The Purl-Pal Project
The Purl-Pal Project

Shared swatches. Endless ways to make them yours.

A collaborative pattern collection built from 6"×6" knit swatches, like the ones taught at the Knit Your Own Adventure Summit (my free virtual knitting event). These swatches aren't just practice. Use them to make something you'll actually wear. No two finished projects will look exactly alike.

$27 $17
The Knit Your Own Adventure Summit price is only available through November 12. The Purl-Pal Project is included free with an Expedition Pass (the Summit's all-access ticket).
Get the collection
The six Purl-Pal Project patterns worn together

Six patterns, one shared system

Every wearable in this collection starts the same way: a 6"×6" knit swatch. A skirt, a vest, a shawl, a bag, a scarf, a cowl — each one is a blank canvas, not a fixed set of instructions.

What goes in those swatches is up to you. Use what you learn at the Knit Your Own Adventure Summit, borrow from a stitch dictionary, or make it up as you go.

Check out the patterns you'll find inside the collection

All created using the same 6"×6" square swatch system.

Diamond State kerchief cowl
Kerchief Cowl
Diamond State
by Gabrielle Augustine
A kerchief-style cowl that shows off your swatches in a bold diamond layout, framed with a dark picot edging.
GeoHood hooded scarf
Hooded Scarf
GeoHood
by Jenny Luna
A cozy hooded scarf with swatch panels on the hood and a swatch pocket on each side.
Stained Glass vest
Vest
Stained Glass
by Carla Cuadros
A patchwork vest where every swatch becomes its own block of color.
Fresh Pick Patchwork market bag
Market Bag
Fresh Pick Patchwork
by Nicole Hawkesford
A market bag with swatches set on the diagonal and a braided strap.
The Pinwheel A-line skirt
A-Line Skirt
The Pinwheel
by Galaxy Nova Salo
An A-line skirt with swatch panels that flare out from a tie waist. Perfect for spinning.
Ladder Up shawl
Shawl
Ladder Up
by Yvonne Poon
A cozy shawl with a border of swatches running along one edge.

Meet the Designers

I asked these incredible knitting designers to make a pattern full of swatches that can be substituted for other swatches, and they ran with it — without a single example to point to. There's no collection without them.

Gabrielle Augustine
Gabrielle Augustine
Diamond State
Knitting has brought Gabrielle joy since her grandmother taught her to knit as a pre-teen. A museum curator by day, she designs patterns and teaches classes at Sybil's Yarn Shop in upstate New York.
Jenny Luna
Jenny Luna
GeoHood
A mother of three in sunny Arizona, Jenny has been playing with yarn for over 20 years. She designs patterns that bring creativity and comfort through handmade.
Carla Cuadros
Carla Cuadros
Stained Glass
Carla is a knitwear and graphic designer who creates elegantly simple patterns, many using just 1-2 skeins — perfect for that hand-dyed yarn you couldn't leave behind.
Nicole Hawkesford
Nicole Hawkesford
Fresh Pick Patchwork
A multi-craftual maker, designer, tech editor and linguist based in London, Nicole draws inspiration from the heritage of her home county of Cornwall.
Galaxy Salo
Galaxy Nova Salo
The Pinwheel
An adventurous, self-taught knitter of over 18 years, Galaxy is a certified tech editor and author of Unraveling the Math for Non-Mathy Yarn Enthusiasts.
Yvonne Poon
Yvonne Poon
Ladder Up
A San Francisco Bay Area native, Yvonne is a knitting pattern designer and technical editor who also helps makers take care of their bodies while they create.

If it's even half as fun for you to knit as it was to watch these patterns come to life - my job is done.

Every pattern in this collection was tested by real knitters.

A few things worth knowing before you start

  • You don't need special swatches. Every pattern works just fine with plain stockinette. Want to get fancier? The techniques for more interesting swatches are taught live at the Knit Your Own Adventure Summit: Swatch School Edition — a bonus, not a requirement.
  • Swapping is completely optional. If you want to, trade swatches with another knitter through the Purl-Pal Swap, and no two finished projects will ever look the same. You don't need the collection to join. The Swap is open to everyone.
  • These patterns aren't finished until you touch them. Designed that way on purpose.
  • Every pattern was designed in Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran — affordable, holds stitch definition well, and ships easily to the US and Europe. Any similar aran-weight yarn works too, so check your stash before you buy anything.

Questions you might have

Do I need to attend the Summit to make these patterns?

No. Every pattern works with plain stockinette swatches. The Knit Your Own Adventure Summit: Swatch School Edition is a free virtual event that teaches techniques for fancier swatches, but it's a bonus, not a requirement.

How do I decide which swatches to make?

That's the fun part. Knit each 6"×6" swatch from a stitch dictionary, a Pinterest rabbit hole, a Summit session, or straight out of your own head. You decide what goes in each one.

How does the Purl-Pal Swap work?

It's totally optional, and you don't need the collection to take part. The Swap is open to everyone. Knit a swatch, fill out one quick form, and you'll be matched with a new knitting friend. Pop your swatch in the mail, then keep an eye out for squishy mail from your new Purl Pal. We'll share the link to join throughout the Summit, and again after you check out.

I have an Expedition Pass. Do I still need to buy this?

No. The collection is included free with your Expedition Pass, so there's no need to purchase it separately.

Get the Collection

Ready to start your squares?

Grab your yarn and pick out a project!

$27 $17
Summit price through November 12
  • All six patterns, in one collection
  • One shared 6"×6" swatch system — use any stitch you like
  • An invitation to the optional Purl-Pal Swap (it's open to everyone, ebook or not)
  • Lifetime access to future updates
Already hold an Expedition Pass? The collection is included — no need to purchase separately.