Knit a Cowl Using Simple Mosaic Designs

Mosaic knitting is such a fun and easy technique and a great way to do repeating graphic colorwork designs in two colors. It makes projects look more complicated than they are, and it’s really fun and pretty fast to knit this way, since you’re slipping stitches to make the pattern.

The Edda Cowl from Mieka John is a great way to get a lot of mosaic colorwork practice if you’ve never tried it before. It’s worked in sport weight yarn with two mosaic sections separated by garter ridges. Another garter ridge at the end gives you a place to join the cowl into a loop.

You have the option of knitting the pattern flat or in the round as a tube. If you knit it as a tube, you have to purl every other round because the mosaic pattern is worked in garter stitch. If you knit it flat you need to sew the side seam along the length of the cowl to turn it into a tube. In both instances you need to graft in garter stitch to attach the short ends to each other. You’ll also need to work a provisional cast on.

The pattern includes two sizes, for kids and adults. If you want to use a heavier weight yarn on the project you could try making the child’s size with DK or worsted weight yarn so it doesn’t end up so much wider than was intended. Mosaic patterns are usually pretty easy to alter if you want to make it a custom width or length, too.

The pattern is available on Ravelry.

Looking for more fun mosaic knitting patterns? I have a roundup of mosaic knitting projects you can try. It includes socks, a sweater, blanket, bag and more. And speaking of mosaic knit blankets I can’t resist sharing the Mosaic Diamonds Blanket pattern again because it’s such a beauty!

[Photo: Mieka John]

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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