Big, Bulky Yarn is Still in

Fall knitting season is definitely upon us, and the stories about fall fashion trends are starting to come in now that New York Fashion Week is done.

I hear from Glamour (because it’s the first place I looked) that neon is still big, as well as faux fur and shearling, which are all looks that could be incorporated into knitting projects. (Especially neon, since you can use it in a scarf, say, if you don’t want a whole neon sweater.)

Brown, black and winter white are also popular colors, go figure. Turtlenecks are also in, apparently.

But one trend that was noted that I’ve seen other places, too, is that chunky knits are still going strong, especially oversized sweaters. Check out these tips from Stylecaster on how to wear a giant sweater (hint: skinny pants, or shorts!) if you’d like to try the bulky look for yourself.

Yarn manufacturers are in on the bulky trend in a big way, with lots of new yarns coming out in the bulky and super bulky arena, as well as tons of pattern support for those big yarns.

A few examples I’ve seen recently:

Berroco has a new super bulky called Gusto, which is perfect for super-quick accessories like this cowl, called Juniper. It’s a simple stitch pattern with eyelets for air flow that will knit up in no time.
Casa Sonia is another great one from Berroco, using super cozy Ultra Alpaca Chunky. It’s another easy stitch pattern, using knits and purls to add geometric texture.
Noble Knits has a couple of great patterns from Universal Yarns using their Classic Shades Big Time Yarn, which looks lovely and like lots of fun to work with. Check out the Cog Shawlette (such a great shape, made with short rows) and the Big Time Cowl (a simple bias knit loop) if you want to bring some quick color into your life.
And speaking of big cowls, and Noble Knits, here’s another quick and easy one from Erika Knight Yarns, the Cobblestone Street Cowl. A little textured knitting keeps this one interesting but it’s still a quick project.
HiKoo Rub-a-Dib might not be a yarn you’d go to for warmth, but it is a great choice for luxurious spa accessories that knit up in a flash. Hello, holiday gifts.
And here’s another one that’s not for wearing, but you might want to stitch it up for plenty of fall and winter warmth. The Angled Eyelets Blanket from Yarnspirations uses the aptly named Bernat Blanket yarn and a relatively easy lace pattern that keeps the blanket from being too hot and makes the knitting more fun.

Are bulky knits on your knit list this season? I’d love to hear what you’re working on!

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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