Knitting Patterns at The Orry Mill

The Orry Mill stocks one of the most comprehensive pattern selections available from an independent Scottish yarn shop — over 800 individual patterns and pattern books, covering knitting and crochet at every skill level, for every age and every project type. Whether you're a beginner casting on for the first time or an experienced knitter working through a complex stranded colourwork garment, you'll find something here worth making.

Patterns are available as printed leaflets, physical books, and PDF downloads — including a large selection of free patterns from brands including Rowan, West Yorkshire Spinners, PetiteKnit and Orry Yarn.

Patterns by Brand

Rowan has 216 patterns in our collection — one of the widest ranges we carry. Rowan patterns span the full weight range from fine 4ply through to chunky, with a strong catalogue of garments for women, men and children. Their pattern books make an excellent starting point for knitters building a reference library.

PetiteKnit brings 202 patterns from the Danish knitwear designer whose work has defined modern Scandinavian knitting. PetiteKnit patterns are characterised by clean construction, flattering proportions and a focus on garments that are genuinely wearable — designed primarily to be knitted in Sandnes Garn Sunday or Double Sunday, with Tynn Silk Mohair held alongside.

West Yorkshire Spinners contributes 114 patterns across a broad range of weights and project types, with particular strength in DK and 4ply garments and accessories. Many WYS patterns are available as free downloads, making them an excellent entry point for newer knitters.

Kate Davies offers 16 patterns through The Orry Mill — thoughtful, Scotland-influenced designs from one of the country's most respected independent knitwear designers. Her work draws on Scottish textile heritage and is particularly strong in colourwork and stranded knitting.

Laine provides 37 patterns from the Finnish slow knitting magazine that has built a global following for its beautifully photographed, thoughtfully edited approach to contemporary knitwear design.

Orry Yarn patterns are designed in-house at The Orry Mill, written specifically for our own 100% merino DK yarn. With 12 patterns currently available — and more in development — these are a natural starting point if you have Orry Yarn in your stash or want to explore what the yarn can do.

Patterns by Project Type

The collection covers the full breadth of what knitters actually make. Sweaters account for 254 patterns; cardigans 164; hats 108; shawls, scarves and wraps 107; baby projects 131; socks and booties 44; blankets 53; and toys 39. There are also strong selections for accessories, bags, cushions and home knitting.

Patterns by Skill Level

Patterns are tagged by difficulty from complete beginner through to expert. If you're new to knitting, filtering by Beginner or Easy will show you projects that are achievable without advanced techniques. If you're looking for a challenge, the Intermediate, Advanced and Expert categories contain the more complex colourwork, lace and construction work in the range.

Free Knitting Patterns

A significant portion of the patterns in this collection are available as free PDF downloads — no purchase required. Free patterns from Rowan, West Yorkshire Spinners, PetiteKnit and Orry Yarn are included in the main collection and clearly marked. Filter by price or search for "free" to find them quickly.

Pattern Books

Alongside individual patterns, we stock 235 pattern books — collections from single designers or brand publications that work as standalone references. Pattern books from Rowan, West Yorkshire Spinners, Kate Davies and Laine are among the most popular. Browse our pattern books collection to see the full range.

Shop by Yarn Brand

Most patterns in this collection specify a recommended yarn. If you're buying a pattern and need the yarn to go with it, browse our full yarn range — including Rowan yarn, West Yorkshire Spinners yarn, Sandnes Garn yarn, Knitting for Olive yarn and Orry Yarn — to find everything you need in one place.