Knit a Matched Set of Projects with a Fun Double Border

I don’t have the best methods when it comes to deciding what to share with you all. Usually I will see something when I’m scrolling Ravelry, Facebook or Instagram and I’ll grab the link and add it to a very disorganized Google Doc. Sometimes I’ll notice a theme and add it to my schedule to do a roundup of certain kinds of patterns. And sometimes by the time I get back to a pattern it becomes a roundup all its own.

That’s the case with the NI mitts from Beatrice Mase. Since this pattern was published in 2022 I’m not sure exactly when it got into my list, but at the time it was published there was also a matching snood pattern, and now that I’m getting to writing about it there are also socks and a sweater. So you can knit a whole NI ensemble!

The thing that makes these designs fun is that they have double borders worked in different yarns, as well as a bit of garter stitch striping somewhere in each project. You can knit a batch all using the same colors, or maybe make them all with the same contrasting color but different main colors? Or just choose a single project you like if you don’t want to get all matchy.

They all call for DK weight yarn, except for the socks, which use sock yarn.

Here’s a quick rundown of all the designs (links go to Ravelry):

Snood: This piece looks like a cowl at the top, then increases around the shoulders to cover the tops of the arms. It comes in one size.
Mitts: These fingerless gloves have a little coverage for the thumb and go about to the low set of knuckles on the hand. This pattern is also one size.
Socks: The double border on these is meant to be folded over the top of a low pair of boots, or you can wear it folded regardless of what/whether shoes are involved.
Sweater: This short-sleeved sweater has a bit of a puffed sleeve, a drawstring at the neckline, and a contrasting color faux seam along the sides. It’s worked from the top down and comes in nine sizes (this was actually made with two strands of fingering weight held together, but you can also use DK).

[Photo: Beatrice Mase]

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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