Free Vintage Knitting

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Have you found an error or ommission with a pattern? Please contact us at info@purplekittyyarns.com and let us know.  We'll be happy to check it out and make any necessary corrections.

Please Note: We are unable to help with specific pattern questions. These patterns were designed over half a century ago and originally published by other companies. We have not personally made every item. We are just reproducing these patterns based on the original pattern for your use and enjoyment. If you need additional help with patterns, check out the many craft communities available where there are experienced crocheters, knitters and other crafters who are very willing to help with specific crafting questions.

Free Patterns

There are literally thousands upon thousands of knitting patterns that are no longer available simply because they were published many years ago and are now out of print. Fortunately, the Internet gives us the opportunity to share these fun, exciting and long lost designs for everyone to enjoy again. We are currently working on reproducing our library of vintage patterns that have passed into the public domain and will include them here as quickly as we can.

All of the patterns that appear here have passed into the public domain. That means that these designs are no longer protected by copyright and you are free to do whatever you would like to do with them! Copy them, share them, make finished items from them and sell them - let your imagination run wild!

See Copyrights for more information.

knitting pattern

Some Hints to Good Knitting

Check Your Gauge First

Before starting your garmet, knit or crochet a small sample. If you cannot procure the exact gauge given in the instructions, try a needle one or even two sizes smaller or larger until you obtain the exact gauge specified for hte garment you intend to make. The needles and hooks recommended in the instructions are based as nearly as possible on the average knitters work. We suggest you test your own work first to verify the gauge.

If you find that you have to use a different size needle or hook than that called for in the instructions, the change will not in any way alter your garment, provided your gauge is in accordance with that called for in the instructions.

To Block or Steam Yarn Garments

Turn garment wrong side out. Lay flat on a pressing board.  Pin edges of garment if necessary to make it lie flat. Lay a wet cloth over garment.  Pass a hot iron over the cloth allowing the steam to go through the garment. Do not allow the weight of the iron to rest on the garment. Leave garment pinned until thoroughly dry.

To Wash Knitted Garments

Before washing lay article flat on heavy wrapping paper and with pencil draw an outline around the article. Then make think suds with hot water and soap flakes; add cold water until lukewarm (pure wool articles must never be washed or rinsed in water exceeding 100° - comfortable wrist temperature).

immerse article and gently work suds through it - do not rub or twist. Rinse thoroughly in three lukewarm waters immediately after washing, squeeze gently between hands to remove soap. Keep the article supported in the hands at all times during washing and rinsing. Do not twist or wring.

After final rinsing, gently squeeze out excess moisture between hands. Roll article loosely in turkish towel to remove balance of moisture and unroll at once.

Remove article from towel, then lay on paper diagram and shape to original outline. Let article dry on paper at room temperature away from heat.

NOTE: Never allow wool knit articles to soak; never boil or use hot water; never use strong soap or soda; never hang to dry.