Garden Picnic Top — A New Knitting Pattern Inspired by Sunshine, Texture, and Slow Days Outdoors

 

There is something magical about classic silhouettes paired with textured stitches - a kind of timeless comfort that feels both familiar and fresh. Inspired by that love, I’ve designed a new knitted top that captures the feeling of slow, cosy afternoons outside: the Garden Picnic Top.

To see some behind the scene photos and video tutorials follow me on Instagram and subscribe to YouTube channel. 

The main feature of this design is the basket stitch front. Its geometric texture instantly brings to mind those peaceful garden moments - a glass of refreshing juice, a favourite snack, flowers all around, and the kind of sunshine that makes everything feel softer.

During the photo shoot, I tried to create that exact mood. Ironically, despite the bright sunshine, it was freezing - I only have taken my coat off for a few minutes to get the shots. The things we do for knitting.

To balance the textured front, the back and sleeves are worked in smooth stockinette stitch, giving the top a clean, classic look. The edges are finished with simple ribbing, keeping everything neat and wearable.

One of my favourite things about this design is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the length - crop it for a modern silhouette or knit it longer for a more relaxed, traditional fit. It’s a pattern that adapts to your style rather than the other way around.

For my sample, I used a 5‑ply (sport weight) cotton yarn in a soft light grey. The stitch definition is lovely, and the cotton gives it a crisp, summery feel.

But honestly, this top is incredibly versatile. It would look beautiful in: wool for warmth and bounce, silk for drape and sheen, acrylic for easy care or any blend that speaks to your wardrobe and your knitting preferences. The basket stitch texture shines no matter the fibre.

The Garden Picnic Top is easy to follow, even if you’ve newer knitted a garment. I’ve included a video tutorial for setting in the sleeves, so you can knit with confidence from cast-on to finishing.

You can find the pattern on Ravelry and Lovecrafts.

Ravelry Promo codes: 310 - to get 10% off for 3x patterns; 515 - to get 15% off for 5x patterns

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Poncho Knitting Pattern for Children and Adults – Twilight Poncho

 As the crisp breeze of autumn begins to sweep through the streets and leaves turn golden, it's time to rethink your wardrobe essentials. Among the cozy staples of the season, one garment stands out for its effortless charm and practicality: the poncho. Oversized, comfortable, and wonderfully warm, the poncho is your go-to layer for those blustery days when the temperature dips and you crave something soft to wrap yourself in. Whether you're heading out for a brisk walk or curling up with a book, this versatile piece offers both style and snugness - making it a must-have for fall.

I'm thrilled to unveil my latest creation - the TwilightPoncho! Thoughtfully designed for both children and adults, this versatile piece is crafted with bulky weight yarn to deliver maximum warmth and comfort. Its oversized silhouette offers a relaxed fit perfect for layering, while the snug turtleneck collar adds an extra touch of coziness on chilly days. Delicate, simple cables adorn the yoke, lending a subtle yet stylish texture that elevates the overall look. Whether you're braving brisk autumn winds or lounging indoors, the Twilight Poncho wraps you in warmth and timeless charm.

Design Features:

• Horizontal Cable Yoke: Eye-catching cables stretch across the yoke, framed by sleek columns of stockinette stitch for a balanced texture.
• Ribbed Accents: A simple ribbing at the neck and hem adds clean structure and complements the cablework beautifully.
• Turtleneck Collar: The snug, ribbed turtleneck keeps you warm and adds a touch of sophistication.
• Dropped Shoulders & Rounded Hem: Relaxed shoulders and a gently curved bottom hem create a flattering, easy-to-wear shape.
• Buttoned Sides: Wooden buttons along the sides add rustic charm and a handcrafted feel, while allowing for flexible styling.

Knitting pattern:

Knitting pattern for Twilight poncho is written for sizes from child 3-4 years to adult 4XL. Pattern is easy to follow and beginner friendly. There are charts and detailed row-by-row instructions included as well as handy sheet with row-by-row count for front and back, which helps to keep track of all increases, decreases and cable crosses. Pattern calls for super bulky weight yarn, which makes this project fast and enjoyable to knit.

Knitting pattern is available from Ravelry, Etsy  and Lovecrafts.

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

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Twisted stitches and knitting pattern for Melton sweater

 Have you heard about twisted stitches? If not, there is a whole book with intricate beautiful stitches, called Twisted Stitch Sourcebook, written by Norah Gaughan. I bought this book a few year ago and already designed quite a few fancy designs with those stitches, including Trimetry socks, Trimetry Bucket Hat (read more about it here) and Trimetry vest (blog post here). Today I would like to share another design knitted with twisted stitches - Melton sweater.   

Twisted stitches is a great alternative to cable knitting. It is much easier, does not involve using a cable needle and it creates lovely geometric patterns. I highly recommend trying those stitches!

Now let’s talk about sweater.

Sweater Design

I knitted my sample in DK weight yarn in deep forest green colour, using 100% wool yarn. This comfy sweater is the perfect garment for any season! Moreover, the best thing – it is unisex design. One of my test knitters knitted this sweater for her husband and it looks fabulous! See the project here.

The beautiful intricate pattern gives the impression of cables without actually knitting them.

Design features include a boxy silhouette with plenty of positive ease, dropped shoulders, a nicely fitted round neck, and a slightly cropped length, which can easily be adjusted for a longer, classic look.

Yarn ideas

I recommend using any DK weight yarn in solid colour, as multi-coloured yarn or variegated yarn would not show the stitch out. Hovewer adding a contrast colour to sleeve cuffs, neck or bottom band might create beautiful effect. Here is the version of Melton sweater from my another test knitter Dieke (Ravelry ID: DiekeHarmsma) She created absolute master piece using bright orange yarn as a main and adding two shades of yellow to sleeves for extra wow effect! More photos and details are on her project page

Knitting pattern

The knitting pattern for the Melton sweater includes detailed charts for all sizes and row-by-row instructions. It is written for chest sizes ranging from 84 cm/33 inches to 172 cm /67¾ inches.

In my Instagram, I shared a quick tutorial for knitting of twisted stitches. So if you want to check it out, please follow the link: https://www.instagram.com/vitalinacraft/reel/C5ixBT9Im-j/

Knitting pattern for Melton sweater is available from Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrafts

Happy knitting! Looking forward to seeing all your beautiful versions of Melton sweater soon! 

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

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Perfect Wardrobe Staple: Knitting Pattern for the Islet Tee

I am a big fan of comfortable, simple tops and sweaters that form the basics of our wardrobes. One such item is a short-sleeve raglan tee, which can be easily styled with many pieces like shorts, jeans, or skirts. It also makes a perfect companion to a blazer as a base layer.

I love adding interesting design elements to these basic pieces to make them look more fashionable and stylish. Today, I’d like to introduce my Islet Tee – a short-sleeve raglan top with unique side panels.

Design Features:

• The Islet Tee is knitted in fingering-weight yarn, making it perfect to wear on its own or as a base layer under a jacket or blazer, depending on the weather.

• The round neck and short raglan sleeves contribute to a relaxed and comfortable fit.

• The stylish side panels at the waist create a flattering silhouette and accentuate the waist.

Yarn: 

The pattern uses 4-ply fingering-weight yarn. My sample is knitted in an alpaca-linen blend, which makes it warm enough for chilly autumn days. The linen adds a touch of rustic texture to the smooth stockinette fabric.

Pattern Details:

• The pattern is size-inclusive and written for chest sizes ranging from 88 cm (34⅝ inches) to 149 cm (58¾ inches).

• It is beginner-friendly.

Why You’ll Love Your Islet Tee:

• A classic design with unique details that set it apart from other staple pieces.

• Effortless style, making it a perfect wardrobe essential.

• A quick and satisfying knit.

• Easy to modify: You can adjust the length of the body or sleeves, add a pop of colour to the sleeves or ribbing bands for a more stylish look, or experiment with yarn textures to create your own unique style.

Knitting pattern for Islet tee is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts.

PROMO CODES FOR RAVELRY:

310 - to get 10% off for 3x patterns

515 - to get 15% off for 5x patterns

P.S. Don’t forget to share your finished tops on social media using the hashtag #vitalinacraftdesign. I’d love to see your creations!

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

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Knitted sweater with textured stitch - Tiny Tiles sweater knitting pattern

Over the years and across generations, this project holds a special place in my heart. The original idea for this sweater came from my mother, who knitted it for me when I was a teenager. It became my favourite garment for many years, cherished for its colour, style, and perfect fit. I wore it until it developed holes on the elbows and cuffs, attempting repairs but unable to find an exact colour match. Now, I've knitted a similar sweater for my daughter, staying true to the beloved colour. Please welcome the knitting pattern for Tiny Tiles sweater.

The sweater is knitted with easy to memorise textured stitch, which makes the knitting process fast and enjoyable. Round neck, set in sleeves and straight silhouette are main features of this beautiful design. The bottom band and sleeve cuffs are knitted in double-layered stockinette fabric. 

Knitted with sport weight yarn, this sweater is perfect addition to spring/summer wardrobe. Adding a bit of length before armhole shaping or reducing it to crop fit allows to customize the sweater as per personal preference.  

Knitting pattern is written for sizes from 18 months to 16 years. Pattern is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts.  

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

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Knitting two parts together and improving of knitting techniques.

 Knitting two similar parts together helps to maintain uniform gauge, optimize yarn utilization, help keep track of increases/decreases as well as prevent “second sleeve syndrome”. Let’s discuss this in details and discover how it help us to create perfect knitted garments such as sweaters and cardigans.

1.    Consistent Gauge: 

Knitting both sleeves simultaneously helps ensure consistent gauge and tension. Our tension can change a bit for example if we are tired or it can depend on our mood. It is particularly important for sweaters and cardigans where matching sleeve length and width is crucial for a perfect finish and professional look.

You can also read how to check your knitting gauge correctly and why it is important to achieve the correct gauge in my blog post - Knit a gauge swatch. 

Photo: Emmer Cardigan

2.    Efficient Use of Yarn: 

Knitting two sleeves at once allows you to use the yarn more efficiently. This is especially advantageous if you're using hand-dyed yarn, ensuring both sleeves have the same colour distribution.

Photo: Colourscape sweater

3.    Uniform Increases/Decreases: 

If your sleeves involve shaping through increases or decreases, knitting them simultaneously helps to work the shaping consistently on both sleeves. In this case it is easier to mark increases/decreases with stitch markers rather then making notes and counting rows.

4.    Faster Progress: 

While the initial setup for two-at-a-time sleeves might take a bit longer, the actual knitting tends to be faster. You make progress on both sleeves in each knitting session, reducing the overall time needed to complete the pair.

5.    Prevents Second Sleeve Syndrome: 

"Second Sleeve Syndrome" refers to the phenomenon where knitters lose motivation after completing one sleeve and struggle to start or finish the second. Knitting both sleeves together avoids this issue, as both sleeves progress simultaneously.

Photo: Teifi sweater

6.    Pattern Verification: Knitting both sleeves concurrently allows you to verify the accuracy of the pattern as you work through it. If you find any issues or errors in the pattern, you can fix them immediately on both sleeves.

Photo: Love Locks sweater

7.    Easier to Learn New Techniques: 

If your pattern introduces new techniques, knitting both sleeves concurrently provides more practice, making it easier to master the new skills by the time you finish the pair.

Are you team 'both at once' or 'one after another'? Let's discuss! Share your preference for this method in the comments

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

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Knitting pattern - Dreamaway poncho

 If you've been following me for some time, you know how much I love cable knitting and creating various styles of ponchos for my daughters. This autumn, I've crafted another comfortable poncho design for children – the Dreamaway Poncho. Let's take a closer look!

Design overview

Unlike my other poncho designs, typically knitted with quite thick yarn, the Dreamaway Poncho is made with DK weight yarn in a beautiful grey color. The front and back of the poncho are decorated with a stunning cable combination, divided by columns of slipped stitches. Additionally, there's a combination of textured stitches on both sides of the cable panels.

The front and back are joined with four wooden buttons. The design features include dropped shoulders, a wide asymmetrical collar, and an inverse trapezium silhouette.

Yarn choice

The poncho is knitted with Drops Lima from Garnstudio, which is lovely budget friendly pure wool yarn widely available around the world. The yarn comes in many beautiful neutral shades as well as bright vibrant colours. It is quite warm yet a bit itchy if worn next to skin. However, it is great for vests and ponchos, which are normally, make a second or third layer of an outfit. 

For more yarn ideas please see some projects created by my test knitting team on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dreamaway-poncho/people

Knitting pattern

Knitting pattern for Dreamaway poncho comes in wide range of sizes from 2-3 years through 14-16 years. Knitting pattern has both cable charts with row-by-row instructions, size diagram and explanation. 

Knitting pattern for Dreamaway poncho is available from Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrats.

Exclusive promo code for blog readers on Ravelry: get 15% off with code BLOG15 Offer valid until 26th of November 2023.

Other poncho designs with cables.

If you love knitting cables as much as I do, you might be interested in some other designs of mine. 

Saunter Poncho:

This stylish poncho is knitted with worsted weight yarn and has a big comfortable hood for extra warmth and comfort. The front of the poncho is decorated with beautiful yet simple cables combo, the back and sleeves are knitted in simple stockinette.

You can read more about this project here.

Knitting pattern for Saunter poncho can be found on Ravelry and Lovecraft

Cable Fantasy poncho:

Cable Fantasy poncho is timeless design! Without a doubt it is one of my greatest designs! Complicated cable at front balanced with easy to knit moss stitch. This poncho will last years, as it looks great even as a vest when your child gets bigger. 

Read more about Cable Fantasy poncho here.

Pattern on Ravelry and Lovecrafts

Magic Leaves Poncho: 

It is great project for those who love seamless knits with a bit of interest! Magic Leaves poncho is knitted as one piece starting from the bottom of front and it has no seams at all. Beautiful Leaves motif combined with easy to knit tiny cables cables at front and beautiful twisted rib stitch along all edges. Sides of poncho are decorated with wooden buttons for even more stylish and unique look.

Read more about Magic Leaves poncho here

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Knitting pattern - Adult Saunter Sweater

Happy Fall knitting everyone! As you know I love creating matching sweaters with my kids and Saunter sweater is not an exclusion. So today I am happy to share big version of this design – Adult Saunter Sweater.

Design overview

Adults Saunter Sweater is knitted in the same style as it’s child version and it’s design features are dropped shoulder, boxy silhouette and long turtleneck collar. Front of sweater is decorated with beautiful cables combination. The sweater is generously sized with 15-20 cm/ 6 - 8 inches of positive ease. The only distinction is that, despite its deep dropped shoulder, it features some armhole shaping for a better fit around chest area in the adult version, whereas the child version is simpler and lacks this shaping.

Yarn choice

Adult Saunter sweater is knitted with Pure Shetland DK Coffee range yarn in shade Cappuccino form Blacker Yarns. This yarn is dedicated to love of coffee and made with Shetland fleece, the finest of all British Breed wools. It comes in 6 beautiful shades. The yarn is lovely to work with and creates soft drapery fabric, which is lovely to wear next to skin.

Knitting pattern

Knitting pattern for Adult Saunter sweater comes in wide range of sizes from XS months through 3XL. It is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts. 

Knitting kits

Blacker Yarns launched the project kits for Adult Saunter sweater which can be purchased from their website. Project kits come in a recyclable box and contain the set of yarn Pure Shetland DK Coffee Range and the pattern. 

Discount code

To celebrate the pattern release I am happy to offer exclusive discount 15% off the pattern for blog readers. Please use code BLOG15 on Ravelry. Offer valid for both child and adult Saunter sweaters until 25th of September 2023.

Adult Saunter Poncho 

There is also comfortable adult poncho in my collection, which is knitted with the same cables combo and raglan sleeves. You can read more about this poncho here and find knitting patterns for it on Ravelry and Lovecrafts.

Knitting kits for Adult Saunter poncho are also available from Blacker yarns. Please see their website. 

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

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