My Favorite Knitting Projects of 2024: A Year of Fiber Arts Adventures!
Hello, friends! As 2024 has wound down, I’m excited to share all the knitting projects I finished this past year. From intricate colorwork sweaters to cozy shawls and summery tops, it’s been a wonderfully fulfilling year. Whether you’re here for inspiration, love knitting, or simply want to join me on this fiber arts journey, welcome to Young Folk Knits!
Grab a warm drink, settle in, and let’s take a walk through my favorite makes from the past year.
Sweaters and Cardigans That Stole My Heart
Pohjola Pullover
One of my proudest projects this year was the Pohjola Pullover, designed by Sari Nordland. Made with Sonder Yarn Co. Sunday Morning 4-Ply, a dreamy BFL-Massam blend, this sweater featured intricate colorwork with three shades: Full English, Offline, and Personal Space. The circular yoke design, mock neck, and minimalist colorwork on the body were a joy to knit, even though the complex charts kept me on my toes. It’s a showstopper piece that challenged my skills and sparked immense pride when finished.
Tessellated Cardigan
Andrea Mowry’s Tessellated Cardigan was another standout. Knit with Farmer’s Daughter Fibers’ Oh Dang and Spin Cycle’s Dyed in the Wool, this mosaic-patterned cardigan became a wardrobe staple. While the process was a bit of a slog, the final result—a colorful, cozy cardigan—was worth every stitch.
Felix Pullover
Need a quick, satisfying knit? The Felix Pullover by Amy Christoffers fit the bill perfectly. With its lacy raglan increases and flattering fit, it paired beautifully with high-waisted jeans and skirts. I knit mine in Noro Madara, which added texture and depth to the simple design.
Step-by-Step Cardigan
Handmade by Florence’s Step-by-Step Cardigan became my go-to oversized layer. Made with Noro Madara, the cardigan is cozy, versatile, and beginner-friendly, thanks to Florence’s instructional YouTube videos. Despite its oversized fit I still reach for it on chilly days.
Framed Sweater
The Framed Sweater, another Andrea Mowry masterpiece, was my 2024 Rhinebeck sweater. This drop-shoulder design, knit with Spin Cycle’s Dream State and Spinsters Daughter Worsted, featured all-over colorwork and an oversized fit. It’s heavy, warm, and perfect for the coldest months.
Celeste Sweater by Petite Knit
The Celeste Sweater by Petite Knit quickly became one of my most-loved pieces of 2024. Knit with Sandnes Garn Double Sunday for the main body and a blend of Double Sunday and Peer Gynt for the colorwork, this circular yoke design was a joy to create. I chose not to fold the neck over, which gave it a relaxed, understated look that pairs perfectly with just about anything.
The colorwork was simple and intuitive, making this a fantastic choice for anyone looking to dive into their first colorwork sweater. It’s cozy without being overwhelming, and the Double Sunday yarn feels soft and luxurious against the skin. I’ve worn this sweater more times than I can count—it’s stylish, comfortable, and a true staple in my wardrobe.
Aperture Sweater by Alicia Plummer
The Aperture Sweater, designed by Alicia Plummer, was a project that took on a life of its own. While the original design is a cropped raglan sweater, I decided to go all-in on an oversized version to pair with leggings and duck boots, aiming for ultimate cozy vibes.
I knit this with Noro Madara, and let me tell you, the yarn’s color depth is breathtaking. However, I learned a lesson in blocking with this one—it grew significantly due to the weight of the yarn. After some post-knit surgery (removing about two inches from the body), I ended up with a sweater that’s still oversized but much more wearable. It’s breathable, warm, and full of character, though I might shorten it even further in the future. Despite the challenges, this project turned out beautifully, and it’s a testament to how a few adjustments can make all the difference.
Lumme Pullover by Sari Nordlund
The Lumme Pullover by Sari Nordlund was one of those projects that grew on me over time. Initially, I wasn’t sure about the design, but after seeing several versions knit up, I knew I had to cast on. Using Asair Alpaca 3 in the Oatmeal and Gingerbread colors, I created a warm, snuggly sweater that’s perfect for the coldest months.
This pattern includes beautiful colorwork on the yoke and sleeves, which I absolutely loved knitting. The folded collar added a clean, polished finish, and while the alpaca content gives it a slightly fuzzy halo, it’s incredibly soft and cozy. This pullover feels like a warm hug and has quickly become one of my go-to winter pieces.
Paulie Cardigan by Amy Christoffers
The Paulie Cardigan by Amy Christoffers was a special project for my YFK Mosaic Mayhem knit-along this year. This cardigan features a stunning quilt-star motif on the back, front panels, and sleeves, all created using an all-over mosaic knitting technique.
I knit this with North Bay Fiber’s Heritage DK, a rustic, woolly yarn that feels like it came straight from the coziest sheep. The texture and warmth of this piece make it perfect for layering during the colder months. I decided to swap traditional buttons for gold magnetic snaps, which I sewed onto the double-knit button band. Not only do they make the cardigan easier to wear, but they also add a subtle, chic touch to the overall design. This is one of those timeless knits that I’ll treasure for years to come.
Summer Knits for Warm Weather
Hey Sailor Top
Andrea Mowry’s Hey Sailor Top was a fun, summery knit. Crafted with Knitting for Olive Cotton Merino, this breathable, lightweight top features a mosaic pattern and flattering boat neck. It quickly became a favorite for warm days and casual outings.
Colette Top
Designed by Sari Nordland, the Colette Top showcased intricate cables and airy eyelets. Knit with Cozy Posy Yarn Co. Lush Linen DK, this piece was as lovely to knit as it is to wear. While the openwork makes it slightly see through, it’s a standout summer knit.
Leela Top by Caidree
The Leela Top by Caidree was one of my standout summer knits this year. This simple, breezy top features a bateau neckline and clean, minimalistic design, making it both fun to knit and easy to style. I used Pascuali’s Balayage, a lightweight yarn with a lovely linen content that gave the top excellent stitch definition. The subtle texture pattern created by the pearl rows was beautifully highlighted by this yarn, adding a touch of sophistication to the finished piece.
While the straps are quite narrow—requiring careful selection of undergarments—I found it worked wonderfully as a layering piece. I often paired it with a light button-up shirt for a casual, put-together look. The top’s versatility and timeless design make it a favorite from my summer wardrobe, and I can see myself knitting another one in the future with similar linen-rich yarns.
Agnes Sweater Vest by Bethany Lynne
The Agnes Sweater Vest by Bethany Lynne was a delightful blend of crochet and knitting techniques. This project started with crocheted granny squares, which were then joined together to form the base. I added knitted ribbing for the collar, armholes, and hem to complete the vest.
I used Biches & Bûches Le Petit Lambswool, a DK-weight, non-superwash yarn, which brought a cozy, rustic feel to the vest. The granny squares gave it a fun, vintage vibe, and the knitted details tied everything together beautifully. This was such a unique and satisfying make—I loved the process of combining crochet and knitting into one stylish garment.
Cozy Accessories and Smaller Projects
Pressed Flowers Shawl
The Pressed Flowers Shawl was a long-term labor of love. This motif-based shawl, with its floral pattern and soft drape, turned out beautifully. I even plan to spin yarn for a matching cardigan—stay tuned!
Alma Mittens
Using Purl Soho’s Daily Wool, I knit a pair of Alma Mittens. Though they turned out too large (superwash wool strikes again), the process was delightful. These mittens may end up as a gift—or possibly a felting experiment.
Maxine Hot Water Bottle Cover
This quick knit by Ruby & Roses featured charming colorwork and was the perfect winter accessory. I used non-superwash wool and completed it in just two days. It’s practical, cozy, and great for gifting.
Grid Gambit Cowl by Samantha Guerin
The Grid Gambit Cowl, designed by Samantha Guerin, was one of my favorite accessories to knit this year. This cowl features an engaging mosaic knitting pattern, and I loved how it came to life with the yarns I chose.
For the main color, I used Newburgh Yarn Co. Adirondack DK, and for the contrast, I incorporated my handspun from Hello Yarn in a one-off colorway called Cold Comfort. The combination of the hand-dyed and handspun yarns gave the cowl so much depth and character. The pattern itself was easy to follow, making it an enjoyable knit. I’m already planning to make another one because it’s such a versatile and stylish piece.
Traveler Hat & Harlow Plump Hat
I tried my hand at some fun hat patterns, including Andrea Mowry’s Traveler Hat and Harlow Plump. Both featured unique textures—one in DK weight, the other in bulky. While I sometimes struggle with styling hats, these were a joy to knit.
Harlow plump
Andrea Mowry’s Plumped-Up Harlow was a bulky-weight version of her popular brioche hat design, and it’s as cozy as it sounds! I knit mine using Spin Cycle’s Plump in Ghost Ranch and paired it with Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Squish Bulky in a complementary solid color.
This hat turned out thick, warm, and perfect for winter. While I might have made mine slightly too large, it’s still wonderfully comfortable and keeps me cozy on the coldest days. The brioche texture adds an eye-catching detail, and the shifting colors of Spin Cycle’s yarn make it a standout piece.
Melt Shawl by Andrea Mowry
The Melt Shawl, another Andrea Mowry design, was a fantastic mix of textures and techniques. Knit in DK-weight yarn, it features brioche, stripes, and lace, making it a fun project that never felt monotonous.
I used a combination of colorful DK-weight superwash yarns, which made this shawl vibrant and cheerful. The lace border was a highlight for me—it added such a delicate, finishing touch to the piece. While I don’t reach for it as often as some of my other knits, I’m considering gifting it to my mom, whose blonde hair and style would perfectly complement the teal tones.
https://www.ravelry.com/projects/YoungFolkKnits/melt
A Special First: My Own Design: Party Line Scarf!
This year, I released my first knitting pattern: the Party Line Scarf! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/party-line-scarf Inspired by vintage aesthetics and cozy gatherings, this quick knit combines garter stitch, eyelets, and simple lace. The response from the community has been overwhelming, and I can’t wait to design more patterns in the future.
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Looking Ahead to 2025
As I reflect on my knitting journey this year, I’m filled with gratitude for the creativity and community that surrounds fiber arts. From challenging colorwork sweaters to simple summer tops, each project taught me something new and brought joy to my days.
Thank you for following along with me this year! What was your favorite project in 2024? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your makes.
Until next time, happy knitting!
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