18 Double Knitting Patterns (Colorful & Reversible)
If you’ve ever wished your knitting could do double duty — looking just as beautiful on the back as it does on the front — then double knitting is the technique that’s going to change everything for you. Unlike traditional knitting where the wrong side is a jumble of floats and purl bumps, double knitting produces a fabric with two perfectly mirrored layers, each showing a clean, polished face. And when you add color into the mix? The results are nothing short of stunning.
Whether you’re a seasoned knitter ready to explore a new challenge or someone who’s heard the term “double knitting” and been a little intimidated, this guide is here to walk you through 18 beautiful double knitting patterns that range from beginner-friendly basics to intricate colorwork masterpieces. We’ll cover scarves, blankets, mittens, hats, and more — all with that signature reversible quality that makes double knitting so endlessly satisfying.
What Is Double Knitting?
Before we dive into the patterns, it helps to understand what double knitting actually is. In its most common form, double knitting is a technique where you knit two layers of fabric simultaneously on a single set of needles. You work with two yarns — typically two different colors — and alternate between knitting one color and purling the other across each row. The result is a fabric that’s twice as thick as single-layer knitting and completely reversible, with one color appearing on each side.
The magic of double knitting lies in how the colors interact. When you knit a stitch in Color A on the front, that same stitch becomes a purl bump hidden on the inside, and Color B fills in behind it. Flip the work over, and Color B dominates, with Color A tucked neatly away. This means any pattern you work in double knitting automatically creates a photographic negative on the reverse side — a design feature that feels almost like cheating, it’s so clever.
Double knitting takes a little concentration at first, but once the rhythm clicks, it becomes second nature. The key skills you need are knitting, purling, working with two yarns at once, and keeping track of which color goes where. Most experienced knitters find they can pick it up within a project or two.
Yarn and Needle Tips for Double Knitting
To get the most out of these patterns, a few supply notes are worth mentioning before you cast on.
For yarn, smooth, plied yarns show color definition most clearly and are easiest to manage when working with two strands at once. Wool and wool blends are popular choices because they have enough grip to stay in place, but cotton and acrylic can work beautifully too. Choose two colors with strong contrast — think navy and cream, or deep red and white — if you want the reversible design to really pop. More subtle pairings like dusty blue and soft gray create a quieter, tone-on-tone effect.
For needles, go up one or two sizes from what the yarn label recommends. Because you’re knitting through two layers, the fabric can pull in and feel stiff if your needles are too small. A longer circular needle or a set of double-pointed needles (for hats and mittens) gives you the flexibility to manage larger stitch counts comfortably.
18 Double Knitting Patterns to Try
1. Classic Striped Double Knit Scarf
This is the perfect starting point for anyone new to double knitting. A simple striped scarf lets you master the basic knit-one-purl-one rhythm without worrying about complex colorwork charts. Choose two contrasting colors and cast on with the long-tail double knitting cast-on, which creates a clean, stable edge. Work every row in the alternating knit-purl sequence, switching your color order every twenty rows or so to create stripes. The scarf will be warm, thick, and fully reversible — exactly what a winter accessory should be.
2. Geometric Diamond Cowl
Once you’re comfortable with the basic technique, geometric colorwork patterns are a natural next step. A diamond cowl worked in double knitting gives you a repeating diamond grid that reads crisply on both faces. Cast on as a long tube and work in the round (double knitting in the round requires a slightly different approach — you’ll knit all stitches for one color and purl all stitches for the other, keeping the layers separate), and the result is a seamless cowl with no wrong side to hide.
3. Nordic Snowflake Mittens
Traditional Nordic colorwork translates beautifully into double knitting, and mittens are a wonderful project for exploring this. A snowflake motif on the back of the hand, framed by a simple geometric border at the cuff, creates a mitten that looks like folk art on both sides. The added thickness from the double layers makes these mittens exceptionally warm, which is a welcome bonus when you’re waiting for the bus on a February morning. Work these on double-pointed needles or a long circular needle using the magic loop method.
4. Reversible Checkerboard Baby Blanket
Baby blankets are one of the best showcases for double knitting because they’re flat, they benefit from extra thickness and warmth, and they’re always on display from multiple angles. A checkerboard pattern is especially charming in baby yarn — think soft yellow and white, or mint and cream. The blanket will be reversible, with the colors swapped on each side, so whichever way it’s draped over a crib or stroller, it looks intentional and polished.
5. Fair Isle Style Hat with Double Knit Crown
A classic Fair Isle-style hat gets a modern upgrade when worked in double knitting. The brim can be a simple ribbed section in a single layer, transitioning into double knitting for the body of the hat where a repeating Fair Isle band of small motifs — stars, diamonds, tiny flowers — creates that beloved stranded look, but now fully reversible. Decrease for the crown in the usual way, closing both layers together at the top.
6. Mosaic-Inspired Wall Hanging
Double knitting isn’t only for wearables. A large flat panel worked in bold geometric shapes — inspired by tile mosaics or Aztec patterns — makes a striking wall hanging that you can display either side out, changing the look of your room simply by flipping it around. Work this on a long circular needle with a provisional cast-on, bind off loosely, and add a simple wooden dowel at the top. The graphic, high-contrast color combinations typical of mosaic patterns look exceptional in double knitting.
7. Two-Color Cable Scarf
Yes, cables are possible in double knitting — and they’re incredibly impressive. A two-color cable scarf involves working cable crosses while maintaining the double-layer structure, creating cables that appear in one color on one face and the contrasting color on the other. It takes careful tracking of your stitches, but the result is a scarf that looks completely different from each side while still being undeniably elegant. This is a wonderful advanced project for knitters who love cables and want to push into new territory.
8. Reversible Striped Cowl in Gradient Colors
If you love gradient and ombre yarns, this cowl is designed for you. Work a series of narrow stripes using two gradient yarns that progress through different color families — say, one moving from warm ochre through burnt orange to deep rust, and another from pale sage through forest green to teal. As the colors shift across the rows, each side of the cowl shows a completely different chromatic journey. It’s the kind of project that generates compliments every single time you wear it.
9. Houndstooth Double Knit Cushion Cover
Houndstooth is a pattern with timeless appeal, and it works perfectly in double knitting. A cushion cover in classic black and white houndstooth is reversible, of course, giving you two looks in one — which makes it excellent for home decor where you want versatility. The fabric produced by double knitting is firm and structured, ideal for a cushion cover that needs to hold its shape. Finish with buttons or a simple fold-over closure at the back.
10. Colorwork Baby Booties
Tiny and adorable, double knit baby booties are both a practical project and a lovely gift. The double layer means the soles are thick enough to offer a little padding, and colorwork motifs on the front — little stars, hearts, or simple stripes — look sweet without being fussy. These work up quickly on small needles, making them ideal for knitters who want to practice the double knitting rhythm without committing to a large project.
11. Reversible Chevron Lap Blanket
Chevron patterns have a joyful, retro energy, and in double knitting they gain even more visual interest because the zigzag reads in reverse on the back. Choose three or four colors and alternate them in wide chevron bands. On one side, the chevrons might point upward in bold stripes; flip it over and the same pattern reads as downward-pointing peaks in swapped colors. This is a larger project — budget several months for a full lap-size blanket — but the finished piece is genuinely heirloom quality.
12. Double Knit Headband with Floral Motif
Headbands are quick, satisfying makes, and a double knit headband with a small floral motif along the center is a lovely way to experiment with pictorial colorwork in double knitting. Because the piece is narrow and short, you can complete it in an evening or two, which makes it perfect for testing out a new chart before committing to a bigger project like a sweater or blanket. The double layer also makes the headband wonderfully warm around the ears.
13. Geometric Sweater Panel
For adventurous knitters ready for a real challenge, a double knit sweater with geometric colorwork panels on the front and back is the ultimate project. The body can be worked in standard stockinette, with the double knitting technique applied only to the yoke and front panel where the colorwork lives. This creates a garment that has a thick, richly textured focal point and a fully reversible decorative section. It’s complex, but the finished sweater is something you’ll wear for decades.
14. Herringbone Bookmarks Set
Not every double knitting project needs to be large or wearable. A set of herringbone-patterned bookmarks worked in double knitting makes a wonderful gift and an excellent sampler project. Work each bookmark narrow and long, in two contrasting colors, with a herringbone twill pattern. Finish with a simple tassel or ribbon loop at one end. These are quick enough to knit in a single sitting and practical enough to give to everyone you know.
15. Double Knit Fingerless Gloves with Argyle Pattern
Argyle is a complex-looking pattern that translates surprisingly well into double knitting charts. A pair of fingerless gloves with an argyle motif on the back of the hand is sophisticated and practical — warm enough for cool days, open enough to use a phone without removing them. The double layer adds structure to the glove, which helps it hold its shape even with extended wear. Work the fingers as a single layer after splitting off from the double knit body.
16. Folk Art Bird Pillow
A larger home decor project, this pillow features a stylized folk art bird — think the kind of bold, simplified imagery found in Scandinavian or Eastern European textile traditions — worked in double knitting with strong contrasting colors. The bird motif on one side becomes a ghost image in swapped colors on the back. Finished with a simple knitted or fabric backing and a hidden zipper, this pillow makes a bold statement in any room. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to practice working from a chart with larger, more pictorial shapes rather than repeating geometric motifs.
17. Color Block Tote Bag
A sturdy tote bag worked in double knitting is both functional and beautiful. Use a cotton or cotton-blend yarn for structure and durability, and work the body of the bag in wide color blocks — perhaps three or four bold sections in complementary colors. The double layer creates a firm, durable fabric that holds its shape when loaded with groceries or books. Because it’s reversible, you can flip the bag inside out to switch up the look. Finish with I-cord straps or knitted handles worked in both colors held together for maximum strength.
18. Christmas Stocking with Festive Motifs
A double knit Christmas stocking is a project that becomes a cherished family heirloom. Work traditional festive motifs — reindeer, snowflakes, trees, stars, candy canes — in a classic red and white color scheme. The double layer makes the stocking thick and luxurious, with enough structure to stand up when filled with holiday treats. Because every motif you work appears in reverse on the inside of the stocking, flipping it inside out for washing reveals an entirely different (and equally lovely) design.
Tips for Success With Double Knitting
A few practical notes can save you hours of frustration as you work through these patterns.
Keep your yarns organized from the start. Many knitters work one color from the inside of the ball and one from the outside to prevent constant tangling, but winding each color into its own separate cake works just as well. Whatever system you use, establishing it before you begin — and sticking with it — makes the process much smoother.
Work at a slightly looser tension than you normally would. Because you’re managing two strands and two layers, the tendency is to pull the yarn too tightly, especially when switching between colors. Consciously relaxing your grip produces a more even, flexible fabric.
Use stitch markers liberally. When you’re tracking a colorwork chart, markers at the beginning and end of each pattern repeat help you catch mistakes before they compound over multiple rows.
Don’t be afraid to use a lifeline. Thread a length of smooth, contrasting yarn through all live stitches at the end of a successful row. If something goes wrong in the next few rows, you can rip back to the lifeline without fear of losing all your work.
Finally, trust the process. Double knitting looks complicated from the outside, and the first few rows genuinely do require careful attention. But most knitters find that after working a pattern repeat or two, the sequence becomes rhythmic and intuitive. That moment when it clicks is one of the most satisfying feelings in knitting.
Why Double Knitting Is Worth the Effort
In a world full of quick knits and instant-gratification projects, double knitting asks something more of you. It asks for patience, attention, and a willingness to think about your knitting rather than just doing it on autopilot. What it gives you in return is extraordinary: fabric that’s luxuriously thick, patterns that are perfectly finished on both sides, and finished objects that genuinely impress people who understand what they’re looking at.
There’s also something philosophically appealing about double knitting. Every design choice you make — every color, every motif, every row — simultaneously creates its mirror image. You’re always making two things at once, always building a relationship between two sides that will never be seen at the same time. It’s a technique that rewards the kind of knitter who likes to understand how things work beneath the surface.
Whether you start with a simple striped scarf and work your way through to a full colorwork blanket, or whether you dive straight into mittens and cowls, the 18 patterns in this list offer a full spectrum of projects to explore. Each one will teach you something new about the technique, about color relationships, and about what double knitting can do. And every single one of them will come off your needles ready to show both its faces to the world — which, when you think about it, is a beautiful thing for any piece of knitting to do.
Happy knitting.
