Book Review: Typographic Knitting

Get inspired by knitting letters with a graphic designer’s point of view with the book Typographic Knitting: From Pixel to Pattern by Rüdgiger Schlömer.

Schlömer is a designer who got interested in the analog presentation of type on knitted objects and learned to knit and collaborated with knitters on projects exploring typography in yarn craft.

The book is not so much a pattern book as it is an inspirational guide to using type in knitting projects.

He adds letters to knit projects in various ways, including pixels (stranded knitting, intarsia and grayscale techniques); patterns made with slipped stitches; patches (mitered squares); and modules, which add stripes and directional knitting to mitered squares to make larger blocks.

Project templates in the back sometimes include actual knitting instructions and sometimes just share an idea. They include a pillow, a scarf, a double-knit hat, mittens, an illusion knit blanket, a sweater made of mitered squares, a sweater with slip-stitch typography, and kid-sized sweaters with a large intarsia letter or a circular yoke with a letter pattern. It also includes a series of charted fonts in the back that you can use to add lettering to any project.

Some techniques, like double knitting, are not explained at all, and those that are might not be explained well enough for knitters who haven’t used those techniques before. The basic knitting instructions are OK but they include photos with lines drawn on them and text that is orange, which is somewhat hard to read.

I feel like this book would be better for someone who already knows knitting basics and is willing to take these ideas and adapt them to projects of their own rather than someone who needs hand-holding in terms of instructions or designs.

Still, it’s quite an inspirational book that is sure to get you thinking about different ways to leave your mark with text on your knitting projects.

About the book: 216 pages, paperback, published by Princeton Architectural Press. Retail price $27.50.

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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