How To Find Patterns

My loyal reader (and sister) Erin had asked that I talk about where to find free patterns and that sort of thing.



If you've read through all my blog posts, then you know about my ever so slight addiction to purchasing patterns and yarn. However, lately I've gotten into quite a quick of deciding what I want to make and finding a free pattern for it. When I am looking for something specific this is what I do:

1) Check http://www.bernat.com/ and http://www.patonsyarns.com/. You must be a member to view their free patterns, but it is free to sign up, and they have a place to bookmark all of their free and not free patterns that you like. So say I want to make a scarf, I'll just plug scarf into their search engines and see what comes up.

2) Check http://www.lionbrand.com/. This is the same sort of website as above, but I've listed it separately because you don't have to be a member to sign up.

3) Check http://www.knitty.com/. This is a free online knitting magazine. They have tons and tons of gorgeous patterns and useful articles and tips. They also have a handy rating for patterns, so you can easily narrow down to projects that are within your technical abilities.



So after I've checked these four sites and I've picked what I want to make, then I check out http://www.ravelry.com/. This site is the mecca for knitters and crocheters. You can find anything and I mean ANYTHING here. So when I'm checking Ravelry at this stage of the game I am trying to decide what yarn to use by seeing what yarns others have used for the same project. I can also see what modifications others have made, how much yarn they used and the usefulness goes on and on. If you like knitting check out ravelry - you won't be sorry.