Ruth Dorrington

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Patterns available as Ravelry Downloads

Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These fingerless mitts are knitted in the round using a soft, alpaca 4ply yarn. A simple,charted lace pattern creates the shape of the Christmas tree and beads are added with a crochet hook as you knit.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These little Christmas mitts are knitted in the round with ribbed cuffs and tops, using any 4ply yarn. I made these in merino sock yarn. They have plenty of stretch to fit any woman’s hand.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Inspired by a recent holiday to West Wales and the locally made yarn I bought there, I’ve tried to capture the colours and textures of the sea.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This is a very straight forward beanie hat knitted in the round and then embroidered afterwards.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
The first Spring flowers emerging in late winter are such a precious sight, I wanted to create a joyful celebration of them.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This hat is knitted from the bottom up, starting with an inner band, then a fold line, followed by the charted colourwork pattern. This construction makes for an extra warm band around the ears and forehead and also makes the pig pattern centre stage.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
I wanted a quick gift knit and these are definitely super speedy. I chose straight needles so that the star motif could be worked in intarsia rather than the extra bulk of stranded colourwork in a chunky yarn. The smaller than recommended needles make it a dense, cosy fabric.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This hat is worked in the round from bottom up. It has a simple cable pattern on a stocking stitch background, creating a gentle pattern which reminded me of linked arms. I used Rowan Alpaca Wool which has softness and halo from the alpaca, but body and structure from the wool. It used almost exactly 50g and was a quick knit ideal for gifts
Knitting: Cowl
I had one 50g skein of Mirasol Sulka Legato (4ply merino, Alpaca, silk) which I wanted to knit into a quick gift. With 2 strands knitted together it Knits as DK.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
My Mother asked if I could knit her a shawl to throw around her shoulders when she was watching television on an evening. It had to be long enough to keep her arms warm.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
I always knit my husband a new pair of slipper socks for Christmas and this year I’ve chosen pigs, one of our favourite creatures. We support a Yorkshire charity called Pigs in the Woods, which rescues abused and mistreated pigs and gives them a home in a 10acre woodland - hence the name.
Knitting: Cowl
This is a quick, easy knit that uses 50g of DK yarn.
Knitting: Scarf
The instant I saw this yarn I knew I wanted to design myself a scarf that would cheer up the bleakest day - and let’s face it, there’s been more than a few of them this year.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A quick stash busting DK knit that would make a nice gift for anyone. It has a cosy, foldover ribbed brim and the a simple stranded colourwork zigzag pattern. I’ve knitted an example in bold, contrasting colours and one in very muted shades where the zigzags are more subtle. It’s the sort of pattern where the knitter can have fun choosing colou...
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
The style of this shawl is a traditional half hap; a wide triangular shawl originating in Shetland. It was worn wrapped around the body and tied at the back.
Knitting: Mittens
I am always trying to knit yet warmer mittens for my long suffering chilblained hands.
Knitting: Gloves
I wanted to design a quick to knit pattern for full finger gloves. Using Aran weight pure wool yarn and slightly smaller needles than recommended, these gloves are warm and wind proof. I used 2 x 50g pure Wensleydale wool in the main colour and about 10g of contrast colour to suggest the frosty finger tips.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
I knitted this shawl as a form of therapy after my Dad died. I chose his favourite colours and favourite flower, the Rose. I also like the symbolism associated with circles.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
My husband loves donkeys, so I designed these as a Christmas present for him.
Knitting: Scarf
The lovely rust colour of this kid mohair yarn inspired the name of this pattern and the Crescent shape does look a little like a fox’s tail when worn.
Knitting: Animal Toy
This pattern includes instructions for parent and baby bears, plus instructions how to adapt the baby bear pattern for chunky Yarns and bigger needles. It is really quick and easy to knit, comprising 2 identical pieces seamed together. I have used an assortment of Yarns with either texture or halo. It is an excellent way to use random balls of ...
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
All money raised by the purchase of this hat will go to the Pembrokeshire Support for Animal rescue Australia as I was contacted by them for permission to knit and sell my bat hat, so I thought I’d try to help further by designing a hat especially for the project. It features emu, wallabies and Tasmanian devils.
Knitting: Headband
I designed this headband to run in when it’s a bit too warm for a hat, but I still need my ears covering. It’s knitted using reversible double knitting and 4ply wool-alpaca. I’ve knitted it in my running club colours - we have a black vest with red stripes for off-road and white with red for road races. I like how the red flash on one side of t...
Knitting: Scarf
This scarf is knitted in 2 halves then grafted together in the centre with Kitchener stitch. It uses a 19st, 32 row lace pattern to create the feathered look.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
In the greyest months of winter, it’s nice to pick a bright yarn that reminds me of sunshine and Spring flowers. I used Love Handyed merino-alpaca, but any bright, soft DK would work.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
What to do with a ponytail when you’re wearing a hat? Squash it up inside the hat? Take the ponytail out? No, wear a hat with a hole in the crown, through which to pull the pony tail.
Knitting: Headband
I love cow parsley in the Spring when it adorns the verges, but I also like it in the autumn when the skeletal seed heads remain.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This shawlette is knitted top down, with short row shaping to create a wide crescent and then a bobble and lace edging.
Knitting: Market bag (slouchy)
Look glamorous and save the planet at the same time! Unique Yarns co Swarovski like silver yarn is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. It is very strong and hard wearing, ideal as a robust shopping bag. It has the added bonus of being glittery silver, adding instant sparkle to your shopping trip!
Knitting: Beret, Tam
I have been combining my love of plants with my knitting design in a collection of hats. Dahlias are brilliant for late summer, early autumn colour. For this hat I was inspired by the bi-coloured petals of one of the Dahlias I grew from seed.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This hat is part of a collection of horticultural hats that combine my passion for plants with my knitting design. This one is inspired, not by a cultivated perennial, but by the dog roses and honeysuckle that twine and climb through the hedgerows.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This hat is part of a collection of Horticultural hats, which combine my passion for plants with my knitting design. It is the first hat I’ve designed using Fairisle slip stitch. It still uses only 2 strands of colour in every round, but also slips the occasional stitch from the previous round, creating a more speckled fabric, which was what I ...
Knitting: Beret, Tam
This pattern is part of a collection of horticultural hats that have combined my love of plants with my knitting design.
Knitting: Beret, Tam
As well as my art and design work, I have a horticultural nursery that specialises in offering over 60 different varieties of Lavender. I love the individual flowers, not least its moth repelling properties, but I also love images of lavender fields stretching into the distance. I’ve tried to convey that in this traditionally shaped Tam.
Knitting: Beret, Tam
As well as art and design work, I run a horticultural nursery so this collection of horticultural hats combines two of my loves.Passionflowers are so visually striking, it was one of my first choices when I started the project. I have taken a bit of artistic licence and given it 12 petals rather than 10 though.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These are super soft, light and airy and an ideal way to use small quantities of luxury lace weight yarn. I enjoyed knitting them so much that I didn’t want to finish! The lace panel on the back of the hands is a very easy stitch pattern and the pattern also includes a guide to adding beads using a small crochet hook.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
I saw an old, knitted table cloth and the angles of the pattern reminded me of the footpaths that travel up and down the hills of Yorkshire.
Knitting: Cowl
This is an easy one ball knit, inspired by the mineral-dyed Green Earth colour of Unique Yarns’ 4 ply, which has a lovely marled finish like sunlight catching on grass.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
After designing the curlicue hat it seemed logical to do matching mitts.
Knitting: Pullover
I love my flowers and wanted to design a light and delicate summer jumper that could be worn over a dress or a t shirt.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Unique by name and nature, these mineral dyed yarns are really eye catching. The Babe Alpaca is beautifully soft as well. I wanted to create a pattern that wasn’t over fussy, sat well on my head and showed off the yarn.
Knitting: Beret, Tam
Nothing is so breathtaking as a carpet of bluebells in the Spring. My hat doesn’t do them justice, but I have tried to capture the dappled sunlight on fresh foliage with the variegated green and then the way the flowers recede from individual bells in the foreground to an expanse of blue in the distance.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
This pattern is one of a series of patterns designed to help children learn to knit. It includes illustrated guides on basic techniques and clear instructions how to make the mitts. I used Noro DK because a graded yarn adds extra interest as the colour changes. It is also pleasing to touch in what might be a child’s first experience of knitting.
Knitting: Purse / Handbag
This is one of a series of patterns designed to help children learn to knit and follow a pattern. It includes illustrated guides on basic techniques and clear, simple instructions.
Knitting: Hats - Other
This is one of a series of patterns designed for children to follow. There are illustrated instructions of basic techniques and clear instructions.
Knitting: Beret, Tam
I am fascinated by the amazing display created by a male peacock and love the combination of bright blue, green and purple.
Knitting: Animal Toy
I wanted to design a simple 2 piece teddy using Alpaca Silk by Lovehandyed, to make a super soft and cuddly toy. Then he had to have a smart jumper.
Knitting: Beret, Tam
An early Spring has meant that daffodils have come out in late February. Not only do I love that bright, daffodil yellow, I love the cheerful, optimistic promise of better weather that the daffodils bring.
Knitting: Balaclava
I live in Yorkshire- Ok, not the Arctic, but still very cold in winter. This balaclava is the warmest headgear I’ve ever knitted! Double knitting a fur lining is optional; the pattern still works for a hood one layer thick, but the fur lining is so cosy. The nose cover can be pulled right up and tightened with cord and toggles or it can be punc...
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This is a fun, quick knit using the s.w.a.l.k lips emoji and the hearts emoji as the motifs.
Knitting: Pullover
This is a traditional top down, yoked jumper in its construction. It has a colourwork motif inspired by peacock feathers. However, much to my delight when I’d knitted it, the peacock feathers also remind me of thistles or seed heads. It is shaped at the waist and designed to be slim fitting. The pattern is sized from UK 10-20.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
I like to knit my husband some thick boot socks each Christmas. The lovebirds and hearts were the original theme I came up with, but his favourite birds are crows and ravens - hence the black on green colour way!
Knitting: Mittens
These mittens were designed for an 18 month old boy. They are worked in the round in DK yarn with icords for the horns and a double layered frill for the collar. These are sewn on after the main mittens have been knitted. The facial features are embroidered with scraps of yarn.
Knitting: Mittens
These are part of a set with hat and scarf.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This year I had a wonderful holiday in Anglesey, North Wales. I bought this Cambrian wool, spun and dyed in Wales and designed this hat inspired by the gentle curves of the North Wales coastal path. Walking this, one looks down on little bays from a path that meanders through wild flower meadows. The colours and the geography are both gentle an...
Knitting: Cowl
This is a quick and easy knit, worked in the round with a simple dropped stitch pattern.
Knitting: Mittens
These mittens are knitted in the round with the angel ‘drawn’ with twisted knit stitches on a background of reverse stocking stitch. I’ve used a wool alpaca blend dk yarn in natural cream so the stitch pattern shows up well but with a slight halo. The angel’s actual halo is also created in stitches, but I have embroidered over them using gold t...
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
These socks were designed for a friend whose name begins with ‘S’ which was the inspiration for the swirl cable pattern. The rainbow graded glittering yarn makes these a really joyous garment.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
I’ve used 2 strands held together for these mitts - more sequins per square inch and a nice, thick fabric.
Knitting: Beret, Tam
This is a traditional Scottish Tam style hat/beret worked in 4 ply pure wool using cream, green and red.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This is a straightforward beanie hat, worked in the round from the bottom up. The unicorns dance around the hat and are worked in a pink, variegated sparkle sock yarn, but this could be substituted for plain pink.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
The pattern for these socks is inspired by sprays of lavender flowers. They are worked too down. I have used hand dyed sock yarn in a soft lavender colour, but they could be worked in deep purple or likac-blue.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
I’ve had quite a few requests for some knits that aren’t worked in the round or involve stranded colour work. These simple knits have colour and texture, but are worked on straight needles. I knitted them in 2 colours and again in four colours - the permutations are endless!
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Responding to requests for a hat knitted on straight needles, I took the opportunity to have some real fun with mini skeins. I don’t need much excuse to acquire a rainbow assortment of yarn!
Knitting: Beret, Tam
York Minster is the second largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and has some amazing stained glass windows, not least the circular rose window which dates back to the 13th century.
Knitting: Mittens
I’m not sure what this says about me, but I stood in York Minster- one of the most awe inspiring Gothic cathedrals in Europe - looked at the arched stained glass windows, and thought ‘mittens’
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
These socks are knitted with 2 strands of 4 ply sock yarn held together throughout. This creates an extra warm, chunky sock, ideal for wearing in walking boots or wellies. The simple knit and purl stitch pattern adds texture and elasticity.
Knitting: Cowl
I love the idea of the yin yang symbol representing the opposites within us all while the cowl itself shows the opposite colour reversed front and back. All by the magic of double knitting (this skill is a requirement and is not explained in the pattern).
Knitting: Scarf
This pure silk beaded scarf is designed to add a little colour and sparkle to an outfit. It would accessorise a Little black dress at a Christmas party, or equally, brighten up jeans and a T shirt. It is a straight forward 16 row lace pattern with beads added using a crochet hook. It is a quick knit that would make a really special gift for wom...
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This irregular-triangular shawl is knitted from one corner outwards and uses stripes of 3 different lace stitches and garter stitch. The choice of bold, hand dyed colours and beautiful alpaca-silk yarn makes it a statement accessory that can be worn multiple ways.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
The wavy rib pattern makes this hat very stretchy so it will fit any adult head. The nature of the stitch also picks out the lighter flecks in the yarn so the finished fabric is like white horses on the sea.
Knitting: Animal Toy
I was inspired by the way this particular variegated yarn created a reptilian texture in moss stitch. I also wanted a soft toy that would be a good gift for a young boy or girl.
Knitting: Convertible Gloves
It’s winter, I’m out walking and my phone rings. By the time I’ve struggled to get my gloves off and phone out, the caller has rung off! Hence the flip top mittens with mini beanie hats over fingers and thumb which flip off in an instant!
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
I am a yarn addict. I have multiple skeins of luxury yarn, bought purely because it was too beautiful to not buy! I wanted to design a gift that used this beautiful hand dyed silk and I could give to anyone. What could be more luxurious than pure silk bed socks? Soft next to the skin, warm in bed without making your feet too hot - what’s not to...
Knitting: Toys and Hobbies - Other
A friend from the knitting and crochet guild mentioned she would like to knit a house shaped advent calendar. I thought a gingerbread house would be seasonal and cheerful with a slightly more informal look than a stone or brick house. The idea is that it looks like an iced biscuit.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These are the easiest, quick knit mitts you’ll find! I bought this yarn on holiday in Wales at Find me Knitting and was drawn to the distinct, beautiful colours. I only had straight needles with me and wanted to knit something there and then that reminded me of hot summers and beautiful coasts.
Knitting: Shrug / Bolero
This is a quick and easy pattern for a lace shrug. It is knitted flat and sleeves seamed to fit the wearer’s individual back size. Sleeve length can also be adjusted. The ribbed edging is knitted on a circular needle.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
I finished knitting this design while Yorkshire was deep in a late fall of snow and it filled me with optimism for Spring and Summer. The stems and buds are knitted with a simple cable pattern and the little pink buds poking out are embroidered afterwards with a few back stitches.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
I wanted a cheerful hat that reminded me of trips to the seaside; the sand and pebbles wet by the sea, the breaking waves and changing colours of the sea.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
My Mother commissioned a soft, loose fitting hat in cream. I wanted to design something understated, but with an uplifting theme. The double cables look like tight leaf buds and just the first signs of Spring.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
I was drawn to this combination of colours because it is the colour scheme of North Yorkshire fishing villages like Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay - the red tiled rooves of white fishermen’s cottages, the gold of sea and slate grey of winter sea.
Knitting: Scarf
I wanted a fun alternative to the Christmas jumper; something with a bit of sparkle that can be worn indoors to brighten up a dress, or out on a Christmas day walk.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
I designed these as a present for my brother who is a guitarist. It’s a quick and easy colourwork pattern which would suit anyone interested in music. I knitted them in natural beige/grey 4ply pure wool with black contrast, but any combination of colours would work.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
There is a craze for cacti among youngsters here in the UK, so I wanted to knit a cactus hat which would suit both male and female cactus fans.
Knitting: Cowl
This is 2 Colour stranded item, inspired by the textiles of William Morris. The overall effect looks complicated, but in truth, it is pretty quick and easy to knit so long as you have a magnetic ruler to read a chart (or similar aid) The beaded berries add a splash of colour and sparkle, but if beading isn’t your thing, they could be embroidere...
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
I wanted to design a pattern using 3 mini skeins and versatile enough to knit it as a present for male or female friends and family. I also wanted it to look like tartan without resorting to the dreaded bobbins-everywhere-intarsia. It is the first of many variations I’ve done with different tartans, this being the simplest.
Knitting: Toys and Hobbies - Other
A flying unicorn makes a good top-of-the-Christmas-tree knit.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Of all the Christmas messages, that of Peace is maybe the most needed in current times. I wanted to knit a soft, slouchy hat that conveyed that with the symbolic dove and olive branch.
Knitting: Mittens
I wanted to knit a gift which sent love in the same way as a card or letter, complete with kisses.
Knitting: Cowl
This is such a warm, comforting cowl and so quick to knit on 20mm needles. The size is adjustable by the placing of the button.
Knitting: Toys and Hobbies - Other
This is no sweet little flower fairy, this is a fairy with attitude! I think she will liven up any Christmas tree.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A quick knit for Halloween! Adult and children’s sizes.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This combines a super chunky yarn with 2 strands of kidsilk to provide a very lightweight but warm hat with interesting texture. It’s quick and easy to knit and would be an ideal gift for teenagers to grandparents.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A Christmas hat that isn’t too Christmassy! Inspired partly by the carol, but also in style by William Morris’s beautiful wallpaper and textiles.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This hat easily knits up in an evening, so it’s ideal for a last minute gift.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
I love donkeys and we often visit our local donkey sanctuary. I’ve tried to convey a bit of their joyful characters in this hat.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
I love seeing photographs of the Milky Way and have tried to interpret that on these quick to knit fingerless mitts
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
I wanted to knit some mitts for myself which celebrated the vivid colours of the late summer flower border, before all the colours change for Autumn and Winter. The mornings and evenings already have a chill in the air in Yorkshire so these are cheerful and warm at the same time.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Inspired by all the different shades of Lavender I grow, this simple striped beanie is ideal for Autumn. It can be knit in this colourway or grades of colour of your choice
Knitting: Sachet
My day job is running a Nursery that specialises in Lavender, so I always have plenty of dried flowers!
Knitting: Scarf
Sparkly unicorns - what’s not to love!
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Flowers are a big inspiration for me - I am surrounded by them in my job as a Nursery owner. Roses are definitely one of my favourites.
Knitting: Scarf
The bluebell woods near me have been particularly stunning this year, prompting me to design a scarf that evokes that mass of blue, the interweaving of trunks and branches and the sunlight through the new tree foliage.
Knitting: Necktie
This is a super simple pattern and an excellent way to use up remnants of lace weight yarn. The linen stitch creates a flat, woven look and in the hand dyed yarn I used, the subtle variegation gives a hint of stripes.
Knitting: Scarf
This scarf is designed to be worn draped around the neck with the beaded ends in full view across the body. It is knitted in pure silk so is an ideal accessory for spring and summer.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This is a really quick and easy to knit cloche hat.
Knitting: Cowl
Inspired by the brilliant yellow and general cheeriness of daffodils, this is an easy to knit accessory. It is also very warm, being two layers.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Spring is my favourite season and I wanted to use the bright colours I associate with Spring. Yorkshire is full of sheep farms and nothing is more joyful than to see lambs leaping around as if they have springs in their legs.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
These chunky boot socks are quick and easy to knit, but toasty warm. They are worked top down with the colourwork bikes worked around the ankle/calf part only.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
I designed and knitted these as a Mother’s day gift for my Mother who loves to watch the birds in her garden.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This cheerful little hat is easy to knit and super soft. It is worked flat with the centre of the sunshine in intarsia and then the sunrays embroidered on top.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These little mitts are easy to knit with no difference between the left and right mitts. The baa ram ewe Titus mini skeins each have approximately 30 metres, so could be substituted with small amounts of other 4ply yarn.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
The colour palette of the baa ram ewe is so evocative of the Yorkshire landscape, it seemed fitting to depict the iconic scene of heather-clad moors dotted with sheep and dry stone walls.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Whitby is a picturesque fishing village in North Yorkshire. It is also famous for habing inspired Bram Stoker’s Gothic 19th century novel, ‘Dracula’.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Whitby is a picturesque North Yorkshire fishing town. There are cobbled steps that lead up from the town to the iconic Gothic, ruined Abbey. From this view point one can look across the harbour to the wild seas or back to the town itself with its red roof tops.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
I grow 70 different Lavenders on the Nursery, so it was inevitable I designed something featuring a Lavender theme! This is a geometric interpretation of the fields of Lavender grown commercially, stretching out in brilliant purple rows.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
My patterns are usually inspired by the landscape and plants of Yorkshire. However, what started as an idea to make a hat showing my favourite trees, developed into an interpretation of the ceramic Willow Pattern design.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Inspired by a mass of Marguerites or Shasta daisies (I grow plants for a living), this beanie has an informal, all over pattern of daisies. The green and white palette make it fresh and joyful.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
This is a simple, quick to knit pattern which makes a nice gift for any female friend or family member.
Knitting: Pet Clothing
This is a glamorous and luxurious coat for a special dog using soft alpaca yarn and edged in chenille. The neck and chest fastening straps allow for adjustments to be made in size for your dog.
Knitting: Mittens
Cabled loveheart motif and soft alpaca yarn make these a sweet gift to anyone.
Knitting: Doll
This little toy/tree decoration can be made with scraps of left over yarn. There is plenty of scope to personalise her with different dress, hair or wing colours.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Inspired by a photograph of a stag in the snow,
Knitting: Beret, Tam
This hat has the silver white pines in the snow around the first part of the hat and then, viewed from the rear, the crown shaping forms a large snowflake.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Inspired by the Red Kites that are so prevalent in Yorkshire, this
Knitting: Mittens
A fun use of cabling to depict a donkey head on mittens. Sized to fit an average female hand but an experienced knitter could easily add extra rounds to fit a larger hand.