Ilga Leja

eBooks available as Ravelry Downloads

eBook : 5 patterns

A suite of projects featuring the luxury yarns produced by Handmaiden Fine Yarn.

eBook : 4 patterns

Four lacy patterns, light and airy enough for a day at the beach!

eBook : 3 patterns

Celebrate the Celtic heritage of Nova Scotia with these three knitted accessories!

eBook : 4 patterns

Four patterns with texture and style, designed for city living.

eBook : 4 patterns

4 knitting designs inspired by the beauty and mystery of the desert!

eBook : 4 patterns

Four designs to celebrate the Far North, a unique environment rich in story and adventure.

eBook : 5 patterns

A collection of five patterns, each using only one ball/skein of a self-striping yarn.

eBook : 5 patterns

The Five--More--Easy Pieces Club consists of five patterns, each released one at a time every three weeks between September and December 2012.

eBook : 11 patterns

A collection of 10 knitting projects, including caps, mittens, scarf, cowls, hostess gifts, and knitted jewellery. Includes designs for men as well as for women.

eBook : 4 patterns

These four patterns were the Bestselling Patterns in 2016: the ever-popular Bermuda Scarf and three other lacy confections, especially suited to warm weather wearing or for layering.

eBook : 4 patterns

These four patterns were the Bestselling Patterns in 2017: the ever-popular Bermuda Scarf and three other lacy confections, especially suited to warm weather wearing or for layering.

eBook : 4 patterns

These four patterns were the Bestselling Patterns in 2018: the ever-popular Bermuda Scarf and three other lacy confections, especially suited to warm weather wearing or for layering.

eBook : 4 patterns

These four patterns were my bestselling patterns in 2019 (clockwise from top left): Spell of the Evening, the first design in the style of “kaleidoscope knitting”, Forest Pathways shawl, Summer in the City poncho, and Bermuda Scarf.

eBook : 4 patterns

The top bestselling patterns for Ilga Leja Handknit Design in 2020.

eBook : 4 patterns

Four of my most popular designs of 2021!

eBook : 4 patterns

Four bestselling designs from 2022.

eBook : 4 patterns

Four shawls that celebrate the luxury of jewels and semi-precious stones. Indulgent pieces to work with delicious yarns and that we love to wear.

eBook : 13 patterns

A knitting pattern club for 2010. This club is now completed.

eBook : 8 patterns

Come and explore knitting’s possibilities with new patterns for shawls, cowls, sweaters, vests, and more. There will also be experimental pieces for wearing and for hanging on your wall, as you wish.

eBook : 5 patterns

Five designs that evoke the varying landscape.

eBook : 4 patterns

In 2018 Latvia celebrated the 100th anniversary of Latvian independence. How could I let such a celebration go by without taking part in my own way?

eBook : 5 patterns

Mix the rich tradition of Latvian knitting with contemporary techniques and sensibility and what do you get? “Latvian Fusion” knitting!

eBook : 4 patterns

Four patterns in linen yarn, perfect for summer wearing.

eBook : 5 patterns

Five designs that evoke the magic and mystery of the forest. Patterns that provide warmth in the cooler months while adding beauty, too.

eBook : 4 patterns

Four knitting patterns based on operatic themes and ready to wear for that special evening.

eBook : 5 patterns

A suite of light and lacy concoctions for flirtatious evenings and nights out on the town.

eBook : 6 patterns

Six patterns, each reflecting a different character from opera’s diverse repertoire. Designs for elegance and that special evening.

eBook : 7 patterns

Rich in symbol and metaphor, the river is one of the most evocative of images, giving us knitters many opportunities for creative expression.

eBook : 4 patterns

Four patterns that evoke the beach and bring together together images of wave and coastline.

eBook : 4 patterns

Four patterns to celebrate the ever-changing seascape.

eBook : 4 patterns

A collection of four shawl and scarf patterns featuring lace and openwork stitches, especially suited for handpainted yarns.

eBook : 3 patterns

The Stripes for Socks Mystery Club is now complete with three sock patterns.

eBook : 6 patterns

A series of six patterns following musical themes.

eBook : 4 patterns

Four patterns to wear when strolling through the city on a warm summery day. Lacy stitches, dropped stitches make for airy garments that transition well from day to evening.

eBook : 4 patterns

Four patterns to celebrate summer with lacy designs and lighter yarns.

eBook : 7 patterns

Let me introduce you to “kaleidoscope knitting”!

Patterns available as Ravelry Downloads

Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This the final pattern in the Indulge Yourself Shawl Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 3 in the Indulge Yourself Shawls Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This is the second pattern in the Indulge Yourself Shawls Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 1 in the Indulge Yourself Shawls Collection.
Knitting: Scarf
Pattern No. 5 in the Year of Kaleidoscope Knitting 2020
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 4 in the Year of Kaleidoscope Knitting 2020.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Skill Level: Advanced Intermediate
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 2 in the Year of Kaleidoscope Knitting 2020 Club.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 1 in the Year of Kaleidoscope Knitting 2020
Knitting: Tutorial
Are you ready to work with colour, shape, texture, movement, and structure in your knitting? All at the same time? Let me introduce you to “kaleidoscope knitting”!
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
A shawl to explore colour and structure with the movement of bias kitting and the fascination of short rows. Let me introduce you to a new style of knitting that I am calling “kaleidoscope knitting”!
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
There are many pathways through the forest, each with its own secrets and delights.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Mythic Forest Collection
Knitting: Pullover
Pattern No. 4 in the Latvia 100 Collection.
Knitting: Poncho
Pattern No. 3 in the Latvia 100 Collection.
Knitting: Cowl
Pattern No. 2 in the Latvia 100 Collection.
Knitting: Vest
Pattern No. 1 in the Latvia 100 Collection, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Latvia’s independence.
Knitting: Poncho
Pattern No. 4 in the Sea and Shore Club.
Knitting: Vest
Pattern No. 3 in the Sea and Shore Club.
Knitting: Poncho
Pattern No. 2 in the Sea and Shore Club.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 1 in the Sea and Shore Club.
Knitting: Cowl
Pattern is part of my Far North Collection.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Pattern No. 3 in the Stripes for Socks Mystery Club.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Pattern No. 2 in the Stripes for Sock Mystery Club.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Pattern No. 1 in the Stripes for Socks Mystery Club.
Knitting: Poncho
A lacy capelet, reflecting the colours of early morning, makes for a light and versatile cover-up, suitable for any time of the day. Work it in dreamy pastels or sultry dark tones for the look that speaks to you.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
The Desert Canyon shawl evokes the subtleties of a landscape filled with diverse possibilities.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 3 in the Desert Series.
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
In the desert, sun plays on sand and stone, creating many tones and moods. Depending on the time of day, colours are heightened or simply washed out.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Choose your own floral handpainted colours to knit this openwork shawl with its decorative lace panels. Worked along the bias in a combination of Garter Stitch and lace faggotting, it offers exquisite drape and the gentlest coverage when outside temperatures soar.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
The Quiet Forest shawl, worked from the top down to create a Faroese-style shawl, takes its inspiration from the rich imagery of the forest. With a subtly variegated fingering yarn, it can reflect the many moods of the woods at any time of year. Choose a colour that evokes your own forest memories.
Knitting: Vest
Construct a statuesque silhouette with this long, loose fitting vest. Make it even more striking by choosing a handpainted yarn with a varied colour combination.
Knitting: Wall Hanging
Time for some knitting fun! Time to play with colour and think of knitting as something more than making garments.
Knitting: Poncho
This regal, over-sized cowl is both elegant and practical, perfect for wearing when sauntering about the grounds. Wearable and versatile, it can serve as a capelet on its own or be worn close to the neck under a jacket or coat.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
I am having fun knitting socks for gifts this holiday season. What not join me?
Knitting: Scarf
Suggested Yarn: Double knitting or light worsted weight yarn in the following amounts:
Knitting: Beret, Tam
Suggested Yarn: Double knitting or light worsted weight yarn in the following amounts:
Knitting: Cowl
Yarn Requirements: Double knitting or light worsted weight yarn in the following amounts:
Knitting: Cowl
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
Create your own wildflower garden with this openwork shell. Gather together four colours or more to work this combination of lace and wrapped and dropped stitch patterns.
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
Pattern No. 6 in Opera Season III Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Make the last days of summer extend into the fall with a subtly shaped shawl that can also be worn as a capelet or small poncho.
Knitting: Shrug / Bolero
Pattern No. 5 in Opera Season III Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 4 in Opera Season III Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 3 in Opera Season III Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 2 in Opera Season III Collection.
Knitting: Poncho
Pattern No. 1 in Opera Season III Collection.
Knitting: Cowl
Skill Level: Intermediate
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Pattern No. 5 in the Latvian Fusion Sock Club.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Pattern No. 4 in the Latvian Fusion Sock Club.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Pattern No. 3 in the Latvian Fusion Sock Club.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Pattern No. 2 in the Latvian Fusion Sock Club.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Pattern No. 1 in the Latvian Fusion Sock Club.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Part of the River Seasons Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Part of the River Seasons Collection.
Knitting: Vest
Part of the River Seasons Collection.
Knitting: Scarf
Part of the River Seasons Collection.
Knitting: Pullover
Part of the River Seasons Collection.
Knitting: Poncho
Part of the River Seasons Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This collection is now complete. To view all six patterns in the collection: River Seasons Collection.
Knitting: Cowl
Light your own winter fire and counter the cold of winter with the vibrant colours of a self-striping yarn.
Knitting: Mittens, Cloche Hat
Pattern No. 4 in the Five--More--Easy Pieces Club.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 3 in the Five--More Easy Pieces Club.
Knitting: Scarf
Pattern No. 2 in the Five--More--Easy Pieces Club.
Knitting: Scarf
Pattern No. 1 in the Five--More--Easy Pieces Club.
Knitting: Vest
Here is a light cover-up that doubles as a shawl and a vest.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This circular shawl doubles as a cape and is formed entirely with short rows.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
More than a “mere bagatelle”, this summer shawl is created by working short rows and increases in a strategic way. Its curving shape will insure that it will sit comfortably on your shoulders.
Knitting: Cowl
Like a running passage in music, the Cadenza cowl is a decorative addition to any outfit.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Skill Level: Intermediate
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Skill Level: Intermediate
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
A long, curving shawl that falls like a musical cascade.
Knitting: Cowl
The fifth and final pattern in the Five Easy Pieces: One-Skein Projects with Self-Striping Yarns ebook.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 4 in the Five Easy Pieces: One-Skein Projects with Self-Striping Yarns ebook.
Knitting: Vest
Part of the Landscape Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This shawlette was designed to celebrate the third anniversary of the Tinsmith’s Wife Yarn Shop in Comfort, Texas.
Knitting: Cowl
Pattern No. 3 in the Five Easy Pieces: One-Skein Projects with Self-Striping Yarns ebook.
Knitting: Scarf
Pattern No. 2 in the Five Easy Pieces: One-Skein Projects with Self-Striping Yarns ebook.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Pattern No. 1 in the Five Easy Pieces: One-Skein Projects with Self-Striping Yarns ebook.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This sweet triangular shawl reflects the delicate and translucent quality of Antonia, the fragile singer with the beautiful voice. Worked in a delicate lacy stitch pattern, it uses stepped increases along both sides to create its shape.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
An ultra-feminine capelet to grace the shoulders of an evening.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This pattern is part of the All About the Yarn: Yarn Tasters’ Club--now available as an e-book.
Knitting: Poncho
This fluid cape, worked in the round in a gently rippling stitch pattern, is reminiscent of the Rhinemaidens in Richard Wagner’s opera, Das Rheingold.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This pattern is part of the All About the Yarn: Yarn Tasters’ Club--now available as an e-book.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
A lavish, sumptuous shawl, based on the character of the Marschallin in Richard Strauss’ opera Der Rosenkavalier. It can be worn as a neck wrap or a capelet.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Mimi is a shawl with a unique construction, but with a 19th century look, evoking the romance of the opera “La Boheme”.
Knitting: Poncho
This pattern is part of the All About the Yarn: Yarn Tasters’ Club--now available as an e-book.
Knitting: Cowl
This pattern is part of the All About the Yarn: Yarn Tasters’ Club--now available as an e-book.
Knitting: Cardigan
Part of the Far North Collection.
Knitting: Cowl
Create your own collar with the beaded look of African jewellery.
Knitting: Cowl
This pattern is included in my e-book, Gift List: 10 Knitted Gifts for Every Occasion.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This pattern is included in my e-book, Gift List: 10 Knitted Gift for Every Occasion.
Knitting: Legwarmers
Part of the Far North Collection.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Reminiscent of the caribou’s unique markings, this textured cap is worked first in the round for the brim. It is then worked back and forth in rows to accommodate the separate striping along the depth of the cap.
Knitting: Cowl
A sensuous scarf or poncho as rich and delicious as its namesake, the French brioche pastry.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
A vibrant scarf worked in a multi-directional, modular method. It is worked outwards from a central diamond, ending in a decorative diamond motif at each end.
Knitting: Cowl
Part of the Far North Collection.
Knitting: Scarf
Using colour, texture and form, the Indonesia scarf evokes the beautiful terraced rice fields of Indonesia. The interlocking stitch pattern of the main section recalls green layers over the expanse of a field, while the ruffled edging, with its pronounced knit-stitch ridges, isolates the individual rice stalks.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Part of the Far North Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
A shawl or scarf in an undulating stitch pattern, calling forth the sand dunes of the Sahara desert.
Knitting: Vest
Part of the Linen Collection.
Knitting: Scarf
An openwork scarf, knit in a version of the Grand Eyelet Lace stitch pattern, adds grace and elegance to any outfit.
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
Like the blush on a rose or a lilac, this delicate, transparent shell is the lightest of cover-ups, easily matched with a camisole or swim suit.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Part of the Linen Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Skill Level: Advanced Intermediate
Knitting: Pullover
Part of Linen Collection.
Knitting: Scarf
A brightly coloured scarf to honour the textile traditions of Peru.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Part of the Linen Collection.
Knitting: Scarf
The Scotland scarf borrows from the bold colours of Scottish tartans and is a template for creative colour expression of all kinds.
Knitting: Scarf
The Austria Scarf is part of the International Year of the Scarf Club.
Knitting: Scarf
This free scarf pattern is offered in honour of the people of Haiti, during this time of crisis. It was in response to the earthquake disaster there in 2010.
Knitting: Scarf
The Norway scarf is a scarf/cowl combination worked in the round, in two colours, using the Fair Isle technique. It is essentially a long tube that is grafted together to form a Moebius ring. It may then be worn in several different ways.
Knitting: Scarf
Worked from one end to the other in an easy-to-remember lacy stitch pattern, the Greece Scarf is perfect for take-along, summer knitting. A rhythmic, gentle knit, it is made even more pleasurable when worked in a self-striping yarn, reflecting the colours of the sea.
Knitting: Cardigan
Part of the Landscape Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Part of the Landscape Collection.
Knitting: Tote
Part of the Landscape Collection.
Knitting: Cardigan
Part of Landscape Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This pattern appears in my e-book, Gift List, together with 9 other designs.
Knitting: Messenger Bag
A felted messenger bag with the gradual unique striping sequence of Kauni Effekt yarn.
Knitting: Cowl
This pattern is part of a collection in my e-Book, Gift List, together with 9 other designs.
Knitting: Poncho
From Summer in the City Collection.
Knitting: Vest
From the Summer in the City Collection.
Knitting: Poncho
From the Summer in the City Collection.
Knitting: Vest
From the Summer in the City Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Part of City Collection.
Knitting: Pullover
Part of City Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Part of City Collection.
Knitting: Scarf
From the City Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
A study in flirtation, this lacy shawl with ruffled sides can be worn in many ways. As a long stole, or capelet with a ruffled collar or as a shrug.
Knitting: Poncho
At home on the beach, the Mermaid can be seen sporting among the waves.
Knitting: Pullover
A light, airy shirt for the beach, worked in a light, fingering weight yarn.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This stole, worked on the bias in a Lace Garter Stitch pattern, reflects the constant movement of tidal water. The gently ruffled ends, streaming outwards, represent the melding of river and ocean.
Knitting: Vest, Scarf
A cool, lacy shell, worked in a linen-silk yarn, with a matching scarf that can be worn on its own or as part of the ensemble.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Size: One size fits most
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
“In La Traviata, the beguiling Violetta knows she can have any man she wants and dismisses Alfredo’s early confessions of love as madness.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
The pattern can be knit as either a scarf or shawl with fingering or sport weight yarn.
Knitting: Poncho
Part of the Seascape Collection:
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Part of the Seascape Collection.
Knitting: Cardigan
Part of the Seascape Collection:
Knitting: Vest
Part of the Seascape Collection.
Knitting: Cowl
The Ancient Bark Moebius wrap encircles the head and shoulders in continuous movement. Easy to work, the wrap uses blocks of Basketweave Stitch interspersed with rows of Garter Stitch. After knitting is completed, the work is given a single twist and the two ends are grafted together, forming a continuous loop.
Knitting: Cowl
Description:
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Description:
Knitting: Cardigan
Note: Pattern recommends sport or DK yarn. The pattern model is knit in Handmaiden Lady Godiva, which is a lighter worsted (DK).
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
From the Summertime Collection.
Knitting: Vest
From the Summertime Collection.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
From the Summertime Collection.
Knitting: Scarf
This handpainted scarf with its angular lines is achieved by combining a simple lace pattern with garter stitch blocks. The constantly changing direction of the pattern creates the effect of an interlocking brick façade.
Knitting: Scarf
This pattern contains two scarf patterns, each playing with the theme of diagonal lines.
Knitting: Scarf
Like the aperitif it is named for, this scarf is all delicate froth and sweetness. Knit in one piece from one end to the other, it is easy and fun to work. The two side borders are picked up and knit in a self-curling Reverse Stockinette Stitch. Each corner is finished with a long, elegant tassel.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This wrap, evoking the mystery of the forest, is knit in a continuous flow of bias knitting in Garter Stitch until the collar and border are added at the end. Enhanced by the natural striping of a handpainted yarn, it drapes in different directions, when worn in different ways.