Knitting patterns for those who need a little extra comfort in their lives.
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
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Free Knitting Patterns
Soothing Comfort Shawl
This easy rectangular shawl by Christine Marie Chen features a slip stitch texture pattern in tubular bulky yarn.
© bumblebeas
Hoot Water Bottle Cozy
Robyn Wade designed a hot water bottle cover with owl cable motifs that you can embellish with embroidery, buttons, and more to make it your own.
Phil’s Knee Warmers
Sarah Peasley created these knee warmers for an uncle who had knee surgery. They also have been helpful for those with arthritis. Pictured project by reanbean.
© RuinosaAncilla
Heart Warmers Microwaveable Heat Packs
Stacey Lynn’s knit heat packs make perfect quick gifts and stash busters. Stuff with beans or flax seed and add optional drops of essential oils for a natural heating pad.
The Original Prayer Shawl
This easy shawl is offered by the Prayer Shawl Ministry. The designers Victoria Galo & Janet Bristow say, “The making of a prayer shawl is a spiritual practice which embodies our thoughts and prayers for the receiver… Made in prayer, as prayer, for prayer, the shawls are passed on hand-to-hand and heart-to-heart.” Pictured project by Suzzanne who says there is “something comforting about the knit 3, purl 3 rhythm when knitting prayerfully for a friend.”
Twiddle Muffs or Mitts
Twiddle muffs have a calming effect for people with dementia and other cognitive difficulties. The muffs provide simple stimulation that has been shown to reduce agitation and restlessness. Twiddle muffs have also been used as a sensory comfort aid for autism, ADHD, and anxiety. Knit the muffs or mitts with colorful textured yarn from your stash and then add buttons, ribbons, beads, toys, anything that would be fun to fidget with — inside the mitt as well as outside! Be sure to take a look at the projects for this pattern for inspiration. Check with your local nursing homes about donating twiddle muffs for their residents. Pictured project by Kipipsso.
© martyporteous
Ruched Sleep Eye Mask
Designed by Sarah Core, this sleep mask covers the eyes without laying heavy on the face. The pattern also provides instructions for turning your mask into a eye sachet, with a detailed pattern included for making a mask backing.
Penguin Hot Water Bottle Cozy
Designed by Marianne Wells, this adorable hot water bottle cover is knit with dk yarn held double so as to create a thick fabric to keep the heat from burning skin, and the cosy opens at the back for easy access as well as at the neck for easy refilling.
Finger Labyrinth
This portable version of the classic Baltic labyrinth pattern by Beth Dubeck can be a great aid to meditation, prayer, and generating a sense of calm. At 17 inches in diameter, this double-spiral labyrinth is perfect fit for laps or table tops and can be customized for larger sizes. The original pattern uses eyelets for the labyrinth edges. In this project, LLWright added duplicate stitch to the eyelets to make the labyrinth more tactile.
Herdy Sheep Hot Water Bottle Cover and Toy
Janice Anderson creates two knitting patterns in one for Herdy Company and Rowan.
First Aid Kit
Nancy Anderson designed this vintage-style first aid kit with two expanding pockets for Red Heart Cares. 8 x 8 x 3 inches.
Not-Just-For-Chemo Reversible Cloche
This cloche was designed by Mary Keenan to work for those who are undergoing treatment. She says it “works with hair and without it, protects curls or conceals the lack of them. The softer stocking stitch can be worn inside for sensitive scalps.
Patterns for Purchase
Knit Prayer Shawls: 15 Wraps to Share
15 designs included: Southwest Color, Just-Right Wrap, Sunny Days Ahead, Comfort Abides, Light & Airy, Colors of Joy, Celtic Spirit, Wishing You Well, Swaying Cables & Lace, Tranquil Waves, Nature’s Peace, Sweet Solace, Restful Ruana, Because I Care, and The Picture of Health. Spiral-bound pages lie flat for ease of use.that would be fun to fidget with — inside the mitt as well as outside! Be sure to take a look at the projects for this pattern for inspiration. Check with your local nursing homes about donating twiddle muffs for their residents. Pictured project by Kipipsso.
Terry Matz
Terry is a knitting late-bloomer, learning to knit as an adult from Internet tutorials, because she wanted a craft that was useful, fun, and portable. Knitting hats for cancer patients inspired her to design her own patterns—available for free at her blog, intheloopknitting.com. Terry met her husband Ken at a science fiction convention and moved to the Kansas City area to be with him more than 30 years ago. Terry supports her yarn stash by creating websites and other digital media. Terry firmly believes in Knitting in Public—it's a great conversation starter!
