Prism Hearth Geometric Square Curtains Free Pattern – Knit a Stained Glass Window Effect
Prism Hearth Geometric Square Curtains – Free Knitting Pattern
Transform your windows into a canvas of color with the Prism Hearth Geometric Square Curtains. This free knitting pattern lets you craft a stunning, modern stained-glass effect using bold diamonds, interlocking squares, and vertical stripes. Each panel is a cozy, textured tapestry of deep teal, amber gold, crimson, ivory, and charcoal that filters sunlight beautifully into your room. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner ready for a new challenge, this project delivers a striking piece of cozy textile art for your home.
This pattern creates one curtain panel measuring approximately 24 inches wide by 36 inches long. You can easily adjust the number of repeats for wider or longer windows. The panel is knit flat in one piece using intarsia and duplicate stitch techniques to achieve crisp, clean geometric shapes.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in 5 colors:
- Color A: Deep Teal (MC – Main Color)
- Color B: Amber Gold
- Color C: Crimson
- Color D: Ivory
- Color E: Charcoal
- Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and duplicate stitch embroidery
- Extras: Stitch markers (optional, for tracking color blocks), curtain clips or fabric lining for hanging (optional)
Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always knit a gauge swatch first to ensure your finished panel matches the specified dimensions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow this comprehensive guide to knit your Prism Hearth curtain panel. Take your time with the color changes, and remember to twist your yarns to avoid holes.
Abbreviations
- K = knit
- P = purl
- St(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- MC = main color (A – Deep Teal)
- CC = contrast color (B, C, D, E)
- k2tog = knit two stitches together (decrease)
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (decrease)
Panel Construction
Cast On: With Color A (Deep Teal), cast on 120 stitches loosely.
Border (Rows 1-10): Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 10 rows, maintaining Color A throughout. This creates a sturdy, neat edge for your curtain.
Main Body (Rows 11-100): Switch to stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) and follow the geometric chart below. Use separate balls of yarn for each color block. Critical tip: When changing colors, twist the old yarn over the new yarn on the WS of the work to prevent holes from forming.
Chart Instructions (repeat across all 120 stitches)
Rows 11-12 (Foundation):
- Row 11 (RS): K20 in A, K20 in B, K20 in C, K20 in D, K20 in E, K20 in A.
- Row 12 (WS): P20 in A, P20 in E, P20 in D, P20 in C, P20 in B, P20 in A. (Note the reversed color order on the WS to maintain vertical stripes.)
Rows 13-20 (Diagonal Shift): Continue alternating colors in vertical stripes, but shift the color boundaries by 2 stitches every 4 rows. For example, on Row 13, knit 18 sts in A, then 2 sts in B (this moves the boundary), then continue with B for 18 sts, then 2 sts in C, and so on. This gradual shift creates elegant diagonal lines across the panel.
Rows 21-40 (Diamond Shapes): Create bold diamonds by decreasing and increasing the width of each color block.
- Rows 21-30 (Decrease Phase): On RS rows, at the start of each color block, work k2tog; at the end of each block, work ssk. This reduces each 20-stitch block by 2 stitches per RS row. Over 10 rows, each block narrows from 20 sts to 10 sts. On WS rows, purl all stitches without decreasing.
- Rows 31-40 (Increase Phase): On RS rows, at the start of each color block, increase by 1 stitch (knit front and back – kfb); at the end of each block, increase by 1 stitch (kfb). This widens each block back from 10 sts to 20 sts over 10 rows. On WS rows, purl all stitches.
Rows 41-60 (Mirrored Stripes): Repeat the vertical stripe pattern from Rows 11-20, but reverse the color order to (A, E, D, C, B, A) to create a mirrored, symmetrical effect. Apply the same 2-stitch shift every 4 rows for diagonal lines.
Rows 61-80 (Interlocking Squares): Create a checkerboard of interlocking squares.
- Work in 10-stitch blocks instead of 20-stitch blocks. For example, on Row 61 (RS): K10 in A, K10 in B, K10 in C, K10 in D, K10 in E, K10 in A, K10 in B, K10 in C, K10 in D, K10 in E, K10 in A, K10 in B.
- Shift the pattern by 10 stitches every 10 rows. On Row 71, start with K10 in B, then K10 in C, and so on, offsetting the squares to create an interlocking brick-like pattern.
Rows 81-100 (Finish Main Body): Repeat Rows 11-20 exactly to complete the main body, bringing the design full circle.
Border (Rows 101-110): With Color A (Deep Teal), knit every row for 10 rows in garter stitch, matching the bottom border.
Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely in knit to prevent the top edge from pulling or curling. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull through the last stitch.
Finishing
- Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Be sure to weave ends on the WS of the work, following the path of the yarn to keep them invisible.
- Block the panel to the specified dimensions (24" x 36"). Pin the panel to a blocking mat, spray with water, and allow it to dry completely. This will even out the stitches and sharpen the geometric lines.
- Add Duplicate Stitch Details (Optional but Recommended): Using a tapestry needle and contrasting yarn (e.g., use Color D on Color C blocks), embroider small X or diamond motifs at the intersections of color blocks. This enhances the stained-glass effect and adds intricate detail to your design.
- Hang Your Curtain: Use curtain clips to attach the panel to a rod, or sew a fabric lining to the back for privacy and light control. The natural gaps in the knit allow a warm, colorful glow to filter through.
Your Prism Hearth Geometric Square Curtain is now complete! This stunning piece of knitted home decor will add a modern, artistic touch to any room. Enjoy the beautiful play of light and color that only handcrafted textile art can provide.