OWL knitting pattern | Into the Woodlands MKAL Clue #11
As the sun sets over our forest, a new friend is waking up! I am thrilled to introduce the Owl—Clue #11 in our Into the Woodlands KAL. This beginner-friendly block captures the iconic silhouette of a forest owl, complete with textured tufts and a sturdy branch to perch on. Using only simple knit and purl stitches, this design creates a subtle, sophisticated motif that fits perfectly within the organic theme of our sampler blanket. Whether you’re knitting a cozy nursery gift or completing your full woodland scene, our high-contrast chart will guide you through every stitch of this wise little companion.
Join the Adventure
🌲 Knitting along with us? Log in to your account (or in Ravelry!) to download Clue #11: Owl
✨ If you’re new here, you can join the Pattern Club+ to get files delivered to your inbox, or grab the full Woodlands PDF in Oh La Lana! Shop or in Raverly.
| Project Detail | Requirement |
| Skill Level | Beginner (only knits and purls) |
| Yarn Weight | DK or Worsted |
| Needle Size | 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches) |
| Finished Size | 8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm) |
Materials & Tools for the Owl block
- Yarn: 70 yds (64 m) of DK yarn (8 ply). OR 140 yds (128 m) of light fingering yarn (approx 3 ply) USED DOUBLE.
- Needles: 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches).
- Tools: tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, scissors.
- Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows in stocking st with US 6 (4 mm needles) and DK yarn = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm)
NOTE: You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks. Let me know in the comments if you need help!
Owl Knitting Pattern
Abbreviations:
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st(s): stitch(es)
- k: knit
- p: purl
The Pattern: General Instructions
- Cast on sts
CO 43 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
I always cast on and bind off stitches with larger needles than I use for the main work. This prevents my cast on and bind off rows from being too tight. - Garter stitch bottom border
With US 6 (4 mm) needles, knit 4 rows.
Slip first stitch on every row as if you were to knit it, but without knitting it (except on the first row). It will form a neat and sturdy border. - Main pattern with garter stitch side borders
Continue working the next 55 rows as follows:
4 garter sts, OWL knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the OWL knitting pattern. - Garter stitch top border
Knit 4 rows.
- Bind off
Bind off all sts with a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
- (Optional) Blocking
Block your square to its final measures.
Owl Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
Click to expand
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS): Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) p1, k2, p32
Row 6) p3, k3, p29
Row 8) p6, k4, p25
Row 10) p9, k4, p22
Row 12) p7, k27, p1
Row 14) p1, k33, p1
Row 16) p1, k3, p9, k10, p4, k7, p1
Row 18) p12, k12, p8, k2, p1
Row 20) p8, k2, p1, k14, p1, k2, p7
Row 22) p8, k20, p7
Row 24) p8, k20, p7
Row 26) p8, k20, p7
Row 28) p9, k18, p8
Row 30) p9, k18, p8
Row 32) p11, k14, p10
Row 34) p11, k14, p10
Row 36) p9, k18, p8
Row 38) p8, k20, p7
Row 40) p8, k20, p7
Row 42) p8, k20, p7
Row 44) p8, k20, p7
Row 46) p7, k22, p6
Row 48) p7, k3, p2, k5, p2, k5, p2, k3, p6
Row 50) p7, k2, p18, k2, p6
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Owl Knitting Chart
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
Note: These charted instructions represent the 35-stitch design area. Remember to work your 4-stitch garter borders at the beginning and end of every row.
Download the Printable PDF
Oh La Lana! shop
You can also buy this pattern in Ravelry.
Pin it!
You can use the image below to save our woodland friend into your Pinterest knitting board.
Want a larger blanket?
Our Into the Woodlands project has 12 blocks, but if you want to knit a larger blanket you can choose more from our Library. They all have the same size! Here are some knit-and-purl suggestions:
© Cecilia Fameli, 2026. The instructions, charts, photos, and illustrations contained in this post are subject to copyright protections. The patterns are for personal use only and may not be used for profit. You can, however, sell items made with my pattern. Thanks in advance for being respectful with my work.