10 Top New Year Knits!

All the usual New Year’s Resolutions are getting a little dull, we think. Let’s stop pressuring ourselves to get fitter, to eat better, to do everything under the sun except simply enjoy ourselves. Let’s take on the New Year with a sense of fun instead! Why not make an enjoyable and chilled out New Year’s Resolution, and simply get started on some of these patterns? There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner, more experienced, or you’ve been given needles and yarn for Christmas and need a little inspiration! With 10 in the mix, you could aim for one a month, with a couple of months leeway. And who knows, you might enjoy these patterns so much that you end up with a whole new wardrobe by March!

1. Sparkle Yarn Cake Shawl
If you’re stuck at home feeling glum with all the latest lockdown measures, this knitted accessory by Veronica Shaw will bring a touch of sparkle to your ensemble, helping you to start your year feeling glam and positive. It’s made using just one yarn cake, which has a beautiful colour mix and a glitzy finish. You can wear it as a traditional shawl over your shoulders or wrap and tie it using the handy loop feature.

2. Simple First Jumper
If you’re ready to tackle your first garment, this simple jumper is just the thing. Loose jumpers in a shorter length are invaluable for layering over and under other garments. This one, designed by Susie Johns, is a quick and easy make with its subtle styling and straightforward stitches. This design is a great way to keep your knitty New Year’s Resolution going, without being frightened off by difficult knits too early!

3. Diamond Pattern Jumper
Inspired by the beauty of the aurora borealis, Siân Brown’s patterned project features a statement collar and ribbed cuffs to keep out the cold. Designed with experienced knitters in mind, this pattern involves intricate cabling that will put your skills to the test. It’s the perfect thing to get stuck into this New Year if you want to build on your talents, and your hard work will pay off, as you will be rewarded with an eye-catching garment to treasure!

4. Button Cowl
This cosy accessory can be worn with a variety of garments and is guaranteed to keep your neck warm even in the coldest weather; just the thing to see you through until spring! The ingenious stitch pattern creates a double-sided fabric and is pretty straightforward, as it simply combines knit and purl stitches over a 12 row repeat. Then, at each short end of the cowl, a fancy cast-on and cast-off produces a decorative picot edge for added texture and interest.

5. Rose and Leaf headband
If you’re keeping to one pattern a month, give or take, this design by Charmaine Fletcher will be taking you into summer. As nature turns greener and more vibrant, this pretty floral headband is just the thing to accessorise with. This design features a lovely raised leaf effect, which perfectly complements the pretty rose embellishment. You’ll get to try double yarn forwards, left and right leaning increases, plus a clever twist effect when making the flower. Enjoy!

6. Chunky Cape Style Cardigan
Treat yourself to Tina Barrett’s cosy cabled cover-up, for those summer evenings where you just need something light but stylish to keep you comfortable. Knitted in a chunky yarn, this stunning garment is the ultimate example of understated elegance. It is easy-to-wear and features just one yarn shade. However, thanks to the cabled design dreamt up by LK favourite Tina Barrett, this luxurious layer is anything but ordinary.

7. Lace Detail Winter Jumper
If you’ve come this far with your New Year’s Resolution, challenge yourself by having a go at lace. This delightful design by Jo Allport is just the thing if you have a weakness for classic knits that will stand the test of time. Offering a relaxed yet flattering fit, her gorgeous garment is not to be missed. At first glance you might mistake this project for a simple sweater, but the beautiful lace work and distinctive shaping certainly sets it apart.

8. Garter Stitch Detail Cowl
Master a fab Fair Isle effect with Jo Allport’s cosy accessory for your next fun challenge of 2021. As long as you know the basics of Fair Isle, you’ll love getting stuck into the colourwork of this gorgeous cowl. Garter stitch can often be seen as a “just a beginner stitch” but it’s actually a great way of introducing texture, and makes for a nice relaxing knit. Be sure to look out for sections of the pattern where you’ll be asked to leave yarn floats loose, and when to weave them in.

9. Garter Stitch Cardigan
If pattern number 7 left you wanting more, here’s another lace design for you to enjoy! A pretty pattern, a British wool yarn, a fabulous tweed effect – what’s not to love about this stylish cardigan? It has plenty of positive ease so is great for cocooning when you fancy staying home and getting comfy. When you get to the armholes, remember to adjust the pattern to factor in the shaping. Don’t be nervous about lacework – you can do it!

10. Modern Split Seam Sweater
If you’ve made it all the way to pattern number 10, congratulations to you! And if you’ve skipped a few to get here, we’re loving that too. Let’s finish our New Year’s knitting list with a modern design by Michaela Moores. With its stylish split, top-down construction and edging detail, this pattern is full of interesting features to keep your mind and fingers busy while you knit. Made in a cosy cream wool, it’s an elegant jumper that will appeal to all ages. You can choose how fitted you would like the design by picking the size with more or less ease to suit your style.

We hope you enjoy getting stuck into these patterns, whether you choose to do them in order, cherry pick your favourites, or simply gain some inspiration for 2021. Whatever you decide, we hope you have a wonderful New Year filled with relaxing and enjoyable knitting!