Fall Knitting Plans 2025: Cozy Socks, Cowls, and Fish Girl Vibes
Hello friends! Welcome back to YoungFolk Knits. If you’re new around here, I’m Kaci, and this little corner of the internet is where I share all about my love of fiber arts, knitting, sewing, spinning, and sometimes even a peek into life on our small farm here in Arkansas.
Today I thought it would be fun to sit down and share some of my fall knitting plans with you, plus catch you up on a few of my recent projects. Fall always gets me itching for cozy textures and new cast-ons, even though, let’s be honest, Arkansas weather doesn’t exactly cooperate. One day it’s crisp and breezy, and the next it’s 107 degrees. We even get warm days into December! Still, those little moments of cool mornings are enough to kick me into full autumnal knitting mode.
And this fall is extra fun because we’ve kicked off something special: the Fish Girl Fall Makealong. Let’s dive in!
Fish Girl Fall Makealong
You may remember Ashley from Design by Sew and Sew and I were all about a Fish Girl Summer theme earlier in the year. It was fun, but here’s the thing: sweaters don’t exactly mesh well with summertime heat. So, we decided to bring the aesthetic into fall, where it truly belongs.
The Fish Girl Fall Makealong is all about that fisherman-core vibe, think cables, textures, and anything with a slightly nautical or sea-inspired look. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be knitting! You can join in with any craft that sparks your imagination: crochet, sewing, embroidery, weaving, you name it. If it feels “fishy” or fisherman-inspired, it counts.
For my contribution, I’ve been working on the Old Salt Socks, a pattern designed by Ashley herself that came out at the end of August. These socks are such a treat to knit. The chart is simple and intuitive, with no floats to catch, which makes it an easy project to pick up in the evenings. I’m past the cuff and into the heel on my first sock, and yes, I still need to cast on the second. Sock knitters know how that goes!
Sock Test Knitting
Speaking of socks, I’m also about to dive into a new test knit, and I couldn’t be more excited about the yarn I’ve chosen. I’m using Hedgehog Fibres Twist Sock, which is 80% BFL and 20% nylon. It’s one of my favorite sock bases that is sturdy but soft, and it wears beautifully.
The two colorways are Kelp, a gorgeous grungy green, and Hush, a lilac-toned purple that just makes my heart happy. I think they’re going to look so good together. There’s something about that moody mix of purple and green that feels perfectly autumnal and just a little unexpected. I can’t wait to share the finished pair once the test knit is complete.
Recent Finished Projects
I’ve been knitting quite a bit lately (no surprise there), and I recently wrapped up a secret test knit that will be released soon. I can’t share the details just yet, but let’s just say I’m thrilled with how it turned out, and I think y’all will love it. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, one project I can share is my freshly finished Ooey Gooey Cowl, designed by Andrea Mowry.
This one was such a joy to knit. Andrea used Spin Cycle’s Dyed in the Wool for her main color and paired it with two strands of Farmer’s Daughter Fibers O’Dang held together. O’Dang is a Suri alpaca laceweight, but it feels much denser and cozier than a typical lace mohair. When held together, it creates this thick, warm fabric that is just perfect for fall and winter.
For my version, I used Spin Cycle’s Goldie colorway as the main shade and paired it with The Den from Farmer’s Daughter Fibers for the contrast. The way those two played together was so satisfying.
The construction is clever too. You knit it as a circular tube in the round, following a chart for the pattern repeats. Once you’ve knit the required length, you graft the ends together with a twist to create that mobius effect.
Techniques I’ve Been Loving
One fun thing about this cowl was experimenting with a new provisional cast-on method. Instead of fussing with waste yarn, you can actually cast directly onto your stitch holder cord. It’s so much easier and saves a step. I’ll link the tutorial I used since I haven’t had a chance to film my own yet (life has been a little chaotic!). But I highly recommend giving it a try. https://youtu.be/olAZk2tkTus
Once the knitting is done, you close it up with the Kitchener stitch. This is one of those techniques that used to intimidate me. For years, I had to keep the instructions right beside me and double-check every step. But now, after using it so often, I’ve memorized it completely. It’s become one of my favorite finishing techniques—soothing, meditative, and strangely satisfying. I feel the same way about the tubular bind-off. Once you’ve got it in your fingers, it’s almost like a little knitting meditation.
The only slightly tricky thing with the Ooey Gooey Cowl is that mobius twist. Sometimes I feel like I can’t get it to lay just right, but honestly, it’s worth it for how cozy and soft the final piece feels.
Fall Knitting Energy
Something about September just fills me with fresh knitting energy. Even though the Arkansas weather doesn’t always play along, I find myself dreaming of heavier yarns, textured patterns, and layering pieces. My fall knitting plans aren’t set in stone—they never are—but I’m leaning toward projects that feel both fun to knit and wearable in my everyday life. Right now I’m working to finish up my Prospect Pullover Test Knit for Tori Yu. I’m using north bay fiber heritage DK for a warm and lovely wooly sweater.
Socks are definitely going to be a big theme for me this season. They’re portable, quick to finish, and practical, plus they let me play with color in small doses. Cowls and accessories are also high on my list, especially ones like the Ooey Gooey that combine warmth with a bit of visual interest.
And of course, there are always sweaters tempting me from my queue. We’ll see how ambitious I get once the temperatures finally stay cool enough to make knitting a sweater while wearing it a possibility. At the moment something more wearable for Arkansas weather is inching up my list- a Sea Faerdy Vest by Gudrun Johnson. No sleeves equals multi season wear! Plus I have lots of Jamiesons spindrift which will be perfect to use for this pattern.
Recent Sewing Progress
Of course, it hasn’t all been knitting around here. I’ve been spending some time at my sewing machine too. Fall always inspires me to think about handmade clothes that can layer well with my knitwear. There’s something so satisfying about pairing a me-made garment with a me-made sweater or accessory. It feels like the ultimate cozy combo.
I’ve been finishing up a few sewing projects lately, and they’ve been a nice complement to all the knitting I’ve got on my needles. I like to balance out my making so I don’t burn out on one craft, and sewing gives me that instant gratification that knitting sometimes doesn’t. Even a simple top or pair of lounge pants can be knocked out in an afternoon, which is such a nice contrast to longer projects like sweaters and socks.
This fall, I’m especially thinking about versatile pieces, things I can wear around the farm when the weather is cool in the mornings, but that also look put-together if I need to head out. A soft jumpsuit, an easy skirt, or a simple woven top all pair beautifully with handknit accessories like the Ooey Gooey Cowl. The idea of mixing textures, including wool, cotton, linen, is something I love, and it makes my wardrobe feel even more personal.
Sewing also scratches a different creative itch than knitting does. With sewing, I feel like I’m sculpting with fabric, watching pieces come together quickly and then stepping back to see an entirely wearable garment appear. It’s been the perfect way to balance out my slower, more meditative knitting projects this season.
Video
Wrapping Up
So that’s where I’m at with my knitting and crafting as we head into fall:
The Fish Girl Fall Makealong is officially underway, join us with your fisherman-core makes in any craft. Use the hashtag #fishgirlfallmal. Check out the forum topic as well where you can post your projects: https://youngfolkknits.com/community/knitting-projects/fish-girl-fall-makealong-projects/.
As always, my plans will probably shift a dozen times before the season is over, but that’s part of the fun. Knitting is as much about the process as the finished piece, and fall feels like the perfect time to lean into that.
I’d love to know: what are your fall knitting (or sewing, or spinning!) plans? Do you have a big cozy project in mind, or are you leaning into smaller accessories to carry you through the season? Let’s chat in the comments. I’m always looking for inspiration.
Until next time, happy knitting, and here’s to cool mornings, warm stitches, and all the cozy projects ahead.
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