The Whispering Willow Wall Art: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Branching Tree Tapestry
Bring the Outdoors In: Knit the Whispering Willow Wall Art
Imagine a piece of art that brings the gentle rustle of a willow tree into your home. The Whispering Willow Wall Art is a free, textured knitting pattern that does just that. This stunning wall hanging combines the sculptural elegance of cable knitting with the airy, organic feel of dropped stitches to create a lush, dimensional tree canopy. Whether you're an experienced knitter looking for a unique project or a beginner ready for a rewarding challenge, this pattern will guide you through creating a beautiful, nature-inspired tapestry that adds warmth and texture to any room.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will ensure your wall hanging matches the intended look and gauge.
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
- Color A (Trunk & Branches): 200 yards of warm taupe
- Color B (Leaves): 300 yards of soft sage green
- Color C (Roots): Small amount of contrasting dark brown
- Needles: US Size 8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles
- Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Finished Size: Approximately 18 inches wide by 30 inches long (including fringe).
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- C4F: Cable 4 Front (slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in front, k2, k2 from cable needle)
- C4B: Cable 4 Back (slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in back, k2, k2 from cable needle)
- M1: Make one (increase)
- K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
- BO: Bind off
Pattern Notes
The wall hanging is worked from the bottom up. The trunk is created with a central cable panel, and the branches are formed by increasing stitches on either side. The leaves are created using a dropped stitch technique that produces long, flowing loops.
Trunk (Bottom to Top)
With Color A, CO 24 sts.
- Row 1 (WS): P2, k4, p4, k4, p4, k2.
- Row 2 (RS): K2, p4, C4F, p4, C4B, p4, k2.
- Row 3: P2, k4, p4, k4, p4, k2.
- Row 4: K2, p4, k4, p4, k4, p4, k2.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until piece measures 12 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
Branching Section
Now you will create the branches by increasing stitches on each side of the trunk.
- Row 1 (RS): K2, p4, C4F, p4, C4B, p4, k2. (24 sts)
- Row 2 (WS): P2, k4, p4, k4, p4, k4, p2. (24 sts)
- Row 3 (RS): K2, M1, p4, k4, p4, k4, p4, M1, k2. (26 sts)
- Row 4 (WS): P3, k4, p4, k4, p4, k4, p3. (26 sts)
- Row 5 (RS): K3, M1, p4, C4F, p4, C4B, p4, M1, k3. (28 sts)
- Row 6 (WS): P4, k4, p4, k4, p4, k4, p4. (28 sts)
Continue in this manner, increasing 2 sts every RS row (one on each side) until you have 40 sts total. The increases should be worked as k1, M1 at the beginning and M1, k1 at the end of RS rows. Work the new stitches in stockinette (knit on RS, purl on WS).
Leaf Canopy (Dropped Stitch Section)
Change to Color B.
- Row 1 (RS): Knit across all 40 sts.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
- Row 3 (RS): *K1, wrap yarn around right needle 3 times (yo 3 times), repeat from * across, ending with k1. (40 sts, each with 3 wraps)
- Row 4 (WS): Purl across, dropping all the extra wraps as you go. This will create long, loose loops on the RS.
- Row 5 (RS): Knit across.
- Row 6 (WS): Purl across.
Repeat Rows 3-6 for a total of 6 times (or until you have the desired length of canopy, about 8 inches).
Top Edge
With Color A, work 2 rows in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS). BO all stitches loosely.
Roots (Bottom Fringe)
Cut 40 strands of Color C, each 12 inches long. Fold each strand in half and attach as fringe to the cast-on edge, using a crochet hook to pull the loop through and then pull the ends through the loop. Space them evenly across the bottom.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Block the piece by pinning it to shape and lightly steaming it. The dropped stitches will create a beautiful, flowing canopy. Trim the fringe to an even length if desired. Attach a wooden dowel or branch to the top for hanging.
Your Whispering Willow Wall Art is now complete! Hang it in a cozy corner or above a reading nook to enjoy the serene, natural beauty you've created with your own hands.
