5 Patterns to Knit for Your Significant Other

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If you knit for any length of time, you will run across the curse of the boyfriend sweater. Also known as the sweater curse, the superstition runs that after you give your significant other a sweater (or during the knitting of it), your relationship will end. Although I’ve never had this happen to me, I have never knitted my husband a sweater. I have, however, knit him many other items, such as the scarf below.

All this is not to say you shouldn’t knit for your significant other if you want to; the trick is figuring out what to make for them. Knitting, as we all know, takes time and money, and knowing what your partner is likely to wear will help you to make them something they’ll enjoy. I’ve knit a number of things for my husband, and the primary thing I’ve learned is this: Simple is usually better when you knit for men. Keep your elaborately cabled hats or gorgeously lacy scarves for later in the relationship—or keep them for yourself!

Included below are four (technically five, as you’ll see) patterns for knitters looking to make a project for their significant other. Really, these are great patterns for anyone. They’re beautiful and straightforward, as well as being fun to knit! If you’re thinking of making something for your partner, or even for a sibling or parent, one of these projects is a great place to start.

Portsmouth Beanie

I will always, always, always advocate for hat knitting. It’s quick and easy, which is especially desirable for the holidays. The Portsmouth Beanie by designer Jesie Ostermiller is knit in a cozy 100-percent worsted-weight wool; this hat will simply fly off your needles, and the simple texture pattern is sure to please even picky partners.

Sonora Cacti Socks

Socks are a good gift for anyone and everyone. The Sonora Cacti Socks from Interweave Knits Summer 2019 use a simple two-color motif over the foot and leg and a contrast color for the toe and heel, allowing you to select colors for your recipient. Designer Jane Dupuis made these with peasant heels, giving you an opportunity to learn a new heel technique as well.

Juris Mitts

Even the fussiest SO couldn’t say no to the Juris Mitts from designer Alexis Winslow. These convertible mitts are knit almost entirely in stockinette, and they easily double as mittens, with the flap held back with charming wooden toggles. Knit these in a tweedy wool yarn for a particularly rustic feel.

Walker Scarf

Because the first thing I ever made for my husband was a scarf, I’ve continued to have a soft spot for them over the years. The Walker Scarf by designer Andrea Babb is knitted with a blend of wool, silk, and cashmere, making this an extra special project. Allover twisted rib stitches transition to gorgeous cabled sections at either end of the scarf, adding some beautiful textural interest.

Sunchokes Pullover

All right, all right, before anyone yells at me about including a sweater, bear with me: You can knit sweaters for the important people in your life. I just wouldn’t recommend knitting them without that person’s input or interest! When I surveyed my family recently to see what knitted items they wanted, my husband asked me for a cozy pullover. And, for Christmas this year, I plan to take him yarn shopping so he can pick out the colors and fiber he wants—and to give him a chance to see why I get so excited over new yarn.

The Sunchokes Pullover by designer Moira Engel is a cozy, modern pullover. The design uses a funnel neck with an I-cord tie to keep cozy in winter’s chill. Stunning cabled panels on the front and back create visual interest, while the tonal bulky-weight yarn makes this sweater fairly fast to knit up.

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If you haven’t begun gift knitting for the holidays, we have a plethora of excellent resources. This year’s issue of Interweave Knits Gifts has just come out with a large selection of hats, mittens, shawls, and home décor items for all your giving needs, including great ideas to knit for men and significant others. What are you making this year? Let us know in the comments, and, as always,

Happy Knitting,
Julia

Originally posted 9/25/2020. Updated 9/22/2021.

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