Another Bit of Comfort Knitting

I feel like a lot of the posts I’ve been writing lately have been for relatively easy, kind of meditative, knit it while you’re watching TV or when your brain is tired but you need to do something with you hands kinds of patterns.

I think that’s what everyone needs at the beginning of a new year. It’s certainly what I’m looking for. Thus all the sharing of patterns like that.

I love Benjamin Matthews’ patterns because a lot of them are like that. They’re pretty and fun to knit and he uses texture in interesting ways so they don’t look plain but they’re still generally pretty easy.

The Matchstick Shawl is one example. This triangular shawl combines garter stitch and slipped stitches to make an easy but luscious fabric (that Malabrigo yarn certainly doesn’t hurt, either). The result is probably more interesting than you think garter stitch can be, but it’s still an easy enough knit that you don’t have to pay it that much attention if you don’t want to.

And of course the beauty of triangles is you can make them any size you want, or work until you run out of yarn. And you don’t have to use worsted weight yarn because you can just work to the dimensions called for or the size you want, bearing in mind that you’ll need more yarn if you use a lighter weight or want to make the project bigger.

You can grab a copy of this shawl on Ravelry.

If you’re looking for more garter stitch projects, check out the Sandstone Scarf (an excellent beginner knitting project), as well as this roundup of easy garter stitch knitting projects. Garter stitch is great for any time of year but I especially love it at the beginning of the year when your brain just needs to relax!

[Photo: Benjamin Matthews]

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

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