New year knitting and crochet projects
January is made for projects that last all year, and for learning something new. Here are free patterns to start now.
Updated
Knit Temperature Blanket, Row a DayOne stockinette row per day for a year, coloured by that day’s temperature. 365 rows at worsted gauge lands right at throw length.
Moss Stitch Temperature BlanketOne row of moss stitch per day in DK. Row-a-day crochet in worsted comes out far too long; DK moss lands at about 66 in.
Temperature Hexagons, a Week EachOne hexagon per week, one round per day. 52 hexagons join into a throw, and the last day or two of the year becomes the border.
Temperature Scarf, Ridge a DayA portable temperature project: one garter ridge per day in DK makes a 66 in scarf by year’s end.
First Garter ScarfKnit every row in chunky yarn. A quick first project that teaches cast-on, knit, bind-off and fringe.
First Half Double ScarfRows of hdc in bulky yarn. Learn to chain, work into a chain, turn and keep the edges straight.
Tunisian Simple Stitch ScarfAn introduction to Tunisian crochet: a forward and return pass make a dense, woven-looking fabric.
Top-Down Heel Flap SocksThe classic sock: rib cuff, heel flap, turned heel, gusset and wedge toe. Every count comes from the sock size chart and your gauge.
Corner-to-Corner (C2C) BlanketLittle tiles worked diagonally, growing then shrinking. Each tile is like a pixel, so stripes and pictures are easy.
Granny Hexagon BlanketHoneycomb-style hexagons joined in offset rows. A good use for scraps, and every hexagon is a quick make.
Mitered Square BlanketGarter squares that decrease to a point, joined as you knit. Each square is a short, satisfying project.
Linen Stitch Striped ScarfLinen stitch makes a dense, woven-looking fabric that mixes colours like tweed. Perfect for fingering-weight leftovers.Tips for new year making
- Pick one year-long project and one quick one, so there’s always something finished.
- Batch your temperature rows: a week’s worth every Sunday is easier to keep up with than one a day.
- Learning a new technique? Choose a small project first: a hat before a sweater, a dishcloth before a blanket.
Other seasons
Common questions
Are these new year patterns free?
Yes. Every pattern on Yarn & Row is free to make for yourself or to give. Each one shows the maths, so you can make it in your size, with your yarn and your gauge.
How long do these projects take?
Each card shows a typical time, from one evening to several weeks. Times are for a comfortable pace; the row counter keeps your place however long you take.