Free knitting patterns include plaid, gingham, and tartan designs in various styles of colorwork. Updated 1/3/24
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
Odaire Scarf
Plaid scarf knit with horizontal garter stripes with slip stitch columns. The vertical stripes are then added as surface stitching over the slip stitches. Blue Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Irina Poludnenko.
Choux Cowl
Reversible infinity scarf cowl knit with a slipped stitch plaid pattern. Scarf is knit in the round to hide colorwork reverse. If you'd rather have a scarf than a cowl, just don't join. Designed by Rachel Brockman for Universal Yarn. DK weight yarn.
Gingham Panels Blanket
Easy 2 color blanket knit in strips and seamed to create a gingham plaid effect. No intarsia or duplicate stitch! Designed by Caron. Worsted weight yarn.
Tartan Sweater
Cropped pullover in traditional plaid knit flat, in pieces, using Fair Isle color work. Sizes To Fit Bust: 81cm to 107cm. Designed by Paintbox Yarns. DK weight yarn.
Gingham Blanket
Plaid baby or lap blanket knit in panels with garter stitch and then seamed, finished with i-cord edging and tassels. Yarn is held double to help create the gingham color effect. Approximately 36” x 37” (91cm x 95cm). Designed by Elizabeth Jackson of Elizabeth Park Collections. Aran weight yarn. Web version of pattern is free. PDF version available for purchase.
Plaid Texture Afghan
Blanket knit with slip stitch colorwork in strips and seamed. Designed by Patons. Worsted weight yarn.
Shepherd's Plaid Kilt Hose
Stranded plaid socks pattern. Does require some experience with sock knitting. Designed by Joannie Newsome. Worsted weight yarn. Pictured project by okiwen
Plaid Field Mitts
Fingerless mitts with buffalo plaid pattern in stranded colorwork. Designed by Kristen McLaren. Sport weight yarn.
Tweedy Plaid Beanie
Hat with plaid pattern in stranded colorwork. Designed by Kathy North. Pictured projects by designer and dbkn5. Worsted weight yarn.
East Brewster Shawl
Rectangular wrap with a plaid inspired design made of colorwork horizontal stripes and textured vertical stripes. Lace border. Designed by Brenda York for Berroco
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Berroco Modern Cotton™ on Amazon
- See more Stole Knitting Patterns
Plaid Blanket
Baby blanket with colorwork plaid design by Yana Ivey. The final size of the blanket is about 3 x 3 feet. Pictured project by jenzilla9
- Get the free knitting pattern on the Internet archive
- See Ravelry page
- See more Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns
Gingham Fingerless Mitts
Mitts knit in a three color plaid. Designed by Diane Zangl for Cascade. Pictured project by Shenanigans
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Cascade Yarns Cascade 220® Sport on Amazon
Gingham Neck Warmer in Double Knit
Reversible cowl worked in double knit plaid. Designed by Gabriella Kartz. Pictured project by CallieBknits
Cozy Plaid Hat
This pattern uses stranded colorwork to produce a plaid design over the entire hat. Designed by Amber Armstrong
Reversible Garter Plaid Scarf
Reversible colorwork scarf knit in garter stitch stripes with plaid woven in with a needle at the ends of the scarf. Designed by Chuck Wilmesher for Skacel. 6” Wide x 72” Long
More Free Patterns
Gingham Plaid Potholders
Double knit potholder is a good way to learn double knitting. Designed by Helen Griffin. Pictured project by Wollgeschnatter
Check Mate Hat
Fair isle beanie in a plaid look from Patons.
Plaid Super Scarf
Easy slip stitch colorwork creates a classic plaid pattern. Size 1 foot by 10 feet. Designed by Heidi Gustad.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Patons North America Classic Wool Roving Yarn at Amazon
- See more Super Scarf Knitting Patterns
Checks and Balances Sweater
Long-sleeved pullover with gingham plaid stranded colorwork design. Sizes XS S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X Designed by Boadicea Binnerts
Plaid Pillow
This Knit and Weave pillow cushion cover can be completed in a weekend, according to the designer Holly Allison. It is knit with stripes and dropped stitches, then the vertical stripes are woven through the dropped stitches. Rated easy by Ravelrers.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get a 15 inch Pillow Form for this pattern on Amazon
- See more Pillow Knitting Patterns
Mad for Plaid Cowl
Generous sized two-color cowl plaid pattern with optional pompoms. Designed by Alexandra Davidoff
Caprino Wrap
This shawl is a re-imagining of plaid as lace created with dropped and extended stitches. 18” x 66” (46cm x 168cm) Designed by Rae Blackledge for Willow Yarns. Pictured project at top by andy02124.
Selfie Plaid Scarf and Headband Set
This matching set uses 3 colors but no more than 2 colors per row to create a plaid look. Designed by Jill Weber
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Knit Picks Palette yarn
- See a plaid scarf, hat, and cowl pattern set by Jill Weber
Lady Boss
Long sleeved cardigan sweater with plaid pattern designed by Inna M. Available in English and Russian. Sizes Chest circumference: 84 (88, 92, 96) cm [33 (34.6, 36.2, 37.8 in)]
Gingham Plaid Cup Cozy
A quick pattern for a knitted cozy for a 18-20 oz. plastic “party” cup or 20 oz. coffee cup using mosaic or slip stitch color work so you only use one color per round. Only 3 unique rounds. Great take-home party favor or housewarming gift! Designed by Sherrie Kibler. Pictured project by Mapmaker
Playful Plaid Cloth
Slipped stitch colorwork on ombre or self-striping yarn background creates a fun plaid effect on these wash or dish cloths. Designed by solmama. Pictured projects by melissalm
Isaac Mizrahi® Carnegie Hill Classic Plaid Scarf
Scarf with plaid made with wrapped stitches and slip stitch colorwork. FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: 72″x9″
I’m Glad It’s Plaid Hat
Slouchy hat with stranded and striped colorwork forming a plaid design. Designed by Jane Roberts. Pictured project by rebekafish
Gingham Baby Hat
Marji LaFreniere created 4 cute baby hat patterns — a hat topped with a rose, a gingham hat, and two bird hats. Sizes newborn-24 months
Mock Plaid Scarf
Designed by Susan Druding for Crystal Palace Yarns, easy slipped stitch colorwork with two multi-colored yarns creates a striking geometric pattern. You could also substitute one or two solid colors. Recommended yarn available on pattern page.
- Get the free knitting pattern for free registration at Annie’s site
- Purchase the video class for this pattern and two other patterns (not necessary to get the free pattern)
- See more Colorful Scarf Knitting Patterns
Winchester Plaid Anti-Possession Mittens
Inspired by Supernatural, these mittens designed by Kat Lewinski sport a stylish plaid on top and anti-demonic possession protection on the palms.
Plaid Pullover Sweater
Long-sleeved pullover with slip stitch plaid designed by Melisssa Leapman for Cascade Yarns. Sizes Extra-Small (Small, Medium, Large, 1X)
Patterns for Purchase
Plaid Cowl
Cowl with a stranded plaid design. 2 sizes, short and long. Designer says it's a relatively simple design that would be good for a colorwork beginner. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Wendy D. Johnson.
Buffalo Plaid Earwarmer
Headband featuring plaid stranded colorwork and a turban-like twist in the front. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Rachel Howser.
True North Cowl
Reversible buffalo plaid infinity scarf cowl with gray accent. Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by MbyMKnitwear.
Plaid Baby Hats Pattern Bundle
Trio of knitting patterns for plaid baby hats in sizes 0-3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 2T+ Designed by Cassie at Little Red Window.
Simple Plaid Double Knit Scarf
Designer says this is suitable for beginning double knitters. Designed by Tania Richter. Worsted weight yarn.
Gingham Check Baby Blanket
Plaid blanket is one of the 16 knitting patterns for baby blankets in Precious Knit Blankies for Baby that are quick and easy to knit according to the designer. Designed by Jean Adel. Worsted weight bulky yarns. Available as digital download or paperback. Pictured project by rosebud521.
Buffalo Plaid Baby Hat
Knitting pattern for 3 color plaid baby hat in sizes 0-3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 2T+ Designed by Cassie at Little Red Window.
Bear Toy With Plaid Dress
Full instructions for knitting a bear softie with separate dress. All items knit flat and seamed. Finished size: approx 21 cm (8 inches) from the tip of the toes to the top of the ears
Gingham Baby Blanket
Three textured stitch patterns and three colors create a cozy plaid blanket. 27” X 26” (69cm x 66cm)
Tartan Reversible Baby Bib
What the well-dressed baby is wearing! Double knit to be reversible and absorbent. One size fits all; approximately 9″ x 13″ laid flat; to fit head circumferences up to about 17.5″
