One Piece Fold and Seam Knitting Patterns- In the Loop Knitting

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What could be simpler than these quick projects? Just as in origami, all you have to do is knit one flat piece, in most cases just a rectangle or square, then fold it into a bag, a shrug, a toy and more. Let your creativity go by trying different knitting stitches for the rectangle. Updated 8/10/23

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.

All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.

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Free Patterns

Y-Shaped Waistcoat

Perfect pattern for beginners. This is really a scarf sewn into a cardigan waistcoat with a 1 row repeat ribbing. It can be turned upside down – from being a tightfitting waistcoat into a shorter and loser waistcoat with collar. Sizes S/M,L/XL. Fingering weight yarn. Y-Shaped Waistcoat in BC Garn Baby Alpaca 2235BC.

Get the free knitting pattern

Criss Cross Wrap Or Cowl

This vest top is knit flat in one piece with a one row repeat, then seamed to form a shrug style accessory that can also be worn as a cowl. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Mary Maxim. May only be free for a limited time.

Get the free knitting pattern

Bunny Balloon Animal

Inspired by balloon animals, this bunny toy is worked by knitting a long strip. The strip is seamed to make a tube, and then stuffed. The stuffed tube is tied off with yarn at various points to shape the Bunny like a balloon animal. Designed by Lion Brand Yarn. Aran weight yarn.

Foldini Bag

Just knit a rectangle in 2 color brioche, then fold it and sew the edges - and you have a colorful new tote. Syncopated Two-Color Brioche is used for a thick and reversible fabric. Designed by Mareike Meyer. Aran weight yarn.

Cable Cross Shrug

Knit in one piece that is seamed at the ends and across the back to form arm holes. Designed by Willow Yarns. Sizes: Small (Medium, Large)

Home Slippers

These slippers are created by ingeniously folding a flat piece of knitting. The pattern is mostly instructions translated from Russian.

Ribbed Lace Bolero

Easy shrug by Kelly Maher is a rectangle that is knit and then seamed to form the shrug shape.

Knitted Square Bunny

Heartstrings Fiber Arts created this clever pattern to make a bunny out of a square piece of knitting.

More Free Patterns

Knitted Kitty

A folded knitted square is all you need to make the cat body in Lillian’s ingenious pattern. The hat and tail are knitted flat and seamed. Pictured project by abryss

Folded Rectangle Shrug

The pattern post is not in English, but there is a photo tutorial is clear and you can translate the page through Google or through the Chrome browser. Designed by Echtstudio. The basic instructions are

Knit an elongated rectangle. Use any stitch pattern you want. (Note that the picture shows the shrug crocheted.)
To determine the length of the shrug you measure from your neck to where you want the end of the shrug. Their example is 70 x 85cm.
Fold the piece in half and sew the sides with a darning needle leaving at least one-third open for armholes.
if you want to add sleeves pick up stitches at armholes, and knit in rib or other stitch.

Tolt Folded Bag

Veronika Jobe created this clever pattern that creates a tote out of a folded rectangle of knitting. Handle is optional. Two versions are included for garter stitch and stockinette, but you can use any stitch you want. The pictured garter stitch version uses ribbon yarn.

Shawl Collar Chevron Shrug

Amanda Berka’s design is another knit rectangle folded and sewn to form a shrug. Her design features a ribbed shawl collar and a chevron pattern in the back.

Sideways Garter Vest

Designed by Purl Soho, this versatile vest / wrap is a rectangle of garter stitch with two well-placed slits for armholes, nothing could be simpler to make. Can be worn many different ways, with the collar up or down.

Another Knit Square Bunny

Here is another version of a bunny created by knitting a single square, designed by Annette of Lebenslustiger.

Hood Hat

Courtney Spainhower’s hood couldn’t be easier. Just knit a rectangle in garter stitch and seam according to her instructions. Pictured project by fluffymoonhair

Tawashi Knot

This Japanese-style dish scrubber is constructed of a long strip that is folded origami-style into this puff. Great stash buster! Designed by Marte Fagervik Pictured project by shalond

Crosshatch Vest

This versatile accessory by Robyn M. Schrager can be worn many different ways. Knit one rectangle in a drop-stitch cable and garter pattern and then make a clever Y-shaped seam to fashion the armholes. You can now wear the Crosshatch as a swing vest, a sleeveless jacket: with tuxedo cutaway styling, or draped with a handkerchief neckline and fastened at the shoulder with a shawl pin. Knit in lace yarn on large needles.

Patterns for Purchase

Easy Afton Shrug Knitting Pattern Knit Flat

Afton Shrug

Shrug cardigan knit with garter stitch and ribbing as a simple rectangle in one piece and joined under the arm. This layering piece works well with jeans and dresses and is great for all seasons. Sizes XS to XL. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Sarah Smuland.

See more pics and get the knitting pattern

Knitting Pattern for One Piece TC Vest

One Piece TC Vest

Sleeveless textured cardigan sweater with folded collar. A simple knitting pattern worked flat in one piece for at least the advanced beginner. Uses 3 skeins of the recommened jumbo yarn. Designed by Karen Clements.

Combination Sweater and Cowl

This ingenious convertible pattern takes a strip of flat knitting like a scarf and with clever assembly makes a versatile accessory.

Pilland Sweater Vest