Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

Easy Projects to Knit for Father’s Day

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If you’re looking for something to knit for a dad in your life, check out this list of easy Father’s Day knitting patterns (which of course would be fine to knit for any other occasion).

I wanted to offer a mix of kinds of projects so you can make something that the guy in your life will like without being too stereotypical about what dads are supposed to like.

This basketweave vest from Red Heart/Yarnspirations is easy to knit and a classic style, available in five sizes, free pattern.

The Morton Street Scarf is a pretty Garter Stitch pattern from Lion Brand where the yarn really makes the project shine. You can use whatever multicolored yarn you have on hand or even make an odd ball using scraps to knit this project. Free pattern.

Dana Addy’s Campwear Hat for KnitPicks is a cute and easy-to-knit design for the whole family. Inspired by enamel camping mugs, you can knit one for dad and for all his favorite little campers.

Port is a classic “grandpa” cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers for Berroco. It comes in 7 sizes and has a zipper closure and patch pockets.

A pair of knit gloves is an awesome gift for anyone, and Julie Old Crow has a great, easy and super warm pattern for men’s gloves in her Etsy shop.

Knitting a tie is immensely better than buying dad a tie, and this free pattern from Universal Yarns by Rachel Brockman looks great and is easy to knit.

And because of course your dad is number one in your heart, maybe you should just knit him a washcloth with that sentiment? This free pattern is from Kris Knits.

Do you have a favorite project to knit for the guys in your life? I’d love to hear about it!

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Have you read?

Knit a Spiky Balaclava

Not too long ago my daughter and I had a discussion about what a chestnut really looks like. The nut itself is small and brown, of course, but on the tree they’re covered with this weird kind of spiky, kind of fuzzy shell. It’s a wonder anyone ever figured out they were edible.

If you didn’t know that, you might wonder why this project is call Chestnut balaclava, but now you know.

This fun design from Yevheniia Pyroh is covered with spikes just like a chestnut shell, and is even the same color, though of course you can make yours whatever color you like. It uses two strands of fingering weight yarn held together (which it says is fingering weight but you could try a light/DK yarn and see if you get gauge with it if you’d rather).

There are two different design options in the pattern. One is a more fitted balaclava style hat (it doesn’t cover the face but does go around the neck) and a looser fit hood.

It’s worked primarily in garter stitch, with shaping done by knitting and purling in the same stitch and through various decreases (including a knit 3 together).

The pattern is charted but also explained in words. It’s worked flat to the size you want, and then joined into a hood shape with ribbing at the neck. The opening for the face is finished with I-cord.

This hood/balaclava would definitely be a conversation starter and in different colors it might read more dinosaur than chestnut, which could also be fun. The sizing is totally custom so you can make it fit whatever head you’re stitching for.

If you want to try it for yourself (and I’d love to hear about it if you do!) you can download the free pattern from Ravelry.

[Photo: Yevheniia Pyroh]

Balaclava Knitting Patterns

Colorwork Balaclava Knitting Pattern [Knitting]