Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Mix and Match Sweater Patterns for Kids

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pick the pieces by lorna miserPick the Pieces by Lorna Miser is a fun book for those who want to learn how to customize sweaters on a small scale.

The book includes 12 complete sweater patterns (some of them are on Ravelry) in sizes from six month to six years, along with 48 components you can mix and match to make your own designs without the work.

So, for instance, you can make the short-sleeved sweater as shown, with allover Seed Stitch patterning, picot edging, a V neck and ties at the front, or you could make it long sleeved, turn it into a crewneck, add pockets and a hood and more.

This is a fun way to kind of dip your toe into designing, because you can choose the components and knit a totally custom sweater without having to do the math. And your kiddos will love having projects made just the way they want them (my daughter, for instance, wants every sweater to be a hooded cardigan).

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, November 5. I’d love to know a little about the little ones you knit for. My daughter is 8 so she’s aged out of this book, but she does still love me to knit for her, which is great. Because last year’s sweater still fits, this year I’m making her a big, squishy lap blanket instead.

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

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

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Looking for Yarn online? Check out Lionbrand our preferred source for purchasing yarn online.

Comments

  1. What a great book! Thank you for the chance to win a copy. I have two grandsons (3 & 1) and love to knit them things. I know the day is likely to come when they won’t want handmade things so I’d better have my fun now!!

  2. I love the concept of this book! The tiny kids I knit for are my nieces/nephews who are 6 mo -10 yrs old and new babies of friends!! Thank you

  4. Perfect-many sweaters with one book! I have one grandchild, a boy almost a year old, and now is the perfect time to knit him up a few sweaters. I have a vest in progress right now but I’ll finish it up in case I win 😉

  5. Love to mix and match…four DGDs would love to help pick out:)

    from chilly autumnal VT,
    the Vermonster

  8. With 2 grandsons I need sweater patterns for kids, especially if they can be work as boys sweaters that are hard to find. I need to go check out this book. Winning it would be even better

  9. I knit for grandchildren of friends and for charity. This book would help with variety. Thank you for the chance to own it.

  10. My not-so-little-one will be turning 7 soon. She really needs some new sweaters! All the ones I find in the store are so thin they don’t seem like sweaters!

Have you read?

Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern – A Cozy Little Gift Project With Old-Fashioned Charm

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.