14 big projects: Jumper, cardi & blanket patterns in your favourite yarn weights
Published on 8 December 2020 By Milly 5 min readNothing beats curling up with a big knit and crafting a piece you'll treasure for years to come. From picking your yarn bundle to giving a little TLC to every stitch, making a jumper, cardi or blanket isn't just about the finished piece but the beautiful journey that goes into making it. We've rounded up some of our fave knitting patterns in your top yarn weights to inspire that next long haul project.
Editor's pick: DK weight projects
Whether you're a seasoned knitter exploring new techniques, looking for a simple meditative knit or perfecting your beginner stitches, DK is the perfect yarn weight to partner with for long haul knits you'll adore curling up with all year round!
Free Barbican Sweater in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK for well-practiced beginners
This relaxed jumper designed by Martin Storey, is an absolute staple for any winter wardrobe. The eyelets are made by dropping wrapped stitches in a set pattern to create an elegant finish on the cuffs and hem.
Stepping Stones Cardi for intermediate knitters
This gorgeous longline cardi by Raging Purlwind is a light and airy design that will see you through the changing seasons. The cardigan is worked from the bottom up as one piece with no side seaming.
Free Yoke woolen sweater by Novita for advanced knitters
This beautiful yoke jumper by Mari Kangas of Novita, makes the most of traditional colourways in warm wool mix yarns. Choose your favourite DK wool blend yarn, pick your perfect colourway, and snuggle into this stunning knit.
Tove Cardigan in Novita Nordic Wool
We couldn't resist another stunning DK weight wool number from Novita. A stunning longline cardi, the perfect bigger project to sink your needles.
Perfin double-breasted cardigan by Alice Caetano
This cardigan is a riot of fun to knit and wear! It features an all-over gridded eyelet stitch with cuffs and button bands in a complementary ribbed stitch, and a box pleat at the back neck.
Apricite by Kiyomi Burgin
As seen in Laine magazine, the magazine for nordic knitting & lifestyle, this soft knit oozes Scandinavian cool. We love the slouchy fit, slightly cropped, and dropped shoulders. The garment is knitted using two strands of yarn held together: a DK weight wool yarn with a lace weight mohair/ silk blend, but you could easily swap out for a worsted weight wool yarn. Oh, and how cute is the buttoned neck!
Try these popular DK yarns to get you started!
Editor's pick: Aran & Worsted weight big projects
Looking for warmer knits to see you through the colder months? Aran and worsted weight projects will give you something to sink into.
Free pattern! Gentle Hug Cardigan in Novita Natura
A long cardigan with pockets? Yes please! As the name suggests, this cardi is snuggly and softly warming. Designed by Sari Nordlund, it's worked in one piece up to the armholes. The fronts and back are then worked separately and the sleeves picked up at the armholes and worked in the round.
Brancaster Jumper by Debbie Bliss for adventurous beginners!
Using knit and purl stitches to create a ribbed jumper with a rolled edge neckline, this jumper will delight beginner knitters looking to branch into a bigger project. According to one maker, it's a "dead easy pattern to follow", so what are you waiting for?
What a Yoker - Free matching Mini Me set!
We love the gorgeous Fair Isle yoke and contrast cuffs and hem on this jumper! From the Mini Me collection by Paintbox, it's the perfect duo of knits to get stuck into.
Editor's pick: 4 Ply projects
When it comes to fine knits for transitional weather, intricate lacework and baby garments, 4 Ply (or Fingering Weight) yarn is what you're after. These are bigger projects that are going to take time, so choose your colourways carefully, and make sure you knit a test square to check your tension, trust us - your knit will thank you later.
BANE pullover by Emily Greene
This is a show-stopper of a jumper. The designer Emily Greene has used German Short Rows to create the look of shapeshifting stripes. The sleeves and body are finished with a folded stockinette hem. For intermediate knitters looking for a Fingering weight project, this ticks all the boxes!
BANE By Emily Greene
Eyelet Pullover by Tête Bêche Designs
With the option to go three-quarter length sleeve, or full, cropped or full body, we love the verstaility of this pattern. Knit me in a 4ply wool blend for a perfect everyday winter wardrobe.
Seraphina Blanket by Debbie Bliss
Knitted in Debbie Bliss Luna, this 100% cashmere blanket is the perfect heirloom knit that will be treasured for years to come. The design uses seed stitch to create a delicious texture and is finished with a sweet lace edging, knitted separately and sewn on. If you're looking for a substitute yarn, browse the 4 Ply Baby Yarns, so you pick something super soft for that little one.
Adiantum jumper for intermeditate knitters
We love the symbolism behind this stranded colourwork pullover. The foliate motifs take their inspiration from sprigs of thyme. For thousands of years, thyme has been an emblem of steadfastness because the word for thyme (thymus) sounded like the word for courage (thymos). In the Middle Ages, women embroidered favours with thyme sprigs for battle-bound knights. As the designer, made by kelly o, says "We all need courage these days, so consider this a token for your own fortitude."
Free Beginner 4 Ply Baby Blanket
Designed by IrinaPi for her newphew, this is the perfect pattern for beginners looking to flex their knits and purls. As Irina says "knitting a 4 ply blanket is a labour of love as it takes quite a lot longer!" But it's oh so worth it when you have a knit that will see the baby through the seasons.
