Julia Swart
Patterns available as Ravelry Downloads
Knitting: Cowl
This cowl is made especially for using scraps, a special set of yarn or any beautiful skeins that you have been saving. It is a potato-chip knit, one that is perfect for palate cleansing or zoom chats. Use superwash, rustic wool, handspun… all you need are colors that contrast and that make you happy.
Knitting: Ankle Sock
I love a good contrasting sock heel. I love to work my socks toe up and top down- depending on my mood. I love garter and stockinette stitch. These socks are designed to cater to all the sock variations using a short row heel. You will find directions for both toe up and top down versions in a shortie sock, which will make the most of your sock...
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
As the Northern Hemisphere enters the darkest days of the year our thoughts turn to comfort. Warm blankets, cozy fires, comfort food, soft surfaces. Many of us begin to crave color, as well. This hat combines the comfort and softness of super-squishy yarn held double with mohair and a subdued rainbow to boost the spirit. Wear it whenever you fe...
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
“Dragonfire, burns so hot, burns so bright, Dragonfire…So small I am, so newly made. Within me a flame to keep me unafraid, my Dragonfire… I am small, but complete. I have light. I have heat… in the dark, in the cold, I can summon my own Dragonfire!” -Sandra Boynton, Dog Train
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
These socks were created to celebrate both my love of mythical creatures, but also the Zombie Knitpocalypse Retreat of 2020. Each year the Stockinette Zombies (Megan Williams and Amy Spinler) throw an amazing party that had to be moved to a virtual platform due to COVID-19. This years’ mascots are a dragon and a unicorn.
Knitting: Cowl
This cowl is made especially for that single skein of handspun yarn that is begging to be knit but might not be long enough to use on its own. Equinox combines commercial yarn with handspun to highlight the beautiful colors of spring or fall, when a cowl is most useful.
Knitting: Cowl
Have you ever looked through your stash to find that you have a lot of grays, naturals or tans? Do you love fingering weight yarn and end up with beautiful mini skeins or leftovers but not enough to make a full projects? Take those minis and marl them with the neutrals to make a DK/worsted weight, beautiful, easy cowl that highlights your favor...
Knitting: Poncho
I often find that I want warm shoulders but don’t want to fuss with keeping a shawl on. Or I want a warm neck but a cowl looks odd with my outfit. A poncho? Can’t always wear a coat over it. What to do?
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
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Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This shawl was created to teach new techniques, play with color, and end with a product that is not only beautiful, but wearable. This shawl is knit top down in a modified crescent (almost semi-circular) shape. It has an interesting, stretchy lower edge in brioche.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Sometimes a variegated color begs for texture, but often color and texture fight. This pattern is simple, repetitive, and plays nice with highly variegated yarns. Just relax, pick a color that makes you happy, get your groove on, and knit away!
Knitting: Cowl
Who hasn’t needed a last minute holiday gift? Who doesn’t love a quick knit? Who doesn’t prefer an easy to remember pattern? Who doesn’t love squishy, beautiful, hand dyed yarn? Who doesn’t want versatility in an accessory?
Knitting: Pullover
Puppy Love is a classic yet whimsical raglan sweater for children ages 2-12. Knit in 1 piece from the top down, Puppy Love is easily adjustable for length. The roll neck is stretchy and, with use of a provisional cast on, easy to slip over little heads. And the pup? He’s just fun. Choose your favorite fabrics for face and nose, use a contrast y...
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Changement is a classical ballet term meaning change. In this pattern there are many changes- color, stripes, lace, garter, direction. This shawl uses 120g of mini skeins. It is suggested that you find 40g of a variegated color and then choose 4 coordinating colors. The yarn base for the minis is not specific. Use scraps, a gradient kit, indivi...
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
I created these socks based on the popularity of my adult-sized Pin Striped Socks. I have done the math for you to downsize the sock for children from babies to tweens. Use your fun striping leftovers for quick presents or just for those discerning children who love hand knits!
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Self-striping socks are super fun but sometimes I need a little twist to keep things interesting. These socks incorporate easy twisted stitch panels and a short row heel for a simple sock that maintains attention. This pattern would also look great in variegated and semi-solid yarns.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
These socks were born of a collaboration with Sara’s Texture Crafts, the creator of the beautiful shibori dyed yarn used. The shibori technique inspired creation of a pattern reminiscent of tie-dyed fabric drying on a clothes line. The simple, repetitive texture adds interest without bulk but does pull the fabric in. Using one needle size large...
Knitting: Pullover
My son (the original Ewok inspiration) requested a bigger version of his 1 year old sweater for his ninth birthday. Being a good mom I complied and Wookie was created for all the kids who still love snuggly sweaters but have grown just a bit. Written for sizes 2-12 years, this sweater features color blocked stripes, a simple cable on the front ...
Knitting: Hanging Ornament
This pattern was written as a simple project for practicing the afterthought heel technique. Finished socks can be used as an ornament or garland, a holder for gift cards or (if the foot is extended by 1 inch/2.5 cm) a sock for a newborn. They are perfect for using up leftover yarn. Use mini-skeins as contrast colors on the heel, toe and cuff. ...
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
Use these simple mitts to help you learn the magic loop technique of working in the round.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
What do you do when you have a single skein of variegated yarn that doesn’t show texture well? What could you make with a few partial balls of treasured leftovers? What if you want a simple, yet intriguing knit to take on a retreat or weekend away with friends? This shawlette answers those questions with a simple stitch pattern that will highli...
Knitting: Cowl
The leaves are gone. The air is cool and crisp. The colors of fall have disappeared except for the occasional Japanese Maple- showing off its burgundy glory against the grey and beige of the tree trunk. It is time for cozy warmth. A little bit extra fabric to protect from the wind. Enter After the Fall- inspired by contrasts and neutrals- ready...
Knitting: Animal Toy
This cat was made to be a soft toy for wee ones in developmental colors and with “tags” for easy carrying/ attaching to stroller or carseat. Older children will love the stripes and silly face as well as the squishablity! It is a super simple pattern that is perfect for beginners as well as fun and quick for more advanced knitters.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
The undulating feather and fan pattern in this shawlette reminds me of ocean waves as they dance towards shore. The final shape also speaks of butterflies lighting on flowers to drink after a summer shower. Made with just one skein of solid or tonal fingering weight yarn, this shawlette is a quick, yet interesting pattern.
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
The Dichondra is a member of the morning glory family. It’s main feature is cascading tendrils that trail towards the ground to become a jumble of leaves. I have taken the beautiful inspiration of this plant and translated it into a tank featuring an open chevron neck flowing into an A-line body. This tank is beautiful in both solid and multi-c...
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This hat is made for babies up to 2 years of age using fingering weight yarn held double. It is perfect for using a single skein of varigated sock yarn!
Knitting: Cardigan
A wee striped cardigan with short sleeves, Coral Ridge is a perfect layer for cool summer nights. It is easy care and quick to knit up when worked in a DK weight cotton blend. Choose any color and button combination to make it truly yours!
Crochet: Applique / Embellishment
This little flower was created for a DIY on my podcast, Sticks and Stones. It’s a quick, easy and cute way to bring a little spring into your projects.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
These socks are inspired by my desire to make striped stockinette socks just a little more fancy without losing the fun colorful effect that self-striping socks have. I have included directions to make the afterthought heel I am most comfortable with, but you are welcome to use any afterthought heel you like.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
The pattern in this sock reminds me of a Caisson breakwater. The water bounces off the linear structure, creating ripples off of each side. I used a simple, repetitive pattern to create the chevrons, which can be slightly snugger than plain stockinette. Adjust your needle size accordingly for greatest comfort.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
This is a pattern based on the Fibonacci Sequence, which is a series of increasing numbers, each found by adding two previous numbers together. It is a simple and easy pattern that adds interest to a plain piece of fabric without being too fussy. This sock is toe up with a short cuff.
Knitting: Softies - Other
The zombie knitster is a top-down toy that has real personality! Its gaugeless construction is very versatile, and easy to customize.
Knitting: Convertible Gloves
After my children lost yet another half of each of their mittens this fall I asked what they would like to replace them and the unanimous response was flip top mitts! Surprisingly, there are very few versions out there, so I made my own. They are wonderful for warm winters and season transitions as well as being darn cute.
Knitting: Animal Toy
I’ve been working on these wee owlets for the deacons of my church. We tried a radical concept- giving back to the congregation- to multiply funds to give to the deacons. The concept is based on the parable of the three talents (Matthew 25: 14-30). It’s being called a reverse offering. We (the congregation) were given $1200 and asked to tak...
Knitting: Pullover
This sweater is based on one of my favorites from when my son (nicknamed Ewok) was tiny. Since it no longer fits him (babies grow so fast!), I decided to create my own version for his first birthday. It is made from inexpensive, warm and snuggly merino wool (all natural- just be careful not to felt it) and is perfect for cool fall mornings or s...