We’ve been knitting since we were young children and we’ve loved it since the very first day we learned how it’s done. That’s doesn’t mean, however, that we don’t like mixing things up sometimes and trying something new, just to keep our favourite hobby interesting! That’s probably how we found ourselves a little bit obsessed with arm knitting lately. In fact, we’ve been keeping our eyes peeled for simple tutorials the past few weeks that will help us making all kinds of awesome arm knitted things!
Just in case you love arm knitting just as much as we do, if not more, and would like to learn, give it a simple try, or improve your skills, here are 15 of the very best patterns that will help you out along the way.
1. Simple tutorial for how to cast on in arm knitting
Just like you’ll need to know the proper supplies in order to be successful at arm knitting, you’ll also need to know the basic techniques! Of course, those who have knit before using needles will be familiar with the movements and shapes that come with casting on to arm knit a project, but doing anything a little differently can throw you off, so here’s a tutorial from Flax and Twine that outlines the whole casting on process for new arm knitters in wonderfully simple detail.
2. Arm knit chunky vase
One of the best parts about arm knitting is that the material you make when you use such thick wool has a little more structure to it, meaning you can more easily make household things rather than just soft fabric and clothing! This fantastically knotted looking arm knit chunky vase is the perfect example of what we mean. Get the pattern and some helpful tips on Flax and Twine.
3. Arm knit Triplet shawl
Did we really catch your attention when we started talking about how great arm knitting is for meshy, loosely knit pieces, but you’re juts not sure you need another throw blanket? Then maybe you’d prefer to make something you could wear instead! We’re kind of obsessed with this “triplet shawl” pattern featured step by step on Creating Laura because it shows you how to make something that you can actually wear three separate ways, rather than just one.
4. 15 minute arm knit vest
Just in case you’re still intrigued by the idea of making something with your arm knitting skills that you can actually wearing but you’re prefer a tighter knit or something besides a shawl garment, here’s a fantastic vest pattern for your consideration! All Free Knitting also shows you the details of how they swapped colours around the neck, which is a useful technique to learn in arm knitting as well.
5. Arm knit necklaces
Believe it or not, just because arm knitting produces a much larger stitch doesn’t mean that you can’t use the technique to create smaller, finer, or more delicate things! These beautiful arm knit necklaces outlined step by step on Vickie Howell are the perfect example of what we mean. This tutorial shows you how to make it happen using many different kinds of thinner yarn held together rather than the very thick yarn you’ve seen all of the other projects put to use so far.
6. Arm knit market bag
Lately, we’ve been putting a concerned effort into eliminating our use of plastic bags and only using reusable tote bags. We always prefer, however to make them ourselves rather than buying them whenever we can! We’re sure it’ll come as no surprise at all, then, that we were very intrigued indeed by this pattern from Yarnspirations that teaches you how to arm knit a mesh bag that’s perfect for carrying larger wares like fruit from the market (or more yarn)!
7. Arm knit pillow cover
Just in case you’re still vert intrigued indeed by the idea of being able to arm knit housewares but you’ve also found a wonderfully soft chunky yarn that you’d prefer to use for something very cozy indeed, here’s a fantastic pattern from Me Sew Crazy that will help you upgrade your throw pillows! We love the idea of making a matching set of these arm knit throw pillow colours in the same shade and yarn as a coordinating arm knit blanket. Then your couch has a nice set!
8. Giant arm knit bunnies
Just in case you’re the kind of parent who loves to share your adoration for knitting with your children by making them all kinds of things, here’s a fantastic pattern that will help you make them a fun, snuggly gift! This pattern from The House That Lars Built guides you step by step through the process of making large, arm knit bunnies that are fantastic, pillow-like friends for quiet time like reading and naps.
9. How to arm and hand crochet
Believe it or not, arm knitting isn’t actually the only kind of classic yarn crafting technique that you can do on your arms and hands rather than needles! There are also plenty of stunning things you can make by using jumbo size techniques that mimic the movements and stitches of crocheting instead. Just in case you’d like to learn those as well, here’s a fantastic beginner’s tutorial on how to get started in arm crochet, courtesy of BeCozi.
10. How to hand crochet a blanket in one hour
Have you actually already tried the hand crochet techniques we showed you in the beginner’s guide above and now you’re feeling ready to tackle your very first project? In that case, we think you simply must take a look at how simply Simply Maggie outlines this pattern for a lovely hand crocheted blanket that might actually only take you an hour to do!
11. How to finger crochet
Perhaps you’re intrigued by the idea of being able to knit and crochet in all kinds of different ways besides the classic needles and hooks now that you’ve discovered the idea, so now you’re keen to learn as many different techniques as possible? Well, just in case you didn’t know that finger crochet is a thing as well, here’s a fantastic tutorial to get you started on that too! My Bluprint has you covered.
12. Arm knitted mermaid blanket
If you’re going to put in the time and effort it takes to make something entirely using your arm knitting skills, would you rather create something very large that you wouldn’t necessarily usually tackle if you were doing classic knitting on needles? In that case, why not hop on the super fun mermaid tail blanket trend and give that a try in a quick, low maintenance way? Simply Maggie is here to show you how to arm knit the tail from start to finish.
13. Finger knitted beanie
If finger crochet is something people often do then it only makes sense that finger knitting is a common craft too, right? That’s why we were not surprised at all but still very excited to learn about how many awesome finger knitting patterns there are out there! Just in case you’d like to add this technique to the list of hand yarn skills you’re developing, here’s a pattern for a simple hat on Red Ted Art.
Have you made other kinds of arm and finger knitting and crochet projects that you were very happy with indeed but that you don’t see here on our list? Tell us all about what you created and how you did it or link us to photos of your finished project in the comments section!
