So of course there’s always a scarf – it’s just a big long rectangle, isn’t it? Well, these knitting projects are barely more difficult but look like a million hours.
Choose wool and other natural yarns over manmade fibres. Why? At the end of its life, when your precious handmade item has been loved to death you can chuck it on the compost heap!
>> Wrap up warm this winter with sustainable wool
Knitting a beginner’s tea cosy
Made entirely in garter stitch and made entirely for a practical purpose. Keeping your cuppa hotter for longer means fewer trips to the kettle and a lower energy bill!
We found this retro pattern on AllFreeKnitting.com – does exactly what it says on the tin!
Designer style; knitting a pouf
Recently seen in the shops for £1000 or more (gasp!), if your knitting skills can stretch to one of these babies then you’ll be right on trend without shelling out a king’s ransom. Apparently they’re not that difficult if you can knit a rectangle, just requiring a bit of patience – but don’t pull the seam too tight or you’ll end up with more of a baby’s bottom look! Here’s the free pattern from Pickles.
Knitting a chunky wool blanket
Got an epic TV series that you’ve been saving for the winter months? Break out the Breaking Bad while you plug away on this lovely cosy blanket pattern from Lynne Knowlton – remember not to start dropping stitches when the action hots up!
>> Easy eco sewing projects that anyone can do
The ‘one night, one skein’ cowl
If you think about it, a cowl is simply a hoop of fabric. Could it get any easier? And so elegant in this mossy green-grey yarn!
According to knitandbake.com, this knitting project can be completed in one evening, using just one skein of yarn. Frugal last minute present, anyone? Here’s the pattern.
Easy-peasy tube socks
No heels or fiddly bits to worry about with this chunky knit pattern. We can imagine slouching round the house in a pair of these quite happily, or perhaps a winter’s walk wearing some beneath our wellies! Benita Skinner’s online pattern is designed especially for her husband – adjust yours to fit.
Jolly dishcloth from yarn scraps
Almost too nice to use for the dishes! Ideal for using up odds and ends of different coloured yarn, this free dishcloth pattern knits up in next to no time.
The multi-coloured number in the picture is courtesy of knitting blogger extraordinaire Juanita McLellan. She suggests knitting a few for practical gifts whilst you’re about it – grab the pattern for free here.
Cute canine draught excluder
This cheeky sausage dog is all set to faithfully keep draughts out from under doors this winter. Why not customise him / her to be a replica of your family’s dog for extra awwww factor?
Those nice people at Hobbycraft have been kind enough to provide a free knitting pattern for you to print off here.
>> DIY desk tidies for home offices and homework zones
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