Get Cozy with the Granny Cardigan

I’m sure you’ve heard of a grandpa cardigan, which I imagine as a kind of shapeless, probably oversized, V-neck, button up cardigan you might find on an old man or Mister Rogers. There’s nothing wrong with that style, but where are the grandmothers in all that? Don’t you think they’d have better sweaters?

Enter the Granny Cardigan from Joji Locatelli. This cabled cardigan retains some of the boxy shape of the grandpa version, as well as the V neck and buttons, but on the whole it’s a more refined version, like a hug from your granny.

The design is worked from the top down and involves minimal finishing since the sleeves are picked up from the shoulders and worked in the round from the top down and the button bands is knit in one piece all the way around the body.

There are 10 size options with a chest measurement ranging from 38.5 inches (that’s 96 cm) to 69.25 inches (or 173 cm). It’s meant to be worn with 5-10 inches (13-25 cm) of positive ease, but she worked in a little less ease on the smaller sizes so little frames won’t feel like they are totally swallowed up in the sweater. Unless you want to be, in which case choose the amount of ease that you prefer.

The pattern calls for a DK or light worsted wool, so make sure you check your gauge before getting started.

You can find this pattern on Ravelry.

Looking for more fun cable knitting projects? Check out this collection of cable knitting patterns to help boost your skills and confidence with cable knitting. And if you’re looking for more great cozy cardigan knitting patterns, I’ve got you covered with these easy cardigan knitting patterns. Or maybe grab another one of Joji’s patterns, perhaps for some fun cabled socks to go with your cabled sweater?

[Photo: Joji Locatelli]

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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