8 Knitted Quilt Free Patterns You’ll Absolutely Love Making
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about combining two beloved textile crafts into one cozy project. Knitted quilts bring together the warmth and texture of knitting with the graphic, patchwork beauty of traditional quilting, giving crafters a project that feels fresh and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a beginner who just learned how to cast on or a seasoned knitter with a basket overflowing with yarn, there’s a knitted quilt pattern out there waiting for you.
In this post, we’ve rounded up eight free knitted quilt patterns that range from simple beginner-friendly blocks to more intricate colorwork designs. Each one can be made with yarn you likely already have in your stash, and all of them produce a finished piece you’ll be proud to display on a bed, drape over a sofa, or gift to someone you love.
Let’s dive in.
What Is a Knitted Quilt, Exactly?
Before we get into the patterns themselves, it’s worth clarifying what we mean when we say “knitted quilt.” The term can refer to a few different things in the crafting world. Sometimes it describes a large knitted blanket that mimics the look of a patchwork quilt, with distinct blocks of color or texture that give the impression of sewn-together fabric squares. Other times it means individual knitted squares or motifs that are literally sewn or joined together after knitting, much like a traditional quilter would assemble fabric pieces.
Both approaches have their merits. Knitting a quilt in one large piece means fewer seams to sew and a more unified fabric, but it requires working with a large number of stitches at once, which can be cumbersome. Assembling smaller squares allows you to work in portable, manageable chunks and makes it easy to incorporate many different colors and textures without carrying multiple yarns across an entire row.
The patterns below include both styles, so you can choose the approach that best suits your knitting preferences and your lifestyle.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Regardless of which pattern you choose, there are a few supplies that will make your knitted quilt project much more enjoyable.
Good quality yarn is the most important investment. For a quilt that will actually be used — washed, slept under, cuddled into — you want a yarn that can hold up over time. Wool blends, cotton, and acrylic all work well depending on the look and care requirements you prefer. Pure wool creates a gorgeous, warm fabric with beautiful stitch definition, but it often requires hand washing. Acrylic is machine washable and extremely durable, making it a practical choice for baby quilts or items that will see heavy use. Cotton is breathable and crisp, which makes it ideal for warmer weather throws or lap quilts.
Circular needles in the appropriate size for your yarn are almost always a good idea for larger projects. The long cable allows you to hold hundreds of stitches without them crowding the needle tips, and you can easily rest the weight of the work in your lap rather than supporting it all on straight needles.
Stitch markers, a yarn needle for seaming, and a measuring tape will round out your basic toolkit nicely.
1. The Classic Mitered Square Quilt
Mitered squares are one of the most iconic building blocks of the knitted quilt world, and for good reason. Each square is worked diagonally from one corner to the other, creating a beautiful diagonal ridge down the center. When multiple squares are joined together, those diagonal lines create a dynamic, almost geometric pattern that looks far more complex than it is to knit.
To make a basic mitered square, you cast on an even number of stitches, place a marker at the center, and decrease two stitches at the center of every right-side row until only a few stitches remain. The square is then bound off and set aside while you work on the next one.
The beauty of this pattern is that it’s completely stash-friendly. Each individual square uses a relatively small amount of yarn, which means you can work through your scraps and end up with a beautifully varied, scrappy quilt that tells the story of every project you’ve ever made. If you want a more cohesive look, simply choose two or three colors and alternate them in a consistent arrangement.
For a free version of this pattern, search for “mitered square blanket free knitting pattern” on Ravelry or your favorite pattern site. You’ll find dozens of variations, from simple two-color designs to elaborate rainbow arrangements.
2. The Log Cabin Block Blanket
Log cabin blocks are a cornerstone of traditional quilting, and they translate beautifully into knitting. The idea is simple: you start with a small center square, then pick up stitches along its edges to knit strips that frame it on all four sides. Each subsequent strip is slightly longer than the last, building outward like the logs of a cabin wall.
In knitting, this structure creates a wonderfully textured fabric because you’re constantly picking up stitches and changing direction. The resulting block has visible ridges that radiate outward from the center, giving it depth and visual interest even when worked in a single color.
Most log cabin knitting patterns use garter stitch throughout, which is simply knitting every row. This makes the pattern extremely accessible for beginners while producing a fabric with a satisfying, ridged texture. The self-striping quality of many commercially available yarns also plays beautifully with the log cabin structure, creating unexpected color patterns as the yarn travels around the block.
To find a free log cabin blanket pattern, look for “knit log cabin throw” or “log cabin squares knitting free pattern.” Cascade Yarns, Lion Brand, and many independent designers on Ravelry offer lovely free versions.
3. Entrelac Throw Blanket
Entrelac is a technique that produces a fabric made up of interconnected diagonal squares or rectangles, creating a basket-weave appearance that is genuinely stunning. If you’ve never tried entrelac before, it looks intimidating but is actually quite logical once you understand the rhythm.
The technique involves picking up stitches along the edges of previously worked squares and knitting new squares at a right angle to them. The squares lock together as you work, so by the time you’re finished, you have a cohesive fabric rather than a collection of separate pieces to seam.
Because entrelac naturally produces a motif-based fabric, it’s a natural fit for the quilt aesthetic. Each square becomes a “patch,” and the way they interlock mimics the look of woven or pieced fabric. You can work it in a single color to let the texture shine, or use multiple colors to emphasize the patchwork quality.
Free entrelac blanket patterns can be found on websites like Yarnspirations, Drops Design, and Ravelry. Look for beginner-friendly tutorials alongside the patterns if you’ve never worked entrelac before — a visual guide makes the learning curve much gentler.
4. Grandmother’s Flower Garden Knit Blanket
The grandmother’s flower garden is one of the most recognizable quilt patterns in American textile history, and it has been successfully adapted into knitting through hexagonal motifs. Each hexagon is worked in the round, typically using double-pointed needles or a short circular needle, and the finished pieces are joined together to create the flower garden arrangement.
This pattern is ideal for color enthusiasts. Traditionally, each “flower” consists of a center hexagon in one color surrounded by a ring of hexagons in a coordinating color. Multiple flowers are then surrounded by a unifying background color, usually white or cream, to create the classic garden look.
Knitted hexagons require a bit more technique than simple squares because of the shaping involved. You’ll typically work short rows or decreases to achieve the six-sided shape. However, the individual motifs are small enough to carry in your pocket, making this an excellent project for knitting on the go.
Search for “knitted hexagon blanket free pattern” to find multiple free versions of this design. Some patterns use a seamless join-as-you-go method, while others have you seam the hexagons together at the end.
5. Patchwork Colorwork Blanket
If you enjoy stranded colorwork, a patchwork-style blanket worked in Fair Isle or stranded technique gives you the visual impact of a quilt without any seaming at all. The entire blanket is worked flat (or in the round, then steeked), with different “blocks” of color and pattern created by carrying two or more yarns across each row.
A typical free pattern in this style might feature blocks of simple geometric patterns — small checks, tiny diamonds, or simple stripes — that mimic the look of different fabric patches in a traditional quilt. Each “block” section is framed by a simple border of single-color knitting that reads like the sashing between quilt patches.
This approach requires managing multiple colors and keeping your tension even across carried strands, which makes it better suited to intermediate or advanced knitters. However, the visual payoff is spectacular, and the resulting fabric is particularly warm and lofty because of the double layer created by stranded knitting.
For free patterns, look for “Fair Isle blanket free knitting pattern” or “stranded colorwork throw.” Many Scandinavian yarn companies like Drops Design offer beautiful free patterns in this style.
6. Modular Squares Baby Quilt
Baby quilts are among the most gifted handmade items, and a knitted version is something truly special. This pattern uses small knitted squares in a variety of soft colors, seamed together in a simple grid arrangement, to create an heirloom-quality baby blanket that looks exactly like a patchwork quilt.
For a baby-appropriate version, choose a soft, machine-washable yarn — a superwash wool or a quality acrylic blend works beautifully. Pastel shades are classic, but a bold primary color palette or a sophisticated neutral palette is equally charming depending on the nursery aesthetic.
The squares themselves can be worked in a variety of simple stitch patterns to add texture. Alternating garter stitch and stockinette squares creates an interesting checkerboard of texture. Seed stitch squares add a lovely, pebbly texture that catches the light differently than smooth stockinette. You can also add simple embroidery or duplicate stitch details to individual squares after knitting to personalize the blanket for the baby.
Free modular baby quilt patterns abound online. Search “knitted baby quilt squares free pattern” on Ravelry or check Lion Brand and Bernat’s free pattern libraries for well-written, beginner-accessible versions.
7. Granny Square Inspired Knit Throw
The granny square is so associated with crochet that many knitters don’t realize it translates beautifully into knitting as well. A knitted version of the granny square typically features a small center panel surrounded by concentric rounds or rows of color, creating a square motif that clearly references its crocheted cousin while taking on its own distinct texture and character.
Some designers use short rows to work their knitted granny squares in the round, while others work them flat with mitered corners at each side. Either way, the finished motif has that familiar layered, colorful quality that makes granny squares so beloved.
Assembling a throw from dozens of these motifs is a wonderful long-term project. You can work on individual squares whenever you have a few spare minutes, then lay them all out and arrange them into a pleasing composition before joining. The join-as-you-go method is particularly popular here because it eliminates the tedious seaming step at the end — each new square is connected to its neighbors as it’s completed.
Search for “knitted granny square blanket free pattern” to find multiple free options. Some patterns even include both knit and crochet squares in the same blanket, which creates a beautiful mixed-media texture.
8. Sampler Quilt Blanket
A sampler quilt is a classic in the traditional quilting world: each block features a different design, and the variety of blocks assembled together creates a rich, diverse quilt that showcases many different techniques. This concept translates perfectly into knitting.
A knitted sampler blanket is made up of individual squares, each worked in a different stitch pattern or design. One square might feature a simple cable, another a delicate lace motif, a third a bold colorwork pattern, and a fourth a textured seed stitch or basketweave. When all the squares are joined together, the result is a visually rich blanket that also serves as a record of skills learned and techniques mastered.
This makes the sampler blanket one of the most educational knitted quilt patterns available. As you work through each square, you practice a new skill. By the time you’ve finished enough squares for a full throw, you’ll have significantly expanded your knitting repertoire.
Many knitting communities run “sampler-alongs” where a new square pattern is released each week over the course of several months. These community projects are a wonderful way to stay motivated and connect with other crafters who are working on the same project. Search for “knitted sampler blanket KAL” or “sampler throw free knitting pattern” to find both independent and community versions of this concept.
Tips for Finishing Your Knitted Quilt
Whichever pattern you choose, the finishing stage is where your quilt really comes together, and a few simple techniques will make a big difference in the quality of your finished piece.
Blocking is one of the most transformative steps in any knitting project, and it’s especially important for quilts made of individual squares. Blocking evens out your stitches, opens up lace patterns, and — crucially — ensures that all of your squares are the same size before you join them. Pin each square to a blocking mat or foam tiles, mist with water or steam, and allow to dry completely before seaming.
When it comes to joining squares, the mattress stitch is a popular choice because it creates an almost invisible seam on the right side of the fabric. A three-needle bind-off is another excellent option if you prefer to join squares with the needles rather than a yarn needle. For a deliberately decorative seam, a slip-stitch crochet join worked on the right side of the fabric creates a raised ridge that adds visual texture and emphasizes the quilt-like quality of the finished piece.
Adding a border is optional but highly recommended. A simple garter stitch border worked around the entire perimeter of the finished quilt stabilizes the edges, prevents rolling, and gives the piece a polished, finished appearance. A border also gives you the opportunity to introduce a final accent color that ties all the other colors together.
Final Thoughts
Knitted quilts are one of those projects that reward patience and creativity in equal measure. They’re rarely quick — a full-sized throw of assembled squares takes many hours of work — but that slowness is part of their charm. Every row is another chance to sit quietly, let your mind wander, and make something genuinely beautiful with your hands.
The eight patterns above represent a range of styles, techniques, and skill levels, so there truly is something here for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the graphic simplicity of mitered squares, the historical resonance of a log cabin block, or the ambitious beauty of a stranded colorwork throw, your finished knitted quilt will be something you return to again and again, through every season and every year.
Cast on, take your time, and enjoy every single stitch.
