Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Free Pattern for a Giant Seed Stitch Cowl

by

seed stitch cowlThis one is an actual free pattern, but it’s as much an idea as anything. After a season of knitting for others and probably rushing through projects (that wasn’t just me, was it?), it’s time to take it slow, to knit something for ourselves and to just enjoy the process with a project that isn’t that difficult but that will wrap us in warmth for seasons to come.

Classic Elite designer Annissa George has just the thing with her Coors Cowl (download PDF at link). Worked in five colors of a bulky alpaca/bamboo blend, it’s just wide stripes of seed stitch worked in a big loop. That doesn’t mean the result isn’t pretty, just that this is easy, satisfying knitting that will take some time but also be relaxing and enjoyable. Just the thing we all need right around now.

Bonus: you might be able to make this a stash-busting project if you have enough yarns of similar weight. Or use whatever weight you have to make a big loopy cowl in whatever stitch you like. See: a great idea. Or several.

[Photo via Classic Elite Yarns.]

Looking to buy your Yarn online? Check out these online yarn specials.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Check out these books dedicated to Knitted Cowl Patterns still looking for more cowl patterns? Check these out on Etsy.

Comments

  1. I have actually made another similar scarf with bigger yarn and larger needles. I didn’t use a pattern. What I am trying to figure out is how long to make the infinity scarf. I didn’t make it with circular needles, but the other way around and it’s almost finished. How long would you make it?

  2. I would probably make it about as long as you’d make a scarf, then just sew the ends together. That way you have something you can wrap around a couple of times if you like or wear as one long loop.

  4. Thanks so much for some nice ideas. I have so much leftover yarn to use up and need to find quick ideas

Have you read?

Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern – A Cozy Little Gift Project With Old-Fashioned Charm

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.