Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Arm Knitting Revisited

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arm knit cowlsSince I last wrote about arm knitting it seems like it’s become an even bigger craze. Vickie Howell got kind of obsessed and has figured out how to arm knit and arm crochet and was featured on “The Today Show” teaching arm knitting at the Craft and Hobby Association trade show (it’s not a craft fair!).

I have always said that I couldn’t see doing a whole scarf because of my RSI, but she’s now got a really cute little arm knit necklace pattern that would take almost literally no time and is a perfect entry-level project.

Berroco’s also getting in on the trend, recently publishing a video how-to and a pattern that’s shown in a couple of different yarns. They say these only take half an hour to knit, and I could probably manage that.

Lion Brand has its own video tutorial as well as patterns using Wool-Ease, Homespun and  Unique, respectively. I really like the simplicity of the Wool Ease one.

I know Yarnspirations has more of Vickie’s patterns as well, but as of this writing their site was down.

Have you gotten bitten by the arm knitting bug? I’d love to hear about your experiences.

[Photo via Berroco.]

Arm knitting is a knitting technique where you use your arms as the needles to knit a project. Instead of traditional knitting needles, you use super chunky yarn and your arms to create a cozy and unique knit piece. Here are 5 tips for arm knitting:

  1. Use thick yarn: When arm knitting, it’s important to use a thick yarn that can easily slide over your arms. Super chunky yarn works best for arm knitting projects.
  2. Make sure your yarn is smooth: Avoid using yarn that has knots or tangles as it can make arm knitting difficult and frustrating.
  3. Use a slip knot: Start your project with a slip knot to make it easier to get started and to keep your stitches tight.
  4. Keep your stitches loose: Because you are using your arms as needles, it can be easy to knit your stitches too tightly. Make sure to keep them loose so that you can easily slide the yarn over your arms.
  5. Take your time: Arm knitting is a bit different from traditional knitting, so take your time and don’t get discouraged if it takes you a bit longer to complete your project.

Simple Arm Knitting Scarf Pattern:

  • Cast on 6 stitches using a slip knot
  • Knit all stitches for 30 inches or desired length
  • Bind off and weave in ends.

And there you have it, a cozy arm-knitted scarf! Remember to take your time, keep your stitches loose, and enjoy the process.

 

Comments

  1. The examples look beautiful – I haven’t wanted to knit in years, but a recent development (a seemingly always cold neck – Ha!) makes these quick scarves quite appealing.

    I work a lot with metal and clay – arthritis has forced me to choose carefully what I spend my hands on, but being able to use my whole arms sounds intriguing.

    Sorry for your affliction, but what is RSI?

  2. Repetitive stress injury. My hands and arms hurt quite a lot after too much knitting, and I fear the weight of a full scarf on my arms would be too much.

Have you read?

Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern – A Cozy Little Gift Project With Old-Fashioned Charm

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.