5 top tips for winter knitting

1 CHRISTMAS IS COMING

Planning to knit your gifts this year? If your list is long you’ve probably already started, but if 25 December is just around the corner it’s worth choosing smaller items. Allow for inevitable interruptions, and don’t over-commit yourself – nobody wants to be knitting into the wee small hours on Christmas Eve.

2 A LITTLE LUXURY

Now is the time to indulge in soft, flu y yarns! Alpaca creates an unbelievably warm fabric, so it’s perfect for winter and ideal for those allergic to wool as it’s lanolin-free. For light, luxurious knits go for hazy mohair, and for something really special try cashmere.

3 WONDERFUL WOOL

Cuddling up under a big pile of wool in the winter is one of the cosiest ways to spend an afternoon. ‘Tis the season to knit with pure Merino and Blue Faced Leicester – the chunkier the better! Not only will it knit up quickly, it’s incredibly soft and waterproof too, so you’ll be warm and dry if there’s a sudden snowstorm!

4 AMAZING ACCESSORIES

If you’ve no time to knit a winter jumper, then accessories are a great way to add extra warmth, colour and style to your outfit – think hat and mitten sets, oversized scarves and bobble hats. A chunky capelet is the perfect alternative to a cardigan, and a snood is a hood and scarf rolled into one very handy knit.

5 TEACH YOURSELF

More time to knit means more time to hone your skills. If you’ve always loved the look of lace or wanted to try Fair Isle but never found the time to try it, then a frosty day spent indoors with a how-to guide, a YouTube tutorial or a knowledgeable friend is the perfect time.