Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Learn to Knit (or Teach Someone Else) This Holiday Season

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complete knitting skills giveawayI know we’ve all got a million other things to do right now aside from learning new skills, but once the actual holiday stuff (eating, unwrapping presents) is over, sometimes there’s extra time you don’t quite know what to do with.

So why not fill it learning new skills or teaching someone else to knit?

I’ve got just the thing to help one of you do just that.

Complete Knitting Skills by Debbie Tomkies is pretty much just what the title says. This book has tons of information on all the tools and supplies you need to get started; knitting basics like casting on, knitting, purling, increases and decreases; blocking and finishing; altering patterns to fit; choosing the right increase, decrease, cast on or bind off for a project; more advanced skills like knitting in the round, lace and cables; fixing knitting errors and more.

Even better, the book is linked to a website with 27 videos that will help you gain confidence in your knitting skills if the words and photos in the book aren’t allowing you to understand what’s happening.

This book is a great guide for a new knitter or someone who wants to learn how to knit better.

The cover is just a little bit worn, but you could even give it as a gift if you like.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, Nov. 26. I’d love to know either who taught you to knit or someone you’ve taught to knit or would like to teach to knit. My grandmother and mother both taught me, and I’ve taught lots of people, though of course I’m proudest of my daughter enjoying the fiber arts!

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Comments

  1. I was taught by my mom and great grandmother. I am teaching my daughter -I would love to gift to her! thank you!

  2. My mom never got a chance to teach me to knit before we lost her last year and I really want to learn!

  3. I took a class years ago and then got into a group at work to knit. I have tried to teach my granddaughters but without success. Would love this book to help teach them!

  4. I started learning from friends & have self-taught via internet. I’ve taught a friend, starting w/ dish cloths. I work w/ Alzheimer’s patients & could use this book for good reference w/ those who want to refresh their knitting skills

  6. My aunt knitted and crocheted too. My mom didn’t. I taught myself watching my aunt then a friend when we were in college

  7. I taught myself to knit but love sharing this craft with others. Last year, I taught my cousin to knit and after the holidays, I’ll be teaching my sister. This book would be a great gift for her. Thank you!

  9. I took a class as a teen and though I am right-handed, taught my leftie college roommate to knit! That was years ago now. Would love the book to help me teach my grandchildren to knit! Thank you for the opportunity to win this nice book.

  10. LI love to knit and would love to know how to pass on the craft. Not the best teacher, so I’d like some hints. I tried with my nieces but would like to show some of the kids in school.

  11. I would love to have the book for my daughter, whom I am teaching to knit! I am carrying on the tradition started by my mom and grandmother!

  13. My mother in law taught me to knit. When I first met her she was knitting socks on 4 needles. She was so fast at it. She was very inspiring and only to happy to share her skills. Since then I do both knit and crochet. I like to do both on my projects. I taught my daughters to knit and crochet. I am happy to teach and share.

  14. My sister taught me to crochet when I was a little girl but I’ve never learned to knit. It has been on my bucket list since I retired but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. Twin grand babies have been keeping me busy. But it’s still on my list and a comprehensive book would help immensely! Thanks for the chance!

  15. My Mother and Grandmother taught me to knit, my Great Grandmother taught me to crochet.
    I now pass my skills on at community recycle workshops, turning pre loved materials into lovely craft makes.

  16. My Mum taught me to knit when I was very young and my Nan helped as well; she was an amazing knitter. After a 25 year break though, I’ve picked up my needles again and I’m teaching myself, although Mum helps out if I get in a pickle.

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.