Ready to cast on for Christmas but not sure what to knit? Gathered can help! We've brought you 100 free Christmas crochet patterns so thought we'd better do a version for all you knitters out there too…
Here are our fave free Christmas knitting patterns to keep your needles clacking this season.
73 of the best Christmas knitting patterns 2023
Whether you're looking for little gift ideas for family and friends or cute and quirky decorations for your home, there's something in our list to fit. We'll also help you stay cosy all winter with hand-knitted hats, mittens and socks – all with a festive theme of course!
To help you browse our list, we've broken it down into four sections. Follow the links below to skip to the section you need:
- Christmas knitting patterns for decorations
- Christmas knitting patterns for gifts
- Christmas knitting patterns for clothes
- Christmas knitting patterns for toys
New to knitting or want some help getting started? See our guide to knitting for beginners for everything you need to know. If you're more of a visual learner, make sure you check out our great range of tutorial videos too!
Christmas knitting patterns for decorations
Deck the halls with these festive knits to display at home. From wreaths for the front door to ornaments for the tree, we have all the patterns you need to make your own Christmas decor this year.
1. Cute Christmas wreath
Give our character Christmas wreath pride of place on your front door to give visitors a cheerful welcome this festive season.
2. Knitted tree decorations
A Christmas classic, these vintage-style red and white decorations will look beautiful on your tree. Make a couple extra as a thoughtful gift for someone special. Dive in and start making our knitted Christmas decorations (and buy the full set of patterns here).
3. Sparkly star knitting pattern
Trust us, you won't be able to stop at just one of these little stars! Why not knit a handful and turn them into pretty bunting? Get started tonight with our star knitting pattern.
4. Knitted mini stockings
Little Cotton Rabbits' mini knitted stockings are so adorable. Fill them with tiny sweets or maybe tiny presents for a Christmas mouse…
5. Mini knitted wreath ornament
Stella's Yarn Universe is full of free Christmas knitting patterns, including the tutorial for this mini plaited wreath.
6. Knitted mittens
Red Heart Yarn's knitted mitten pairs are so adorable, and can be made in whatever festive colours you like.
7. Knitted Christmas tree garland
Knit some mini trees to go around your big tree for the ultimate Christmas display! Gina Michele's pattern is a great one for knitting beginners.
8. Knitted Christmas bauble
Add some Scandi style to your tree with Kirstie McLeod's knitted bauble pattern.
9. Christmas knitted hearts
Knitting by Post's knitted hearts can be used to decorate your tree and then brought back out for Valentine's Day.
10. Colourful Christmas star tree
Frankie Brown's colourful Christmas stars can be stacked to make this rather colourful alternative tree.
11. Tiny Christmas jumpers…
We love Miriam L. Felton's tiny Christmas jumpers so much that we want to make big versions for us to wear.
12. …and tiny Christmas hats
Need a tiny hat to go with your tiny jumper? Of course you do! We can't resist these from Nancy Ekvall.
13. Knitted pup in a stocking
In our 100 crochet Christmas ornaments blog post we featured Chester the cat so we thought it was only fair we give you a knitted dog in a stocking. Sachiyo Ishii's free tutorial can be found here.
14. Knitted bears
Julie at Little Cotton Rabbits has another tutorial on her blog for these teeny tiny teddy bears. These would be great if you have a teeny tiny tree!
15. Knitted candy cane
Knit up Ms. Ellaneous' candy canes to hang on your tree or attach to some gifts.
16. Advent calendar
Get ready for the festive countdown with Julie Ferguson's fab knitted advent calendar with pockets.
17. Reindeer bauble
Knit up nine reindeer baubles using Knitting by Post's tutorial so your tree has all of Santa's crew.
18. Christmassy hot chocolate
What's everyone's fave festive drink? Ours is definitely hot chocolate so we're going to knit Yarnspirations' mini cup and hang it proudly on our tree.
19. Santa's pants
Hang Santa's jolly red trousers on your tree with Cvetulka's free Christmas knitting pattern.
20. Christmas toadstools
Addy Whitfield's Christmas toadstool pattern is free to download from her Ravelry store. The Christmas elves need somewhere to sit while they work their magic, after all.
21. Christmas bell
Debbie McGrath is giving you the free Christmas knitting pattern for this lovely bell.
22. Christmas jumper wreath
With three Christmas jumper wreath designs to choose from, you're in for a festive treat with Zoe Michel's free tutorials.
23. Star and tree decorations
A traditional pair to brighten up your tree! Cast on these star and tree knitting patterns from Rosee Woodland.
24. Christmas star
Every tree needs a Christmas star so use Cecile Renaud's free pattern to make your own tree topper.
25. Christmas parcels
Keep your present on the tree as well as under with Frankie Brown's tutorial.
26. Robin redbreast
Make a little Christmas robin using Ginny Sturdy's free tutorial.
27. Christmas bunting
Spell out a festive message with this garter stitch bunting knitting pattern from Ann Franklin.
28. Knitted mistletoe
Butterflylove1's mistletoe bouquet will last you all year long so the kisses never stop.
29. Christmas wreath knitting pattern
Doesn't this look just like a real wreath? Even better, it'll last for many Christmases to come! Go for a traditional feel or jazz it up with bright bows and pompoms for a modern look. Start knitting your Christmas wreath knitting pattern.
30. Knitted advent candle
Frankie Brown's knitted advent candle is a fire-safe way of keeping the tradition of candles on the tree
31. Knitted sweets
Knit Michele Bernstein's colourful sweeties to give your Christmas tree a pop of colour.
32. Knitted snowflake bunting
Victoria Bee Designs' Nordic bunting will look fab in your home all winter long.
33. Knitted advent wreath
Count down the days with Monica Fuertes' advent calendar wreath knitting pattern.
34. Knitted jumper
Next we've got Kate Catchpole's tiny knitted jumper. You've got to show everyone your passion right?
35. Angel decoration
And another fab design from Monica Fuertes! Make this knitted angel pattern for the top of your tree.
DIY your decorations
Looking for your next festive project? We've got DIY Christmas decorations, gifts to make and much more. Get creative with Gathered's pick of the best Christmas craft ideas.
Christmas knitting patterns for gifts
Show your loved ones you care this Christmas with a thoughtful handmade gift. We've got fun knits for the home, knitted Christmas stockings and clever ideas to make your gift wrap extra special – plus don't forget the knitted mince pie for Santa!
36. Knitted Christmas cards
Choose from a tree, snowman or baubles and put those scraps of yarn in your stash to good use! Embellish with sequins for some extra festive sparkle. Cast on your knitted Christmas card pattern.
37. Knitted treats for Santa
Leave out some knitted treats for Santa and Rudolph with Amanda Berry's free pattern.
38. Knitted Santa basket
Yarnspirations are back with another fab free Christmas knitting pattern. Use their tutorial to knit up this Santa basket and get him ready to be brimming with presents.
39. Fair Isle Christmas stocking
These traditional stockings are definitely going to be hanging on the ends of our beds this Christmas. Find the Christmas stocking knitting patterns here on Gathered.
40. Mini Christmas pudding covers
There's a few different mini Christmas pudding tutorials we've found, but we love Apple Tree Crafts' one for its mini beaded holly on top. Pop these covers over some Ferrero Rochers for a Christmassy surprise.
41. Festive pot holders
These snowman pot holders would make a great gift for a baker. Get the free pattern from DROPS Design.
42. Knitted gift tags
Julia Schwartz's knitted luggage gift tags will make a fab addition to people's presents.
43. Christmassy placemats
Jazz up your placemats this Christmas by knitting Montana Jo's festive versions.
44. Knitted poinsettia
Knit up Kirstie McLeod's poinsettia pattern for the ultimate Christmas flower brooch.
45. Knitted Christmas tea cosy
Pour a Christmas cuppa from these fun festive tea cosies by Frankie Brown.
46. Knitted jar toppers
Prettify home-cooked gifts with these red and white jar toppers from Yarnspirations.
47. Polar bear rug
He's a rug, a throw and a cuddly toy! Find Louise Walker's free polar bear knitting pattern on Gathered.
Just for you!
Find more stocking filler ideas with our round-up of the best gifts for knitters.
Christmas knitting patterns for clothes
Dress up for the season with these festive knits. We've got Santa hats, Christmas jumpers and more to keep you knitting all winter long.
48. Santa hat for kids
Little ones will love this cosy Santa hat – so much so they may still be wearing it in January! The loopy stitch is easy to work, so give it a go and start making our Santa hat knitting pattern today.
49. Knitted snowman hat
Little Red Window's knitted snowman hat is designed for kids, but you could definitely scale up the pattern to make a matching pair. Snowman twins!
50. Cute Christmas pudding hat
Just the ticket for adorable family photos, this scrumptious hat comes in child and adult sizes so you can make one for everyone! Head to our free Christmas pudding hat knitting pattern to cast on today.
51. Colourwork snowflake mittens
Snuggle up in these stylish mittens on chilly winter days. Ideal for colourwork beginners, they'll show off a special yarn to perfection. Knit up a snowstorm with our free snowflake mittens knitting pattern.
52. Knitted snowflake jumper
Yarn experts Bernat have this gorgeous, free snowflake jumper pattern on LoveCrafts.
53. Christmas tree knitted socks
Renee Kies' free Christmas knitting pattern will keep you toasty all December long.
54. Knitted Santa hat
Cascade Yarns have kindly given you the free PDF for this gorgeous Santa hat.
55. Winter wonder mittens
Amy Loberg (FiberWild)'s winter wonderland gloves would make a fab gift, or get you ready for your Boxing Day walk.
56. Holly knitted socks
You'll have cosy toes all winter in Anna Lange's 'Happy Hollydays' socks.
57. Christmas cracker jumper
This jumper is a cracker! Designed by Thomas B Ramsden and shared by Save the Children, it's perfect for wearing on Christmas Jumper Day.
58. Elf baby hat
Get baby ready for their festive photoshoot with this adorable elf hat by Marianna Mel.
59. Kids' Christmas jumpers
Get in the Christmas spirit with these tree and snowman jumpers by Ruth Maddock. Find the Christmas jumper knitting patterns on Gathered.
60. Knitted puppy jumper
Ok, we just had to include Handy Little Me's puppy jumper pattern. If you have a puppy this is a Christmas essential.
Fun festive projects
To get everything you need for your next project in one handy package, check out our favourite Christmas knitting and crochet kits.
Christmas knitting patterns for toys
Cute and cuddly Christmas knits aren't just for kids! These fun festive toys will make great stocking fillers for all ages.
61. Mini knitted gnomes
Continuing with our mini free Christmas knitting patterns we've got Jenni Propst's tiny knitted gnomes.
62. Cheerful knitted penguin pal
Yarnspirations' knitted penguin is complete with a candy cane belly and bright red scarf. Have you ever seen a more festive penguin?
63. Knitted soldier
You need someone to guard your tree so knit up Just Jen's little soldier.
64. Christmas mice
Christ-mouse time is here! Choose from an angel, Santa, carol singer and skier with the Christmas mice pattern on Gathered.
65. Tiny elf
Knit your own mini elf on the shelf using Susan B. Anderson's pattern for this guy.
66. Knitted Christmas sprouts
We love Amanda Berry's free Christmas knitting patterns so much that we've featured another one. Knit this adorable little sprout since sprouts are a Christmas essential, right?
67. Mini knitted polar bears
These mini knitted polar bears are from the book Mini Knitted Safari by Sachiyo Ishii, and you can find the pattern here.
68. Knitted kings
Nicola Valiji's three knitted kings are the addition your nativity scene needs.
69. Penguin knitting pattern
Give Chilly Charlie penguin a hug with Gathered's penguin knitting pattern.
70. Knitted gingerbread men
Sara Elizabeth Kellner's gingerbread men are an adorable trio of pals that will look fab sticking out of a stocking on Christmas morning.
71. Knitted mice
Marisol the mouse is by Rachel Borello Carroll and her pattern is free on Ravelry.
72. Christmas toy collection
How cute are Rebecca Danger's festive toys? We need to make all four!
73. Fairy mice decorations
Squeak, squeak! Let Alan Dart's fairy mice add some magic to your tree.
Deck the halls with Christmas knitting patterns
Fill your home with festive knits this year to celebrate Christmas in style. We've got plenty of patterns for crafters of all levels, from simple ornaments to intricate Christmas stockings.
Whether you're looking to make decorations or enchanting festive gifts, you're sure to find a Christmas knitting pattern you'll love in our round-up.
Shine bright with our Christmas star knitting pattern
Looking for a quick knit? Make your tree sparkle with Gathered's easy Christmas star knitting pattern. This pattern couldn't be easier to make, so you could whip up a whole constellation of stars in an afternoon.
