10 Norwegian Knitting Patterns
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see 10 Norwegian knitting patterns.
Norway is a beautiful country with amazing Norwegian nature, but it also has a long knitting history.
Over the last two centuries, traditional Norwegian patterns have inspired not only local knitters but knitters worldwide.
We will examine Norway’s knitting history and classic Norwegian knitting patterns that we can recreate today.
Norwegian Knitting History
Importation of knitted goods dates back to the 13th and 14th Centuries, including silk gowns, mittens, shawls, and stockings.
The upper class used to wear knitted silk gowns that were worn underneath their everyday clothes.
In the Folkemuseum, you can see a lot of mittens and stockings from the 1700s.
Also, beautiful knitting needles were expensive and usually given as gifts.
How is Norwegian knitting different?
Norwegian knitting stands out due to its efficient technique, colorwork traditions, and unique stitch methods.
Unlike other knitting styles, it uses the Norwegian purl, which eliminates the need to wrap the yarn around the needle, making purling smoother and faster.
It is also known for its stranded colorwork, often featuring bold geometric patterns, like the famous Selbu stars and lice stitch motifs, which create warm and durable garments.
Another key difference is how Norwegian knitters maintain even tension in colorwork by “floating” yarn loosely behind the work, preventing puckering.
This technique, combined with the continental knitting style (where the yarn is held in the left hand), makes Norwegian knitting both practical and efficient, perfect for knitting thick, warm sweaters and accessories built to withstand cold Nordic winters.
Related Post: Stranded Knitting Hat Pattern | The Willow
The popularity of knitting…
Knitting became more popular in the middle of the 19th Century as traditional sweaters made their appearance.
The man’s sweaters were usually knitted with two or more colors at the top and one in the lower part, and women’s had a damask pattern.
The sweaters took their names from Norwegian towns.
Annichen Sibbern Bohn And The First Pattern Book
Until the 1900s knitting patterns were passed around by word of mouth, there weren’t any pattern books you could refer to.
Annichen Sibbern Bohn, writer, designer, and knitter who worked for Husfliden traveled all along the Norwegian countryside and collected the timeless Norwegian classic knitting patterns and the Norwegian contemporary style.
She published her first knitting pattern book in 1929 (Norske Strikkemønstre).
Unn Søiland Dale
Unn Soiland was an avid knitter and a fashion model for the fashion house Hardy Amies in Paris.
She took every opportunity to knit and soon her Norwegian sweaters and cardigans became popular among her model friends and she soon had been taking orders.
She started her own firm in 1953 Lillunn Sport A/S.
Unn wanted to honor her Norwegian heritage so she went back to Norway and based her designs on traditional Nordic knitting patterns.
The Marius Sweater
Unn was inspired by the 1929 book Norske Strikkemønstre and the pattern “Lusekofte fra Setesdalen”.
She designed the sweater in blue, red, and white, the colors of the Norwegian flag.
So the Marius pattern was born, and it became so popular that sold over 5 million copies.
Marius Eriksen was a fighter pilot and starred in the movie 1953 film “Troll I ord”, where all the stars wore Unn Soiland sweaters.
The movie and Marius Eriksen in his Marius sweater establish the patterns brand name and created a huge demand for knitting materials, including high quality yarn (wool) and other accessories.
Norwegian Knitting Patterns
So if you are ready to start your own traditional Norwegian knitting pattern take a look at the collection of knitting patterns below and you might find your next project.
1. Winters Night Enchantment by DROPS Design
Knit a beautiful sweater with this free knitting pattern by DROPS Design.
A wonderful Nordic sweater design available in sizes S to XXXL.
Use neutrals or fresh modern colors in your garment to suit your own style.
2. DROPS 32-24 by DROPS Design
Make an almost Marius sweater with this free knitting pattern by DROPS Design.
A beautiful pattern that looks identical to the iconic Marius sweater is available in sizes women’s small—medium—large and men’s small/medium—medium/large.
3. Lusekofte-sque Mitts by Mary Rourke
Knit a set of fingerless mittens with this free knitting pattern by Mary Rourke.
A beautiful traditional Norwegian design to make!
The pattern is available for free on Ravelry.
4. Skadi Wishes for Snow by Lanja Khon-Engheim
Knit a cozy winter hat with this great pattern by Lanja Khon-Engheim
This beanie adapts motifs found in Sami mittens that look like snowflakes.
The pattern is available for free on Ravelry.
5. Norwegian Alphabet Blanket by Jorid Linvik
Make your own Norwegian alphabet baby blankets with this beautiful pattern by Jorid Linvik.
You can purchase the pattern on Raverly.
6. Stjerneskog by DROPS Design
Knit a pair of cozy wrist warmers with this free Nordic knitting pattern by DROPS Design.
The perfect winter accessory is available in sizes S/M – L/XL.
7. Sun Catchers by DROPS Design
Knit a pair of comfy mittens with this free knitting pattern by DROPS Design.
The Nordic pattern makes the mittens unique, and they are definitely perfect for winter.
Available in sizes S/M.
8. Norwegian Wristers Pattern (Knit) by Lion Brand Yarns
Make a pair of wristers with this free pattern.
This pattern is available in one size, and it’s great for experienced makers.
Grab the free PDF on the Lion Brand Yarn Company website here.
9. Classic Nordic Pullover Pattern (Knit) by Lion Brand Yarns
Knit a beautiful jumper with a round yoke with this free pattern.
This timeless design is perfect for expert knitters.
Grab the free PDF on Lion Brand Yarns here.
10. Brunostsokken by Lene Olszeth
Make a pair of tall socks with the free pattern.
The socks are worked top down and are great for intermediate makers.
Grab the free PDF on Ravelry here.
What Is The Scandinavian Method Of Knitting?
The Scandinavian method of knitting refers to a continental-style technique commonly used in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.
This method holds the yarn in the left hand, allowing for efficient and smooth movements, especially in colorwork projects.
One of its key characteristics is its even tension control, which makes it ideal for intricate stranded knitting patterns, such as traditional Norwegian, Bohus, and Nordic geometric designs.
Scandinavian knitters often use loose, floating strands when working with multiple colors, preventing puckering and ensuring a balanced fabric.
Additionally, some Scandinavian techniques, like the Norwegian purl, make purling faster and more seamless compared to traditional continental or English-style knitting.
This method is widely favored for warm, durable garments, such as wool sweaters, mittens, and socks, designed to withstand harsh winter climates.
If you want to try out a Scandinavian design, check out this knit sweater pattern by Lion Brand Yarns – Free Knitting Pattern – Knitted Scandinavian Sweater
