designed this versatile cardigan that can be worn in at least two ways: either as a shorter waist length style or as a longer hip length one, just by turning it upside down. The collar can also be worn as a shawl or cowl collar. Sizes S/M (L) XL/XXL Available in English, German, and Danish
Duet Hat / Cowl
This beautiful leaf lace scarf by Linda Wilgus morphs into hat by fastening the buttons and tightening a ribbon threaded through the top edge.
Armwarmer / Sock Bun
The Bun & Bow accessory are bow-embellished fingerless mitts that transform into an easy bun hairstyle. Roll the mitts into a donut shape and then roll your ponytail around the donut to form a bun. Secure with the bow bobby pin. DK yarn. Designed by Derya Davenport for Laylock
Trout River Sweater With Removable Sleeves
Anyone who loves camping or the mountains will appreciate this sweater by Becky Herrick. Buttoned removable sleeves transform the sweater into a vest as the day warms up. And you can even wear the sleeves as leg warmers! Chest: 29[33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53] inches.
Urban Homesteader Hat
Here’s a clever hat design from Christy Varner fits any hairstyle! Open the middle flap for a ponytail, open the side flaps for pigtails or wear as a beanie for short hair. In child and adult sizes.
Camden
Ashley Adams Moncrief designed this flattering top with the practical yet decorative removable sleeves. The top can be worn with or without the sleeves and the detachable sleeves can be worn as arm warmers. Sizes XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X]
Multi-way Stole
This lace stole by Sarah Hatton can be worn as a scarf, shrug, cape, poncho or bolero depending on how it is buttoned. One of the 22 designs from the book Scarves, Shrugs and Shawls
- Get the free knitting pattern on the Internet archive
- Get the book Scarves, Shrugs and Shawls
- See more Lace Shawl Knitting Patterns
Car Blanket / Pillow
This warm blanket, designed by Kim Hamlin, easily folds into a convenient travel size to be used as a pillow. Featured in YarnPlay and shared by Lion Brand. Pictured project is by humerusknits.
Triplet Shawl
Laura of CreatingLaura.com designed this versatile arm knit project that can be worn as shawl, scarf or swimsuit cover-up. Five complementary colors of worsted weight yarn are arm knit together in a triangle — a unique shape for arm knitting that inspired Laura to figure out how to do decreases and increases in arm knitting.
Sliding Star
Frankie Brown does it again with design based on a origami pattern! A star shape slides into a ring shape and back again. Wear as a brooch and then slide into a bracelet. Frankie requests that you consider a donation to the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation at www.justgiving.com/frankiesknittedstuff if you like her patterns. Great stash buster!
Which Came First?
You don’t have to choose with Frankie Brown’s humorous transforming toy. The egg fits inside the chicken, turn it inside out and the chicken’s in the egg. The chicken is about 11 cm tall and it can hold a real egg or a treat egg.
Patterns for Purchase
Wrapped in Cozy Shrug
Unconventional sweater that is also a scarf with sleeves. It can be worn multiple ways such as a shrug crossed in front or back, as a scarf,a hood, or a cowl, and the cables are designed to be flattering on both right side and wrong side of the shrug when wrapped. 5 sizes 28-35” / 71-89 cm to 61-72” / 153-183 cm. Designed by Amanda Lee.
Convertible Garter Vest
Easy versatile vest with buttons can be worn many ways. There is no shaping or blocking to be done, and only simple stitches are used throughout the pattern. Suitable for a beginner according to the designer. Designed by The Knit Knot.
Convertible Rustic Neckwarmer, Shoulder Cozy, and Mini Poncho
Easy versatile 3 button scarf that can be worn many ways and suitable for a beginner according to the designer. Quick knit in super bulky weight yarn. Designed by KnitPlayLove.
Loops Convertible Accessory
Loops is the one accessory you have been waiting for! Simple to knit, with a striking two color design, and endless possibilities to wear: shrug, cowl, capelet, scarf, and more! DK weight yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Martina Behm.
Chelsea Waistcoat
Versatile shrug or vest can be worn 2 ways. Sizes X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large. Worsted weight yarn. Rated easy by many Ravelrers. Designed by Kari-Helene Rane
Carol Cowl
This versatile cowl can be worn lace top or bottom, as an infinity scarf, wrapped up around the neck, or down over the shoulders as capelet / poncho. It has three different stitch patterns – texture, easy slip stitch colorwork, and lace.
4-Way Bowl
This colorful Triangle Color-Blocked Bowl is multi-functional. It can be folded and refolded to create a reversible bowl, basket or tray. You can unfold it and refold it based on your needs and at 8 inches in diameter it is the perfect size to be used to hold knitting projects, fruit, bread, or even as a super useful catchall.
