Knitting

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knit.purl Replaces knit.wear, and a Giveaway

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Check out knit.purl and enter to win a copy.Interweave/F+W has had a special issue magazine called knit.wear for a few years, and the magazine has evolved with its latest issue to have a new name and design with the same editorial team. knit.purl is what the magazine is called now, and it is edited by Lisa Shroyer, who also edits Interweave Knits.

“We’re updating some older elements, and keeping the most important ones,” she said in a news release about the change. “The packaging has changed a bit, but at the end of the day, this magazine is all about clean, contemporary, intriguing knitwear.”

I really enjoyed looking through the new issue, on newsstands now. It includes a roundup of great bulky knitting yarns, which are completely on-trend this season. There’s also a story about Jasmine Gonzalez, a student at San Francisco’s Academy of Art University, who presented a collection of hugely chunky sweaters and sewn pieces at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. And you’ll learn about a Navajo plying method that allows you to make a three-ply yarn as you’re knitting, so you can turn a lightweight yarn into something bulkier with ease, and go back and forth between chunky and thin in the same project with the same yarn. That one’s going to be cool to play with.

In addition there are 23 patterns for sweaters, hats, mitts and cowls to get you through the cold season. I love the Spiral Pullover, pictured on the cover and designed by Cathy Carron. The Ply List Sweater by Michelle Hunter plays with that plying technique, making bulkier stripes mixed in with single-ply stripes. Ashley Rao’s Plumage Pullover is a pretty tunic with cascading feather patterns, while the Pintuck Cardigan by Bristol Ivy uses a tiny detail to make a sophisticated design that much more interesting.

I may need to knit Alice Tang’s Asymmetric Hem Pullover right away; it combines ribbing and garter stitch with uneven row gauges and a pointed hem to make a bold look. On the accessory front I love the Tilting Fair Isle Mitts and Hat by Mary Gehling, which have short rows that tilt the bands of colrowork. Check out all the patterns for yourself on Ravelry.

I happen to have an extra copy of this magazine to give away, so if you’d like it, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, October 12. Tell me which pattern you’d love to knit or what you’re most looking forward to knitting this fall and winter. (Congrats to winner Claire!)

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing and good luck!

Looking for knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking for pullover and sweater patterns? Check these books out.

Comments

  7. I love the Spiral Pullover and the Pintuck Cardigan. I’m probably more likely to knit the cardigan since I live in a warmer climate, but I like a lot of the patterns in this issue.

    Thanks so much for this great giveaway!!

  9. I would like to enter the giveaway! I really like the Lupinus Cardigan!

    This fall, I’d like to complete the cardigan I started… last fall! It was a KAL, but obviously, I didn’t get to finish it on time!

  17. I would most like to knit something for MYSELF!! Not that I don’t enjoy knitting for others, it’s just I seem to get left out. Probably because of time constraints.

  18. I’ve been wanting to try stranded knitting and love the Tilting Fair Isle Mitts and Hat. The Pintuck Cardigan would also be a great throw-on-over-everything sweater. Thanks for the giveaway!

  19. I love to knit mittens for my two grand daughters. It is so much fun letting them pick out colors.

  21. I’m a newbie in the knitting world and would love a copy to learn some new skills.

  22. I especially love the Lupinus Cardigan, although there are many beautiful designs in this magazine.

  23. I’d knit the Minaret Mittens. Because lately I’m feeling like knitting mittens and hat instead of my ever present socks. Hmmm… I blame the weather. : )
    wahoomerryf on Ravelry

  28. I would love to knit a sweater for my daughter, it seems to be the fashionable item for teenagers this year!!

  29. There are so many intriguing patterns here. I think the Pintuck Cardigan would be the first to knit.

  30. Rignt now I’m trying to finish a cardigan I started long ago. I’ve just picked up and knit a facing band for the hem, and now have a 200 stitch kitchener stitch graft to complete. After that I will do a band for the collar and graft it, then I have to do facings for the fronts and sew in my first zipper in a knit garment. I feel like this will take me the whole fall complete.

  31. I’m into knitting shawls at the moment, but I think I could give the jumper on the magazine front cover a go as it looks unusual.

  32. I’m working on a blanket right now. Blankets make goo fall/winter projects because they can keep you warm as you are making them! 🙂

  34. Everyone on my Christmas list is getting something hand knitted this year. I need some more ideas!!!!

  35. I tried knitting my future baby a sweater in 1962 and only got it 3/4 done. Didn’t try again. Would like to try again and succeed. Perhaps knit that baby girl (52) and her baby girl (soon to be 15) each a sweater. Would love to have the magazine. How about naming the new one “Knit it”.

  36. I would love a copy! I’m looking forward to finishing up a vest WIP that ‘s been sitting in my craft room waiting for fall knitting!

  37. The Lupinus Cardigan looks like it would be a fun project. Right now I’m knitting Acorn Hats (Bernat Mega Bulky yarn) and they’re fun but I’m ready for something more complicated. Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy of Knit.Purl! 🙂

  41. I fell in love with arao’s Plumage! I’m crazy about the total piece, it’s so flattering and different!

  45. I would really love to own a copy of this book, the pattern spiral patterns are fabulous. This is the first time I seen this spiral effect and can not wait to have ago at knitting one. Fingers and toes are crossed, that’s when I am not knitting.

  47. I’m on the look out for a warm but loose fitting cardigan that is easy to whip off when a hot flush is upon me!

  48. I like the Crescent Shawl and the Golden gate skirt look nice for someone special.

Have you read?

10 Knitted Christmas Bauble Patterns for a Tree Full of Handmade Charm

There’s always room for one more Christmas decoration, especially when it uses yarn you already own. That’s my reasoning, anyway. Those little leftover balls that aren’t quite enough for a hat suddenly look much more promising when you start thinking about knitted baubles.

I love the idea of adding a few handmade ornaments to the tree each year. They don’t all have to match, either. A traditional colourwork ball beside a slightly cheeky Christmas pudding feels far more interesting than a tree where everything arrived in the same box.

These knitted Christmas bauble patterns include flat-knit designs, festive characters and detailed colourwork ornaments. Most are free, with a paid collection included for anyone who wants plenty of designs to work through. Some suit newer knitters; others are small projects for practising skills you already know.

Christmas Baubles Knitted Flat

The free Christmas Baubles—Knit Flat pattern from Tat’sgrans Treasures is worth a look if knitting tiny rounds doesn’t appeal. It includes three sizes and charted words such as Peace, Hope, Love and Joy, worked using intarsia. The flat construction is approachable, although the lettering adds a challenge beyond basic stocking stitch. I’d choose this for meaningful gift ornaments, particularly when one of those words suits the person receiving it.

Christmas Pudding Bauble

The free Christmas Pudding Bauble by Amanda Berry has all the appeal of a festive pudding without anyone debating whether they actually like eating it. Knitted flat in DK yarn, it combines shaping, colourwork and seaming, with a little holly topper to finish. It’s best for confident beginners with some experience rather than someone learning their first knit stitch. At approximately 6 cm tall, it would make a lovely tree decoration or an extra treat tied onto a wrapped present.

Rudolf & Friends Character Baubles

The free Rudolf & Friends Ornaments by Claire Fairall bring a playful touch to a handmade Christmas tree. These character baubles are knitted flat, and the instructions include illustrations for assembly and embroidery. Hobbii lists the pattern as suitable for beginners, making it a useful option for knitters who would rather practise finishing details than stranded colourwork. The finished ornaments measure approximately 8 × 6 cm and would also look cheerful tucked into a handmade wreath.

Cute Christmas Baubles With Little Faces

The free Cute Christmas Baubles from Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days turn small amounts of DK yarn into cheerful character decorations. Worked flat and seamed, they use simple shaping, stuffing and added facial details to create their personality. They suit knitters comfortable with knit, purl, increases and decreases who enjoy a little assembly afterwards. I rather like Marianna’s idea of using them on the Christmas dinner table before adding hanging loops for the tree.

Rudolph’s Nose Christmas Bauble

The free Rudolph’s Nose Bauble from DROPS Design is a useful choice when you want a traditional ball-shaped ornament. Designed in DROPS Flora, it uses knitting in the round with increases and decreases to create the shape. Choose this if you’re comfortable handling a small circumference and want a project focused on construction. I’d make a few in coordinating colours to bring a little consistency to an otherwise wonderfully mismatched handmade tree.

Merry Mints Bauble

The free Merry Mints Bauble from DROPS Design offers another festive option, this time designed in DROPS Cotton Merino. The instructions include working back-and-forth rows and shaping, so it’s worth considering if you prefer that approach to tiny rounds. Read through the construction before starting and pay attention to the instructions for working yarn overs to avoid unwanted holes. This would be a nice project for a knitter who enjoys seeing a shaped decoration emerge from a small piece of knitting.

Caorann Fair Isle Christmas Bauble

The free Caorann Christmas Bauble by Sarah Berry brings delicate Fair Isle detail to a small ornament. It uses fingering-weight yarn and 2.5 mm needles, with instructions sized for an approximately 60 mm bauble insert. Worked in the round, the design includes both written and charted directions for its repeated segments. I’d save this one for knitters with some colourwork experience who want to make a particularly special keepsake.

A Dated 2026 Christmas Bauble

The free 2026 Christmas Bauble by Smaatterier combines the year with two traditional Selbu rose motifs. It’s knitted in the round using stranded colourwork across the middle, with either fibre filling or a suitably sized plastic bauble inside. The charted design is listed as intermediate and finishes at approximately 6.5 cm tall. This is a lovely choice for marking a first Christmas in a new home, a family milestone or simply another year of making things by hand.

Colourful Christmas Balls From Two Strands

The free Christmas Balls by Mary Ann Stephens are full of colourwork detail, with optional touches such as duplicate stitch and nupps. The designer also discusses I-cord hanging loops, which give the ornaments a pleasingly substantial finish. These are better suited to knitters comfortable following charts and managing several colours than complete beginners. Follow the updated download directions in the post to find the patterns on the designer’s current website.

ARNE & CARLOS Christmas Ball Collection

The paid Twenty-four Christmas Balls 2024 collection by ARNE & CARLOS includes a basic ball pattern and 24 different motif charts. The ornaments are worked in the round using stranded colourwork, with a linked tutorial to help you follow the process. Although the designer lists the collection as beginner level, I’d be comfortable knitting in the round and making increases and decreases before starting. This is the pick for someone who wants a whole collection of coordinated ornaments rather than just one small project.

Choosing Yarn for Knitted Baubles

Small decorations are tempting stash projects, but check the yarn weight before diving into that leftover basket. A thicker yarn can make a much larger bauble, while changing the yarn in a fitted cover may stop it fitting the recommended insert.

For colourwork, choose shades with enough contrast for the motif to show. Two lovely colours can look surprisingly similar once they’re knitted together, especially on something this small.

Smooth yarn also makes it easier to see your stitches. Save the fluffy, sparkly and slightly mysterious leftovers for a pattern where you’re confident they’ll work.

Getting a Nicely Rounded Finish

If your pattern uses stuffing, add it gradually and spread it evenly. You’re aiming for a rounded ornament without stretching the stitches so far apart that the filling shows through. For designs worked over an insert, check the diameter and follow the instructions for when to put it inside.

Give the finishing a little time, too. A neat seam, securely woven ends and a tidy hanging loop help a small decoration feel properly finished.

I’d start with a pair for the tree and one to give away. Of course, once you’ve laid out all those yarn colours, “just three” may become a rather flexible arrangement.