Snuggly beanies, gloves, and scarves will soon be making their yearly resurgence from the bottoms of drawers and backs of closets. If you’re looking for new cold-weather accessories, there’s always the option of store-bought, but your grandma knew what she was doing. Homemade knit products are made with love and care, and we’re no scientists, but we’re pretty convinced that extra ‘something’ is what makes hand-knit creations especially cozy.
Depending on if you’re a knit-veteran or a novice with the needles, knitting projects can be a little time consuming (but let’s be honest, no more time consuming than the mindless scrolling we all fall into now and again). So if you’re planning on stocking you and your loved ones’ drawers with handmade, extra cozy winter-wear this year, you might want to get out your skeins now.
If you’re looking for a new pattern to try or want to learn a new skill (hello, cable knit!), we’ve got you covered. Ranging from beginner to intermediate, these knitting patterns make perfect gifts, donations, or additions to your own winter-wear collection.
Thick Knit Snow Day Hat with Pom Pom
We don’t need to tell you how cozy this hat is — the picture says it all. Featuring a thick and warm stockinette stitch and a super cute (but optional) fuzzy pom pom, this snow day beanie can be made in any color for just about anyone.
Seed Stitch Beanie
The seed stitch is great for beginners. Its textured, pebbly appearance looks far more difficult to make than it is. Plus, this is a fun, new stitch to have in your back pocket for your next knitting project.
Conversationalist Beanie
The world doesn’t stop turning just because we have a new knitting project to focus on, although that would be amazing. This "conversationalist" beanie is so easy to make, you don’t need to worry about losing your place while you chit chat, binge watch your favorite show, or both.
Fairisle Gradient Hat
There are only so many ways to modify the traditional beanie shape — the color is where the fun really starts. This Fairisle gradient hat features a colorful ombre pattern that can be modified to match someone’s favorite team, school, or all-around favorite color combo.
Chunky Beret
Timeless and chic, berets have managed to never truly fall “out” of style. The best part? They’re super easy to make, too. This chunky beret pattern features a fitted, ribbed rim, subtle pleating, and a classic pom pom.
Twisted Turban Earwarmer
Don’t let the twist intimidate you — this turban ear-warmer is as easy to make as it is stylish. This pattern is an excellent alternative to headwear that leaves your hair a static-y, clinging mess.
Vanessa Textured Headband
Featuring an eye-catching design and made with super-insulated, chunky yarn, this textured headband is an interesting new take on the classic ear-warmer/headband combo. This pattern also transforms into an ultra-cozy cowl neck scarf with just a few added stitches. A win, win!
Horseshoe Cable Headband
If you’ve been meaning to dive into the world of intricate cables but just haven’t found the right place to start, here it is. This headband boasts a beautiful horseshoe cable and two buttons for an adjustable fit.
Cozy Autumn Fingerless Gloves
These simple fingerless gloves mimic the changing leaves in jewel-toned tiers that offer greater dimension and style. Perfect for chilly days in the office or pumpkin picking, these gloves are versatile, fashionable, and definitely fall-friendly.
Modified Army Gloves
Modified from an old American Red Cross pattern for service gloves, these functional gloves are durable, warm, and make perfect gifts. As is, this pattern makes a small to medium-sized men’s glove, but the author offers pattern modifications for smaller or larger size options.
Salt and Pepper Stitch Gloves
The salt and pepper coloring pattern is an easy way to enter the world of colorwork in your knitting. It’s so simple, it’s usually used as a filler design for more complicated designs — but in this basic glove pattern, the checkerboard of colors make a unique and easily personalized design.
Sugar Bush Mini Cable Ribbing Knit Mitts
Another great introduction to knitting cables, these ribbed fingerless mittens are made without a cable needle. Lengthen the pattern to extend up the wrist for a pair of bohemian-chic arm warmers, or keep them short for tucking under coat sleeves.
Fingerless Gloves, Wartime Handknits of 1942
A classic pattern for sturdy, durable, and functional knit gloves that has withstood the test of decades of wear. These fingerless gloves offer more warmth with individual finger holes as opposed to one opening.
Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf
An obvious go-to for beginners or for those in a rush, this easy mistake stitch scarf features a gorgeous deep rib that looks way more complicated than it actually is. The repeating knit 2, purl 2 pattern allows for tiny mistakes to be hidden under the lofty ridges.
Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks Scarf
Although the intricate pattern is a little tedious, this design is well worth the extra effort. Whimsical stars are created by a slick purling trick that can be mastered by novices and pros alike. Keep this pattern subtle in one color or emphasize its unique structure with gradient yarn.
Get into the Groove Triangle Scarf
Ditch the traditional rectangular scarves for this funky triangular number. This particular pattern boasts bright and bold lines of color, but keeping it simple with muted jewel tones or classic black adds a level of sophistication to this interesting take on a classic.
Birch Tree Scarf
Delicate, timeless, and deceivingly easy, this birch tree scarf pattern is an excellent place to start (or practice) your knit lacework. DK weight yarn emphasizes the intricate structure of the lace without losing any of its warmth, making it a lovely holiday gift.
Kallik Chunky Knit Scarf
For ultimate coziness and protection from the cold, opt for this chunky knit scarf by Berroco. A diagonal textured pattern keeps the scarf interesting as it wraps around you in oh, so cozy layers. Chunky yarn helps lock in heat and makes for a fast, fun knit.
Easy Peasy Sock Pattern
Knitting socks can seem like one of the more complicated tasks to tackle, but Stacey at ShinyHappyWorld.com has made an easy-to-follow tutorial for first-time sock knitters. Starting with a ribbed cuff ankle sock, this pattern helps you get the basics down before moving onto more complicated patterns.
Basic Chunky Slippers
Great for beginners looking to branch out into more involved knitting projects, these basic chunky slippers are as adorable as they are warm. Everyone’s going to be asking for a pair of these bad boys — luckily, they’re easy to make.
Baby and Me Socks
This matching sock set is an excellent knitting pattern for new and expecting moms, and they also make amazing baby shower gifts. But with a simple stockinette stitch and ribbed cuff, these cozy socks are just as great by themselves as they are in a matching baby-and-me set.
Super Easy Leg Warmers
Leg warmers aren’t just for Flashdance Halloween costumes, folks. These super easy to make, slouchy leg warmers are great for lounging around the house, yoga sessions, and for tucking into knee-high boots for extra insulation. They are the winter accessory from years past that you didn’t even know you needed.
Cabled Yoga Leg Warmers with Stirrups
Speaking of yoga sessions — a good yoga flow on a crisp, cool day is hard to beat, but bulky winter clothes can make it difficult to move through poses easily. Keep your feet toasty without sacrificing any traction on your mat with these stylish, functional, and stirruped leg warmers.
Easy Latte Boot Cuffs
Boot cuffs are a lightning-fast knitting project that makes a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift. Keep your legs comfortable in knee-high boots with boot cuffs, a breezy alternative to stuffy, bunched up knee-high socks.
Cozy Pocketed Knit Poncho
So, you’ve knit scarves, maybe a few beanies…but knitting an entire article of clothing can seem a bit…intense. Ponchos are a great place to start for beginners, as the free-flowing shape is far more forgiving as you learn the ins and outs of knitting garments. This ultra-cozy poncho features two front pockets to keep your fingers toasty.
Swirly Striped Cape
Capes are another great beginners’ piece for novice knitters, offering a slightly different silhouette from a traditional poncho. There’s something undeniably regal about capes, so knit your way into feeling like royalty as you swoosh your way through the day.
Mock Turtleneck Poncho with Fringe
This pattern combines the free-flowing design of a poncho with a chic mock turtleneck and bohemian fringe — it’s truly the best of all possible worlds. Choose a bold, bright color to match the unique, daring look of this poncho.
Simple Knit Sweater
Sweaters quickly become complicated once you start sewing on sleeves, working to fit a specific size, etc. Luckily, Sewrella.com has created an amazing beginners’ tutorial for a simple knit sweater that is manageable for novices, super cute, and extra toasty. This tutorial walks you through the trickier parts of knitting a sweater. Pretty soon, you’ll be whipping up pullovers in no time.
Easy Two-Color Pullover
This simple pullover features an eye-catching mismatched front and back panel, offering a chic new twist to the traditional wide neck pullover. Featuring a dazzling stitch in the center front panel and deeply ribbed sleeves, this pullover utilizes color, depth, and dimension in all the right ways. To simplify this pattern further, stick with just one color.
Just the Basics Sweater
Wading through hundreds of subtle twists and turns in different cable patterns can make all that yarn look like a tangled, confusing mess. Ditch all of the bells and whistles with this durable, sturdy, basic sweater pattern. Its classic design is sure to be fashionable in years to come, and these will make great practice for when you do want to dive into the twisty world of cables.
