I don’t know about you but I rarely knit the same thing twice. There are just so many tempting patterns out there to try that something has to be truly exceptional for me to want to knit it again?
How about you? Is there one particular pattern that you always go back to for gifts or as an old-faithful for a particular ocassion?
Why not drop a link to the pattern in the comments here and we can build a little repository of great ‘tried and tested’ patterns.
I usually make a pattern only once, except for when I knit hats for charity. These patterns I use a lot, since they are a bit stretchy. Gimme All the Cables Toque by Andrea Kemper (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gimme-all-the-cables-toque) for one ball of very bulky yarn (like Lion Brand Thick and Quick). Unsquared Dance by Shannon Dunbabin (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/unsquared-dance), which uses a bulky weight and covers the ears without needing a double brim. It looks a bit weird until you put it on. Hat Nation Hat by Carri Hammett (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hat-nation-hat) works with several yarn weights and is 80 stitch cast on. I really like the way the ribs come together at the top. Although it is listed as a baby hat, the Vintage Pique Rib Hat by Julie Tarsha (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vintage-pique-rib-hat) can be made in any weight by changing the number of stitches cast on. I use it for chemo hats since most of the inside is stockinette stitch, which is less irritating because it is smoother than purl bumps.
Winwick Mum's basic socks pattern - I never thought I'd be able to knit socks as 3D is usually beyond me but I have knitted umpteen pairs. Her mosaic sock instructions also taught me how to actually use 2 strands.
I have made the same top-down no-seams sweater perhaps a dozen times now. I have done it with my own patterns added and once as a fiesta colored ski sweater using color in both hands. I have knitted it both as a “thrower” and as a “continental”. And a few times as a cardigan. It is simply so easy and fast that it is irresistible to me.
My most-made pattern is Livie by Carrie Bostick Hoge. It's a kid's version of an adult cardigan, with one big button. I've made it 3-4 times for my daughter and daughter's friends and her Grandma liked it so much she made one for herself of the adult version. It's great! Also the bonnet pattern, Newling? I think? It's so adorable. Fun question, thank you!
I rarely make the same thing twice, the exception being socks using variegated yarns. My ‘go to’ pattern is from Winwick Mum https://www.winwickmum.co.uk/sockalong (free pattern pdf in the narrative.
Also have crocheted the Caramel Whirl Blanket a similar number of times, such a great size for prams or car seats and made with a Scheepjes Whirl you get all the colour changes with no effort!
The World's Simplest Mittens by Tin Can Knits. Sized baby to large adult and for every yarn gauge. Truly simple to grab that leftover yarn and your needles and have mittens made quickly.
I don't usually repeat patterns as I have a track record of not finishing the second one. However recently I have been. In the last year or so I have made 3 Musselburgh hats, 3 Shift cowls and 2 Tolsta Tees. I already have the yarn to make several more of all of these! I think there is great comfort in knowing the pattern works, the item fits you and you enjoy knitting it. Feel like I need them in all the colours!
I've made three for my great niece so far, in increasing sizes! The second and third were by request. It's a great pattern, with enough texture to make it interesting. I don't mind that it's seamed; in small sizes they don't take very long to sew up, and I feel the seams give the garment a bit of stability when it's being washed pretty regularly. I suspect I'll be making one for her little sister soon!
I've knit the Rocking Chair sock pattern by Pauliina Kuunsola over and over. It's the first volume of 52 Weeks of Socks. It makes an interesting fabric and a good snug sock.
Every time I knit sweaters for my two boys, I always end up knitting the same thing. Because my oldest cares about having input on what the sweater looks like, and the youngest likes mimicking him so will say “oh yeah, that one looks good, make me that one!”
I’ve made One Sock by Kate Atherly two and a half :) times now - for me is a great ‘starter’ sock pattern to get good basic grounding of how to knit a sock. Good clear instructions.
Elsewhere jacket, I’ve made around a dozen now and currently have another in DK and parisienne.. shawls- dotted rays and glacier sweep SW are favourites and again well over a dozen of each. Also Pamuya and Dragonfly wings made several of each. I love simple knitting and crochet to do each night while I read.
I have a number of patterns that I find myself going back to! I have made three Carbeth sweaters (Kate Davies) plus a Carbeth cardigan. I have made MANY sweaters based on the Elizabeth Zimmermann Percentage System; it's my favorite way to knit a sweater. For socks, I too love Cookie A's Monkey pattern, as well as one called Simple Skyp Socks by Adrienne Ku. The Musselburgh hat by Ysolda Teague makes fantastic knitting for movie theaters, social/travel knitting, etc. I really enjoy making garter stitch shawls like Hitchhiker, too. There's one I like called Boom! by Plays with Fibre that will work with any weight of yarn. I am currently knitting my 4th Clapotis (Kate Gilbert) shawl, although it was a long time ago that I made the others.
I like the Grain triangular shawl pattern by Tin Can Knits. It 's my go-to. I often change the yarn over creating the center spine to knit-front & back on each side of my center stitch. Very easy knit and great for long car trips, when my husband drives).
Spirals and Helices is a great, basic hat I've knit three to five times. I made a dozen or so Pussy Hats for the Women's March on Washington in 2017. I've knitted a number of Simple Rules Cowls, Cuello Hojas cowls, socks using the FLK heel, various other vanilla socks, and Perfect Fit Dog Sweaters. Generally, except for socks, I don't like to repeat myself, but I feel a handful of Ranunculi coming on. I've yet to make one, and I have yarn for three or four. Since its versatility is legendary, I might as well knit them all!
I have two shawl patterns that I've knitted again and again. First, a really easy one that makes a lovely quick gift: Susan Lawrence's Forest Canopy - https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/forest-canopy-shawl. It's also a great intro to reading charts.
I'm very much the opposite. I'm a new knitter (less than a year) and new crocheter (just 4 months). And I am paralyzed by decision fatigue, so I have made the same patterns multiple times. And I still need low-thinking projects. So this Black Cat Cowl knits up very quickly and drapes so nicely. Have made it for myself and as a gift, and just starting another. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/black-cat-basics-cowl
And I'm working on 2 of the same crocheted granny square hexagon cardigans.
I love that the same pattern can look so different with different yarn and color ways.
Same! I have knit some of Stephen West's shawls twice because they're so fun and so pretty! And Isolda Teague's Isabel shawl, once in small and the 2nd time in the larger size.
Very much so! It was the first time I was knitting a lace pattern, so the larger one looked a lot better than my first attempt. I still wear the first smaller one, no one notices my mistakes when it's wrapped around my neck. 🙂😉 The second one was a gift.
I have 3 elder sisters and we all had significant birthdays within 3 years of each other. So I made us all a shawlette each, just changing the colour to suit each of us. The pattern was Libby Jonson's Stardust. So 4 of the same pattern over 3 years. And never again.
I’ve made several antler toques (tin can knits) as it’s a versatile pattern that suits a lot of people. I’ve made Paris in Berlin cowl (joji) at least 3 times.
I have made the Classic T by darling Jadore 3 times now - in my opinion a classic design can’t be bettered and need no new pattern. I have also made the Sunwock cowl many times in club colours to keep many crew members warm in the winter
I have knitted maybe 5 Flax jumpers. They are just so easy and quick. I tend to skip over the purl pattern down the sleeve as I forget to switch 😂 on one version I did it sort of to half way down the top of the arm then shaped the purl pattern into a triangle. It looked like it was supposed to be there lol. Hitchhiker (or close versions) shawl is a go to for on the go/semi quick presents. (Generally because even if you mess up the repeats it looks like you always intended it that way 😂)
The baby boots pattern from Frankie on Ravelry - I've made it so often I know it off by heart. Quick and easy, very portable for travel, and I understand from family recipients they stay on! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-boots-4
Pioneer gloves - actually mitts - by Kelly McClure for many of the same reasons. Works really well with zip dyed yarn
And Trillian shawl by Martina Behm - garter with a nice trellis edging, asymmetric shape is very wearable, and works well with single skeins of hand dyed yarn https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trillian-2
I have made lots of Monkey socks, but with one modification: I knit the purls. You really get into a rhythm and it's a really pretty pattern. The original is of course great, but this is fun for something different! :)
I've knitted a pattern called the Darling Dress for two granddaughters and a grand niece. Knitted in the round all in one piece from top down with lovely self patterning Adrafil wool. It creates quite an impressive piece with not that much skill or effort. I'll probably do it again.
There are some pattern which I’ve repeated over and over, usually because they’re easy to do but have a little challenge.
Firstly, a basic sock pattern, usually short, usually with eye of partridge heel flap, usually with Finchley graft for the toe. Easy to do without a pattern and doesn’t take up much room on a bus, a plane, a car, variegated for interest.
Secondly, the Flax Jumper from TinCan Knits. Easy to go, fits me well, knits from the top and in the round, so minimal sewing!
I've made a Cobblestone for my OH three times now - he adores it, and as soon as one starts to wear out (and he wears it so much they do) he starts agitating for another. He has a couple of lopapeysas, a gansey, and others, but he loves his Cobblestone. I've knitted it in Blacker DK, usually one of the named breeds in a natural sheep colour.
I usually make a pattern only once, except for when I knit hats for charity. These patterns I use a lot, since they are a bit stretchy. Gimme All the Cables Toque by Andrea Kemper (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gimme-all-the-cables-toque) for one ball of very bulky yarn (like Lion Brand Thick and Quick). Unsquared Dance by Shannon Dunbabin (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/unsquared-dance), which uses a bulky weight and covers the ears without needing a double brim. It looks a bit weird until you put it on. Hat Nation Hat by Carri Hammett (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hat-nation-hat) works with several yarn weights and is 80 stitch cast on. I really like the way the ribs come together at the top. Although it is listed as a baby hat, the Vintage Pique Rib Hat by Julie Tarsha (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vintage-pique-rib-hat) can be made in any weight by changing the number of stitches cast on. I use it for chemo hats since most of the inside is stockinette stitch, which is less irritating because it is smoother than purl bumps.
Handknitting, none. I’m
Far too slow. When I had a machine I did a few things more than once but, as you say, there are always new designs wanting to be tackled.
Winwick Mum's basic socks pattern - I never thought I'd be able to knit socks as 3D is usually beyond me but I have knitted umpteen pairs. Her mosaic sock instructions also taught me how to actually use 2 strands.
I have made the same top-down no-seams sweater perhaps a dozen times now. I have done it with my own patterns added and once as a fiesta colored ski sweater using color in both hands. I have knitted it both as a “thrower” and as a “continental”. And a few times as a cardigan. It is simply so easy and fast that it is irresistible to me.
My most-made pattern is Livie by Carrie Bostick Hoge. It's a kid's version of an adult cardigan, with one big button. I've made it 3-4 times for my daughter and daughter's friends and her Grandma liked it so much she made one for herself of the adult version. It's great! Also the bonnet pattern, Newling? I think? It's so adorable. Fun question, thank you!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/livie
Just knitting 10 lords-a-leaping here for library display later in the year. Plenty of repetition.
I rarely make the same thing twice, the exception being socks using variegated yarns. My ‘go to’ pattern is from Winwick Mum https://www.winwickmum.co.uk/sockalong (free pattern pdf in the narrative.
My go-to, adore variegated yarn.
I’ve repeated Pebble, Baby Sophisticate and little coffee bean cardigan multiple times as baby gifts.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pebble-baby-vest
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-sophisticate-2
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-coffee-bean-cardigan
Oh, some great ones there
I have made 4 or 5 of the MAX cardigan for various babies (including my own!)
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/max-baby-cardigan-jacket-with-cabled-front
Also have crocheted the Caramel Whirl Blanket a similar number of times, such a great size for prams or car seats and made with a Scheepjes Whirl you get all the colour changes with no effort!
The World's Simplest Mittens by Tin Can Knits. Sized baby to large adult and for every yarn gauge. Truly simple to grab that leftover yarn and your needles and have mittens made quickly.
https://tincanknits.com/pattern/the-worlds-simplest-mittens?g=2
I don't usually repeat patterns as I have a track record of not finishing the second one. However recently I have been. In the last year or so I have made 3 Musselburgh hats, 3 Shift cowls and 2 Tolsta Tees. I already have the yarn to make several more of all of these! I think there is great comfort in knowing the pattern works, the item fits you and you enjoy knitting it. Feel like I need them in all the colours!
Am I allowed a second contribution? I should have also mentioned the Kimmeridge child's sweater by Sarah Hatton
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kimmeridge-sweater
I've made three for my great niece so far, in increasing sizes! The second and third were by request. It's a great pattern, with enough texture to make it interesting. I don't mind that it's seamed; in small sizes they don't take very long to sew up, and I feel the seams give the garment a bit of stability when it's being washed pretty regularly. I suspect I'll be making one for her little sister soon!
I’ve knitted the Close to You shawl several times
The Bavaria shawl I have made twice. I have also made the Fanel cardigan twice, and I am now on my second Musselburgh hat.
This post has sent me down a rabbit hole in ravelry …..again!
I’ve knitted the May I Borrow This Please? shawl for me and as a gift to my daughter. It looks so lovely after lightly blocking. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/may-i-borrow-this-please
Another shawl that I’ve made a few times as gifts - pretty quick to knit too. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-goes-it-dk
This blanket is an easy knit but interesting with its variety of stitches. Makes a great gift for new babies (makes people think I’m cleverer than I am 😅 https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mystery-kal-2
I have a zip-up-the-back hooded baby sweater that I’ve made over 100 of as baby gifts over the years. Always an appreciated gift.
I've knit the Rocking Chair sock pattern by Pauliina Kuunsola over and over. It's the first volume of 52 Weeks of Socks. It makes an interesting fabric and a good snug sock.
Every time I knit sweaters for my two boys, I always end up knitting the same thing. Because my oldest cares about having input on what the sweater looks like, and the youngest likes mimicking him so will say “oh yeah, that one looks good, make me that one!”
I’ve made One Sock by Kate Atherly two and a half :) times now - for me is a great ‘starter’ sock pattern to get good basic grounding of how to knit a sock. Good clear instructions.
Elsewhere jacket, I’ve made around a dozen now and currently have another in DK and parisienne.. shawls- dotted rays and glacier sweep SW are favourites and again well over a dozen of each. Also Pamuya and Dragonfly wings made several of each. I love simple knitting and crochet to do each night while I read.
I have a number of patterns that I find myself going back to! I have made three Carbeth sweaters (Kate Davies) plus a Carbeth cardigan. I have made MANY sweaters based on the Elizabeth Zimmermann Percentage System; it's my favorite way to knit a sweater. For socks, I too love Cookie A's Monkey pattern, as well as one called Simple Skyp Socks by Adrienne Ku. The Musselburgh hat by Ysolda Teague makes fantastic knitting for movie theaters, social/travel knitting, etc. I really enjoy making garter stitch shawls like Hitchhiker, too. There's one I like called Boom! by Plays with Fibre that will work with any weight of yarn. I am currently knitting my 4th Clapotis (Kate Gilbert) shawl, although it was a long time ago that I made the others.
Ive made two FFFS and several Be Simple Shawl 9with and without eyelets!
I like the Grain triangular shawl pattern by Tin Can Knits. It 's my go-to. I often change the yarn over creating the center spine to knit-front & back on each side of my center stitch. Very easy knit and great for long car trips, when my husband drives).
Spirals and Helices is a great, basic hat I've knit three to five times. I made a dozen or so Pussy Hats for the Women's March on Washington in 2017. I've knitted a number of Simple Rules Cowls, Cuello Hojas cowls, socks using the FLK heel, various other vanilla socks, and Perfect Fit Dog Sweaters. Generally, except for socks, I don't like to repeat myself, but I feel a handful of Ranunculi coming on. I've yet to make one, and I have yarn for three or four. Since its versatility is legendary, I might as well knit them all!
I have two shawl patterns that I've knitted again and again. First, a really easy one that makes a lovely quick gift: Susan Lawrence's Forest Canopy - https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/forest-canopy-shawl. It's also a great intro to reading charts.
Next, a more challenging one that I've made many variations on: Kieran Foley's Shetland Ruffles - https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shetland-ruffles. For some reason I just adore this shawl.
I love Ishbel! I've made many of them.
Monkey Socks, by Cookie A. It’s a quick and easy sock pattern that looks much more difficult than it is.
I'm very much the opposite. I'm a new knitter (less than a year) and new crocheter (just 4 months). And I am paralyzed by decision fatigue, so I have made the same patterns multiple times. And I still need low-thinking projects. So this Black Cat Cowl knits up very quickly and drapes so nicely. Have made it for myself and as a gift, and just starting another. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/black-cat-basics-cowl
And I'm working on 2 of the same crocheted granny square hexagon cardigans.
I love that the same pattern can look so different with different yarn and color ways.
Oh, I love that cowl. And I totally get what you mean - sometimes we just need the comfort of the familiar.
Same! I have knit some of Stephen West's shawls twice because they're so fun and so pretty! And Isolda Teague's Isabel shawl, once in small and the 2nd time in the larger size.
The pattern is Ishbel, not Isabel. That was my autocorrect trying to be helpful
Doing the same pattern in two sizes is such a great idea. The familiarity really helps the larger one speed along doesn’t it.
Very much so! It was the first time I was knitting a lace pattern, so the larger one looked a lot better than my first attempt. I still wear the first smaller one, no one notices my mistakes when it's wrapped around my neck. 🙂😉 The second one was a gift.
I have 3 elder sisters and we all had significant birthdays within 3 years of each other. So I made us all a shawlette each, just changing the colour to suit each of us. The pattern was Libby Jonson's Stardust. So 4 of the same pattern over 3 years. And never again.
What a lovely generous idea,
I have made multiple half and half triangle wraps, parallelogram wraps, and spell shawls!
Ooh..I’m intruiged. What is a spell shawl? Is it kind of like a prayer shawl (without the prayers)?
It’s a design by Shannon Squire and uses marling! 😍
I want to know, too! What is a Spell Shawl?
Oh, I haven't. Thank youm I'll take a look.
I’m a new knitter & my first practice project is this free shawl pattern called Fluff. I can see myself making it again as a quick gift to work up.
https://ravel.me/fluff-
Susan Ashcroft's patterns are well written and often very easy. I've made many, many of hers, often as tests. I hope you really enjoy this one!
That’s such a lovely looking pattern
I’ve made several antler toques (tin can knits) as it’s a versatile pattern that suits a lot of people. I’ve made Paris in Berlin cowl (joji) at least 3 times.
I have made the Classic T by darling Jadore 3 times now - in my opinion a classic design can’t be bettered and need no new pattern. I have also made the Sunwock cowl many times in club colours to keep many crew members warm in the winter
I have knitted maybe 5 Flax jumpers. They are just so easy and quick. I tend to skip over the purl pattern down the sleeve as I forget to switch 😂 on one version I did it sort of to half way down the top of the arm then shaped the purl pattern into a triangle. It looked like it was supposed to be there lol. Hitchhiker (or close versions) shawl is a go to for on the go/semi quick presents. (Generally because even if you mess up the repeats it looks like you always intended it that way 😂)
I think I omitted the arm detail last time I did this as well - and it looked just as good.
The baby boots pattern from Frankie on Ravelry - I've made it so often I know it off by heart. Quick and easy, very portable for travel, and I understand from family recipients they stay on! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-boots-4
Pioneer gloves - actually mitts - by Kelly McClure for many of the same reasons. Works really well with zip dyed yarn
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pioneer-gloves
And Trillian shawl by Martina Behm - garter with a nice trellis edging, asymmetric shape is very wearable, and works well with single skeins of hand dyed yarn https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trillian-2
Baby booties that stay on are definitely the holy grail
I have made several of Elizabeth Zimmerman's Wallabys (wallabies?), and several sock patters-Hermione socks (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hermiones-everyday-socks free on Ravelry), Pomatamus socks (https://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter05/PATTpomatomus.html), and Monkey socks (https://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTmonkey.html)
I have made lots of Monkey socks, but with one modification: I knit the purls. You really get into a rhythm and it's a really pretty pattern. The original is of course great, but this is fun for something different! :)
Oh Monkey socks! A true classic.
I've knitted a pattern called the Darling Dress for two granddaughters and a grand niece. Knitted in the round all in one piece from top down with lovely self patterning Adrafil wool. It creates quite an impressive piece with not that much skill or effort. I'll probably do it again.
There are some pattern which I’ve repeated over and over, usually because they’re easy to do but have a little challenge.
Firstly, a basic sock pattern, usually short, usually with eye of partridge heel flap, usually with Finchley graft for the toe. Easy to do without a pattern and doesn’t take up much room on a bus, a plane, a car, variegated for interest.
Secondly, the Flax Jumper from TinCan Knits. Easy to go, fits me well, knits from the top and in the round, so minimal sewing!
I always recommend the Flax sweater for newer knitters (and more experienced ones as well come to that). TinCan Knits are such great patterns.
I have knitted quite a few Fuss free festival shawls, and my favourite mitt pattern is Staysail mitts.
I've made quite a few FFFS's too 🤣
Oh and Hitchhikers - the shawl by Martina Behm. I must have made about 10 of them over the years for me and for gifts.
I've made a Cobblestone for my OH three times now - he adores it, and as soon as one starts to wear out (and he wears it so much they do) he starts agitating for another. He has a couple of lopapeysas, a gansey, and others, but he loves his Cobblestone. I've knitted it in Blacker DK, usually one of the named breeds in a natural sheep colour.
I knit one of these for myself in some Rowan British Breeds yarn years ago and it's still my favourite winter sweater.
I keep saying I'm going to take a SW pattern and knit it in natural undyed yarns.
Brilliant!
Ooh - I love that idea.
It’s so pretty. How do you style it though? Is it easy to wear? That’s my only concern to make it.
Stephen West patterns are always so good to follow aren't they.