Book Review: Nordic Knits

The knitters of Norway, Sweden and Iceland are known for making garments that are warm and colorful, but you don’t have to be of Nordic heritage to enjoy these designs. Nordic Knits by Sue Flanders, Helene Magnusson and Janine Kosel takes knitters of all backgrounds through classic patterns and fun designs inspired by these classic knitwear traditions.

The book covers a little bit of the history of knitting in the Nordic region, then has patterns divided into sections for Norway, Sweden and Iceland, with 44 patterns in all.

The Norwegian patterns were inspired by objects found in museums that feature not only knitting but also spinning, embroidery, weaving, felting, even the designs on handmade boxes and the process of nalbinding, which predates knitting. You’ll find simple knit and purl patterns, a hat fit for a nisse (Norwegian elf), felted and embroidered bags, and colorful hats, mitts and sweaters.

The Swedish section draws on regional knitting traditions such as Gotland’s colorful mittens, twined knitting from around Darlana and the Bohus knitting cooperative. There’s a long stocking cap worked in a single color with texture at the bottom, and a set of hat, scarf and long mittens with simple stripes and colorwork. A child’s sweater has a dala horse woven onto the front, and a coordinating horse garland pattern can also be made as a toy for a little one.

There are also lots of colorwork hats, mittens and sweaters, as well as a lacy shawl showcasing “all things Swedish” in motifs of hearts, Swedish flags, Santa Lucia candles and buns, even Swedish meatballs!

The Icelandic knits aim to bring a contemporary twist to traditional designs. The photo on the cover shows the slouchy hat and matching scarf, inspired by a pair of mittens from the Westfjords region (there’s a mitten pattern, too). There are some lovely projects heavily embellished with surface embroidery, a cozy looking cape with a vining leaf pattern, and of course a lopi sweater, among other projects.

I love the klukka skirt, a design inspired by the Icelandic petticoat, which provided an extra layer of warmth. This version has a pretty faded chevron design and is shaped with increases as well as changing needle sizes.

The inspiration for the designs is also shown, which adds a meaningful connection to the past and a reminder of the knitters who have come before.

This is a fun book for learning about and knitting from these knitting traditions, and offers some great projects you can knit for yourself or anyone you want to wrap in traditional warmth.

About the book: 192 pages, paperback, 44 patterns. Published 2022 by Voyageur Press. Suggested retail price $24.99.

Knitted Socks from Finland: 20 Nordic designs for all year round

Get a Little Nordic Knitting in Your Life

Knitting Pattern – Tove Cardigan

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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