Make Your Own Knit Cardigan, Block by Block

I love knitting patterns that give you a lot of options. It’s almost a step between following a pattern and designing something yourself, where you get to make some of the decisions but you don’t have to do the math for yourself. The result is a mostly unique design that you didn’t have to design yourself, which is perfect for people who don’t want to design a garment from scratch but still might like some variations.

The Building Blocks Cardi pattern from Aimee Sher is a great example of this. It’s a worsted weight cardigan with a V-neck and optional bust darts, but the options don’t stop there.

You can make it a vest, which has short sleeves, or long sleeved. Make it whatever length you like and choose a straight hem or a high-low hemline. You can add one pocket, two, or none as you like.

Beyond all those options, there are 11 sizes to choose from, ranging from an upper bust measurement of 31 to 63.5 inches. The sweater has built in positive ease so the actual garment measurements range from 38.5 to 79 inches.

The pieces are worked flat from the bottom up, and includes shaping for the armholes so they fall nicely off the shoulder (which is why the vest has short sleeves). A three-needle bind off is used to join the pieces at the top.

There’s even an eight page PDF you can check out before you buy the pattern that includes detailed yardage information, sizing tips, information on special techniques used in the project (including German short rows and special cast ons and bind offs) and detailed schematic drawings and size charts so you can ensure the perfect fit for you. (The schematics are also included as images in the listing on Ravelry.)

Check out all the details and grab your own copy on Ravelry.

[Photo: Aimee Sher.]

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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