In this post, you will see the top 10 free patterns of 2020!
There are many knitting patterns and crochet patterns that have proven to be popular for lots of makers throughout the year.
I will also give you a breakdown of all the good stuff that happened with Handy Little Me this year.
Louise Bollanos / Designer and owner of Handy Little Me
A Year In Review
Despite the things that happened in the world that shall not be named, 2020 was a great year for Handy Little Me, with so many of you showing your support all year round.
I know that this year was hard for everyone in so many ways, but one positive that came from it was how we all got right into our crafts and either started making or made more!
There was nothing stopping us from learning new skills, developing our stitch knowledge and techniques.
Knitting and crocheting have been a fantastic way to help us get through the toughest of times.
Some of you were messaging me saying that you had picked up the needles again after 20+ years and had rediscovered your passion for creating.
I’m so happy that I could be a part of that and provide you with patterns, tutorials and help.
Handy Little Me Won An Award
The website was nominated for and won an award from Love Crafts, The Noteworthy Knitting Blog of 2020.
This was voted for by you and then chosen by a panel of judges from Love Crafts including the amazing Mama In A Stitch (Jessica).
I was so happy to win this award and hope that I can continue to make patterns you love throughout 2021!
Building A Maker Community
The Handy Little Me Knitting + Crochet Community – The Facebook group was created, with many of you joining to share your WIPs and finished items.
There were many new friends made over on Instagram and on the Handy Little Me Facebook page.
Plus more of you were visiting and showing love over on my Ravelry page too!
I also thank you for purchasing patterns to support my business on Ravelry, Etsy and my own shop.
The bestselling Ebook Collection of 2020 was the Outlander Patterns Ultimate Collection – with 39 patterns inside.
Outlander Knitting Patterns
In the list below, I have included my most loved Outlander knitting patterns, with many new knits added this year.
Inspired mainly by seasons 1, 4 and 5, the new collection was an instant hit with fans of the Outlander series and fellow makers.
The Photoshoot
One of my favourite memories from this year is the Outlander photoshoot, in Old Perithea, Corfu, Greece.
This was the perfect location of ancient ruins to photograph the Sontag shawls and arm warmers.
My assistant Dimitra came to stay to help with the shoot and to organise things, she also modelled because she has beautiful red hair.
We also welcomed back model Nikoletta and new model Maria.
Spiros the photographer and his assistant were also there, as well as Fotis my husband, who was assisting everyone during the day.
As you can see from the photographs, the location worked so well for the Outlander theme and the models all looked amazing in their knitwear.
Thank You For Your Support
I appreciate all of you who are supporting my maker space over here, I am really thankful for each and every one of you!
And thank you for your ongoing support, for following on social media, visiting the site often and for signing up for my newsletter.
Here’s to an even better 2021 full of more free patterns, lots of yarn and good times!
Top 10 Free Patterns of 2020
Take a look at the Top 10 Knitting Patterns enjoyed by makers throughout 2020.
Choose your first WIP of 2021 right here!
This post will show you how to knit a hat with straight needles for complete beginners, worked flat, back and forth.
This is a great project for anyone who is learning how to knit.
Not too bulky and not too light, this hat is comfortable to wear on any occasion and it is unisex too!
This easy mittens knitting pattern is an excellent project for anyone who is learning how to knit in the round using the magic loop technique.
I wanted to share with you a mitten pattern, that you can make in around 2-3 hours.
In this post, you will see a chunky cable knit blanket pattern.
The blanket is really huge and squishy, perfect for those cold autumn/winter days.
Knit with a soft alpaca wool blend, this really is a blanket that you will want to make!
The Outlander Carolina Shawl Pattern will allow you to create a large knitted shawl with stripes in the design.
Seen worn by Claire Fraser in season 4, episode 1 ‘America the beautiful’ and in future episodes.
In this post, you will see an easy squishy knit throw blanket pattern.
The blanket is really huge and squishy, perfect for those cold autumn/winter days.
Knit with a soft alpaca wool blend, this really is a blanket that you will want to make!
This dog sweater knitting pattern has three sizes, so whatever dog breed you have, you can make something that will fit.
Smaller dogs love their knitted sweaters, not only do they look really cute, but it stops them from shivering in the cold weather.
Obviously, if you have a really large dog – you will have to measure the largest size to see if it will fit.
Make your dog a cosy knit for the colder months that they will love!
This dog sweater knitting pattern is made in one piece and knit flat on straight knitting needles.
It has an interesting stitch pattern and a turtleneck to keep your dog warm.
You can make this sweater for a small dog, medium-sized dog and a large dog, the measurements are listed below in the pattern information.
Why not knit this lovely tea cosy knitting pattern, it’s an easy knitting pattern that looks great knit in any colours of your choice.
The design is simple, with pleated panels in two colours that are stitched together leaving openings for the handle and spout.
This would be suitable for an advanced beginner as well as a seasoned knitter!
In this post, you will see 12 simple knitting stitches for beginners, that include garter stitch, stockinette stitch and ribbing.
Nearly all of the stitches in this collection will be used for any beginner patterns as they are all made up of knit and purl stitches.
If you are a fan of the Outlander knits from the TV show, then this post will share with you many Outlander patterns inspired by the main characters Claire and Brianna.
Barbara says
Thank you for all the beautiful patterns from the last year. Wish you and your beloved ones all the best for 2021.
Ann Schlabach says
Lovely knits. I really love the crunchier yarns. This is the first time I’ve seen your work. I’m looking forward to more.
Marina Landry says
Thank you so very much for your generosity and how you fill this world with beauty. I feel glad to be able to learn all this and am amazed to think that we are able to communicate so easily from so different places of the planet.
Congratulations for the reward you received, happy for you. I wish you a fruitful easy and happy new year. And healthy.
With warm regards.
Marina Landry from Switzerland