Free Patterns!
I don’t profess to be an actual designer in any way, shape, or form, but every now and then I come up with something and think… huh, now there’s an idea worth writing down! All I ask is that you use these patterns for your personal use only – please don’t sell either the patterns or the items made from them. Thanks!
Knitted Espadrilles
Harris Tweed Scarf
I also have some vintage patterns kicking around. Obviously, these aren’t my work, but part of an ongoing (slow going? har!) effort to catalog my vast collection of vintage and antique patterns online. As far as I know, these are all beyond copyright restriction, but feel free to correct me (nicely, please!) if I’m mistaken on that one.
KNIT
Ladies’ Outing Sweater, 1918
Ladies’ and Mens’ Vests, 1918
Wristlets, 2 ways, 1918
Mens’ Socks, 3 Pairs, 1918
Top Flight Halter Top, 1945
Fair in a Breeze – Short Sleeved Pullover, 1945
Cardigan, 1945 – up to a 45″ bust
Fingering Yarn Blouse, 1940s
CROCHET
Monte Carlo Purse, 1938
Dressy Sweater, 1948
Embroidered Mittens, 1948
So maybe you can answer a question for me about knitting socks–something I’ve wondered about for a long time. How do you keep the top up? I know factory socks have elastic in them, but what do home knitters do? I’ve often thought about learning to knit socks for the hubby, but find socks that fall down very unattractive! Also, I’m allergic to wool, is there an alternative to knit with, other than cotton. I’m kind of new to this kind of knitting so any help would be appreciated!
I can try, anyway.
Most sock patterns for hand-knitting either incorporate ribbing (think about the cuff of a sweater, for example – it’s very stretchy) at the very top of the leg, or throughout the entire length of the leg, or else are designed using some other stretchy stitch pattern. They’ll have to stretch in order to fit around an average leg, so chances are good they’ll stay snug and not sag.
There are sock yarns out there that incorporate elastic right in the fiber. You could also knit elastic thread into the cuff – you just hold it along with the yarn, and knit the two together.
Another factor is that hand-knit socks are going to be thicker than commercially-made socks, even if you’re using thin yarn. That gives the finished fabric more body than your typical sock. I have some socks knit with sport-weight acrylic, and even though there’s no ribbing at the top, those suckers *do not* fall down.
As for yarn… I’m probably not going to be a good source of ideas for you, just because I mostly knit socks with wool. I know there’s been a crazy number of new yarns out, made from things like bamboo and soy fiber, but I’m not sure how many of those are blended with wool, nor am I sure how many come in sport weight or thinner. Acrylic yarns are always a cheap option, too – I learned how to knit socks on acrylic, just because I didn’t want to ruin expensive yarn as I screwed them up, heh. Baby yarn is just about the right weight for socks.
Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful with the yarn, but I hope the rest helped a little.
Thanks–had a duh moment and forgot to look here for my answer!!
I love vintage patterns, these are great.
Hi – I wanted to add my thanks for the vintage patterns, too! I just printed out the Monte Carlo crocheted bag – looks cute and I can handle it with my crochet skills. Thanks again!
Hey, I really love old retro stuff and vintage furniture is one of my favorites. The old stuff was made well and lasts, not like the new cheap stuff.
I can’t access the espadrille pattern. CRIES
For anyone else who might have had that problem, I forgot to mention that I fixed the link. D’oh! Sorry about that!