Knit a Boxy Brioche Sweater

Brioche knitting has been super popular for a few years now and it doesn’t feel like it’s going away. I haven’t done a lot of brioche knitting (if you haven’t either, I have a super simple brioche knit headband at Our Daily Craft you can use to learn the basics), and it’s always been on my list to knit a brioche sweater.

The Candela Sweater from Ginko B. looks like a great option for those taking a first foray into brioche garment knitting. It’s a boxy sweater worked in worsted weight yarn, so it shouldn’t be too fiddly and should actually be a pretty fast knit once you get the hang of it.

Brioche in worsted weight is so squishy and nice, this is sure to become a favorite sweater. It’s meant to be oversized and has balloon sleeves for even more volume, and a wide neckline that makes it easy to layer on top of all sorts of things. The edgings are worked in I-cord so they don’t distract from the squish of the brioche, but still give the piece a finished look.

The sweater comes in 16 sizes with chest measurements ranging from 38 to 68 inches (97 to 173 cm). The pattern doesn’t indicate how much ease is recommended, so you can choose a little more or a little less as you like.

It also has options for doing the brioche with one color or two. The pattern notes say that people new to brioche knitting might like using two colors because it’s easier to see where you are in the pattern, but it’s up to you what kind of a look you’re going for and how much yarn you have.

You can grab a copy of the sweater pattern, and see variations using one color or two, on Ravelry.

And if you’re looking for more brioche knitting patterns, check out my (in need of an update!) brioche knitting roundup here.

[Photo: Ginko B.]

Easy Sweater Knitting Patterns

Knit a Mohair Sweater with a Colorful Twist

Knit a Classic Colorwork Yoked Sweater

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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