Review: Mosaic Knitting Workshop

I think of mosaic knitting as being the unsung hero of the colorwork knitting world. You hear much more about stranded knitting and intarisa, but mosaic knitting is fun, easy, and can be used to make lots of fun designs.

Ashleigh Wempe covers the basics of mosaic knitting and 13 projects to try it out in her book Mosaic Knitting Workshop.

The book opens with an overview of the basics of mosaic knitting, a technique worked with two colors per colorwork section, and using slipped stitches to make the colorwork pattern. You’re never working with more than one color across a row or round. It can be worked flat or in the round (though all the projects in the book are worked flat) and the base stitch can be garter or stockinette.

The book gives instructions for how to read patterns or use charts for the designs, the difference between garter and stockinette and different ways to carry the yarn up the side of the project.

The patterns are aimed at beginners and start with a super simple coaster worked in super bulky yarn with a concentric square pattern. This is a great place to start if you’ve never done mosaic knitting before because it’s super logical.

Other patterns include a coordinating washcloth and towel, a dishcloth and matching kitchen towel, a floor mat using four colors in bands, a baby blanket with a large diamond motif, a scarf inspired by aspen leaves, a set of mug cozies with four different designs, a cowl with a simply blocky pattern worked in three colors, a pair of Western-motif pillows, a triangular shawl worked in a color-changing yarn to up the drama even more, a wall hanging inspired by Xs and Os, a desert landscape afghan, and a cozy throw with bands of a few different motifs. You can check out all the pattern on Ravelry.

Nothing here is too difficult, even for someone new to mosaic knitting (the shawl is the only pattern that has increases), though some of the designs are decidedly more complex. Start with the coasters or the cowl pattern to gain confidence.

These fun patterns have a definite Southwest/boho flair, but changing up the colors can make a big difference (and each pattern is shown in two different colors to give you an idea of how it will look in different colors).

About the book: 128 pages, paperback, 13 patterns. Published 2023 by David & Charles. Suggested retail price $24.99.

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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