Cosy Up with Tracks in the Snow Convertible Shrug-Pullover Knitting Pattern

Tracks in the Snow Convertible Shrug-Pullover Knitting pattern is now available in my Ravelry and Etsy Stores. If you purchase this knitting pattern before the 22nd February 2026 you’ll get 25% launch discount automatically applied at the checkout or get 40% subscriber exclusive discount with the code in my latest newsletter. If you’re not already signed up, you can still get the code by signing up here and clicking on the “Latest Newsletter” button in the sign-up confirmation email.

Inspired by seeing animal and bird tracks in the snow during a winter walk, I designed this convertible piece: a bolero shaped convertible cardigan with a laced back that has the option to becomes a supercrop pullover with bows at the shoulders according to how you fix the ribbon ties.

A garment of this type adds useful variety to the wardrobe and offers extra opportunities to wear a special handmade garment. It has a romantic, delicate look with a stitch pattern reminiscent of the marks made by birds’ feet and animals tails in the snow, plus a comfortable squishy feel.

The close-fitting rib sleeves are perfect for those who dread getting their knits caught on every door handle and the optional addition of glitter thread at the very edge appears subtle in daylight but really sparkles like frosted snow as evening draws in and the lights are switched on.

Now, I started designing this garment back in 2022 but soon after that I got really busy with designs that publishers commissioned me to write and as a new designer, that was an opportunity I couldn't miss out on. I picked it up whenever I had a break between designing for publications and re-releasing those published patterns myself when the publisher's exclusive publishing rights expired, so people could buy them individually but it wasn't until late in 2025 that I finished the sample and updated the pattern to reflect the changes I made as I worked on it over those three years. I'm grateful to both Audrey of the Wrinkled Thistle and Nessa Hubbard for teaming up to tech edit the pattern ready for release and making suggestions on how it could be clearer and easier to follow for makers.

* Knitting needles: Knit Picks 

* Needle Case: Furls 

The aran/worsted weight wool alpaca blend yarn that I chose for the design perfectly fitted the soft cosy look of the garment. It brought the texture of the cables, ribbing and lace to life perfectly and allowed for the right drape, shape and structure of the very different sleeves and body of the garment. The yarns felt soft and easy to work with didn't slow my work down like some fluffy yarns can. It feels really warm and comfortably squishy to wear.

This convertible garment is intended to be a multi-season favourite in your wardrobe. It's an ideal layering piece for cool spring and autumn days with a breathable fibre and open lace pattern and during winter it can be an all day wear. Suitable for indoor cosiness and when you need a small outdoors jacket, the hollow nature of alpaca fibre and fluffy texture of the yarn enables warm air to be kept near the skin. The lightweight nature of the yarns, knitted in the lace stich, produces a glamorous looking garment suitable for eveningwear as well as relaxing at home. It's an easy, enjoyable to make garment that will help keep the wearer the right temperature without compromising on glamour or luxury.

Of course the most obvious feature of this convertible shrug-pullover is how versatile it is to wear. With two ribbons criss-crossed along the button band and tied at either end, it's a sweet bolero style shrug with a really pretty back lacing detail, ideal perhaps for a bride or bridesmaid whose back is going to be the focal point during the ceremony. Tie a ribbon on each shoulder and you'll have a supercrop mini-pullover that's perfect when you want cosy arms and shoulders but still want your outfit on show or at times when a long pullover could be annoying or in the way.

There are even videos to support you if you're new to any of the stitches I chose or just like a video reference. Take a look at the set of videos:

If you easily get bored working on a single project, or find working the same stitch for a long period tires your hands, feel free to alternate between working on the ribbed sleeves and the lace and cable body section until you have both complete. Its a great way to really enjoy a large project.

Although I loved every stage of making it, you might be surprised at the part I liked best which was the seaming! Seeing it come together as a garment from a bunch of unusual shaped pieces was amazing. It looked just as I wanted and. I'll admit I was both nervous and excited as I tried it on and then of course I was delighted with it and wore it out immediately, which I don't normally do until the pattern is available for you to buy. This time I just couldn't resist!

Tracks in the Snow Convertible Shrug-Pullover Knitting pattern is now available in my Ravelry and Etsy Stores. If you purchase this knitting pattern before the 22nd February 2026 you’ll get 25% launch discount automatically applied at the checkout or get 40% subscriber exclusive discount with the code in my latest newsletter. If you’re not already signed up, you can still get the code by signing up here and clicking on the “Latest Newsletter” button in the sign-up confirmation email.

Do let me know if you make it. I'm always so excited when I see that someone has used one of my patterns!

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