How to Find Pretty Knitting Patterns

Do you want to knit something really cute? Something that expresses your personality? The key is to find the right pattern and the right yarn.

1. Decide what you want to knit. Leaf through pattern books or look on the internet.
2. 

    Buy and try different yarn colors.
   Buy and try different yarn colors. See which look good together and which don't.
3. Check out knitting magazines at your local bookstore. Magazines are great because they feature current styles and they have photos to give you ideas. Think about how that sweater would look in a different color.
4. Check out online knitting magazines, such as Knitty.com's archives. They are great resources.
5. Look at yarn websites as they feature patterns that show off their yarn the best. For example, Lion Brand Yarn and Crystal Palace Yarns have tons of free patterns.
6. Go to your local yarn store. They would be happy to help you find a pattern to use yarn that they sell.
7. Check the library. Your library has a wealth of books available with current styles. If you think you can't finish a project in the time you have it checked out, simply photocopy the directions.
8. Consider joining Ravelry. The search engine available there has revolutionized the process of finding patterns-one can search by type of pattern, specific yarn line, gauge, and much more.
9. Search through online depositories of knitting patterns for the perfect one. This is the best way to find blog posts with great free patterns, other than googling. Here are a few:
   • Knitting on the Net
   • Knitting Pattern Central
   • The Daily Knitter
   • Craftown.com
   • Knitting-and.com
10. Begin to compile a list of blogs you like that you might check back regularly for new patterns. For example, there's this list of free online knitting patterns from Wendy Knits blog.

• To make your piece cute and chic, sew on a cute flower button, or maybe a little cute ribbon trim. Your creativity has no limit!
• Most of the time it is the proper selection of the colors of the yarn that can make a patternpretty.
• Create differences in your patterns to make them stand out. Add a different line of color to accent the neckline or two or three lines of a matching color on the bottom of the sleeves. You do not have to follow the pattern exactly in the use of colors. Add a bit of your own ideas and then you'll have something entirely unique!
• When searching online, you can find great patterns for free. A great way to do this is to go on google and type in "Free Knitting Patterns" and a great assortment should come.

• Keep knitting yarn bag out of reach of cat.
• There is such a thing as too many projects at once.