19 Reversible Knitting Patterns

From scarves to hats and blankets, these double sided knitting patterns might surprise you!

By: Toby Kuhnke, Editor, AllFreeKnitting.com

From intricate double knitting to simple ribbing, knitting patterns that are reversible are truly some of the most fascinating knits you can find. They make for unique knitted garments and push the boundaries of what knits and purls can do.

Most of the time, the kinds of patterns you'll encounter that are reversible are either blankets, shawls, or scarves. This is because these types of knit garments are the ones that are most likely to have two front-facing sides. Obviously, not all patterns for these kinds of knitted items are double sided, but you'll find that in the patterns below, most of them fall into these categories.

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But First: Reversible Stitches

Much of what makes a knitting pattern reversible has to do with the stitch that's used. Most ribbed knitting, of course, is double-sided, but there are other stitches that work for this and look the same on both sides. Here are a few:

Optic Blanket

A series of diamonds decorate one side while spiraling squares decorate the opposite side. This is a visually interesting knitted blanket pattern that looks good and feels good wrapped around your shoulders.

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Brioche Wiz Cowl

"When designing this pattern I was looking for a way to create something colorful but that only used one ball of yarn or less, to make it affordable and easy to manage. The color changes in the mandala yarn offered just that. So I came up with the idea of using both ends of the yarn to come up with a nice mixture of colors." - Mary Dickerson of craftytuts.com

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Beginner Snood Knit Pattern

This snood knitting pattern is a great way to protect both your head and neck on a cold winter day.

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Graduated Ribs Hat

A fun twist on the classic ribbed hat, the crown of this knit hat pattern has a distinctive decrease pattern that will really make you stand out from a crowd. A fun feature of the Graduated Ribs Hat is that it's reversible.

"Some of my most popular patterns are the hats I designed for chemotherapy; I had done several for women, but none for men, when I did the Graduated Ribs hat. My goal was to create something easy and calming for a knitter, with a flexible fit for a wearer." -Mary Keenan of hugsforyourhead.com

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Simple Striped Seed Stitch Afghan

This Simple Striped Seed Stitch Afghan is a great way for those just beginning knitting to practice a new stitch, or to finish a project while watching your favorite show on a lazy Sunday.

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Autumn Brioche Hat

"The pattern produces a female seamless and reversible hat that starts with a perfectly stretchy cast on, continues in two color brioche rib and develops into simple brioche cable pattern."

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Nice and Easy Beanie Pattern

This knitted beanie has a relaxed look and feel. You will find yourself reaching for it every time you walk out the door this fall or winter.

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Rib & Welt Baby Blanket

This pattern is a staff favorite of the AllFreeKnitting editors. This stitch might look complex, but it's actually very easy to work, and it is double-sided.

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The Altimeter Red Knit Scarf

"This scarf is an easy knit and is completely reversible, using strategically placed purl stitches on each row of garter stitch to give the illusion of upward motion."

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Melded Scarf

"I originally designed this pattern for Foster Care to Success’s Red Scarf Project which collects red scarves to send to college-bound foster youth for Valentine’s Day. My goal was to create a scarf that was easy to knit and easy to wear, but also interesting. So the scarf is based on a reversible 1x1 rib that looks great front and back and changes the dominant color to catch the eye. The decision to knit stripes was also practical. I only had one ball of each color and had to use both to have enough yarn." - April Klich of withwool.com

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Bulky Cable Braid Scarf

The Bulky Cable Braid Scarf is the ultimate chunky knit scarf pattern. Not only is it great for keeping warm in the winter, but it's also reversible and looks fabulous on either side.

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Reversible Stripes Scarf

The Reversible Stripes Scarf is a strange little pattern where one side of the scarf has vertical stripes and its opposite has horizontal.

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Lattice Brioche Scarf

This knit scarf has tons of extra bulk and texture because of the layered brioche stitch the pattern uses. The pattern is so long and wide, it could easily be used as a shawl if you were so inclined.

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Cinnamon Swirl Knit Cowl Pattern

The pattern repeat is a super-simple twist on the rib pattern, in which you knit one below your current stitch every other round, and purl one below on the others. The result is a super-plush-looking and wonderfully cozy neck warmer pattern that's perfect for keeping the chill off your neck in the colder months.

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Ocean Ripple Baby Afghan

Made with chunky blue yarn, this free knit afghan pattern is quick to knit and has an intriguing ripple texture. And because it's reversible, you don't have to worry about adding a back!

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Princess Basketweave Throw

Any beginning knitter should be able to master this simple baby blanket pattern without trouble. Alternating textured squares create a reversible, comforting blanket that is sure to be a hit with any child.

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Reversible Rivulet Scarf

This intermediate knitting pattern gives the illusion of a waterfall cascading down your neck. This unique knit scarf pattern is made up of tiny chains of yarn that provide an interesting look and texture that anyone can appreciate!

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Reversible Ridged Garter and Cable Scarf

"This pattern looks identical from front and back, which is perfect for a scarf. I just love a cable scarf where both sides look good."

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Reversible Basket Weave Infinity Scarf

The Reversible Basket Weave Infinity Scarf combines simplicity and beauty to create one amazing knit you're not going to want to leave home without. This knit scarf pattern is perfect for knitters of all skill levels.

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