How often have you tried to type in "cozy blanket knitting pattern," "cute modern sweater knitting pattern," or whatever it is that you're looking for on Google or Pinterest, and all it led to was an hour of scrolling through photos and never finding what you were actually looking for? If Google and Pinterest are currently your best knitting pattern resources, this post is for you. I want to introduce you to some websites and designers that will give you more direction for your next knitting project (whether you have a concept in mind or not)!
1. Filtered Search on Ravelry or LoveCrafts
First of all, if you've never heard of Ravelry and LoveCrafts, those are my top two recommendations if you want a large variety of options. I especially love Ravelry, because I can filter by the difficulty of the pattern, the amount of yarn, any specific techniques I am looking for (cables, brioche, etc) and more! If you have a specific yarn in mind, you can even see projects other knitters have made with that yarn! If you're interested in learning more about how to use Ravelry and LoveCrafts to search for your next knitting project, be sure to check out this blog post, where I outline how to filter your search!
Please note: Ravelry recently updated their site graphics, and the site setup has been harmful to some users. If you suffer from a neurological disorder or migraines or seizures, please do not click through to Ravelry. For the sake of this blog, I am using screenshots of the old Ravelry view. (Note if you are able to log into Ravelry without issues, but you still want the old view, you are able to switch the view to "Classic" using the menu that pops up when you hover over your profile photo in the upper right-hand corner.)
2. Reference Your Favorite Designers
Another great way to start your search for your next knitting pattern is to check out your favorite designers (you can favorite them on Ravelry to reference in the future) and see if they have anything that fits your search requirements. Alternatively, you can check out the pages of your favorite designers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok to find your inspiration.
A few of my favorite designers (that are not included in #3 below) include:
As an example of saving a designer as a favorite on Ravelry, if you visit my designer page on Ravelry, you can click "save in favorites."
When you're ready to search for a new pattern, you can go to your "favorites" (under "my notebook" in the upper right-hand corner).
When you open your favorites, you can filter by designers, and now you have a complete list of your favorite designers to browse!
3. Check Out Designers Specific to the Category
If you know that you are specifically looking for a sock pattern, a hat pattern, a simple pattern, etc., a great place to search is by browsing the patterns from designers who specialize in the garment or accessory type that you are wanting to make. For example, when I am looking for a basic, simple knitting pattern, I go to Tin Can Knits. When I am thinking of hat patterns, I automatically think of Wooly Wormhead. Here is a list of a few designers that I know specialize in certain areas.
Simple, Basic Patterns
Baby Knits
Sock Designers
Hat Designers
Sweater/Shirt Designers
Shawl Designers
Cetus Knits: Ravelry
I hope this post gave you insight on new places to look for your next knitting project. Which is your favorite method for searching for patterns? Do you get overwhelmed by choices or frustrated that you can never find what you're looking for? I'd love to hear in the comments below!
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