What to Knit for Monsters

The spooky season is upon us! Jack-O-Lanterns grin mischievously from doorways, haunted houses have sprung up around the neighborhood, and all manner of ghosts, ghouls, and goblins will soon be prowling the streets in search of tricks and treats. But what does one knit for monsters? Worry not, dear readers, for I am here to help. Below, I have compiled a list of what to make for all the creepy creatures in your life this Halloween.

Vampires: Shawls

For the blood-sucking fiends in your life, there’s only one perfect type of project. Sure, vampires might not feel the cold, but these denizens of darkness do love living in drafty, haunted castles, and a gorgeous shawl is just the thing for such a place. Lucy Westenra’s Wrap by designer Susanna IC has a touch of vampiric elegance, with blood-red yarn and dainty seed beads. For a triangular shawl, the Squall Line Shawl by designer Rosemary (Romi) Hill is gorgeously drapey and cozy to boot! Or, for the ultimate timeless shawl, consider the stunning lace of Maria’s Veil by Lisa Jacobs.

Werewolves: Fingerless Mitts

When considering what to knit for monsters, one must think about the wearer’s comfort. Selecting what to make for shape changing beasts, like werewolves, presents a challenge. After all, you don’t want your beautiful knitting to be ripped to shreds during the transformation. Sweaters are right out, but a pair of fingerless mitts may be just the thing to withstand the wear (pun intended). The Traverse Mitts by designer Sarah Gomez are gorgeously rustic, with a striking cable pattern running up the back of each mitt in a tweedy, wool yarn. For a stash-buster project, your were-friend might like Michele Rose Orne’s Composed Mitts, which are a riot of color and texture. Or, for daintier shapeshifters, consider the Pianissimo Mitts by Becky Wilkins, which feature elegant lace cuffs and simple stockinette in a lace-weight Merino wool.

Ghosts: Blankets

Why settle for boring, white sheets when you can have a handmade haunting? For your ghostly friends, a blanket is the perfect gift. The Hodophile Blanket by designer Linda M. Perry, for example, is just the thing for a cozy, spectral fall. It’s knit modularly by joining the blocks together as they are worked. Or, consider the Flette Blanket by designer Lisa Jacobs, a densely cabled throw that works up quickly in a bulky-weight yarn. If your ghost is looking for something a little less cable-heavy, consider the lighter Cobblestone Throw by Faith Schmidt.

Fairies: Cardigans

Though you might not consider fairies monsters, look no further than Irish and Welsh folklore to discover that these lovely creatures have a sinister side. Still, your fairy friends are bound to get cold as winter comes on, so consider making them a cozy cardigan to keep out the chill. A personal favorite of mine is the Lace Pleat Cardigan by designer Emily Ringelman. This gorgeous sweater looks simple from the front, but a lace panel on the back in a contrasting color (which also shows up in the pockets!) gives it a special flair. Or, if you prefer zippers to buttons, you may like the simple lines of the Cambridge Jacket by designer Ann Budd. If your fairy is of an autumn bent already, consider the short-sleeved Gilt Lace Cardigan by designer Susanna IC, which features dainty lace along the bottom hem.

Dragons: Pillows

Finally, no list of what to knit for monsters would be complete without our scaly friends, dragons. Or wyrms or wyverns, depending on the type. Still, all these beasties have one thing in common: a desire to hoard. And while gold is all very well to look at, it’s not particularly comfortable to lay on. Consider providing your winged friends a pillow to curl up with this Halloween. The Tole-Painted Pillow by designer Kate Scalzo lets you show off your stranded knitting with a hypnotic, two-color pattern. If a set of pillows is more your speed, the Kissen Brigitta by designer Jennifer Lori includes patterns for a deliciously cabled pillow and bolster, sure to look good on any draconic hoard. Or, for an oversized footrest, consider the Spectrum Pouf by designer Vicki Square. Worked in a super bulky yarn with a large gauge, it makes a great place to rest your feet—err, claws—this fall.

I hope this has inspired you to make some knits for your own monsters. And, until next time,

Happy Knitting,

Julia

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