Inspired by the Solar Eclipse: Radiant Knitting Patterns

On August 21, many of our members will be able to experience a solar eclipse. Everyone in North America as well as parts of South America, Africa and Europe will be able to see at least a partial solar eclipse.

If you’re lucky, you might even be in what is called the path of totality, where you can see the full eclipse. (Check NASA’s maps here to see if you’re in the viewing region.)

To celebrate this amazing event, we’re featuring patterns inspired by the sun!

These patterns are inspired not only by the colors of the sun, but also by the rays, flares and beauty in general. Grab your solar eclipse glasses and get ready to knit while you wait for the solar eclipse.

Photo via Bluprint member KIS Designs

1. Solar Eclipse Shawl

There’s no question that a solar eclipse inspired the design of this beautiful shawl! The design has a lot of drape and, thanks to its amazing stitch design, it will surely test your lace knitting skills.

Photo via Bluprint member Dana Gervais’s Pattern Store

2. Solar Vortex Socks

The designer stitched these socks during the hottest week of the year, thus inspiring her to name them after the sun! The “rays” of the sun spin around the leg and foot of the sock, ending at the toe.

Photo via Bluprint member Knit Echo Chic

3. Solar Flare Circular Shawl

Don’t be intimidated by this intricate lace pattern. There are both charted and written instructions, as well as several YouTube videos to guide you through the toughest spots. If you’d like, you can add even more flare to this shawl with shimmery beads incorporated throughout.

Photo via Bluprint member Vogue Knitting’s Pattern Store

4. Tuscan Sun Scarf

If you haven’t tried knitting with gold yarn before, this is a great opportunity. Pay tribute to the gold Tuscan sun with repeated flower motifs that connect to form a scarf that’s just as much a piece of art as it is an accessory.

Photo via Bluprint member Universal Yarn

5. Sun Shower

The design was inspired by the sun not just by including textured rays, but also in its flare at the bottom of the pullover. Choose a yarn that has excellent drape so you can enjoy the back-and-forth swish of the sweater hem.

Photo via Bluprint member Kelene Kinnersly Designs

6. Under the Golden Sun Cowl

You can appreciate the sun any time of year, even on the cloudiest day, thanks to this cozy cowl. Both charted and written instructions are included to help you stitch the pretty lace pattern either way that works for you.

Photo via Bluprint member Knit & Knag Designs

7. Sol Invictus

This shawl combines several motifs, including Shetland and diamond motifs, to create a tribute to the Roman sun god. If you loathe purling, this is a great shawl for you — it’s garter stitch and requires no purling!

Photo via Bluprint member Lisa McFetridge

8. Sol Azteca Hat

The designer explains the significance of the eagle motif in this hat: “In the ancient Aztec culture, the eagle is the symbol for the sun, hence the name for the hat which translates to ‘Aztec sun.'” The stripes on the hat are a great chance to use up smaller yardages in your stash.

Photo via Bluprint member KaterTater Knits

9. Sun Catcher Tee

As you can see, this pattern is designed to work well with ombré yarns. Of course, you can also go for solid-color yarns inspired by the sun. The tee is knit side to side, creating those pretty vertical stripes as the yarn changes color.

Photo via Bluprint member Soft Rainbow Designs

10. Rising Sun

There’s plenty of versatility in this pattern. You can use any yarn weight you’d like, and you can adjust the shawl to be as large or as small as you’d like. We love the sun-inspired color palette used in the sample above, but you can use any colors that inspire you.

Photo via Bluprint member Frugal Knitting Haus

11. Sun Burst Doily/Dishcloth

This pattern shows you that you don’t always have to use traditional sun colors like yellow, orange and red to represent the sun. Knit this up for your favorite hostess or for your next handmade housewarming gift.

Photo via Bluprint member SweetGeorgia Yarns

12. Shattered Sun Shawl

This asymmetrical lace pattern might look complicated, but it’s actually just two rows repeated over and over. You’ll quickly memorize it! This gorgeous yellow honors the sun, but this shawl will look lovely in plenty of other colors, too.

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How will you pay tribute to the sun during the August 21st eclipse? Do you plan to view the eclipse? Give us all the details in the comments!