How to Knit Elbow Patches for Your Sweaters

Whether you have a storebought sweater that needs a little love or you just want to add an embellishment to a project, knit elbow patches are a cute and easy way to add some color or a homemade element to a garment.

Hannah at the Homesteady had worn a favorite sweater so much its elbows were getting threadbare, so she decided to knit some elbow patches to cover the worn bits. But you don’t even have to have worn elbows to add this fun touch to a sweater.

They are pretty quick and easy to knit out of any yarn you happen to have around, and you can stitch them on with contrasting thread like she did or make them more matchy.

Head over to the Homesteady to get the full tutorial.

[Photo: the Homesteady.]

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If you’re a fan of the artist Vincent Van Gogh and of knitting patterns inspired by art, Knitting Van Gogh by Krista Ann is the book for you. The book includes 20 patterns inspired by artwork, as well as the pictures that inspired them and a little information about them.

Patterns are divided into two sections, apparel and decor, and include wraps, scarves, gloves, nesting baskets, a journal cover, a sunflower pillow cover and more.

For some the influence is obvious, such as the red hat inspired by the painting Head of a Woman, or the sunflower cushion inspired by Sunflowers. Sometimes it’s not as obvious, such as the Peach Tree Wrap inspired by the colors of the painting The Peach Tree, or the journal cover that pulls colors from Self-Portrait with Straw Hat.

Some of my favorites include the Wheatfield Brioche Cowl, with colors from the painting Wheatfield and brioche designs that look a bit like grass; Vincent’s Blanket, made from log cabin squares in shades of red based on the blanket in The Bedroom; and of course the Vincent doll.

Four patterns are rated the easiest skill level, with eight each at levels 2 and 3. You can see a few of the patterns on the publisher’s website (as of this writing they are not on Ravelry with photos).

The book includes a glossary and some tips for finishing at the back, as well as a key for abbreviations and a guide to the artworks featured. The book was produced in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and purchasing the book also supports the work of the museum, which is pretty cool.

This would be a fun book to knit from for an art lover, or if you just want to enjoy the hidden meaning in your projects if you knit some where the influence isn’t as obvious.

About the book: 144 pages, hardcover, 20 patterns. Published 2024 by Weldon Owen, suggested retail price $29.99.

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