A new year brings a world of possibilities for knitters. Whether you’re dreaming of cozy sweaters, intricate colorwork, or mastering new techniques, a clear project plan can turn those creative dreams into reality. Organize your space and then plan your next knitting projects with the free Knitting Project Checklist and Knitting Planner at the end of this article. Let’s get intentional about making this your most inspired knitting year yet!
Essential Steps for Knitting Success
1. Stash Assessment
Before diving into new projects, take stock of your yarn:
Inventory your yarn by weight, yardage, and fiber content.
Find your favorites: Note which yarns spark joy or inspire ideas.
Fill in the gaps: Identify missing weights or colors.
De-stash thoughtfully: Plan projects to use yarn that’s been sitting idle.
2. Skill Development Goals
Set intentions for leveling up your knitting this year:
List techniques you want to learn, like brioche, entrelac, or colorwork.
Seek patterns that teach those skills in manageable steps.
Plan for progression—start simple, then tackle complex designs.
Schedule dedicated time for tutorials or classes.
3. Project Timeline
Map out projects by season to stay on track:
Winter (Jan-Mar): Cozy accessories, temperature tracking projects, or indoor comfort items.
Spring (Apr-Jun): Lightweight garments, garden-inspired makes, or Mother’s Day gifts.
Summer (Jul-Sep): Portable projects, beach/travel knitting, or early holiday prep.
Fall (Oct-Dec): Gift knitting, warm layers, or festive decorations.
4. Supply Organization
An organized toolkit makes for smoother knitting:
Take inventory of needles, notions, and tools.
Review storage solutions to ensure everything is easy to find.
Maintain your tools—sharpen scissors, replace worn needles, and clean your knitting bag.
Match patterns to your stash for immediate starts.
6. Comfort Zone Expansion
Stretch your creativity by trying something new:
Experiment with unfamiliar yarn weights or fibers.
Play with bold colorwork or gradients.
Try challenging techniques like double knitting or cables.
Join a knit-along (KAL) focused on skill-building.
Tips for Knitting Joy and Productivity
Start Small: Kick off the year with quick wins like hats, mittens, or dishcloths to build momentum.
Track Your Progress: Use photos or a notebook to document your projects, celebrate successes, and learn from mistakes.
Stay Flexible: Allow space in your schedule for spontaneous inspiration or unexpected challenges.
Build Community: Share your goals with fellow knitters for encouragement and accountability.
Download Your Free Knitting Planner PDF
Plan your year of knitting with these two printable PDFs. Print the knitting project checklists as many times as you need to keep track of all of your patterns this year.
This knitting project checklist isn’t about rigid rules—it’s a flexible guide to help you find joy and creativity in your knitting journey. Ready to get started? Download your free project planner and let’s make this your most organized and inspired year yet! ✨
Knit Your Moments of Thankfulness into a Cozy Blanket 🌟
A Free Knitting Pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.
Friends, let’s be honest: 2024 brought its share of challenges. Between solo parenting, running PurlsAndPixels, and navigating life’s daily surprises, I sometimes forgot to pause and appreciate the small moments. That’s why I’m starting 2025 with intention, and I’d love for you to join me in a mindful knitting project. At the break of the new year, I’ll be starting a Gratitude Blanket as a way to track all the joy this year will bring.🧶
Here is an idea of what your Gratitude Blanket might look like when you’re finished.
Tiny Bumps in the Plan are OK!
Living far from a major city leaves me without yarn on demand. I’ve ordered the fluffy wool blend online, but it’s delayed until January 10th. This means I can’t get started as planned, but that’s just fine! I’m still going to share the pattern with you, so you can start at your leisure. But remember, this blanket is meant to be a reflection of a year’s worth of happiness – don’t let setbacks (like delayed yarn) steal your joy. Have fun and take your time!
The Magic of a Gratitude Blanket
For this blanket, you will work in very simple garter stitch (knit stitches only). Instead of worrying over stitch count, the Gratitude Blanket pattern is meant to let your mind wander away from the project and reflect on the joy each stitch represents.
This isn’t just another knitting project, it’s a chance to weave mindfulness into every day. Each stripe tells a story. Choose colors that make you feel happy and inspired. For me, its:
Peaceful blue rows for quiet cabin moments with my son and our pets.
Sunny yellow stripes for unexpected joys (like perfect knitting weather!).
Growth-inspired green sections for personal victories, big and small.
Daily Practice Guide
Find a Quiet Moment: Mine is usually early morning with coffee.
Reflect: Think about one thing you’re grateful for.
Choose a Color Based on the Feeling:
Blue: Peace and calm (like snowy mountain views).
Yellow: Joy and happiness (like my son’s laughter).
Green: Growth and achievement (like mastering a new pattern).
Knit Your Row: Hold that thought as you knit—it’s like stitching the memory into the blanket.
Gratitude Prompts
Need inspiration? Here are some moments I’m thankful for:
Morning coffee watching the sunrise over the mountains.
A kind comment from our knitting community.
Finally understanding that tricky cable pattern.
Cozy cabin moments by the fire.
The peace of knitting while snow falls.
Small victories in parenting or business.
Making this Gratitude Blanket Free Knitting Pattern
Three to six 129-yard (8 ounce) skeins of super bulky weight (No. 6) yarn* in your three favorite colors (shown in “Air Force,” “Mustard,” and “Succulent” Hometown Super Bulky Yarn by Lion Brand).
Baby size uses about 9 skeins of super bulky yarn
Throw size uses about 15 skeins of super bulky yarn
Queen size uses about 18 skeins of super bulky yarn
*Weights estimated with Hometown Super Bulky Yarn by Lion Brand; other yarn weights may vary.
Notions:
measuring tape
darning needle
journal to detail your happy memories along with each color section (optional)
Gauge
18 stitches x 24 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 8 (5.0 mm) needles.
Abbreviations
k = knit
Instructions: Baby Size Gratitude Blanket
(40 inches x 40 inches or desired length)
Instructions: Use the long tail cast on. Knit flat, turning after each row. Make color changes as your joyful memories change. You can start a new row or just start knitting mid-row with a new, happy color for each knitting session.
Row 1: Cast on 146 stitches. (146 stitches) Turn.
Rows 2 – 159: k 146. (146 stitches). Turn. [Work should measure 39.75 inches at this point]
Row 160: Bind off loosely.
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20.32-cm) tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Instructions: Throw Size Gratitude Blanket
(50 inches x 60 inches or desired length)
Instructions: Use the long tail cast on. Knit flat, turning after each row. Make color changes as your joyful memories change. You can start a new row or just start knitting mid-row with a new, happy color for each knitting session.
Row 1: Cast on 182 stitches. (182 stitches) Turn.
Rows 2 – 239: k 182. (182 stitches). Turn. [Work should measure 59.75 inches at this point]
Row 240: Bind off loosely.
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20.32-cm) tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Instructions: Queen Size Gratitude Blanket
(90 inches x 90 inches or desired length)
Instructions: Use the long tail cast on. Knit flat, turning after each row. Make color changes as your joyful memories change. You can start a new row or just start knitting mid-row with a new, happy color for each knitting session.
Row 1: Cast on 328 stitches. (328 stitches) Turn.
Rows 2 – 359: k 328. (328 stitches). Turn. [Work should measure 89.75 inches at this point]
Row 360: Bind off loosely.
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20.32-cm) tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Keep it Visible: Mine will live by my favorite knitting chair.
No Pressure: Catch up during quiet weekends if needed.
Track Your Progress: Take photos to share your journey (great for Instagram!).
Date Your Gratitude Entries in a Journal: Each date becomes part of your story.
Make it easy on yourself: Use the magic knot to join new colors and save time weaving loose ends.
Why This Project Works
Mindful: Each row helps us pause and reflect.
Achievable: Simple enough for even the busiest days.
Meaningful: Creates a physical reminder of our journey.
Cozy: The end result? A warm hug of memories.
Start Your Journey
I’m casting on for the new year, and I’d love for you to join me! I’ll be sharing my progress with the Gratitude Blanket pattern here and on Instagram @PurlsAndPixels, along with the moments that inspired each color choice.
Ready to cast on your gratitude journey? Whether you start on New Year’s Day or jump in mid-year, each row adds to your story of thankfulness. Share your progress with #GratitudeKnitAlong. I can’t wait to see your blankets grow alongside mine! And I’m excited to see what colors you choose! What will your first grateful row represent? 🌿
Let’s make 2025 a year of mindful making, one stitch at a time. 💞
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
