knitting

Winter Stitch Sampler Knit Along [Knitting Pattern]

Welcome to the Winter Stitch Sampler Knit Along! We are so glad you’re planning on joining us!

This is our third knit along and while we’ll be knitting a throw again, the construction will be a bit different than our first two KALs.

This one is patchwork style. Each week, we’ll work one of the twelve squares of the pattern. The 12 squares will be seamed together in a 3 x 4 format to create the final throw.

Winter can be a challenging season, but we are going to lean into it. This project is a “blanket of snow” and each week, we’ll see leaves, flowers, fruits, and animals emerge as we also inch closer and closer to spring.

What is a knit along (KAL)?

A knit along (or KAL) is when many knitters work on their own versions of the same project at the same time. The pattern is broken down into several steps so that everyone has a reasonable amount of time to complete each step.

KALs are a great way to connect with other crafters! While the project is large, pacing and support are built right in. Everyone tweaks the pattern to fit their personalities, typically through yarn choice, and you get to see many of the same project in action. In other words, KALS are fun!

How to Join the Winter Stitch Sampler Knit Along

You do not need to do anything to join! This knit along began on Monday, December 26, 2022, but you can join anytime. You’ll be able to find all installments linked here. The KAL is free!

There will be 12 stitches to master, released over 12 weeks.

The final week (Week 13) is a wrap-up and will provide basic instructions for blocking, joining the sections, and adding an optional edge.

Join our Facebook group for updates and to see how other knitters are doing! (This is optional, but lots of fun.)

PDF Version

You do not need to purchase anything to participate in this KAL! However, I do offer a PDF version of the pattern for purchase.

In prior years, I’ve held off on releasing the pattern PDF until all weeks of the KAL were released. I’ve heard from some knitters that it’s much easier to work with a PDF than the website when it comes to formatting printed pages, so this time I’m doing something new.

This KAL is available for purchase from Week 1!

Each week of the KAL will be provided as a separate PDF document, but the purchase includes a bundle of all 12 weeks. Each week, I’ll release the password for that week’s stitch and you can use it to access that single PDF. You only have to purchase the bundle once and you’ll have everything you need, but you won’t have to worry about spoiling the surprise!

Purchase the PDF on Etsy here

Learn More

About the Pattern

Instructions will be provided for a single size (45″ x 60″). This throw size is perfect to accent your favorite chair or to use while cuddling up on the couch.

To view our terms of use for all knitting and crochet patterns, see our Terms of Service.

Materials

Yarn:
Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn in Antique White (3 skeins)
or 2500 yards (2300 meters) of another medium weight yarn

Needles:
US #8/5.00mm (36″ circular recommended)

Gauge:
18 sts x 26 rows = 4″ x 4″

Matching finished size is not crucial for this project, but working in a different gauge may affect the amount of yarn you need to complete the throw.

Notions:
finishing needle

Optional:
crochet hook: H/5.00 mm (for seaming)
highlighter tape
stitch markers

Section Index

Winter Stitch Sampler Knit Along Overview ⬅️

Week 1 – Butterfly Stitch
Week 2 – Vine Stripe Stitch
Week 3 – Owl’s Eye Stitch
Week 4 – Traveling Vine Stitch
Week 5 – Little Blossoms Stitch
Week 6 – Bunches of Grapes Stitch
Week 7 – Sweet Shells Stitch
Week 8 – Wildflower Knot Stitch
Week 9 – Gooseberries Stitch
Week 10 – Cockleshells Stitch
Week 11 – Apple Leaves Stitch
Week 12 – Bear Claw Stitch

Tips

We’ll be seaming 12 squares together to create this project, so you may find that slipping the first stitch of each row provides a tidier edge and makes attaching the panels to one another easier.

If you’re going for your own look, the panels can easily be rearranged in the way that suits you best before they are assembled.

If you are planning to use multiple yarns for this project, consider how you’ll place the panels when selecting your colorway each week.

123
456
789
101112
159
2610
3711
4812

Here’s how I ultimately placed mine.

126
453
7119
10812

If you’re using multiple colors, note that not all panels will use the same amount of yarn, despite being the same general size. That’s because the stitches are all constructed differently and result in very different yarn usage.

FAQ

Are these stitches difficult?

Some are more difficult than others, but if you are able to perform increases and decreases, you’ll be able to work them.

How is the project assembled?

The 12 pieces are seamed together in Week 13, but you can join yours as you go or anytime after Week 12 if you don’t want to wait one more week.

What if I would like to use more than one color?

It’s going to look great!

The chart below can help you plan better, but only includes averages. Each panel uses a different stitch and therefore uses a different amount of yarn, even though each panel is roughly the same size when finished.

If you are planning on using multiple colors, be sure you have extra yarn in that colorway. Also note that stitches with bobbles or overall texture will use more yarn.

Colors UsedYards per ColorMeters per Color
125002300
212501150
3850775
4625575
6425400
12225200

I used between 166 and 281 yards per panel and have also noted my usage in the individual pattern. You can use this as a guide, comparing your yarn usage in Week 1 to mine and determining how much yarn you’ll need moving forward.

WeekYardsMeters
1166152
2172157
3204186
4191172
5217198
6249228
7230210
8185169
9281257
10223204
11191175
12217198

What if I’d like to work this pattern in a different size?

For a smaller or larger throw, I recommend using smaller or larger needles and appropriate yarn for their size. Trying to adjust the stitch and row counts for each section instead of the gauge would be an incredible amount of work!

Be sure to also account for changes in the amount of yarn required if you use a different size needle or do not match the recommended gauge.

How do I get started?

Gather your materials and come back here on December 26!

If you’re on Ravelry, be sure to cast on the project there, too.

I want to stay on track. How should I pace myself?

Completing 14 rows per day will ensure you complete each week’s panel in 7 days and are ready for the next release. The amount of time it takes to work these 14 rows will vary by week.

What about the other KALs you mentioned?

Our previous KALS can be found here:
2020 Summer Stitch Sampler Knit Along [free web version] or PDF download [$]
2021 Spring Stitch Sampler Knit Along [free web version] or PDF download [$]

For information on future KALs, sign up for our newsletter!

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