Author: Maz from the Knitting Times

This article is for anyone who knits, who is also a fan of leopard print. This group of people includes me. I love a bit of leopard print!

Years ago, I used to by a yarn called Stylecraft Safari. This was a chunky yarn that knit up in the style of leopard, or animal, print, and it was just amazing. I have managed to dig out a photo of a jumper I knit in this amazing leopard print style yarn. Please see below for the photo.

Why Stylecraft went and discontinued this delicious yarn I do not know. Bring it back!! I would love to knit a cabled hat, scarf and mitten set with it.

There is a similar yarn on the market, a nice looking chunky which has an animal print theme. Said yarn is King Cole Safari, you can see below how it looks. I think I am going to have to order some, it looks nice, doesn’t it? Loving the ears on the sweater too!

How to Knit in Leopard Print

Without using self patterning yarn to give the appearance of leopard or animal print, basically you use intarsia or Fair Isle colour work to knit the pattern in yourself.

If you are used to colour work knitting, you will know that it is actually pretty simple to work these techniques. The most difficult part is ensuring you carry the yarn across the back of the work correctly, so as not to form any holes. There are so many guides on YouTube that actually you can quickly learn how to create colour work patterns in your knitting.

I actually just found a video showing how to knit leopard print stitch by stitch which looks really good. Please click here to view it (not affiliated with The Knitting Times in any way, it just looks good).

Once you have learnt the basics to knit up a garment in leopard print, you will be needing a pattern. I have had a rummage round the internet and found some of the best ones, so that you can get straight on and knit something wonderful.

The lists of leopard print knitting patterns contain affiliate links.

Best Leopard Print Knitting Patterns on Etsy

Etsy is one of the go to places for modern knitting patterns by independent designers. The knitting patterns there are also usually instant download, which is so quick and convenient. Here are what I think are the best leopard print knitting patterns on Etsy. Please do click on the links to check them out.

• One of the best selling hat knitting patterns on Etsy is the Wild at Heart leopard print beanie hat. This is a quick to knit, very cool beanie hat that looks to me like it would suit everyone. A much recommended indie pattern to try out.
• There is an awesome groovy 1960s leopard print sweater knitting pattern on Etsy too. This was originally made in mohair, and would look really awesome worn with a pair of jeans.
• Another wonderful vintage leopard print knitting pattern is this hat and beret hat set from the 1940s. Really stylish.
• A pattern that I absolutely adore is The Luxe Leopard Headband. This is such a wonderful cosy looking headband, and a great way to practice knitting in leopard print colour work.
• The Snowcat Beanie is the final leopard print knitting pattern on this list of Etsy’s finest. This very cute pompom hat features eyelash yarn to give a fun and stylish texture to the finished piece.

Best Free Leopard Print Knitting Patterns

This list of knitting patterns is for the best leopard print designs that I have been able to find find on the net. Free at time of publishing this article, please click the links for more details.

• The Panthera Yoke Cardigan is a wonderful free knitting pattern which is a free download on Lovecrafts. Really stylish, and knit in DK yarn which is so popular with modern knitters.
• The Leopard Sweater knit in Lion Brand yarn is another free downloadable patterns on the above website. This jumper looks co cool and cosy.
• Leopard print lovers may want to check out this Yarnspirations leopard wrap which is available as a free video tutorial on YouTube. Absolutely breathtaking!
• For a smaller leopard print free knitting pattern, do check out the Jungle Cowl which is available as a Ravelry download.
• And for those of you who would like to knit a free leopard print hat knitting pattern, please do have a look at the Cheetah Beret which is also on Ravelry.

I hope you have managed to find the perfect leopard print knitting pattern, please do let us know in the comments if you knit anything up in this or any other fabulous animal print!