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!
This pattern is now available as a FREE PDF download!
Download the pattern PDF 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.
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 1 | 5 | 9 |
| 2 | 6 | 10 |
| 3 | 7 | 11 |
| 4 | 8 | 12 |
Here’s how I ultimately placed mine.
| 1 | 2 | 6 |
| 4 | 5 | 3 |
| 7 | 11 | 9 |
| 10 | 8 | 12 |
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 Used | Yards per Color | Meters per Color |
| 1 | 2500 | 2300 |
| 2 | 1250 | 1150 |
| 3 | 850 | 775 |
| 4 | 625 | 575 |
| 6 | 425 | 400 |
| 12 | 225 | 200 |
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.
| Week | Yards | Meters |
| 1 | 166 | 152 |
| 2 | 172 | 157 |
| 3 | 204 | 186 |
| 4 | 191 | 172 |
| 5 | 217 | 198 |
| 6 | 249 | 228 |
| 7 | 230 | 210 |
| 8 | 185 | 169 |
| 9 | 281 | 257 |
| 10 | 223 | 204 |
| 11 | 191 | 175 |
| 12 | 217 | 198 |
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
2021 Spring Stitch Sampler Knit Along
For information on future KALs, sign up for our newsletter!
31 Comments
paarsedraad (Ravelry name)
Hello,
I would like to join this, I want to learn lace and different stitches, so this seems a good start of 2023 for me.
English is not my first language, I generally understand everything I read, but here I get confused.
Do we all have to come back here (or on Ravelry), and pay for the pattern om monday 26 december? Or can we pay earlier, so we can start knitting that day? And what will be the price for this pattern?
Looking forward to your replay.
Thank you!
Holly
Welcome! You do not have to pay to join or pay to participate. It is free!
I will be offering a downloadable pattern for purchase. It contains the same information that will be available for free, but it is easier to print.
The first installment of the pattern will be released on Monday at 8:00AM (EST). If you have questions as you work through it, please let me know 🙂
Faye
I’d like to join in too please?
Holly
Welcome, Faye! We are happy to have you and we’ll see you back here on Monday.
Sara Reckling
I’m so excited 💜💜💜. I’ve never done a mystery knit, a sampler or a KAL. I want sure I would, because I don’t have extra funds right now, but I snagged an amazing deal on yarn at Joann’s 😍😍
Holly
That is fantastic, Sara! We’re happy to have you 🙂
Monika
Hallo, ich möchte sehr gerne teilnehmrn, aber wo finde ich den link zum Muster?
Liebe Grüße
Monika
Holly
Week 1 – https://www.atyarnslength.com/butterfly-stitch/
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Barbara
How big is each panel supposed to be? I’m making 10″ squares for a charity project and would like to adapt your panels to that size.
Holly
Hi Barbara — They’re 15″ x 15″ squares, but you could adapt them by either going down in needle size or reworking the pattern. Each stitch includes instructions for the 15″ x 15″ square and also for the stitch pattern itself.
You can take a look at the first stitch to see what I mean: https://www.atyarnslength.com/butterfly-stitch/
Let me know if you have any questions!
Barbara
Thanks! I think a smaller needle will work nicely.
Emily Szalay
When will the next weeks pattern be posted?
Holly
Monday, January 2 at 8:00AM EST
All patterns will be released on Mondays at 8:00AM EST in the weeks following 🙂
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Sara McArthur
Thanks for the info on how the increases and decreases match up. I was doing the ssk wrong too.
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Jennifer
I noticed that you ended up with your squares sewn together in a random order. Was that just what was most aesthetically pleasing to you? Did it not look as good to have the squares sewn together in order from 1-12? Do all of the squares have 66 stitches and 97 rows? Thanks for putting this together!
Holly
That is correct. The first time I made it, 1-12 looked “right” to me, but ultimately I changed my final to rearrange them. You can arrange yours in any order you like!
Most squares have 66 sts/97 rows, but not all. All are 15″ by 15″ when finished.
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Daria
hello there! Yes, I know it’s May, but I have finally finished all my squares! (It’s a happy day! I really dragged my feet on the Gooseberries square. My hands did not like that at all lol…)
Anyway, I keep seeing that week 13 was supposed to have instructions about seaming and the optional edges. I can’t find where that might be…
Could you please post a link or point me in the right direction? I’d really appreciate it. (I followed the web version of that matters.)
Have a great day!
Holly
Yes! You can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh5f-dvFf08&list=PLFeF_TWNwDB2UcEBEammN0mBN6rLGe_hy&index=18
I didn’t use a border on mine; I simply did a SC around the whole thing 🙂