Knitting patterns inspired by outer space - fact and fiction. Most patterns are free.
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.
Free Patterns
Alien Superhero Socks
These socks are covered with the friendliest of extraterrestrials in stranded colorwork. Size options: Foot circumference unstretched/stretched: Newborn – 4.5 /6 inches (11/15cm); X-small – 4.75/6 inches (12/15cm); S – 5.5/7.5 inches (15/19cm); M – 6.25/8.25 inches (16/21cm); L – 6.75/8.75 inches (17/22cm). Designed by Mary Pat McGurk. Pictured projects by niemiecp and TalyaInLove
Goodnight Moon Pillow
This man in the moon crescent shaped softie is knit in the round, with no seaming required. The pattern is easily memorized because it is the same three rounds repeated from one end to the other. Gussets are added for the nose and mouth. The night cap can be personalized with stripes, tassels, embroidery, etc. Measurements after stuffing are 12 X 6 inches. Designed by Sara Elizabeth Kellner.
Water Bear / Tardigrade
Water bears, also known as tardigrades, are microscopic animals that are almost indestructible. They are the first known animal to survive after exposure to outer space after traveling on various missions including to the space station, shuttle Endeavor, to Phobos, and even a lunar lander. This water bear is knitted in the round and is relatively simple to make. The finished toy tardigrade measures 9 inches long and 4.5 inches tall. Designed by Sara Luna Adelt.
Mars Rover Hat
This beanie is a salute to both the Curiosity Rover and the upcoming Mars 2020 rover. (The outline triangle under the back of the rover is the ground penetrating radar signal from a science instrument on the back of Mars 2020.) Designed by Sarah Milkovich. DK weight yarn.
Sweet Moon Mitts
Fingerless mitts with stranded man in the moon motifs. Designed by Grace Lidinsky-Smith.
More Free Patterns
Alien Hat
This hat is out of this world, featuring a cable design down the centre of the head, and embroidered details to enhance the glistening gaze of the bug-eyed alien. Designed by Vanessa Mooncie, excerpted from Monster Hats: 15 Scary Head-Warmers to Knit. Bulky weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
Get Monster Hats: 15 Scary Head-Warmers to Knit at Amazon
Astronomer’s Beret
Simple embroidery creates a star chart of the winter night sky that is visible in the northern hemisphere on this hat with a three-color, corrugated ribbed band. DK weight yarn. Designed by Merri Fromm for Knitty
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Consider supporting Knitty on Patreon
- See more Beret Knitting Patterns
Lunar Mittens
Phases of the moon in stranded colorwork. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Holly C. Watson
Solar System Baby Sweater
This baby cardigan features planets and stars in intarsia. The text in the back is the name of the designer's son and can easily be changed. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Honey Pollack and titled "Kohavim"
I've Made You the Moon
This clever moon toy softie has craters that are created by picking on stitches on the surface of the ball. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Rosie Bill. Great room decoration or toy for your favorite little (or big) astronomer!
Patterns for Purchase
Orbital Ornaments
Space-themed ornaments including rocket, satellite, flying saucer, ringed planet, and sun. These work up quickly and are great for your stash of sock yarn leftovers. They would also make a great baby mobile or playtime toys. Designed by Laura Chau.
Roswell Hat
Slouchy hat with alien faces in textured stitches and colorwork. Designed by Alexandra Davidoff. Worsted weight yarn.
Mini Knitted Cosmos: Over 40 Woolly Aliens, Rockets, Planets and Other Astro-Knits
Bestselling author Sachiyo Ishii offers 40 adorable projects including astronauts, space shuttles, moon buggies, UFOs, rockets, planets and a whole host of astro-animals such as dogs, bears, kangaroos, bunnies and mice. There's no limit to the fun you can have with these cute mini knits! All the projects are quick and relatively easy to make, with very easy techniques to follow. There is a step-by-step section on how to sew the figures and animals together and the patterns are all suitable for competent beginners. Available in ebook and print.
- Get the book on Amazon (Kindle or Paperback - Prime available)
- Get the book on eBay
- Get the book on Alibris
Solar System Blanket
Circular blanket worked from the center outward. The solar system is accurately scaled in Astronomical Units (except for the sun), and finishes with an attached garter stitch edge. Designed by Emily Bujold. Pictured projects by Darlamour, fricknfrack, and Egmrspretty. Consider using a tweed yarn to simulate a star field background as Darlamour did.
Solar Eclipse Knit Hat
Celebrate the next eclipse or commemorate the last one with this beanie in stranded colorwork. Designed by Heidi Arjes
Andromeda Mittens
Andromeda Galaxy depicted in a variety of types of colorwork. Designed by Emily Bujold
