Stella Ackroyd
Patterns available as Ravelry Downloads
Knitting: Ankle Sock
This has become my go-to sock pattern - it’s so much fun to make that I’ve always got a pair on the go.
Knitting: Throw
This cosy blanket is a lovely stress-free project, with no fiddly sewing up and a clever crazy block effect emerging from the pretty long fade gradient yarn.
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
Have you heard that tank tops are in? I’m not surprised, really, this handy little slipover ticks all of the boxes in terms of style and versatility.
Knitting: Hot Water Bottle
Every year in our house there is a certain few weeks when there’s a flurry of hot water bottle making. It has hit extra hard this year because the babies need a hotty each to warm up their prams and car seats first thing in the morning.
Knitting: Booties
We needed some warm socks to keep our wriggling baby’s feet warm now that the cooler weather has arrived. Some socks which will stay on while he’s playing and practising to crawl.
Knitting: Pullover
This pretty sweater is worked flat to the shoulders, then seamed using the three needle bind off method. Sleeves are picked up and knitted downwards to the cuff and the neckband is worked in the round. Finally, the sleeve and body seams are joined, leaving the side seams open to form vents, creating a relaxed and very wearable addition to your ...
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap, Baby Blanket
This pretty little shawl is a perfect baby gift or lap blanket.
Knitting: Slippers
Worked from the toe up with an innovative new pocket toe technique, these seamless slippers are really quick to make and super cosy to wear.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
I made these pretty socks while I was on holiday in Scotland. The colours I chose exact an easy to wear country feel, while the pretty fairisle band adds a delicate feminine touch. (More importantly, the chequered band at the toe provides real interest when toasting your toes in front of the wood burner!)
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This traditional hap is knitted in laceweight cashmere yarn, making it a real heirloom to be treasured for years to come.
Knitting: Cardigan
This sweet baby cardigan is a great project for knitters of all skill levels and perfect for any new baby!
Knitting: Hanging Ornament
What could be sweeter than a seasonal garland of knitted Christmas trees? These cuties take around an hour each to make and are a great way to use up small quantities of leftover yarn.
Knitting: Cardigan
This pretty cardigan is an easy introduction to stranded colourwork; each pattern motif is only three rows deep and none of the repeats span more than three stitches, so no fiddly weaving is involved and the project grows quickly.
Knitting: Hanging Ornament
During the run up to Christmas in our household, we hang our SEAknitting knitted Christmas stockings by the fireplace in great anticipation of the arrival of Santa. When he arrives, he carefully places each person’s favourite chocolate bar in their personal stocking and when we wake on Christmas morning we know that Christmas can begin.
Knitting: Cowl
These pretty cowls are each worked from just 2 x 50gm of lovely Home Flock 4 ply, and the pattern helps you to use up every last bit of yarn which has been spun from the fleeces of the designer’s own small flock of black Shetland sheep.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These mittens can be made from one 50gm ball of yarn, but it’s a great way to use up precious leftovers from other projects too!
Knitting: Cowl
Worked top-down on circular needles, this pretty cowl uses just one skein of Sarah’s lovely Bluefaced Leicester/Gotland blend DK yarn.
Knitting: Hot Water Bottle
Worked in the round from a Judy’s magic cast-on for a completely seamless result, this cozy little cover has made my mini hot water bottle extra sumptuous to hold when I’m working at my computer.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A perfect partner to my Bandstand Mitts design, this pretty hat is a great introduction to fairisle colourwork; knitted in the round, the patterned sections consist of nothing more complicated than K2 in shade A, followed by K2 in shade B.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These fingerless mittens are worked flat to the top rib section and then joined to work in the round for seamless comfort. This construction makes for easy stripes, and the seam has been carefully placed to ensure that the mitts are comfortable to wear and beautiful to look at.
Knitting: Beret, Tam
LoveCrafts said: “Ooh la la, Stella Akroyd’s Symbol Beret pattern is knitted from just one skein of The Yarn Collective Bloomsbury DK. Worked in the round in garter stitch rib, the pattern’s attention to detail gives it real wow factor. The increases work perfectly in to the brim rib and the shaping has been calculated (using the golden ratio n...
Knitting: Scarf
Lovecrafts said: “We love Stella Ackroyd’s designs, and her gorgeous Newton Hurdle Scarf is no exception! Worked on a four row repeat in The Yarn Collective’s Hudson Worsted, the resulting scarf is super lofty and deeply warm. Hudston Worsted grows fast, and will keep the cold at bay when you wrap up for colder seasons.”
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These pretty fingerless mittens are a great introduction to stranded colourwork; knitted in the round, the patterned sections consist of nothing more complicated than K2 in shade A, followed by K2 in shade B.
Knitting: Cuffs
These pretty wrist warmers are knitted flat in an easy to remember lace pattern and then joined to work in the round for the moss stitch top edge. This makes them a super quick project and the finished mitts are comfortable to wear.
Knitting: Cowl
Designed to showcase this very special merino/silk blend yarn, Stuck in a Rut? is a therapeutic and engaging project which grows quickly and is perfect for evening or commuter knitting.
Knitting: Hot Water Bottle
Worked top down and in the round from a pretty deep ribbed cuff, this hot water bottle cover uses less than 100gm of aran weight yarn.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
You have to hand it to anyone who tests the market and holds out for perfection! That’s how I feel about this sock pattern, I’ve knitted many, many socks in my time, but this is definitely my new go-to pattern.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
I needed a super cosy wrap for the cold Winter months and I am thrilled at how elegant this shawl has turned out. Made from just four skeins of super soft chunky weight alpaca, Highland Fling knits up very quickly - perfect for a last-minute gift or relaxing holiday project. The shawl is designed for versatility, its clever shaping and fullness...
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Supremely feminine in design and attitude, Aurelia is a generously size shawl which is worked from one small edge, increasing gradually up to a central point before decreasing equally gradually to it’s final little cast-off. Because it is worked edge-to-edge the rows are relatively short, so the knitting grows quickly and the pretty diamond mot...
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Make a splash this summer with this pretty cover-up! Knitted from side to side in just two skeins of The Yarn Collective’s pretty Pembroke Worsted, Sea Shanty features a lovely wave effect lace detail and clever straight edging stitch which lies perfectly flat, even on the beach! The increases and decreases are worked in to the easy-to-remember...
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
This useful little double knitting slipover has been designed for season-round elegance. Knitted in the round for complete seamlessness, Urban features pretty side vents with optional button trim, a nice underarm ridge detail and integrated armhole borders. The neckband has been cleverly calculated for the ridge detail to follow straight throug...
Knitting: Pullover
A classic sweater in aran weight yarn, with semi set-in sleeves and pretty moss stitch detailing. Designed to be a go-to all-season favourite, Cold Harbour has a relaxed fit and feminine hem vents. Clear and easy to follow instructions make for a quickly made garment, perfect to throw on for ready to go effect!
Knitting: Pullover
Knitted in the round in a lovely textured pattern, this sweater is relaxed and easy to wear, the perfect length to look good with almost anything and by itself or over a shirt. The sleeve increases are worked to cleverly fit in to the pattern and the sleeve tops are knitted on to the body so that there are no sewn seams in the entire garment.
Knitting: Cardigan
Designed to use up every last ounce of this delicious yarn, Willow is worked in an easy but effective textured pattern. The bodice is worked first, with integrated button and buttonhole bands, then the sleeve stitches are picked up and knitted around the armhole edge and decreased cleverly to create sleeve shaping without too much bulk of fabri...
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Knitted top-down from a garter stitch tab, this elegant shawl was a pleasure to make. The stocking stitch centre drapes wonderfully in this silk/wool yarn and the stitch definition of the blend works beautifully to show off the sculptured lace border of classic lace pattern repeats. I was surprised at how quickly my new shawl worked up and at w...
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Intended to be a big snuggly shawl, Great Oak knits up quickly from less than five balls of this super soft yarn. The pattern is easy to remember and can be repeated as many times as desired, meaning the design can be adapted to different yarn qualities if required. I enjoyed making this shawl; every new row of leaves cleverly produces new shoo...
Knitting: Coat / Jacket
I’ve noticed that lots of people don’t like sewing up, but seams are an essential structural element for well-fitting garments. To this end, I set about designing a jacket which would require minimal finishing whilst still providing a garment with integrity. And Lobster Pot is the result!
Knitting: Pullover
A yarn as beautiful as this requires little more than a classic sweater to show it off. Designed as a staple pattern with V-neck and round-neck options, this sweater features semi set-in sleeves and perfect shaping and instructions. You almost NEED one in every colour: a perfect, year-round addition to anyone’s wardrobe!
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Named after Louisa Anne Beresford who went on to become Marchioness of Waterford of Ford Castle, Northumberland, this shawl is a delight to knit and a feminine addition to any collection. Pretty, lightweight and oh so soft, the shawl grows quickly from a garter stitch tab cast on and is wonderfully soft and luxurious when blocked. Whistlebare Y...
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
I was asked by a friend to write her a pattern for a super bulky ribbed hat which she could make for herself and her children. It only took a morning to make and I decided to write the pattern to actual measurements so she could decide which size would best fit the kids. The shaping works cleverly in to the ribbing and the hat is worked in the ...
Knitting: Scarf
What could be nicer to wrap yourself up in than yards of pure alpaca with a delicate lace edging?? This scarf was a joy to make; it grew quickly and the pattern instructions clearly state what to expect. The pretty lace edging is easy to work and the increases and decreases are placed in easy to remember parts of the repeat, whilst the straight...
Knitting: Christmas Stocking
Based on a pattern which I first knit in 2004, these stockings are a seasonal favourite in our house. They have been used to decorate the Christmas tree, to hang as a garland across the hearth and, of course, to receive that first special gift from Santa - the one which he delivers to the end of the bed in the middle of the night! I
Knitting: Scarf
Named after a local natural beauty spot, Linhope evokes the rippling water of the burn as it recovers from the dramatic descent of the waterfall in to the natural plunge pool which draws locals to while away summer afternoons in happiness. Such was the inspiration for this scarf and now that the Autumn months are here it is giving me great plea...
Knitting: Baby Blanket
I wanted to make a baby blanket which resembled the blankets used in hospital to welcome new babies - something which is easy to make, unisex and practical. The result is this super comfort blanket, which is large enough to swaddle a new baby and be used as a cot blanket when the new arrival gets home. I am super thrilled with it and already ha...
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Designed in Whistlebare’s amazingly cosy Cuthbert’s Sock yarn, which is both warm and luxurious, these socks are perfect for almost any occasion. The pattern can easily be lengthened or shortened to suit different sized feet and, of course, they could be worked in just one colour! The result is a well-fitting, smart sock which fits nicely in to...
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This snuggly hat is all that it seems to be! Intended to be a perfect accompaniment to the Matilda scarf, the result is a super comfortable, effortlessly stylish show stopper.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Named from the Latin word for Oak, Quercus cleverly adapts the traditional Shetland Fern Lace pattern to create an elegant shawl or hap. Absorbing yet easy to work, the design consists of four main pattern rows which are simple to memorise. New leaves emerge cleverly from a central spine in a very pleasing manner, only to gently tumble from a m...
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
St. Oswald’s Way is a popular walking trail which explores some of the finest landscapes and fascinating history of beautiful Northumberland. The route links some of the places associated with St. Oswald, the King of Northumbria in the early 7th Century, and spans between Holy Island (Lindisfarne) in the north and Hadrian’s Wall in the south (a...
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Named after the mother of Northumberland’s famous rescue heroine, Grace Darling, Thomasin’s Torch is set to evoke practical warmth and effortless style.
Knitting: Scarf
Pan Haggerty is a recipe which is popular in Northumberland, especially during the cold winter months when we’re all trying to keep warm!
Knitting: Cowl
Inspired by the narrow winding track of Kirkstone Pass in the Lake District, this pretty cowl is a pleasure to knit and beautiful in its stunning completeness. Everyone has stopped to remark on it when passing through my studio and I enjoyed making it so much that I immediately cast on a second one when it was finished (because it had caught so...
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Knitted in super soft, drapey yarn, this shawl is a dream knit in every way. The lace pattern is easy to memorise and the shawl grows really quickly - I never wanted it to end!
Knitting: Bonnet
A perfect addition to any baby’s wardrobe, this pretty bonnet is quick and easy to make. I included contrast tipping on the knitted straps, but the design would work equally well in just one colour. Intended to be a go-to classic for all seasons, I think this hat will be called for time and time again - a perfect gift for any newborn baby!
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This pretty shawl is a lovely project for Summer; perfect over a prom dress or as a delicate addition to a wedding wardrobe, it is fun to make and absorbing in its simplicity. Named after a local beauty site, my Sweethope shawl is a romantic whisper of usefulness beyond question and a beautiful item in its own right. The lace pattern is easy to...
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
As you know, all of my patterns have been developed from something which we have needed and used in our family, or to give to some important friend, which is why I know that the designs and patterns that I produce are not only reliable, but they work and are highly wearable.
Knitting: Vest
Inspired by my recent trip to Sweden, this useful vest is named after the wonderful botanist Carl Linnaeus.
Knitting: Baby Blanket
A perfect blanket for a newborn baby, this blanket is fun and quick to knit. Its easily-remembered texture pattern is attractive on the reverse side too, so the blanket is easy to use in car seats and prams as well as the usual crib setting. Large enough to see the baby through to toddler, this blanket is sure to become a treasured comforter fo...
Knitting: Cardigan
Named after the traditional fishing boats of Northumberland, and pronounced Coble as in Noble, this versatile cardigan harks back to the fisherman’s gansey of coastal areas.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Knit in this beautiful alpaca/merino blend yarn, this shawl is both pretty and warm. Traditionally constructed from a garter stitch tab beginning, the pretty flower lace detail is easily memorised and develops naturally in to the zigzag lace border, which flutes gently to create the delicate edging. Easily styled, this shawl is modern enough to...
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Traditionally constructed top-down from a garter stitch tab, this pretty shawl is worked from just one ball of this amazingly lofty and soft pure cashmere. This pattern has been updated from the original laceweight version to include new yarn details, needle size and stitch counts. It’s a perfect addition to any wardrobe, the reversible nature ...
Knitting: Scarf
This is a lovely, super-snuggly textured scarf knitted in an easy-to-remember and extremely therapeutic textured stitch which produces a pretty chequered pattern on the right side and cosy rib effect on the reverse of the work. The finished dimensions are intended to be wide and snuggly (almost like a tied snood), but the scarf could of course ...
Knitting: Slippers
Made from this beautifully soft luxury yarn to a tight tension for warmth and sturdiness, these slippers are super quick & easy to make and mega comfortable to wear!
Knitting: Booties
With Spring just around the corner, what better way to fight off the dark days than with a pair of these adorable rabbit bootees?
Knitting: Booties
These little slippers can be made very quickly and easily and use very little yarn - perfect for a last-minute gift or treasured heirloom made from superior quality yarn.
Knitting: Bonnet
Knitted in this wonderfully soft yarn, this bonnet can easily be made in an afternoon/evening. The Pattern is offered in five sizes, ranging from birth to two years and colour combinations are endless with the lovely spectrum offered in the range.
Knitting: Hot Water Bottle
As the autumn nights are drawing in, it has become apparent in our household that our hot water bottles need updating! My daughter set me to task with an urgent cover for hers, so I jumped in to action and came up with this jolly design, which is super fast to make and super practical to use. It is completely seamless, so no bulky edges to catc...
Knitting: Animal Toy
These cute toys are so adorable, every child (large or small) in the family will want one!
Knitting: Softies - Other
It was so quick and easy to make this little man, and what a cute thing he is! He is currently sitting happily in the window downstairs, smiling at the passing village and waiting patiently for some new friends to join him.
Knitting: Bonnet
Worked from less than one ball of 4 ply yarn, these beautiful traditional bonnets are very satisfying to make. Ideal as a first bonnet or christening centre-piece, both versions of the design are modern classics.
Knitting: Mittens
What to do with those leftover bits of (expensive) patterned yarn which are too nice to get rid of after completing a pair of hand-knit socks?
Knitting: Baby Blanket
Worked in a simple but clever development of a combination of Eyelet Ridge pattern and Old Shale, this pretty blanket is really snuggly and a true enjoyment to make. Large enough to make a good-sized crib blanket, it is also trim enough to be a cover-up in a car travel seat or stroller and it could easily be worked in a different shade or yarn ...
Knitting: Booties
What better to keep a baby cosy than these luxurious 90% cashmere bootees? Fun to knit in an easy stripe pattern, I chose to carry the yarn along the side of the work, twisting on every other row to avoid loops forming which would catch on baby’s tiny toes.
Knitting: Decorative - Other
Designed for my daughter’s 21st birthday party and using leftovers from my slippers design, these pennants are jolly and good fun to make!
Knitting: Baby Blanket
This blanket is really very easy to make and a perfect project for a beginner or a busy, experienced knitter who would rather not concentrate too hard on their work. Three quarters of the rows are plain knit, so the blanket grows quickly and could be the solution to a last-minute requirement.
Knitting: Booties
Designed to keep a baby in pretty footwear for at least the first six months, this pattern is easy and quick to knit and perfect for using up oddments of leftover yarn. Why not use the remains of yarn from a cardigan or sweater project so that baby has matching footwear for all outfits?
Knitting: Bonnet
Inspired by the beautiful bonnet which Princess Charlotte wore to meet the world this week, this versatile design will keep any little one snug in their early visiting days. Knit in one piece in snuggly garter stitch, this bonnet has a crown of cables encircling the head and an interesting seamless construction. Knit in Rowan’s Wool Cotton 4ply...
Knitting: Booties
This pretty little bootee pattern comes in two versions: One with a pretty lace cuff, the other with a simpler eyelet border. I knitted it in the finest 4ply yarn I could find and am thrilled with the results! A twisted cord would look nice instead of the ribbon trim if you prefer, or why not try both?!
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Although Spring has arrived here in England, the weather in the North is still far from balmy and I found myself in need of a Spring hat which would keep the sea wind off my ears and stop my hair from becoming tangled. Cue my new hat - I’m really pleased with how it turned out! Worked in just less than one 50gm ball of yarn, this hat is worked ...
Knitting: Baby Blanket
So much fun to knit and designed to use up every last yard of this sensationally cosy yarn, this blanket is a must-have treasure for every new baby and toddler. I chose to knit this in a classic natural cream colour, but the shade card of this yarn is pretty and the design would work equally well in baby pastels or a more serviceable earth tone...