January knitting projects
Table of Contents
1. Bramble Jumper
The Bramble Jumper is a cozy, oversized pullover sweater featuring the unique trinity stitch, creating a texture like mini bobbles.
It’s designed for intermediate knitters and made with the chenille-like Lion Brand’s Feels Like Butta yarn.
Why this project?
- Comfort
The Feels Like Butta yarn is super soft and buttery, making it an incredibly comfortable sweater for winter. - Unique texture
The trinity stitch, also known as the bramble stitch, is a cozy texture and adds a touch of elegance and visual interest to the sweater. - Versatile style
A relaxed fit and classic design make the Bramble Jumper versatile enough to be up-styled with jeans and boots or worn casually at home.
Bramble Jumper from Two of Wands
2. Slipper Socks Knitting Pattern
Nothing says winter like a cozy pair of socks. And you know what is even cozier? Knitting them yourself!
Why this project?
- Ideal for gifting
These slipper socks are practical for keeping feet warm but also make a thoughtful and personalized gift for friends and family. If you just came out of Christmas wishing you had been more prepared for gift-giving, here’s your chance to get ahead. Or afoot… - Customizable sizes
The pattern includes instructions for small/medium and medium/large sizes. - New techniques
Knitting these socks involves various techniques, such as working in the round and shaping the heel and toe. If you’re looking to expand your knitting skills, this is a satisfying project.
Slipper Socks Knitting Pattern from Gina|Michele
3. Knit Wrist Warmer
Learn to make fingerless gloves in this helpful video tutorial. The pattern is modern and graphic. And as mentioned in the video, it uses up small bits of yarn so you can have fun playing with color combos from your yarn stash.
Why this project?
- Functionality and style
These fingerless mittens combine practicality with fashion, making them ideal for keeping hands warm while allowing for easy use of smartphones and other devices. This particular colorway would go with almost any winter coat. - Customizable design
But the striped pattern also offers lots of room for personalization with color choices. You can create something that complements your personal style. - Skill development
This project is perfect for knitters looking to enhance their skills, involving techniques like ribbing, knitting in the round, and creating stripes. Useful skills in your knitting toolbelt.
Knit Fingerless Gloves from Knitting House Square
February knitting projects
4. Celtic Heart Cable Knit Scarf Pattern
The Celtic Heart Cable Knit Scarf Pattern is an intermediate-level knitting project that creates a beautiful scarf with a textured heart cable design. It’s made with super bulky yarn for a quick and impressive result.
Why this project?
- Unique design
The interlocking heart pattern adds a romantic and intricate touch, making this scarf warm and fun. - Quick to knit
Using super bulky yarn and large needles, this project is perfect for those who want a quick, satisfying knitting experience. - Versatile and customizable
The pattern allows for easy modification in length. The hearts and pink color more than hint at Valentine’s Day – which is why I included it as a February project. But switch up the color, and the heart motif will become less prominent (especially if done up in a dark hue) and suitable for any cold day.
Celtic Heart Cable Knit Scarf Pattern from Studio Knit
5. Love Glove
Romantic, Yes?
These may be a little over the top, I admit! But if you want/need these, you know who you are!
Why this project?
- Heartwarming design
Wouldn’t these make a great gift for a February bridal shower or wedding? - Practical
If your special someone is always saying, “Here, let me warm up your hand.” as they take your icy mitt, these are made for you. Walking with your hand in someone else’s coat pocket is uncomfortable!
Love Glove from Drops Design
6. Little Hearts Mittens – Free Pattern
For those of you who like to keep your hands to yourself, we have you covered, too.
The Little Hearts Mittens are a charming fair isle knitting project, blending classic mitten design with a sweet heart pattern.
Why this project?
- Adorable design
The heart pattern in these mittens adds a cute touch, perfect for adding a bit of cheer to your winter coat. - Knitting techniques
Whether you prefer the magic loop method or double-pointed needles, this pattern accommodates both. - Great gift
The red and white heart theme is Valentine’s centric. These would make a great gift for someone you love in place of candy hearts.
Little Hearts Mittens from Knifty Knittings
March knitting projects
7. Lazy Days Lounger Arm Knit Pillow Pattern
The Lazy Days Lounger Arm Knit Pillow Pattern is a stunner! Doesn’t it make you want to curl up with a good book? This arm-knit pillow is especially appealing because of its chunky texture.
Why this project?
- Easy and quick to make
Arm knitting is a fun and straightforward technique, making this project suitable for beginners or those looking for a quick crafting session. - Stylish home decor
The pillow’s chunky knit and decorative seams make it a great addition to various decor styles – use color to determine if it blends in or stands out. - Versatile yarn options
While the pattern suggests using Wool & the Gang’s Crazy Sexy Wool, it also allows for substituting less expensive yarns, making it adaptable to different budgets. And if you already fell for some bulky yarn and then didn’t know what to do for it – here you go.
Lazy Days Lounger Arm Knit Pillow Pattern from Flax and Twine
8. Celtic Cable Saxon Braid Knitting Pattern
The Celtic Cable Saxon Braid Knitting Pattern is an intricate and beautiful design that creates a stunning Irish Saxon Braid.
Want to add a touch of Celtic charm to your knitting resume?
Why this project?
- Intricate Design
The Celtic Cable Saxon Braid is elegant and perfect for knitters who enjoy detailed work. - Versatility
This pattern can be adapted for various projects, so you can add the Celtic braid to other projects. - Clear instructions
With a color-coded system and great instructions, this pattern is accessible even for those new to cable knitting.
Celtic Cable Saxon Braid Knitting Pattern from Studio Knit
9. Basketball Hat Knitting Pattern
Get your family ready for March Madness!
It’s also a unique gift. Knit hats are a fairly common gift – but a knit basketball hat?? That’s going to make some ball-loving parents happy.
Why this project?
- Fun design
The basketball theme makes this hat a unique and playful accessory. - Simple and enjoyable
The pattern is straightforward, making it a fun project for knitters of various skill levels. - Customizable sizes
While the free pattern on the website offers one size, an upgraded PDF version is available for purchase, which includes multiple sizes (0-3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 2T+), making it adaptable for different age groups.
Basketball Hat Knitting Pattern from Little Red Window
Tips and tools for knitting
What you need to get started knitting
- Knitting Needles
Needles come in various materials like bamboo, plastic, or metal.
Bamboo needles are often recommended for beginners because they are lightweight and less slippery.
Each project above will recommend the size of the needle – or, in the case of the arm pillow, you just need an arm! - Yarn
To knit, you need yarn.
Again, your chosen pattern will recommend a fiber and weight. Usually, the pattern will also call out the specific colors used in the sample project. - Steeking scissors This post contains affiliate links. I could be an affiliate for many different products, but I chose these specifically because they are the products and brands I like and recommend. By using my links, you help support this website.
A small pair of scissors is a must-have for cutting your yarn. - Tapestry needle This post contains affiliate links. I could be an affiliate for many different products, but I chose these specifically because they are the products and brands I like and recommend. By using my links, you help support this website.
A blunt needle with a large eye is perfect for weaving in yarn ends once your project is complete. - Stitch markers set This post contains affiliate links. I could be an affiliate for many different products, but I chose these specifically because they are the products and brands I like and recommend. By using my links, you help support this website.
These little rings help you mark specific points in your pattern, such as the beginning of a round or where to make a particular stitch.
Stitch markers basically keep knitters from going loony-tunes recounting stitches. - Measuring tape This post contains affiliate links. I could be an affiliate for many different products, but I chose these specifically because they are the products and brands I like and recommend. By using my links, you help support this website.
Essential for measuring your work, especially if you’re following a specific pattern. - Knitting Gauge This post contains affiliate links. I could be an affiliate for many different products, but I chose these specifically because they are the products and brands I like and recommend. By using my links, you help support this website. Checker
This helps you match the gauge mentioned in patterns, ensuring your project turns out the right size.
| Knitting basic: | Where to get it? |
| Knitting needles | Knit Picks Knitting Needles |
| Scissors | Steeking Scissors |
| Stitch markers | Quick Locking Stitch Markers Set |
| Tapestry needle | Large Wooden Tapestry Needle |
| Measuring tape | Knit Picks Measuring Tape 72-inch |
| Knitting gauge | Knitting Gauge Swatch Ruler |
Tips for a successful knitting project
Here are a few words of knitting wisdom that can help make your project successful and enjoyable.
1. Choose the right pattern
- Start with a pattern that matches your skill level. As a beginner, look for patterns labeled “easy” or “for beginners.”
- Read through the entire pattern before starting. This helps you understand the project’s scope and any techniques you might need to learn.
2. Select appropriate yarn and needles
- Use the yarn recommended in the pattern, as it’s chosen for its suitability for the design and texture. If not the exact brand, match the weight and texture.
- If you opt for a different yarn, make sure it’s the same weight as the recommended yarn and test it with a gauge swatch.
3. Gauge matters
- Always knit a gauge swatch, especially for garments. This test piece helps you adjust needle size to match the pattern’s gauge, ensuring your finished project is the correct size.
4. Keep track of your progress
- Use stitch markers, row counters, or a notebook to keep track of where you are in the pattern.
- This is particularly important for complex patterns with repeats or increases/decreases.
5. Understand the stitches and techniques
- If your pattern includes unfamiliar stitches or techniques, practice them with some scrap yarn first.
- Plenty of online tutorials and knitting books can help you learn new techniques.
Brittany has a growing list of knitting technique videos, you can find that playlist here:
6. Take care of your hands and posture
- Take regular breaks to stretch your hands and fingers, especially during long knitting sessions.
- Maintain good posture to avoid strain on your back and shoulders.
Taking care of your crafting body is so important we put together a round-up of yoga routines, especially for fiber artists.
31 Yoga Routines to Get the Knots Out
7. Be patient and flexible
- Knitting is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes; they’re part of the learning process.
- Be prepared to unravel (or “frog”) your work and re-knit sections if necessary. It’s all part of achieving a finished project you’re proud of.
8. Join a knitting community
- Whether it’s an online forum, social media group, or local knitting club, connecting with other knitters can provide support, advice, and inspiration.
9. Enjoy the process
- Remember, knitting is not just about the finished product. Enjoy the rhythm and relaxation that comes with each stitch.
- Celebrate your progress and each completed project, no matter how small.
Happy knitting!
