Winter Knitting Pattern Inspiration
Ready to stay warm this winter? Here are some knitting patterns for sweaters, pants, hats, mittens, neck warmers, and socks to fill your closet with cozy goodness!
Winter Sweater Knitting Patterns
I don’t know about you, but where I live, wearing a sweater every day in the winter isn’t really a choice; it’s an absolute necessity. But I don’t want to throw on any old sweater. Sometimes, I’m in the mood for classic sweaters that I know can work with every pair of pants in my closet. Other times, I’m desperate for a pop of color and fun colors to brighten up the gray days. Whichever mood I’m in though, the sweater must be cozy and warm. Below, you’ll find recommendations for both kind of moods, and I hope you find some cozy inspiration!
The Double Date Sweater
This Gilmore Girls inspired sweater is everything. Designed with a boxy fit, I can totally see myself throwing this on day after day. Using DK weight wool yarn also allows it to work up not too quick, but not too slow either, and creates a beautiful drape. My colorwork skills are quite limited, but this is supposedly a great pattern for expanding on colorwork skills, which also is a big reason why I’m drawn to it. I plan on slowly working on this pattern myself this winter when in between designs.
This pattern is by Winter’s Weather Knits. View the Double Date Sweater on Ravelry.
Scripey Sweater
Have bulky yarn scraps lying around gathering dust? Turn them into this cozy turtleneck sweater! I haven’t made the Scripey Sweater yet, but I love how you can customize the stripes to work with the amount of scraps you have. All you need is at least 4-5 colors, and you’re good to go!
This pattern is by Perfectly Knotted. View the Scripey Sweater on Ravelry.
Slip-Up Sweater
The design of the Slip Up Sweater really intrigues me. The twist stitches used to make an argyle-inspired design should keep you engaged throughout the making process. And once you’re done, you’ll have a classic sweater that you can dress up or down on any cold winter day!
This pattern is by Pages and Projects. View the Slip Up Sweater on Ravelry.
Front Porch Sweater
Is there anything quite like a classic cable knit sweater? I don’t think so. I love the Front Porch Sweater’s clean and sleek design with small repetitive cables. Designed to be made with DK weight yarn, it’s just the right weight to keep you warm and cozy while you enjoy your morning coffee or tea.
This pattern is by Purl Jam. View the Front Porch Sweater on Ravelry.
Bleecker Street Sweater
Looking for a cute turtleneck sweater pattern? Then check out this free pattern! The Bleecker Street Sweater uses worsted weight yarn, making it quick to work up. The cropped design makes this sweater a little more youthful and trendy, but you can always add some more rows if you wish. I love the boxy finish of the folded hem, but you can swap that out with a ribbing to match the sleeves if you wish. This free pattern is a great turtleneck sweater design that you can take and run with to make it the ultimate cozy piece for your winter wardrobe.
This pattern is by ShanaKay Salmon. View the Bleecker Street Sweater on Ravelry.
Frankie’s Sweater
Personally, I’m no longer a huge fan of sweaters made from super bulky yarn. I find the weight of them too heavy, and really the only time I can wear them is truly in the heart of winter or else I overheat. However, the do have their perks! They work up extremely quickly and they are awesome for beginners. In fact, the very first sweater I made was with this pattern, Frankie’s Sweater!
If you are a fan of working with super bulky yarn or are ready to tackle your very first sweater, I highly recommend this design. It also comes with 4 different sleeve design options!
This pattern is by ahoneyknits. View Frankie’s Sweater on Ravelry.
Cargill Sweater
The Cargill Sweater is one of those designs that looks just so special to make and then to wear. I love the uniqueness of the dip-stitch used to create its signature texture. Plus, the top-down design means you get a seamless experience! Make it with DK weight yarn, two strands of fingering, or fingering and mohair held together. No matter how you make it though, you’ll have an heirloom piece that will stick with you and your family for generations.
This pattern is by Rebecca Clow from CreaBea. View the Cargill Sweater on Ravelry.
Winter Pants Knitting Patterns
While sweaters are an absolute must-have for winter, let’s also consider the magical coziness of lounging in a hand knit pair of pants. For all the extra couch time you’ll be banking when its dark at only 4:30, and for days when putting on jeans seems absolutely repulsive, thank yourself by making a pair of pants.
Palazzo Pant
The Palazzo Pant features a wide leg design, pockets on the front and back, and a drawstring waistband, which all come together to create the coziest knit pant experience. Plus, the designer includes instructions for making shorts and culottes in addition to the full pants version!
This pattern is by Lo Rain. View the Palazzo Pants on their website.
Cable Crush Joggers
Not a fan of wide leg designs? I feel you. I’m more of a joggers person myself. And the Cable Crush Joggers is such a cozy knit jogger pattern! These sweatpants include pockets, a drawstring, short rows to accommodate for ample behinds, and lots of positive ease for ultimate coziness.
This pattern is by Knitatude. View the Cable Crush Joggers on Ravelry.
Winter Hat Knitting Patterns
What’s a winter wardrobe without a winter hat?! Hat patterns are fun and quick to work up, but also provide you with much needed protection from harsh winter winds. Make them in neutrals to add some aesthetic to your outdoor winter wardrobe, or make them colorful to brighten up gray winter days!
Staple Beanie
The first hat pattern I want to share is the Short Staple Beanie! This beanie can be made to fit either just above your ears or over your ears, depending on your desired length. One design feature of the Staple Beanie that I love is that there is no provisional cast on used to achieve the triple brim. The beanie is designed to be a fun and easy knit that comes out as cute as can be.
But the best part of this design is that it’s made-to-measure! Follow the formulas in the pattern (or skip the math and simply plug your measurements and gauge into the attached Google Sheet within the pattern), and you will come away with a perfectly fitted hat!
This pattern is by me, New Wave Knitting! View the Short Staple Beanie on my website.
Top-Down 2x2 Hat
A ribbed beanie is a classic winter staple, and the Top-Down 2x2 Hat is the perfect pattern to make one with. With satisfying decreases and a top-down design that helps ensure your preferred fit, you can’t go wrong with this one.
This pattern is by Purl Jam. View the Top-Down 2x2 Beanie on Ravelry.
Free Chunky Ribbed Beanie
If you live in a super cold place or have to suffer through windy city streets this winter, I highly recommend whipping up a chunky ribbed beanie using this free tutorial. Even though earlier I mentioned that I’m not a fan of super bulky yarn, it is GREAT for this project.
I am not a quick knitter, yet I was able to knit one up for myself in just a couple of hours. I wear my hat all the time in the winter tundra of upstate New York, the hills of Vermont, and the streets of Montreal. It is an absolute must.
This pattern is by Friday Knits. Watch the free tutorial on YouTube.
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Hoods and Balaclavas Knitting Patterns
Go the extra mile and keep your neck AND head warm at the same time by knitting up a hood or balaclava! Both hoods and balaclavas are also great ways to add some extra warmth and style without adding extra bulk under your sweater, coat, or jacket.
Deima’s Balaclava
If you’re interested in making a classic balaclava, then look no further than Deima’s. It is designed to have a nice, snug fit to make sure it stays on and keeps your ears, head, and neck toasty. Plus, the pattern comes with links to videos for all the “tricky” parts of the pattern. I love when those are included!
This pattern is by Deima’s Knitwear. View Deima’s Balaclava on their website.
Hitckhiker Hybrid
Create the illusion of having your balaclava connected to a full sweater with this Hitchhiker Hybrid pattern! Plus, this design provides extra warmth on your chest and back, again without adding bulk in the sleeve area of your coat. I appreciate how the extra fabric on the chest and back also prevents the neck of the balaclava from riding up, ensuring extra warmth and comfort.
This pattern is by Spektakelstrik. View the pattern on their website.
Bonbec
Want more of a roomy hood than a tight fitting balaclava? Then knit up the Bonbec! This hood design is cool and sleek, leveling up your winter coat while keeping your ears and neck nice and warm. And I love the drawstring feature that allows you to tighten it up if you need to block out any icy wind!
This pattern is by Atelier Emilie. View the Bonbec on Ravelry.
Mittens and Gloves Knitting Patterns
As knitters, I feel like we take (or should take) extra special care of our hands. Harsh winter winds can cause our hands to become dry and cracked. Treat your hands with the love they deserve by knitting up some warm mittens or gloves this winter.
Rillieruth Mittens
Rillieruth’s Mittens is a classic and sweet mitten pattern! I love the long ribbing that continues down the arm, so you can easily tuck your mittens into your coat sleeves. They are also intentionally felted in the washing machine to create an even more tight knit result that protects your hands from the cold.
This pattern is by Rillieruth. View the Rillie Ruth Mittens pattern on their website.
Penny Gloves
Mittens are cute, but not always the most practical. If you are looking for some added hand warmth while still being able to use your fingers, the Penny Gloves are a great option! This fingerless design is cute, simple, and functional. They knit up quickly and make great gifts too!
This pattern is by Petite Knit. View the Penny Gloves pattern on Ravelry.
5 Fingers Gloves
Want to use all your fingers AND keep them warm? Knit yourself some gloves! This pattern also comes with guidance for a fingerless version, but look how cool all five fingers are knitted up! And hey, this pattern is free!
This pattern is from Beginner’s Luckraft. View the 5 Fingers Gloves on Ravelry.
Winter Scarf + Neck Warmer Knitting Patterns
There are few things that are less pleasant than having cold winter winds blowing against your neck. To help you bundle up this winter, knit yourself a scarf or neck warmer!
Dis Winter Neck
Similar to the Hitchhiker Hybrid pattern recommended above, Dis Winter Neck is a stylish neck warmer that adds some extra warmth to your neck and chest while creating an illusion of a full turtleneck under your winter coat! I’m a big fan of these types of patterns because I hate having extra bulk in my coat’s sleeve area. Plus, this pattern is much more quick to make than a full scarf!
This pattern is by Strikkekaffe. View the Dis Winter Neck on their website.
Golden Scarf
Now, if you are looking for a basic scarf, there are LOTS of patterns out there, and they are super easy to self-draft as well! But Harry Styles-inspired scarf takes your basic scarf pattern up a notch. And its a great project for using up bulky yarn scraps!
This pattern is by Wool and the Gang. Get the free pattern on their website.
Winter Sock Knitting Patterns
Did you know that toes (and fingers) are the first part of your body to get frostbite when enduring cold temperatures? It makes sense if you struggle with keeping your toes warm during the winter as your body tries to preserve heat toward your center. However, wearing wool socks can help prevent icy toes! So make sure to knit yourself some socks this winter, too.
The Staple Sock
My all-time favorite sock pattern, the Staple Sock, is perfect for all your winter sock knitting needs! Sure, I’m a bit biased, but this sock pattern allows you to use any weight yarn and any gauge. I usually make my socks with fingering weight sock yarn. However, I plan on whipping up some thick DK or worsted weight socks this winter to help keep my toes extra toasty. And with the Staple Sock pattern being made-to-measure, you can be sure they will fit you just right!
This pattern is by New Wave Knitting! View the Staple Sock on Ravelry, my website, or Etsy.
Comment below if you’re feeling inspired for winter and what you plan on making! I know that there are lots of sweet pattern recommendations above. If you need some help planning what you want to make in order to create a closet full of clothes you love, I highly recommend checking out the Knitwear Capsule Wardrobe Blueprint. :)