What’s in the Cards for You, Sweater Knitter?

Sometimes I’ll scroll through Ravelry to find patterns to share and I don’t look at them all that closely before deciding to feature them. So just looking at the top of the pattern page for the Tarot Card Sweater by Tamara Jordan, for example, I just saw these two variations you see here: the moon and the star.

Of course that would be enough to make this a really cool pattern and worthy of sharing, but no, it gets even better.

There are not just two but actually six different options for the card you want to feature on your sweater: the moon, the star, the sun, the lovers, death, and our own special tarot card for the knitter.

Come on.

I didn’t cast this one on immediately because I don’t have a sweater quantity of sport weight yarn in my stash, but I tell you this one is definitely going on my list (maybe with another version for my daughter, too).

The pattern is worked flat in pieces from the top down and features a drop shoulder and crew neck style. The sleeves are worked in the round after the front and back are sewn together.

The designer suggests using ladderback jacquard to manage long floats on the back, though I think you could do a combo of stranded knitting and intarsia, too, depending on the design you’re working.

It’s intended to have about 6 inches of positive ease (that’s 15 cm) and the pattern comes in five sizes ranging from 36 to 68 inches (or 91.5 to 172.5 cm). I’d say this would be good for intermediate knitters who have some experience with colorwork. In addition to those skills, you’ll also need to be able to work increases and decreases, as well as German short rows.

You can find the pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: Tamara Jordan]

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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