2024 Knitting and Sewing Favorites: The Yarn, Tools, and Patterns!

Hello, fellow fiber enthusiasts! As the year winds down, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the amazing tools, yarns, patterns, and projects that made 2024 unforgettable for me as a maker. Whether you knit, crochet, sew, or dabble in a little bit of everything, I hope this list inspires your own creative adventures in 2025!

Let’s dive into my absolute favorites from the past year, covering yarns, tools, patterns, accessories, and more.

Yarn Favorites: From Luxurious to Budget-Friendly

What would our craft be without yarn? It’s the heart of what we do, and this year I discovered some truly magical options across categories like woolly yarns, summer blends, and budget-friendly staples.

Woolly Yarns

These are the special yarns that make your heart skip a beat when you cast on:

Heritage DK by North Bay Fiber:

I first discovered this yarn while knitting my Paulie Cardigan, and it was love at first stitch. https://www.northbayfiber.com Made from Targhee wool, this Woolen-spun yarn is bouncy, soft, and blooms beautifully. Its airy quality, thanks to the Woolen spinning process, keeps it lightweight yet warm, with gorgeous stitch definition and even a slight halo after knitting. Bonus: it’s non-superwash, making it great for felting projects too. I loved this yarn so much that after finishing my cardigan, I went back and bought more with my own money—a sure sign it’s a keeper.

Sunday Morning Lux Sport:

This blend of BFL (Bluefaced Leicester), Masham, and 10% cashmere brings the best of all worlds: silky softness, rustic charm, and durability. https://sonderyarnco.com/products/sunday-morning-lux-sport?variant=46012431827189 I used this yarn for Andrea Mowry’s Moon Mint Pullover and found it perfect for the intricate mosaic pattern. The slight sheen from the BFL paired with the softness of the cashmere made it an absolute joy to knit. I’ve already bought more for an all-over colorwork sweater in 2025!

Budget-Friendly Yarns

Good yarn doesn’t have to break the bank! My top pick in this category:

Sunday by Sandnes Garn:

While not the cheapest, this non-superwash Merino yarn offers incredible softness, durability, and stitch definition for around $10 per ball. https://www.woolandcompany.com/pages/sandnes-garn I’ve used it for multiple projects, including my Celeste Sweater, hats, collars, and baby knits. Its versatility and wide color range make it a go-to for me.

Summer Yarn

For warmer months, I turned to a plant-fiber blend that’s easy on the hands and the budget:

Knitting for Olive Cotton Merino:

With 70% organic cotton and 30% Merino, this yarn provides the structure of cotton with just enough elasticity from the Merino to make it comfortable to knit. https://www.blackmountainyarnshop.com/products/knitting-for-olive-cotton-merino-fingering?_pos=4&_sid=9e4974dec&_ss=r&variant=42218609606735 Perfect for those with joint pain or sensitivity to plant fibers, this blend kept my hands happy during summer projects. Plus, its 50g balls are great for reducing leftover yardage waste.

Patterns That Stole the Show

2024 was full of inspiring patterns, but these were the standouts that I’ll cherish for years to come.

Sweater: Celeste Sweater by PetiteKnit

This circular yoke sweater is a beginner-friendly introduction to colorwork. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/celeste-sweater-4 The simple repeats and minimal floats make it accessible for newer knitters, while the elegant design ensures it’s anything but boring. Knit in Double Sunday yarn, it’s one of my most-worn pieces of the year—cozy, stylish, and endlessly versatile.

Accessory: Grid Gambit Cowl by Samantha Guerin

This cowl pattern was the perfect canvas for my handspun yarn and mini skeins. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grid-gambit The stitch repeat was engaging without being overly complicated, making it a relaxing yet rewarding knit. I’ve already worn it countless times this winter and plan to make more in different colors.

Sewing: Pomona Pants

Out of the 50 sewing patterns I tackled this year, the Pomona Pants emerged as my favorite. https://annaallenclothing.com/products/pomona-pants-shorts I’ve made these wide-leg pants in everything from lightweight linen to structured corduroy. The pattern’s versatility, ease of customization, and quick sewing time (just 1–2 hours!) make it a true wardrobe staple.

Favorite Outfit

My go-to outfit this year was my Celeste Sweater paired with Pomona Pants in chocolate brown corduroy from Blackbird Fabrics. The stretch in the fabric added comfort, while the cropped wide-leg design kept things stylish. It’s an easy, chic look I’ve worn on repeat.

The Tools That Made My Life Easier

Tools can make or break your crafting experience, and these were my game-changers this year:

Knitting Needles:

My ultimate favorite remains the ChiaoGoo Red Lace Fixed Circulars. The smooth joins, sharp tips, and slick metal make them perfect for speed knitting and detailed work. For interchangeables, the ChiaoGoo Red Lace Interchangeable Set is unbeatable for its size range (US 2–15) and reliable cables. https://www.blackmountainyarnshop.com/products/chiaogoo?_pos=5&_sid=d543248a6&_ss=r

Honorable mention: Lantern Moon Ebony Needles. These wooden needles are silky smooth, warm in the hands, and feature swivel cables that prevent tangles. https://www.lanternmoon.com

Barber Cords (Silicone Tubing):

A simple yet brilliant tool for holding stitches without the hassle of threading yarn. They’re affordable, reusable, and make trying on your knits so much easier. https://a.co/d/0pzOSuy

Maker’s Notebook by Making Treasures:

This beautiful notebook has been my go-to for tracking projects. While not essential, it’s a joy to use and has helped me stay organized all year. https://makingtreasures.com

Knitting Light:

This handy gadget made nighttime knitting a breeze, whether in the car or at the movies.

Books and Learning

This year, I fell in love with Softly by Sari Nordlund. This stunning hardback knitting book features a variety of projects, from beginner-friendly pullovers to showstopping lace sweaters. It’s a must-have for any knitter looking to expand their skills. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/softly—timeless-knits

Video

Check out the video covering the 2024 Wrapped: All my favorites!

Final Thoughts and Your Favorites

These are the yarns, tools, patterns, and resources that defined 2024 for me. But I want to hear from you—what were your favorite discoveries this year? Whether it’s a yarn you couldn’t put down, a tool that transformed your craft, or a pattern you knit on repeat, let me know in the comments!

Happy Knitting, y’all!