18 Double Knitting Patterns (Colorful & Reversible)
If you’ve ever wanted to knit fabric that looks stunning on both sides, double knitting might be the technique that changes everything about the way you work with yarn. Unlike traditional knitting, where the wrong side is something you’d rather hide, double knitting produces two layers of fabric simultaneously — each side a mirror image of the other in reversed colors. The result is thick, cozy, and endlessly impressive. Whether you’re a confident beginner ready for a new challenge or an experienced knitter looking to expand your repertoire, this collection of 18 double knitting patterns will inspire you to cast on something extraordinary.
Before diving into the patterns themselves, let’s quickly cover what makes double knitting so special and why colorful, reversible projects have become such a beloved part of the handknitting world.
What Is Double Knitting?
Double knitting is a technique in which you work two layers of knitted fabric at the same time on a single needle, using two colors of yarn. The stitches alternate between the two colors — one stitch for the front layer, one for the back layer — and the two layers are connected only at the edges (or not at all, creating a tube). Because each layer is the inverse of the other in terms of color, you end up with a finished piece that is completely reversible. One side might show a bold red motif on a cream background; flip it over and you see a cream motif on a red background.
The technique does require a bit of concentration at first, but once you get the rhythm, it becomes almost meditative. You’ll need to carry both colors of yarn throughout and remember to move both strands to the back or front as you work each stitch type. Many knitters find that using two separate balls of yarn (one for each color) and keeping them from tangling is the trickiest part of the learning curve.
What you gain from all that extra attention is remarkable: a fabric that is twice as warm, twice as thick, and twice as beautiful as a single-layer project. It’s perfect for scarves, cowls, hats, blankets, and even home goods.
Why Choose Double Knitting Patterns?
The appeal of double knitting goes far beyond the visual trick of reversibility. Here’s why more and more knitters are falling in love with this technique.
Warmth without bulk is one of the biggest draws. Because you’re knitting two layers simultaneously, the fabric traps air between them, creating built-in insulation. Double-knitted mittens and hats are legendarily warm without feeling stiff or heavy.
The finished fabric also has a beautiful drape and body. It doesn’t curl the way single stockinette does, which means many double knitting projects require no blocking or finishing beyond weaving in ends.
From a design standpoint, colorwork in double knitting is uniquely satisfying. Every motif you design automatically comes with its own complementary reverse side — you’re essentially creating two colorwork pieces for the effort of one. This makes it an especially economical and creative approach to stranded colorwork.
And practically speaking, double knitting patterns make excellent gift projects. A reversible scarf or cowl always impresses recipients, and the thick fabric means your handknits will last for years with proper care.
Now, let’s get into the patterns.
1. Classic Double Knit Scarf
A simple, elegant scarf is the ideal starting point for anyone new to double knitting. Using two complementary colors — think charcoal and cream, or navy and mustard — you work a straightforward checkerboard or stripe pattern that showcases the reversible nature of the technique beautifully. The fabric is thick and warm, and the finished scarf lies perfectly flat with no curling. This is the project that will teach you the fundamental double knitting rhythm and have you confidently switching yarns in no time.
2. Reversible Striped Cowl
A cowl worked in the round is a wonderful next step after a flat scarf, and stripes are a perfect motif for double knitting in the round. Horizontal stripes in two bold colors swap positions on each side, so your cowl looks totally different depending on how you wear it. Choose a wool-blend yarn for extra warmth, and work the cowl at a slightly loose gauge to give the two layers room to breathe and drape well.
3. Geometric Double Knit Hat
Hats are a favorite double knitting project because the warmth factor is especially appreciated on cold days. A geometric design — diamonds, triangles, or zigzags — looks graphic and modern in two-color double knitting, and the crown decreases, while slightly more complex to manage in double knitting, produce a beautifully tidy finish. Choose a 100% wool for maximum loft and warmth.
4. Double Knit Mittens
Mittens might be the most practical of all double knitting projects. The two-layer construction means your hands stay genuinely warm even in bitter cold, and the thick fabric holds up to daily wear far better than a single-layer pair. A classic Fair Isle-inspired motif works especially well here — snowflakes, stars, or simple geometric borders give the mittens a polished, heirloom quality. Work the thumb gusset carefully, following a pattern designed specifically for double knitting to ensure both layers remain even.
5. Colorful Double Knit Baby Blanket
Baby blankets in double knitting are incredibly practical and beautiful. The two-layer fabric is soft and cozy without the weight of a heavy single-layer blanket, and you can choose gentle, contrasting colors that look sweet from either side. A simple checkerboard or a larger-scale motif like a bunny or star works well at baby scale. Use a superwash wool or a soft cotton blend so the blanket can be machine-washed — a must for baby gifts.
6. Reversible Colorwork Cushion Cover
Cushion covers are a fantastic way to bring double knitting into your home décor. The two sides of your cushion cover will display different colorways of the same motif, so you can flip the cushion to refresh the look of a room. Nordic-inspired motifs such as reindeer, snowflakes, or stylized flowers translate especially well into double knitting, and the thick fabric gives your cushion a luxurious, substantial feel. You can work the cover flat and seam the edges, or work in the round and add a zipper or button closure.
7. Double Knit Bookmark
If you want a quick, low-stakes project to practice your double knitting technique, a bookmark is perfect. Cast on just a small number of stitches and work a simple geometric pattern for a few inches. The finished bookmark is thick enough to keep your place and beautiful enough to gift. You can even create a personalized initial or small motif in the center for a truly thoughtful handmade present.
8. Two-Color Double Knit Headband
A headband worked in double knitting is stretchy, warm, and ear-covering — a more practical alternative to a full hat for milder winter days. Work it flat and seam the short ends, or work it seamlessly in the round. A simple repeating motif in two bold colors makes the headband look polished and intentional. Choose a yarn with a bit of elasticity, like a merino-nylon blend, to help the headband keep its shape.
9. Double Knit Christmas Stocking
A Christmas stocking is one of those heirloom projects worth taking your time over, and double knitting elevates the classic stocking to something truly special. The thick, insulating fabric is ideal for a stocking meant to be stuffed with gifts, and a traditional holiday motif — Christmas trees, snowflakes, or reindeer — looks stunning in red and white or green and gold. The reversible fabric means the stocking looks equally beautiful on both sides, which is especially nice when it’s hanging on the mantle.
10. Nordic Double Knit Sweater
For advanced knitters ready for a serious challenge, a double knit sweater is the ultimate project. Nordic sweater patterns traditionally use just two colors in stranded colorwork, which translates beautifully into double knitting. The finished sweater is exceptionally warm and has a beautifully substantial hand feel. Because the fabric is double-thick, you’ll need to size up considerably compared to a standard sweater pattern, and gauge swatching is absolutely essential. The result, however, is a wearable piece of art that will last for decades.
11. Reversible Dog Sweater
Your four-legged family members deserve beautiful handknits too. A double knit dog sweater is warm, durable, and reversible — useful for matching the dog’s sweater to your own outfit by flipping it to the complementary colorway. A simple geometric pattern works best here, and you’ll want to choose a washable yarn since dog sweaters need frequent laundering. Work from a pattern that includes specific measurements for your dog’s breed for the best fit.
12. Double Knit Market Bag
While double knitting is most often associated with warm woolens, it works beautifully in cotton for a sturdy, reversible market bag. The double-layer construction gives the bag extra strength to hold groceries or library books, and the colorful two-sided design makes it a cheerful everyday carry. Use a linen or cotton yarn for maximum durability and washability, and work the handles in a firm double-stranded rib for extra reinforcement.
13. Colorwork Double Knit Socks
Socks in double knitting are a niche but deeply satisfying project. The two-layer fabric means your socks are extraordinarily warm — ideal for very cold climates or drafty homes. Because the fabric is thicker than traditional sock knitting, you’ll need to size down and use a looser gauge than you might expect. A simple two-color pattern like a checkerboard or small star motif keeps the sock attractive without becoming unwieldy. Use a sock yarn with nylon content to reinforce the heel and toe.
14. Double Knit Table Runner
A table runner in double knitting makes a beautiful and practical home accessory. Work it in two colors that complement your dining room décor, and choose a geometric or botanical motif for visual interest. The thick fabric lies flat without the need for blocking, and you can flip it to the other side when you want a fresh look for a dinner party or holiday gathering. Cotton or linen yarn is the practical choice here, as it’s washable and resists staining better than wool.
15. Reversible Double Knit Shawlette
A small triangular shawlette worked in double knitting is a wearable showpiece. Increases at the center spine and at each edge create the triangle shape, and a bold two-color geometric border at the point and along the edge makes the piece look finished and elegant. Because the shawlette is reversible, you can wear it with either color facing outward depending on your outfit. Use a fine fingering weight yarn to keep the finished shawlette light and drapey rather than stiff.
16. Double Knit Phone or Tablet Case
A phone or tablet case worked in double knitting is a smart, practical project. The two-layer fabric provides excellent cushioning and protection for your device, and you can design the outside and inside of the case in your own choice of colors. A simple cable or geometric motif adds visual interest. Work the case slightly snug so your device fits securely but can still be slipped in and out easily.
17. Striped Double Knit Hat for Kids
Children love bold color, and a striped double knit hat delivers exactly that while also keeping little ears toasty warm. Wide horizontal stripes in two bright, happy colors are easy to work and look cheerful on any child. Because the hat is two layers thick, it’s also extremely durable — important for kids’ accessories, which tend to get stuffed into coat pockets and pulled out roughly. Use a superwash merino for easy care and softness against sensitive skin.
18. Advanced Double Knit Mandala Lap Blanket
For the most ambitious project on this list, a mandala lap blanket worked in double knitting is breathtaking. Worked from the center out in the round, a mandala motif in two colors creates a symmetrical, kaleidoscopic design that looks stunning on both sides. The project requires careful chart reading and patience with increases in double knitting rounds, but the finished blanket is thick, warm, and genuinely museum-quality. This is the kind of project you’ll pull out for the rest of your life whenever someone asks about your knitting.
Tips for Success with Double Knitting
A few practical notes can make a significant difference in your double knitting experience.
Always swatch before starting a project. Because you’re working two layers simultaneously, your gauge in double knitting will be different from your gauge in standard stockinette. Most knitters find they need to size up a needle or two to achieve the correct gauge.
Keep your yarns organized. Use yarn bowls, small bags, or even toilet paper rolls to keep your two yarn balls from tangling. Some knitters wind their two colors into a single center-pull cake, which can reduce tangling dramatically.
Read charts carefully. Double knitting charts are typically read differently from standard colorwork charts. Each symbol on a double knitting chart represents a pair of stitches — one for the front layer and one for the back. Familiarize yourself with the chart notation before you begin a project.
Practice the edge stitches. The edges of a flat double knit piece need to be worked carefully to close the two layers at the sides. Different patterns handle this differently, so read your pattern instructions all the way through before casting on.
Use lifelines. Because double knitting requires extra concentration, mistakes can be hard to spot and even harder to fix. Inserting a lifeline every ten or twenty rows gives you a safety net if you need to rip back.
Choosing Yarn for Double Knitting
Not every yarn is equally suited to double knitting. You want a yarn that splits cleanly (avoid very loosely plied yarns), has good stitch definition so the colorwork motifs read clearly, and is available in a range of colors.
Wool and wool-blend yarns are the most popular choice for double knitting because they have natural elasticity, excellent stitch definition, and wonderful warmth. For projects that need to be machine-washable, a superwash merino is a great option.
Cotton and linen work well for home goods and summer accessories, though they lack the elasticity of wool and can feel heavier in the hand while knitting.
Fingering, sport, and DK weight yarns are the most commonly used for double knitting projects. Bulkier yarns can result in a very stiff, heavy fabric, though they can be appropriate for certain home décor projects like cushion covers or rugs.
Getting Started
If you’re new to double knitting, the best advice is simply to start small. Cast on a swatch and practice the basic alternating-stitch rhythm before committing to a full project. Plenty of free tutorials exist in video form online, and seeing the motion of the hands can make the technique click in a way that written instructions alone sometimes can’t convey.
Once you’ve got the rhythm, you’ll find that double knitting is genuinely addictive. The way your fabric grows in front of you — both sides developing simultaneously, the colors interplaying across the two layers — is deeply satisfying in a way that standard knitting sometimes isn’t. There’s a sense of magic to it, even after you fully understand the mechanics.
The 18 patterns in this collection range from truly beginner-friendly to genuinely challenging, so there’s something here for every skill level and every project appetite. Pick one that appeals to you, gather your two favorite colors of yarn, and cast on. Double knitting might just become your new favorite technique.
Happy knitting.
