Take a Walk on the Wild Side with Fun, Free “Punk” Patterns

Knitting is the perfect way to temporarily indulge the wilder side of your personality

What comes to mind when you consider the word “handknit”?

If you’re like me, you normally think of words like these:

• Love
• Soft
• Warm
• Cozy

All comforting, happy words, right?

Now… how often do you consider words like these:

• Loud
• Punk
• Wild
• Crazy

Probably not that often, right? (Not unless you’re the type of knitter who likes to see just how loud and crazy you can make your handknitted creations. In which case, I salute you! 😁)

Another Way to Knit–Go a Little Wild

The truth is that while knitting can be a warm, soft, and cozy way to express love, it can also be a fun way for us to express our, shall we say, less stereotypically knitterly selves.

To this end, I thought we could have some fun by considering some of the following knitting patterns! Most of these are hats that are designed to resemble wigs, making its wearer look rather punk-y. (Especially if you give these wig-hats very bright colors.)

(Not that I know anyone who would actually be caught dead with bright colors in their hair.)

*ahem* 😆

I’m also very fond of one particular pattern that can give your fingers the appearance of knuckle tattoos! I’ve made so many of these and given them away.

Ready to indulge a little fun on the wild side? Let’s go… 🤘

Patterns to Bring out Your Wild & Crazy Side

1. My Mohawk Hat

• What you’ll need to make it: 300 to 400 yards worsted weight yarn (held double), or the equivalent in bulky weight yarn; US Size 10 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round (though you’ll need DPNs if you create I-cord ties); crochet hook; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: Because nothing says “punk” like a mohawk. If you’re feeling in the mood to rock, why not have a mohawk to match your mood?
  
  (You can even add “tattoos” to one side or both with duplicate stitch, embroidery, or an applique, if you want to get really creative. Scroll through some of the project photos here for ideas!)

2. Hallowig

• What you’ll need to make it: About 300 yards worsted weight yarn (in a bright color for maximum fun); US Size 8 needles (in whatever combination of circular needles, DPNs, and/or straight needles you wish); 4 stitch markers in 2 different colors; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: Because life is more fun when you can sport a bright hairstyle whenever you want!🩷This pattern was designed specifically to use up the brightest, loudest acrylic yarn in your stash.

3. Scarecrow Wig

• What you’ll need to make it: About 250 yards worsted weight yarn (yellow for a real scarecrow wig, or any other fun color you like); US Size 7 needles; crochet hook; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: Because Halloween is coming. Or, because having a big ol’ mop of hair for a day sounds like a crazy good time. 😄

4. “No-Hair-Day” Hairy Chemo Cap

• What you’ll need to make it: 120 to 240 yards eyelash yarn; US Size 9 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round

• Why you’ll want to: This delightful hat pattern was designed as a particularly fun way for someone who’s lost their hair due to chemo to have a comfy “wig.” But it’s great fun for anyone who’d like to sport a super-short “hairstyle” for a day, perhaps in a wild color!

5. Knucks

• What you’ll need to make them: 120 to 240 yards DK weight yarn; US Size DPNs and/or circular needles, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; materials for embellishing with “tattoos” like embroidery floss and needle, puffy paint, etc.

• Why you’ll want to: I absolutely love this fingerless glove pattern! You can use embroidery or puffy paint to add knuckle “tattoos.” As a bonus, Knucks designer Pamela Grossman encourages you to sell these to anyone you want! (Shown above are just a few of the many Knucks I have knitted over the years.)

Why not indulge in some knitting fun and take a walk on the wild side?