Knit Some Pants for Cooler Weather

One thing that was long on my to-knit list was a pair of lounge pants. I finally knit some a few years ago, out of sock yarn. They took forever, and I do like them because they’re really warm and cozy (and used a lot of leftover sock yarn). But I wouldn’t recommend that style as your first ever knit pants experience because it is such a big project.

I recently found the Easy Caron Lounge Around Pants from Yarnspirations, and I think these might be a good option for your first foray into knitting pants.

They’re actually worked flat from the top down, one leg at a time, rather than working in the round. Short rows are used for extra coverage in the back, and the legs are sewn together and to each other at the inseams and crotch area. The pants have an elastic wasitband so there’s a casing knit for that (as part of the leg) so you can sew in the elastic at the end. The elastic is the only special notion you’ll need outside of regular knitting supplies.

Once you get past the shaping at the top this is a pretty mindless knit, and I think you’ll make progress on it faster than you think.

These pants use worsted weight yarn so even though it’s a big project, it won’t feel like it will take forever. The yarn, Caron Simply Soft, is relatively inexpensive and cozy, though of course you can use whatever yarn you like.

The pattern is rated easy in part because it’s worked in a solid color, but it would be fun to add stripes, too, if you’re into that.

This project is available in five sizes, with a hip measurement ranging from 32-34 inches (86.5-91.5 cm) to 58-64 inches (147.5-162.5 cm).

You can get this free pattern from Yarnspirations.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]

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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