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There are literally thousands upon thousands of free 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 free knitting patterns that appear on this website 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!

Contact Us

Do you have old leaflets and pattern books that are looking for a new home? Donate to us and you'll receive a surprise thank you gift! Our address for mailing is:

Purple Kitty LLC
172 Ellen St
Oswego, NY 13126

We no longer have a designated email address due to the overwhelming amount of SPAM that we were receiving on a daily basis. Weeding through the hundreds of SPAM emails took time away from the fun work of reproducing the patterns and we inevitably found ourselves missing some of the real emails from our visitors. That is why we made the decision to eliminate email correspondence. You can reach us the old-fashioned way via snail mail, or Like Us on Facebook and join in the conversation there!

A huge thank you to those that have contributed their old patterns and/or wrote to us about pattern errors!

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 knitters who are very willing to help with specific knitting questions.

Hard To Find

Are you having difficulty finding the thread or yarn needed for your project ? Purple Kitty has entered into partnerships with several, well-known retailers, including Joann, Herrschners through Shop.com, Dick Blick, MisterArt and Create For Less to help you find that perfect or favorite yarn online for your knit project if you're unable to find it at your local yarn or craft store. Take a look at all of the yarn and threads currently available from our partners. Perhaps you'll find exactly what you're looking for!

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Some Hints to Good Knitting

Check Your Gauge First

Before starting your garmet, knit 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 the garment you intend to make. The knitting needles 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 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.