Book Review: Fun and Easy Finger Knitting for Beginners

I don’t know if this happens at every school, but at my daughter’s school in late elementary, finger knitting became a Thing. I guess they probably learned it in their tinkering class but it seemed like kids were finger knitting all the time, which of course I loved because any kind of fiber art is great for kids and adults alike.

If you or your kiddo wants to go beyond knitting up endless snakes of finger knitting, Vickie Howell’s Fun and Easy Finger Knitting for Beginners will show you what to do with all those stitches.

It opens with an overview of finger knitting over four, three or two fingers, as well as how to change colors as you knit, how to fasten off your knitting and how to finish it in different projects (such as using mattress stitch or whip stitch).

Projects are divided into wearables and accessories, and use a skill rating of one to three. You’ll start with a basic strand looped and sewn into a necklace, but there are lots of other options including bracelets knit with leather cord, a hat made of a finger knit tube stacked and sewn on itself, a flower for a headband and a twisted scarf, to name a few.

Accessories include ideas like a garland for a tree house, a bag made out of homemade T-shirt yarn, snakes (of course!), an animal pillow (the one in the book is a panda, but you could make it any animal you like), a bath mat, a jump rope and a planter cozy made out of jute rope.

It should be noted this is a republication of an older book of Vickie’s, Finger Knitting Fun, so some of the yarns used in the projects have been discontinued in the meantime. (You can see all the patterns from the original book on Ravelry.) It’s still a great source for ideas of what to do with all that finger knitting if your kid is already obsessed with making it, or a low-key entry point into yarn crafting for kiddos in late elementary and middle school.

About the book: 80 pages, paperback, 27 patterns. Published 2004 (adaptation of a 2015 release) by Quarry Books. Suggested retail price $14.99.

Got Kids Who Love Finger Knitting? Try Making a Hat

Tutorial – Finger Knitting

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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