Knit Matching Colorwork Hat and Mitts

I love a good matched set of knitting patterns (though now that I think about it, the only matching things I have are a shawl and a pair of mittens I worked in the same yarn). They’re great to knit for gifts or to make for yourself, and kind of give you an extra air of being a maker because matched sets like that aren’t that common in stores.

The Wavebreaker hat and fingerless mitt pattern from Francoise Danoy features a take on the Ng?ru (wave) pattern in traditional Maori designs, evoking the swirling waves caused by a canoe paddle going through the water. The intent is to bring a sense of calm, both in the knitting and wearing these objects.

The repeating design, which looks a little bit like hearts on their sides, is repeated in bands of different background colors. You’re still only working two colors at a time, but if you’d rather you can always work the background in a single color.

The pattern uses sport weight yarn in three colors total. The hat is 20 inches around and the mitts are 7 inches around, so both should fit a small to medium woman. Both have ribbed edgings for a good fit.

The patterns are sold as a set, and you can get them with their pay what you can model on Ravelry.

If you’re new to stranded knitting, I’ve got a quick Fair Isle tutorial on my blog. Looking for more fun stranded colorwork patterns? I love these Summer Picnic Socks (which of course don’t have to be just for summer if you stitch them in different colors) and the Kenora Cowl pattern is perfect for the cold time of year because it’s knit with a lining layer that covers up your floats and brings an extra layer of coziness to the project.

[Photo: Francoise Danoy]

Book Review 200 Fair Isle Motifs: A Knitter’s Directory

Free Knitting Pattern Northen Lights Fair Isle Sweater

Fair Isle Knitting For Beginners

When my daughter was in early elementary school we were at Joann together (RIP) and she picked out some variegated pink and white blanket yarn for me to knit a blanket for her bed. Now probably 10 years later, it’s one of her favorite possessions. I note this because the blankets we give to little ones might seem simple on the surface, like something they need to keep warm, but they can turn into so much more.

Take the Pocketful of Love Blanket from Purl Soho. On the surface this is a pretty but also easy to knit blanket for a little one. It’s worked in garter stitch stripes using sport weight yarn (the sample is a superwash wool, but this would also be nice in cotton or a blend) and available in a crib or small throw size. Though of course because it’s garter stitch, it’s pretty easy to make it any size you want.

But what makes this blanket extra special is the little details. The slip stitch selvedges and I-cord bind off give it a crisp look that’s perfect with the garter stitch of the body.

And then there’s the pocket.

This is a big pocket. At 10 inches wide and 12.25 inches tall (that’s 25.4 by 31 cm) for the crib size and 12.75 by 14.25 inches (32.4 by 36 cm) for the throw, you can easily fit a favorite stuffed animal, toy or book into the pocket.

I love how even though it uses the same striped garter stitch pattern as the blanket, it’s stitched down so the stripes run the opposite way (horizontal when the blanket stripes are vertical), though of course you can match stripes if you’d rather.

I think this blanket has the potential to be greatly loved by the little one its given to, and by the knitter look for an easy, pretty baby blanket with a little extra useful twist.

Grab the free pattern from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

Have you read?