Does anything say Canada to Canadians more than the iconic Hudson Bay Blanket? It’s simple design is timeless and a hand-knit version would make for a super-special baby gift. The pattern is beginner friendly (it’s just straight knitting), and makes a great low-brain activity, summer project. And it’s FREE, so that’s a bonus too!
Yarn Options
The Hudson Bay Inspired Baby Blanket is made with worsted weight yarn, so you’ve got several great options to choose from! I’ve colour combined and art-directed the colours, so you don’t have to worry about which shades match and balance together – I’ve got you covered! Working with the palates available from each yarn line, I tired to create as many combinations that looked good as possible. I also tried to go for different aesthetics, the classics are closest to the iconic blankets sold by the Hudson Bay Company, and feature clearer, brighter colours. The subdued combos are a more modern, grown-up take on the hues, and are darker.
Cascade 220 Superwash is an affordably priced, machine washable Peruvian wool yarn. It’s soft enough for baby garments and blankets, knits easily, and has been a staple around here for a LONG time. If you aren’t into synthetics this is a great choice!
classic colours: six skeins of 817 Aran, and one skein each of 251 Evergreen, 809 Really Red, 877 Golden, 1924 Midnight Heather
slightly darker colours: six skeins of 817 Aran, and one skein each of 1950 Hunter Green, 893 Ruby, 877 Golden, 854 Navy.
Berroco Vintage is a super soft, machine washable blend of wool, acrylic and nylon. It’s easy on the hands and the pocketbook, and is another very popular choice for babies and kids. This yarn is also a longstanding resident around here.
classic colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi, and one skein each of 5152 Mistletoe, 5151 Cardinal, 5121 Sunny, 51182 Indigo Heather.
somewhat subdued colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi, and one skein each of 5193 Yukon Green, 51181 Ruby Heather, 5127 Butternut, 51182 Indigo Heather.
grown-up heathered colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi, and one skein each of 5177 Douglas Fir Heather, 5181 Black Currant Heather, 5192 Chana Dal Heather, 51182 Indigo Heather.
The Berroco Design Team has crafted twelve spectacular 16 x 16″ blocks, each showcasing a unique cable arrangement that’s perfect for knitters eager to dive in and master these mesmerizing stitches. Released on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, each block takes you on an exciting journey through the wonderful world of cables—from classic twists to interesting rope patterns and everything in between.
Eagle-eyed knitters may notice that this year’s Knitalong is inspired by Norah Gaughan, Berroco’s original cable queen, and her complex crowd favorite Norah’s Vintage Afghan. This Year’s KAL adapts and updates a selection of squares to make it a little more approachable and accessible to more knitters. Work your way through the collection at your own pace, discovering new techniques and building confidence with each design.
Joining the KAL is free, as are the patterns and instructions. The patterns for the squares are both written and charted, and there’s an excellent support video for each. Each month’s pattern is published on the second Tuesday of the month, both on the Berroco website and on Ravelry (Cable Craze Blanket KAL 2026), which will update each month with the new Block. If you sign up for their newsletter (see bottom of their website) you’ll get reminders too.
At the end of 2026, finished projects added to Ravelry will be entered to win a mystery prize pack worth $1000 full of yarn, tools, and accessories from Berroco and its partner brands. Make sure to tag your project #VintageKAL26.
Colours
The project was designed with 3 colours (one light, one medium, one dark), but you can do any combination you like. I especially like it monochromatic, or even 3 light neutral shades that are close together.
Size
Completed Blanket: Approximately 50½ ” / 128 cm x 66″ / 167.5 cm
This year’s Knitalong is inspired by this FREE pattern, Norah’s Vintage Afghan. If you like your cables a bit spicier, then feel free and dive into this pattern; the cables are GORGEOUS! Like the KAL, Norah’s Vintage Afghan also uses Berroco Vintage, but it’s a bit more complex, using 5 colours and comprising 20 blocks.
Anker’s Summer Shirt is a simple summer top, worked in one piece from the top down. The yoke is worked in sections of rib with increases in the round, followed by classic raglan increases when the stockinette stitch section begins. The sleeves are worked at the end, either on double-pointed needles or on circular needles using the Magic Loop technique. Anker’s Summer Shirt has no finishing other than weaving in ends.
To fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39¼) 39¼-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ inches].
Total length: 52 (54) 56 (60) 62 (62) 64 cm [20½ (21¼) 22 (23½) 24½ (24½) 25¼ inches]
Ease: The shirt is designed to have approx. 0-5 cm – [0-2 inches] – of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 0-5 cm – [0-2 inches] larger in circumference than your widest upper body measurement.
Measurements: The measurements for the finished garment are on the front page of the pattern (note that these measurements are only achieved if the correct gauge is kept). Before beginning your project, measure yourself with a measuring tape around your bust (or your widest upper body part) to determine which size will fit you the best. For example, if you measure 95 cm [37½ inches] you should knit a size M. A size M shirt has a finished circumference of 96 cm [37¾ inches], which in the given example would mean 1 cm [½ inches] of positive ease.
TheFelix sweaters by Amy Christoffers are great options for transitional seasons! They knit up fast on larger needles, and you can use a cotton or cotton blend to make them for end of summer/beginning of fall days that are a little warm but also a little chilly.
My favourite yarn would be the Berroco Remix Light, because it has a soft, tweedy texture, but no wool.
Try any of the following machine-washable yarns:
Cotton/Silk/Linen Blend: Berroco Remix Light (2 strands held together) ON SALE UNTIL END OF AUGUST
The Felix Pullover is a cropped, top-down raglan with an eyelet motif incorporated into the raglan increases. This was designed to be the perfect sweater to wear layered over tunics and dresses though I find it is well suited to high waisted pants as well. I suggest putting all the stitches on waste yarn and trying the sweater on before you begin the ribbing to be sure you have a length you will like and will enjoy wearing.
Notes
I found the neckline is a bit wider than a traditional crew neck. If you want to eye-ball it as you go, try casting on with a provisional cast-on, skip over the ribbing, start with the stocking stitch, and then go back and try it on before you complete the neck ribbing. If you want to make the neck-opening smaller, you can do a round or two of decreases to reduce the neckline, then finish the neck ribbing.
I don’t think you need to do a tubular cast-on for this sweater, unless you really love an extra stretchy neck-line. The neck is wide enough that it doesn’t need a stretchy cast on.
Size
Selecting the correct amount of ease is a very personal, please choose a size based on your own preferences, a range between 2 to 10” of ease is suggested for this garment.
If choosing to knit this with less ease for a more fitted look please review the measurements on the schematic and consider adding more length to the body and plan your yarn purchasing accordingly.*
Finished bust circumference: 39 (43 ½, 48, 52 ½, 57)”Shown in second size, worn with 7” of positive ease.
Gauge
14 stitches x 20 rows = 4” in Stockinette stitch on larger needles
Yarn Options
You’ll need 600 (640, 775, 865,960) metres or 650 (700, 850, 950,1050) yards of a yarn that knits at 14 to 15 sts/4″ in stocking stitch.
You can alternatively use 1200 (1280, 1550, 1730,1920) metres of a DK weight yarn (2 strands held together).
The Felix Cardigan cropped top down raglan cardigan with an eyelet motif incorporated into the raglan increases. This was designed to be the perfect sweater to wear layered over tunics and dresses, I like it with waisted pants as well. I suggest putting all the stitches on waste yarn and trying the sweater on before you begin the ribbing to be sure you have a length you will like and will enjoy wearing.
The cardigan version is written to be worked back and forth in rows, the neck is shaped with short rows, the body and sleeves are divided after the yoke shaping. The body is worked back and forth in rows, the sleeves are worked in the round. The body of the cardigan is 1” longer than that of the Felix Pullover – please note the body can be made any length but plan to purchase more yarn.
Notes
I found the neckline is a bit wider than a traditional crew neck. If you want to eye-ball it as you go, try casting on with a provisional cast-on, skip over the ribbing, start with the stocking stitch, and then go back and try it on before you complete the neck ribbing. If you want to make the neck-opening smaller, you can do a round or two of decreases to reduce the neckline, then finish the neck ribbing.
I don’t think you need to do a tubular cast-on for this sweater, unless you really love an extra stretchy neck-line. The neck is wide enough that it doesn’t need a stretchy cast on.
Size
Selecting the correct amount of ease is a very personal, please choose a size based on your own preferences, a range between 2 to 10” of ease is suggested for this garment.
If choosing to knit this with less ease for a more fitted look please review the measurements on the last page and consider adding more length to the body and plan your yarn purchasing accordingly.*
Our SUMMER SALE is ending soon! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
The Carbeth sweaters are great options for transitional seasons! They knit up fast on larger needles, and you can use a cotton or cotton blend to make them for end of summer/beginning of fall days that are a little warm but also a little chilly.
My favourite yarn would be the Berroco Remix Light, because it has a soft, tweedy texture, but no wool.
Try any of the following machine-washable yarns:
Cotton/Silk/Linen Blend: Berroco Remix Light (2 strands held together) ON SALE UNTIL END OF AUGUST
Carbeth is a wide, cropped sweater with simple lines and a deep roll neck. It’s swift and straightforward to knit, and a great sweater for beginners.
Construction
The sweater is knitted from the bottom up, and begins with an inch of rib, after which it is worked straight to the underarms (length can be added here to make the sweater less cropped, if required). Two sleeves are worked, then body and sleeves are joined together to be worked in the round. The yoke is shaped by decreasing stitches at an even rate from the body only, and, when the correct depth is reached, the stitch count is reduced further for the neck. A deep ribbed roll neck is then worked to complete the sweater.
Size
This sweater is intended to be wide, cropped, and to hang slightly bell-like from the shoulders. To fit as shown, it should be knitted with at least 10cm / 4in positive ease at the bust. Pick the size at least 10cm /4in above your actual bust measurement, and if in doubt, select the next size up. Length can easily be added to the sweater to make it less cropped. Shown in the first size with 12.5cm / 5in positive ease.
Carbeth Cardigan is a cropped cardigan with simple lines and a structured ribbed collar.
Construction
The cardigan is knitted from the bottom up, and begins with an inch of rib, after which it is worked straight to the underarms (length can be added here to make the cardigan less cropped, if required). Two sleeves are worked, then body and sleeves are joined together to be worked in one piece. The yoke is shaped by decreasing stitches at an even rate from the body only, and, when the correct depth is reached, the stitch count is reduced further for the neck. Button bands are worked, then the neck rib is picked up, folded over and joined to the inside of the garment. Finally, an i-cord bind off and i-cord buttonholes add a neat finish to the front edges. Where one number is given this applies to all sizes.
Size
This cardigan is intended to be wide, cropped, and to hang bell-like from the shoulders. To fit as shown, it should be knitted with at least 10cm / 4in positive ease at the bust. Pick the size at least 10cm / 4in above your actual bust measurement, and if in doubt, select the next size up. Length can easily be added to the sweater to make it less cropped. Shown in the first size with 16.5cm / 6½in positive ease.
Finished bust circumference (with overlapped front bands): 98 (106.5, 114.5, 127, 138.5, 146, 155, 165) cm / 38½ (42, 45½, 50, 54½, 57½, 61, 65) in
Yarn Options
You’ll need 1100(1210, 1320, 1430, 1650, 1760, 1870, 1980)m of DK yarn (2 strands held together), OR 550(605, 660, 715, 825, 880, 935, 990)m of bulky weight yarn.
See this tutorial about calculating yarn quantities when adding extra length
Our SUMMER SALE starts Saturday July 12, 2025! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
One of the most popular summer sweaters this year has been Pyramid! Pyramidis a SEAMLESS tee (no sewing) worked from the top down. You can easily adjust the length of the body to make it cropped or longer, and the sleeves can also be made longer if you want them 3/4 or full length. It comes with a finished bust size from 86.5 cm / 34 inches to 158.5 cm / 62.5 inches, and is designed to be worn with 10-12 cm / 4-4.75 inches positive ease.
NOTE: The tension of this pattern is a bit loose, so if you make it with Berroco Modern Cotton you might want to wear it with a cami under it. If you want to go down needles size and knit it at the yarn’s normal tension I suggest making a size larger in the pattern.
You can also make it using 2 strands of Berroco Remix Light held togehter, which will give you the exact tension and no holes. The Berroco Remix Light would also make for a pullover for transitional seasons, perfect for the cooler end of summer/start of fall, and also spring. Remix Light does not contain any animal fibre, so it’s a great all-season option, or just wonderful if you are allergic to wool, or your body runs warm.
This garment is intended to be worn with about 10-12 cm / 4-4.75 inches positive ease.
Shown in size 1, modeled with 10 cm / 4 inches of positive ease.
Yarn Options
This pattern will be great made with Berroco Modern Cotton, it will have a loose, summery tension that’s a bit open. I also did some swatching and found that it’s also perfect to use 2 strands of Berroco Remix Light held togehter, which will give you the pretty tweedy texture, and a more conventional tension so you won’t need to wear a cami under your top.
Our SUMMER SALE is on now! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
Summer is the perfect time to make and use crochet bags! Crochet bags are beautiful, stylish, sturdy, and versatile. They’re fun to make, and make fast little projects which are also very portable (so great for plane/train/car trips to the city/country/beach/cottage). They’re made with cotton, which is perfect for humid summer weather (most animal fibres except silk hold humidity, which is less fun in hot weather). The Portofino bag set is crocheted with Berroco Modern Cotton and the Costa Market Bag is made with Berroco Modern Cotton DK (both are ON SALE until the end of August).
Portofino Bag Set (crochet)
The Portofino bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!
I made the Portofino Bottle Bag for myself this weekend (picture below), and I’m sold, it’s a great one and I want to make the larger bag now too! I added one row to the body to make mine a little taller to accommodate some of my big bottles, and I only put on 160 sts for the strap. The bag fits my big, wide bottle perfectly, the mesh of the body of the bag is stretchy but also sturdy. The strap is extremely sturdy, and I don’t think it’s inclined to stretch out.
I used 1 skein of Berroco Modern Cotton (on SALE until the end of August) and it was ideal – it’s strong, sturdy, but also has a gorgeous sheen and luster, giving the finished bag some polish.
The instructions were clear and easy to follow. The pattern is free on the designer’s blog, or you can purchase a printable PDF that’s probably more concise (you know how blogs are these days, lots of ads and pictures).
Skills: Single crochet, Double crochet, Slip stitch, Chaining and skipping stitches (my favourite crochet skill tutorials are from Bella Coco on Youtube)
Materials
Berroco Modern Cotton: 3 skeins to make both bags, or 1 skein will make 2 bottle bags (On SALE until the end of August)
Tote all of your beach essentials or market finds in the Costa Bag, available in three sizes to ensure it will work for any occasion. A simple stitch mixed with a unique construction makes this classic net bag look polished and professional! The Costa Market Bag is a refinement of the very popular French Market Bag, which we made a few years ago, so I know it’s going to be a great one.
Skills Level: Intermediate
Skills: Single crochet, Single crochet decreases, Half double crochet, Half double crochet decreases, Working into chain spaces, Working flat and in the round, Crocheting into the sides of a row. (my favourite crochet skill tutorials are from Bella Coco on Youtube)
Our SUMMER SALE is on now! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
Our SUMMER SALE is on now! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
While I was away on vacation I finished a project I was working on for myself, the Zeme (Earth) Sweater by Linda Skuja! I’m sorry it took me so long, I don’t seem to be fast these days, but I got it done and I’m enjoying wearing it in the store.
Observations
I’m really happy with this sweater. It’s pretty and light and interesting. The instructions were clear and the pattern well written. It is not a beginner crochet sweater, but it’s a good intermediate place. I used a summer yarn, Berroco Remix Light, but it would be just as lovely in a merino wool like Sandnes Garn Double Sunday.
Modifications
I made some modifications as I’ve gone along, and I included everything in my Ravelry notes.
I used a smaller hook than the pattern calls for because the finished sweater is pretty oversized (and make it harder for myself) – so CAVEAT, my tension is NOT matching the pattern and I played around with the pattern a little (see my Ravelry notes). I used Berroco Remix Light, which is super light and delicate, and it worked up beautifully with a little bit of texture. I’ll only used 2.5 balls for the smallest size. If you DO NOT want to jump through the hoops of screwing with around with the tension I suggest using the 5mm crochet hook recommended in the pattern. You can also use a slightly thicker yarn like Sandnes Garn Line.
I’m used a thinner yarn and hook, so my size has came out smaller. This is fine through the body since the style is oversized, but the arms were a bit too tight for me. I followed the Size 1 instructions for the body, but I adapted the sleeve instructions for Size 2.
I made the body shorter to a slightly cropped length since I’ll be wearing it with my little summer pants and skirts. I skipped a few rows on the bottom section and went straight to the ribbing. It is VERY easy to make it longer or shorter, there are instructions in the pattern and you can try it on as you go.
Hacks
I learned to count my stitches at the end of each round. When the count is off it make a big difference moving forward, and I’d rather rip out one round than several. Locking stitch markers have always been my friend, but became especially close on this project. I used them to count my stitches, and the two colours helped me keep track of which stitches are which.
Before I started the sleeves I tried it on and I gotta say, if you like to knit or crochet tees it works perfectly without the sleeves, you could skip them completely.
When I started I was feeling a little overwhelmed by the techniques in the pattern, but they really weren’t a problem. I initially made a youtube playlist for the skills I was a bit iffy on, but the pattern has good written instructions and the only video I’ve ended up using was the first, the foundation single crochet (which I’ve honestly always needed a video to do, I can never remember how to do it without instructions). If you feel like you want to make something similar but need more video support, the designer has a different sweater she teaches in her online Madara Domestika Sweater course.
Does anything say Canada to Canadians more than the iconic Hudson Bay Blanket? It’s simple design is timeless and a hand-knit version would make for a super-special baby gift. The pattern is beginner-friendly (it’s just straight knitting), and makes a great low-brain activity, summer project. And it’s FREE, so that’s a bonus too!
Size
34 inches wide and 39 inches long
NOTE: Garter stitch has a tendency to stretch, so your blanket will “grow” beyond these dimensions.
The Hudson Bay Inspired Baby Blanket is made with worsted weight yarn, so you’ve got several great options to choose from! I’ve colour combined and art-directed the colours, so you don’t have to worry about which shades match and balance together – I’ve got you covered! Working with the palates available from each yarn line, I tired to create as many combinations that looked good as possible. I also tried to go for different aesthetics, the classics are closest to the iconic blankets sold by the Hudson Bay Company, and feature clearer, brighter colours. The subdued combos are a more modern, grown-up take on the hues, and are darker.
Cascade 220 Superwash is an affordably priced, machine washable Peruvian wool yarn. It’s soft enough for baby garments and blankets, knits easily, and has been a staple around here for a LONG time. If you aren’t into synthetics this is a great choice!
classic colours: six skeins of 817 Aran or 871 White, and one skein each of 251 Evergreen, 809 Really Red, 877 Golden, 1924 Midnight Heather
slightly darker colours: six skeins of 817 Aran or 871 White, and one skein each of 1950 Hunter Green, 893 Ruby, 877 Golden, 854 Navy.
Berroco Vintage is a super soft, machine washable blend of wool, acrylic and nylon. It’s easy on the hands and the pocketbook, and is another very popular choice for babies and kids. This yarn is also a longstanding resident around here.
classic colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi or 5100 Snow Day, and one skein each of 5152 Mistletoe, 5151 Cardinal, 5121 Sunny, 51182 Indigo Heather.
somewhat subdued colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi or 5100 Snow Day, and one skein each of 5193 Yukon Green, 51181 Ruby Heather, 5127 Butternut, 51182 Indigo Heather.
grown-up heathered colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi or 5100 Snow Day, and one skein each of 5177 Douglas Fir Heather, 5181 Black Currant Heather, 5192 Chana Dal Heather, 51182 Indigo Heather.
Berroco Vintage Chunky is a slightly thicker version of Berroco Vintage (above), and knits on 6mm/US10 needles. Because this yarn is thicker you’ll need to cast on about 25% fewer stitches (119 sts).
classic colours: six skeins of 6101 Mochi 0r6100 Snow Day, and one skein each of 6152 Mistletoe, 6151 Cardinal, 6121 Sunny, 61182 Indigo Heather.
You can also use Estelle Breeze to make a Cotton version in sorbet baby colours. Breeze is also thicker and works up on 6mm/US10 needles, so you’ll want to cast on 119 stitches.
