Knitting| Crochet
Right now we’re all in the thick of Christmas gift knitting as we optimistically think of all the handknit Christmas presents we can make in the next few weeks. But I’m here to encourage you to think about your own handknit needs amongst all the festive knitting. Or, if we’re being completely honest, I just wanted to indulge myself in a bit of a winter knitting project hunt on Ravelry. I do it for the knitting community (obviously), but maaaaybe, ever so slightly, for my own knitting inspiration, too – ha!
We knitters might still be somewhere in the middle of our autumn knitting projects list (that’s if we even got as far as casting them on…), but we just had the most delicious delivery of Lettlopi arrive at our lovely Stonehaven knitting shop (that’s Baa! for those of you who are new around here), and it’s kicked me straight into winter knitting mode. It’s officially cosy handknit sweater season.
So, stick the kettle on, get comfy, and maybe open Ravelry in another tab because there will (with a bit of luck!) be some winter knitting projects to add to your faves. Hope you enjoy!
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Yarn suggestion: Lang Cashmere Premium
I tried okay. I really did. I know the PetiteKnit Sophie Scarf is cliche. I know it’s on every winter knitting project list – or every knit list – in the knitting world, but here we are. I can’t help it, I’m obsessed.
Honestly, I’m wearing my Sophie Scarf Every. Single. Day. at the moment and I’m not sorry about it. For those of you who don’t know, the Sophie Scarf is a simple garter stitch scarf with tapered ends. It’s one of those chic, Parisian neckerchiefs, only the knitted version.
Now the knitting pattern suggests cashmere and I was lucky enough to have been gifted to two balls of cashmere and so that is what I used. It’s also what I’m recommending you use too, because you deserve it. You can knit it in a single ball, but I like being able to wrap mine around my neck before tying.
If you’re using two balls (like I did), use one ball for the increase section and the second for the decrease, but do yourself a favour and weigh them first, otherwise you will end up with a scarf that’s a bit wonky (ask me how I know…)
Oh. And a little knitting tip for you – clip a stitch marker on your increase/decrease row each time to make counting to 8 easier. Trust me, it will help.
(And yes, I am already planning a Sophie Shawl for when winter really hits.)
Find the Sophie Scarf by PetiteKnit on Ravelry
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Yarn suggestion: Socks Yeah! DK by CoopKnits
Give me a vanilla sock knitting pattern any day of the week. I love ‘em, and I’ve been knitting my fair share lately, and I think I’m about to add Slow Morning DK by Camille Heng to that list.
Slow Morning DK is a pair of 2×2 rib socks with a short row heel that look like a treat to knit – just interesting enough to feel satisfying to work on, but still perfect for knitting while chatting, or watching tv, or pretending to pay attention.
These cosy handknit socks are worked up in a DK sock yarn (like Socks Yeah! DK by Coop Knits, which given the fact I am writing a list of winter knitting projects feels fitting. What’s better for winter knitting than cosy, thick knitted socks? Oh, maybe the fact that this DK sock knitting pattern is free – winner!
Find Slow Morning DK by Camille Heng on Ravelry
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Yarn Suggestion: Lettlopi by Lopi
When Janice told me she was getting Lettlopi into the knitting shop, I knew my list of winter knitting projects needed to have one Lettlopi knit at the very least. Personally, my baby skin wasn’t made for Lettlopi which makes me really sad. So I would be inclined to make another Pelica by Rosa Pomar, which would be worn over multiple layers, but since I included that in my autumn knitting projects list, it’s the Felix Cardigan’s time to shine.
The Felix Cardigan by Amy Christoffers is a cardigan knitting pattern I have had saved for YEARS. I remember saving it multiple times to my various knitting Pinterest boards when it was first released, but for some reason, I have yet to cast one on.
This handknit cardigan is very simple (a very common theme in my handknits), just a top down construction with raglan increases, but I like the little lace detail along the raglan lines. It’s one of those everyday knits that you can wear with everything. Just a nice easy knitting project for some easy sofa knitting at Christmas.
Find the Felix Cardigan by Amy Christoffers on Ravelry
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Yarn suggestion: Laxtons Sheepsoft DK
I’ve mentioned previously that I’ve been looking for the perfect knitting pattern for the six skeins of Laxtons Sheepsoft DK that I have in my yarn stash. It really is the most delicious DK yarn, that I’ve been stuck in a bit of knitters’ paralysis with it. I need to find a really good knitting pattern to do it justice… Maybe MATCHA by Vert Knit is it.
MATCHA is a classic, modern sweater design with a straight cut, loose fit and slightly cropped body. It has saddle shoulders, a jumper construction I’d really like to try knitting next, a close fitting mock neck to keep you warm and neat twisted rib cuffs and hem.
I just think it looks like one of those cosy knit jumpers you could wear with anything – and because it’s a DK sweater pattern, it means it’s not too bulky that you can add another layer to contend with those chilly Scottish winters we’re treated to here in Stonehaven.
Find the MATCHA Jumper by vert knit on Ravelry
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Yarn suggestion: Lang Merino 120
Regulars of the Baa! blog will know that I love knitting for my baby niece, and I’m not planning on stopping any time soon. I love baby knits so it makes sense to have at least one teeny tiny knit in my list of winter knitting projects. I think the Knitting For Olive Baby Bear Bonnet by Pernille Larsen, just makes sense.
The Baby Bear Bonnet is knit flat back and forth beginning with either a ribbed or moss stitch band which continues into stocking stitch. Those sweet little bear ears are shaped at the same time as the crown and held as you shape the back.
I’ve knit it before and loved it, but I will say I’m not a huge fan of the decreases at the back of the head (soz Knitting For Olive), so this time I’m going to opt for a simple ssk, rather than the suggested sl1, k1, psso in the hope that it will look a bit less bulky.
A soft, machine-washable yarn is a must, so Lang Merino 120 is the obvious choice. It’s a 100% fine merino yarn that’s soft, snuggly, and there’s no risk of my sister shrinking it in the wash – what’s not to like?!
Find the Baby Bear Bonnet by Pernille Larsen on Ravelry
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Yarn suggestion: Chubbs by World of Wool
Do you know what? I’m not usually one to jump on knitting trends (says the knitter obsessed with her PetiteKnit Sophie Scarf, I know…) BUT there’s no denying it. These felted slippers are CUTE.
The Sailor Slippers by Annie Germain (Annie Sews) are knit flat in stockinette stitch and seamed with mattress stitch before being finished with an applied i-cord. You then wash them. And felt them. On purpose.
I know. It feels wrong, doesn’t it? It goes against all my knitting instincts to purposely shrink something, especially after inadvertently felting a pair of knitted socks which made me feel quite sad, but I can imagine they will be so lovely to wear – and super quick to knit too so you could boff out a handful of Christmas gift knits if you’re reading this in time.
The pattern suggests Drops Snow, but I love World of Wool Chubbs for this winter knitting project. Would you do solid colours, or opt for a funky Big Bang colourway?
Find the Sailor Slippers by Annie Germain on Ravelry
So that’s my list of 6 cosy winter knitting projects to cast on now. I hope at least one of these has taken your fancy and warranted a heart on your Ravelry account.
I know I’ve suggested a yarn for each winter knit here, but if you want a few more yarn options for your next knitting project, I got you. I actually wrote a blog last winter about six of our favourite yarns for cosy winter knitting project, plus knitting pattern suggestions to go with each one. So, if you fancy going down a bit of a Ravelry/knitting rabbit-hole, you can have a read here: 6 of Our Favourite Yarns for Cosy Winter Knitting Projects.
Now tell me – did any of these winter knits catch your eye? Is there one you’d like to cast on? Or, perhaps you’ve got other knitting projects on your list? Either way, let me know, I always love to hear what you’re making.
