Newly Released Knitting Patterns for January 2025: A Cozy Roundup

Hello, fellow knitters! Welcome back to YoungFolk Knits! If you’re new here, I’m Kaci, and I love sharing all things fiber arts—knitting, spinning, sewing, crochet, and sometimes even a peek into life on a small farm in Arkansas. Today, we’re diving into some of the newest knitting pattern releases for January 2025! Each month, I browse Ravelry to find standout patterns from both well-known designers and some hidden gems. Let’s get into it!

Moon Mint Sweater by Andrea Mowry

One of the first patterns that caught my eye is the Moon Mint Sweater by Andrea Mowry. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/moon-mint This fingering-weight sweater features an all-over textured mosaic stitch pattern and is constructed bottom-up with drop shoulders. While bottom-up sweaters aren’t my favorite (I usually prefer top-down for better fit control), I still loved knitting this one.

Andrea used The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Confluence Cotton for her sample, which is a heavier fingering weight blend of Targhee, Rambouillet, and cotton—a mix that makes for a soft, breathable fabric. I opted for Sonder Lux Sport, a blend of BFL, Masham, and cashmere, which worked beautifully even though the pattern technically calls for fingering weight.

If you’re worried about gauge, adjusting your needle size can help you use sport or light fingering weight yarns as well! A unique feature of this sweater is its bracelet-length sleeves with no decreases. Andrea has been adding this sleeve style to a few designs lately, including her Rhinebeck Framed Sweater. While not traditional, it’s a lovely detail that adds a bit of modern flair.

Vivi Pullover by Sari Nordland

Another exciting release is the Vivi Pullover by Sari Nordland. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vivi-pullover This DK-weight drop-shoulder sweater features gorgeous cables arranged in panel-like sections, creating a ribbing effect without actual ribbing. The construction includes a folded collar and a 21-stitch gauge on US 4 (3.5mm) needles.

Sari used her go-to yarn, Knitting for Olive Merino held with Soft Silk Mohair, though if you struggle to hit gauge with a single DK, you might consider using sport weight instead. The design offers a great range of sizes, with small increments between each, making it easier to get the perfect fit.
The rich nutty brown shade in the sample is just stunning—it pairs beautifully with neutrals like olive, brown, or black, making it a versatile wardrobe piece.

Sweater No. 30 & The New Norma by My Favorite Things Knitwear

My Favorite Things Knitwear released two new patterns this month:

Sweater No. 30: A worsted-weight oversized turtleneck with saddle shoulders. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweater-no-30 Unlike a standard drop shoulder, the saddle construction adds a subtle but polished detail. With an 18-stitch gauge, this one knits up relatively quickly!

The New Norma: This is a reinvention of the original Norma pattern—keeping the same colorwork chart but switching to a top-down drop-shoulder construction (yay for top-down knitting!). https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/new-norma Designed for an Aran-weight gauge (15 stitches), it’s super fluffy and cozy.
The sample was knit in Isager Spinni and Isager Soft Fine, but great alternatives include Drops Air, Sandnes Garn Kos, or De Rerum Natura.

Coffee Date Sweater by Samantha Guerin

Samantha Guerin is one of my favorite designers, and she expanded on her Coffee Run Collar by turning it into a full pullover—the Coffee Date Sweater! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/coffee-date-2 I was thrilled to test this pattern, though I didn’t quite finish in time (life happens!).

This DK-weight sweater uses Sonder Yarn’s Sunday Morning Lux Sport, held with Halo (a mohair base). The fabric blooms beautifully, and the 19-stitch gauge gives it a relaxed fit. It has just enough positive ease to be comfy without being oversized. If you’re tired of ultra-boxy sweaters, this one is a great alternative!

And good news—I’m giving away a copy of the pattern! Just head over to YouTube and leave a comment on my January video if you’re interested in winning it!

Midland Cardigan by Laura Penrose

This cardigan is a unique one because it’s knit sideways! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/midland-cardigan Starting on the right side, you knit across before casting on for the body and armholes. The design features garter stitch, which gives it a squishy, textured feel.

The yarn used is Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. Hearth DK, a naturally dyed woolly yarn. With an 18-stitch gauge, it knits up beautifully in DK-weight wool.

Winter Albina by Caitlin Hunter (Boyland Knitworks)

If you love striped sweaters, Caitlin Hunter’s Winter Albina is a classic drop-shoulder, worsted-weight sweater with bold horizontal stripes and a contrast color stripe at the hem for added interest. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winter-albina With an 18-stitch gauge and a cozy turtleneck, it’s both modern and timeless.

Vest Highlights: Cragmore, Polina, & Vibe Check Vests

Vests have been making a major comeback, and these new releases are no exception:

Cragmore Vest by Beth McDonald Stone: A DK-weight cabled vest, top-down construction, with multiple armhole finishing options. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cragmore-vest

Polina Vest by Teti Lutsak: Featuring a stunning floral colorwork motif, knit bottom-up with a funnel neck. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/polina-vest

Vibe Check Vest by Ketchup Knits: A super bulky intarsia vest, using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick—making it an incredibly fast knit! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vibe-check-vest

Ahto Cardigan by Ronja Hakalehto

This DK-weight fisherman’s rib cardigan is a cozy, top-down knit with a wide size range. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ahto-cardigan The sample’s earthy tones and classic buttons make it a timeless piece perfect for layering.

Wigget Socks by Nancy Wheeler

Nancy Wheeler, a queen of sock patterns, released the Wigget Socks, a textured fingering-weight design inspired by a historic house in England. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wigget-socks The texture is along the sides, leaving the sole smooth—ideal for comfort and quick knitting.

I’m currently working on a sock-a-month challenge, so I may add these to my queue!

Video

Final Thoughts & Giveaway!

That wraps up this month’s new knitting pattern roundup! If you’re looking for inspiration for your next project, any of these patterns would make a great addition to your knitting queue. Here is the link to my Ravelry bundle with even more new releases! https://www.ravelry.com/bundles/january-21

And don’t forget—I’m giving away a copy of the Coffee Date Sweater pattern! Just leave a comment on the corresponding YouTube video if you’re interested. https://youtu.be/POphF3G7MbE If you already have that pattern, you can pick another from today’s list instead!

Happy knitting, y’all!