These projects combine knitting with fabric or other materials to create, trim, or upcycle dresses, towels, jeans, scarves, purses, tops, and more. Many are great stash busters because they require very little yarn. Updated 7/3/23
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
Little Princess Dress
This mixed media child's dress features a knit bodice knit with a 4 row repeat dot stitch with a fabric skirt sewn from two rectangles. Sizes 2, 4, 6, and 8. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Jodi Lewanda
Bright Pencil Case
Pencils, pens, markers, crayons, and pencil crayons alike will stay inside this roll-up pencil case when tucked into the pockets and held in place by the horizontal strap. This case would also make great storage for crochet hooks and dpns. Case is lined with fabric and a piece of elastic is sewn in to hold the pencils. Designed by Lily / Sugar'n Cream.
Mixed Media Toddler Dress
Quick little dress features a knit bodice with short sleeves and gathered fabric skirt. Designer says the bodice only takes a few hours to knit up, and if you’re using a sewing machine, the skirt can be created in about an hour as well. Designed by Knit Paint Sew.
Edmund the Bunny
Cute bunny rabbit toy softie can be knitted using just one ball of DK yarn and uses for fabric for ear lining and paw pads. Designed by Jem Weston.
Higher Love Scarf Trimmed Hat
Beanie with 4 pairs of large eyelets which allow you to weave in a scarf or ribbon. The designer YaYa Lovestoknit shared this for you to knit for those you love or who are in need, with a particular wish to bring comfort and joy to someone receiving chemo treatment. Aran weight yarn.
Eyelet Dress
This dress for little girls features a short-sleeved eyelet bodice with fabric skirt. Sizes 2 and 4 years. "Robe d'été en tricot et liberty" designed by Sandrine Bianco. Available in English and French. Pictured project by lindsaymudd
How to Yarn Punk Your Clothing
Vincent Green-Hite shares a free photo tutorial on how to upcycle your ripped jeans or old jacket with knitting or crochet.
Dish Towel Topper Kitchen Set
Add a garter stitch topper with buttoned tab to a store-bought towel to create a hanging towel. Great for gifts or holiday decor. Designed by Krista Schaaf. Pictured projects by TimMc and copilco
Dante's Purse
This drawstring bag features a sturdy knit base with a fabric lining that extends up to form the top of the purse, closed with an i-cord drawstring. You can even fold the fabric down to turn the bag into a basket. Also works as a project bag or gift bag. Designed by Kirsten Kapur.
- Get the free knitting pattern
See more of Kristen's patterns in the book "Drop Dead Easy Knits" (Kindle and paperback)- See Tote Knitting Patterns
Camisa del Sol Top
This summer tank top features a fitted knit bodice (with optional short row "darts") and fabric skirt. Sizes: Under bust: 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44)in/76 (81, 86, 91, 97, 102, 107, 112) cm Cup Size: A {B, C, D, DD}. You could lengthen the fabric portion to make this into a dress or swimsuit cover-up. Camisa del Sol designed by Carissa Browning
Flitter Dress
Create a cute sun dress by knitting the bodice that is attached to a skirt sewn from 8 flower-shaped fabric panels. Sizes 18 months [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] years. Designed by Erika Neitzke. DK weight yarn
Scarf in a Scarf
Knit the easy scarf base and then thread a matching (or contrasting!) silk scarf in and out of the button holes. You can tie the ends of the silk scarf in many different ways to show off both scarves. Several options are included such as matching fingerless gloves, crochet, etc. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Skeino, LLC. Worsted weight yarn
More Free Patterns
Easy Going Potholders
3 stitch options for fabric backed knit potholders. Instructions for knitting a stockinette, honeycomb, or basketweave potholder and for backing it with batting and colorful fabric. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Valérie Miller. Worsted weight yarn
Tag Along Clutch
Small bag created from a hand knit band and small piece of pleated fabric. Approx 5-1/2″ tall and 7″ at top and 11″ at bottom. Uses 108 yards [100 meters] of yarn and 9″ x 12″ of fabric (1 fat eighth will work). Designed by Jody Richards for Knotions. Pictured projects by designer and Bethann who added an i-cord handle.
Posy Top
This baby halter top has a knit plant stem with leaves topped with a fabric yo-yo flower. You can also use a knit or crocheted flower. Sizes 12[18, 24] months. Designed by Karen Juliano. Available in English and Italian. A re-published pattern from Petite Purls.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page for the original version of the pattern
- See Flower Knitting Patterns
Jelly Bean Tee Edging
Refresh your wardrobe with this lace yoke with picot edge added onto an existing tee shirt--a fun way to make an old favorite into a new statement piece. Designed by Sarah B. Abram with a photo tutorial. Pictured projects by the designer and xiaoanya. Uses 60 - 90 yards (55 - 82 m) of fingering weight yarn so it's perfect for scrap or stash yarn.
Cable Towel Toppers
Turn a store-bought towel into a handmade gift by adding a knitted hanger tab. Designed by Kali Fitzgerald.
Tulle Time Baby Tutu
This quick baby ballerina dress is knit in the round from the top down, then add ribbons for trim and straps and strips of tulle to the bottom of the bodice. Sizes 3-6 months, 9-12 months, 18 months. Designed by Rhapsody Fiber Arts
Summer Getaway Sun Dress
Designed by Joan McGowan-Michael, the Summer Getaway Sundress features a knit lace top with instructions for sewing to a fabric skirt. Sizes 32 1/2-40″ bust
- Get the free knitting pattern for free registration at Annie’s
- Get the video tutorial for this and 2 other pattern for $3.99 – not necessary to get the free patterns
- See more Dress Knitting Patterns
Lace Edging for Hand Towels
Add knit lace trim to regular fabric towels for a quick gift or decor makeover. 3 different trim patterns include a leaf lace and two versions of a sawtooth lace. Edgings are worked sideways to any length you want. You can also use to trim pillowcases, afghans, scarves, and more. Designed by Publications International, Ltd..
Ocean Project Bag
Turn a cotton canvas bag into an oceanscape with knit red crab, sea plants, and embroidered seaweed. carey-plastic hoops handles. Designed by Loly Fuertes of HandMadeAwards Design
- Get the free pattern
- See more patterns by HandMadeAwards Design
- See more Sea Creature Knitting Patterns
Cape May Tote
This tote features sewn patchwork sides with a knit trim. 12″ x 14″ including knit trim. Designed by Jody Richards for Knotions. Pictured project by PattyP
- Get the free pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get charm packs for the fabric part
- See more Tote Knitting Patterns
Ring Bearer’s Pillow
The knit lace strip shows up beautifully on the beige linen and can be changed to match the colors of the wedding party. Pillow measures 7 x 7″ (18 x 18 cm) square. Pillow cover measures 4½ x 10½” (11.5 x 26.5 cm)
Diamond Edging
Perfect edging for decorations, table settings, dresses, and shawls.
Patterns for Purchase
Bunny Toys and Quilts
Soft and cuddly bunny softies with fluffy pom pom tails and fabric ears. Quilts combine knit blocks of bunny silhouettes in intarsia with fabric blocks. Designed by Jem Weston. 2 of the 14 patterns included in The Knitted Nursery Collection (available in paperback or Kindle).
Animal Comfort Lovey
Adorable comfort lovie security blankets feature knit head, hands, feet, and back and a fabric fat quarter front (though you can knit the front instead by just copying the back). Each lovey measures 16 inches from top to toe in Aran weight yarn. Several different animals are available including puppy dog, sheep, unicorn, frog, cat, teddy bear, giraffe, and elephant. Designed by Wistfully Woolen.
Easy Flower Bed Baby Blanket
Garter stitch baby blanket decorated with knit flowers trimmed with tulle and knit leaves. Designed by Nutty Patterns who allows you to sell the finished blankets with appropriate credit.
Bandanna Baby Dress
Simple stockinette baby dress with a drawstring neckline fastened with ribbons. Customize with tulle edging or appliques, or your own favorite knit stitch. Sizes Newborn - 3 mo 6-9 mo, 12– 18 mo, and 2T - 4T. Designed by Aundie Molina.
Sophie Dress
Adorable dress for babies and children that combines a knit short sleeved bodice and fabric skirt. Adding the fabric skirt requires only simple sewing skills. The pattern is written in 8 sizes: 3 (6, 12, 18)months 2, 4, 6, 8 years. Designed by Katya Frankel. Pictured projects by gypsyknits, primenumbergirl, and the designer.
Knit & Sew Strapless Maxi Dress Pattern with Shoulder Cowl
Dress wih knit off the shoulder top attached to a sewn fabric skirt. Instructions to create any size (little girl to adult). Designed by Monique Zobel.
Lace Trim Tablecloths
3 patterns for trimming existing tablecloths with knit or crochet edging, or making your own tablecloths from fabric and edging. Tablecloth Sizes: Square (Medium Rectangle, Large Rectangle) 43¾ x 43¾ (43¾ x 60¾, 43¾ x 83¾)", not including edging. Designed by Kim Hamlin.
Zarzuela Baby Blanket
This unique baby blanket is knit with a 4 row repeat twisted stitch with 2 of the rows purled, and then edged with fabric. The designer explains the edge sewing step by step and says it only requires basic sewing skills. Designed by Casapinka. Pictured projects by the designer, jjarrett, and ritabird. Worsted weight yarn.
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern on Loveknitting
- See more patterns by Casapinka
- See more 4 Row Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns
Ribbon Trimmed Purse
This knit bag features a sewn fabric trim, lining, and interior pocket. The finished purse measures approximately 12″w x 10″h. Designed by bonniegoldingpurses
