Knitting

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Get Great Texture with the Ropes and Twines Cardigan Knitting Pattern

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This is probably just a personal problem, but I always feel like cable patterns need to be knit in a solid color of yarn. If I’m going through all the work of making cables, I want them to be seen!

But the Ropes and Twines Cardigan from Joji Locatelli shows me that a yarn with a little bit of color to it can still make pretty cables that stand out.

This top down cardigan features a cable that runs across the back and down the sleeves, and the fronts and back panel have a lot of texture on their own worked in broken rib, but after the knitting is done, I-cords are braided into the fronts and back, adding another cable-like look without cabling.

These I-cord forms being added on top of the knitting makes them stand out even more for a really dramatic look.

The pattern is worked in worsted weight yarn and is available in 10 sizes, to fit a bust circumference of 33 to 60 inches (83.8 to 152.4 cm). The actual measurement of the sweater ranges from 34.5 to 70.5 inches in the chest, or 86 to 176 cm. It’s meant to be worn with 4 to 6 inches/10-15 cm of positive ease, but you can alter that depending on how you like to wear your cardigans.

This project looks like it would be a lot of fun to knit and to wear, and you could make a version in wool for colder weather and try it in a cotton blend for warmer months.

You can get your copy of this pattern on Ravelry.

And if you’re wondering about knitting all that I-cord, I wrote a post not too long ago that includes three different ways to make I-cord: by hand with needles, using a French knitter or spool knitter, and using a crank-powered I-cord machine. Joji actually used a DK weight yarn for her cords, so you could make them on a machine if you have one handy!

[Photo: Joji Locatelli]

Comments

  1. I understand the plane wool re cables, I have knitted in the amazing Donegal Aran wool, which is like a tweed effect, and is just super looking, I might give this multi colour ago, for my next project, I am just finishing a lovely Aran , knit from a cotton acrylic mix, as ,y son is unable to wear wool, pity, I love knitting cables, I love to knit a lot of Aran jumpers xx enjoying this post

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.