It is a strange phenomenon, but if you make accessories or household items with chunky yarn they tend to look more cool and chic. This is great news for the beginner knitter or crocheter. It is particularly good news for last minute gifts running up to the festive period.
Moss Stitch Joy
In the last week I have slipped into a happy moss stitch reverie making this cowl in sumptuous Duck Egg chunky yarn. Utter bliss. I used just 1 ball of Stylecraft Special Super Chunky and I used this simple pattern and 10mm needles. This is a very achievable pattern for beginner knitters. I can’t wait to wear it this weekend. This the the handmade gift than everyone wants to receive.
Garter Stitch Basics
If you want to go even simpler, you could make this cowl which is just a tube of the simplest garter stitch. Nothing could be easier. But you know there are plenty of examples so similar accessories in the chic shops on our high street. Including this beautiful Maris Scarf from Anthropologie.
It is just a question of getting your colours right and making sure you whip through your project so you can don your homemade elegance at the weekend.
Pom-pom Mania
If you want to make a chunky beanie hat this week then my top tip would be to get yourself a faux fur bobble. This will transform you knitting from homespun to high street in seconds. Shops like Boden, Joules and Next are all adding the faux fur bobble to their hats. LoveKnitting have bobbles in stock and there are a range of funky colours to choose from.
Quick and Easy Knits
Look also at the Debbie Bliss website for some fantastic chunky yarn free patterns. You will find that across the wondrous Internet many chunky yarn patterns are given away free by designers. I think that it is due to the simple nature of the design. But that is all good news for you. My personal suggestions would be this plaited scarf made in sumptuous Lara. You could also make a very on-trend beanie hat
Crochet Inspiration
I have rather unusually concentrated on knitting in this post. If you want to find so crochet inspiration there are plenty of books and patterns that will help you whip up a chunky beauty in no time. I love the work of Sarah Shrimpton. Pop over to her blog Annabooshouse to see her fabulous Enormous Squishy Blanket pattern. I would be making one myself if I didn’t have quite a few commissions to complete over Christmas. A little last minute Christmas gift might be her fabulous book; Extreme Crochet. Lot of chic crochet to be found inside.
Thanks for the mention, Emma!
I really love that moss stitch cowl- I must dust off my knitting needles and try it. The stitch is so pretty in chunky yarn, too.
Have a lovely week, Sarah xx