Knitting + Embroidery: Editors’ Pattern Picks that Include Both

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In 2021 for National Craft Month, we partnered with our sister sites at Sew Daily and Quilting Daily, as well as our sister Interweave communities. Many of us are passionate multi-crafters, always looking for new ways to combine our hobbies, while others use this as an opportunity to hone our skills in knitting. We think about embroidery on knitting as a little bit of both!

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Because you typically (though not always) use yarn to embroider on yarn, it can feel a little closer to home base than trying something totally new. Even if you’ve never embroidered before, we’ve got some resources to walk you through techniques that are extremely knitter-friendly. Or, if you’re more comfortable with embroidery but aren’t sure how to translate your skills to the looser fabric of handknits, here’s a technique that’s more embroidery-forward.

But what good are techniques without project ideas to get your wheels turning? The Interweave team selected the projects that have them most tempted to break out the tapestry and embroidery needles for some cross-crafting fun!

Elevate that Basic: Bonita Shirt

Andrea Lotz, Social Media Manager

This project is an oldie but a goodie. If you want to devote lots of time lovingly embellishing something beautiful, consider the Bonita Shirt by Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark! Perfectly charming as a basic knit tee without the embroidery, delicate motifs stitched to complement the lace elevate this piece into an heirloom item.

The yarn used for embroidery in the sample is the same 100% cotton yarn used for the shirt body, with the plies separated to produce thinner working strands for embroidery. I absolutely love the effect this produces, creating a look that is very integrated into the design. You could make this project more economical, though, by using stash yarn for the embroidery!

A Versatile Embroidery Technique: Oxidation Mitts

Laura Hulslander, Former Managing Editor

The Oxidation Mitts use beautiful Kutch-style embroidery to add color to the wrist. I had never seen this style of embroidery before; I love that it’s just a gorgeous design instead of pictorial. Embroidered hearts and flowers are nice and all, but sometimes you just want to add a fancy border to your finished piece.

The designer, Uma Padu, provides an easy-to-follow photo tutorial for working this distinctive embroidery technique. You could use it on other garments too—imagine this on the sleeves of a T-shirt or the hem of a skirt!

Perfect for a Picky Little Sister: Custom Mittens

Kerry Bogert, Content Manager

If you have a picky kid sister who is always asking you to make her things while also insisting that you do this, that, and another thing to change the original pattern, a set of custom mitts embellished with embroidery make a great gift. I speak from experience.

Start with a simple pattern that has a large area of stockinette stitch. Debbie O’Neill’s Plaited Mittens would work well. Then, using wool thread or fingering weight yarn, stitch a motif that’s just for the recipient. My sister loves vintage florals—something we have in common. Using Dottie Angel’s Woolly Tattoo technique, I was able to make her something in her favorite colors, that are one-of-a-kind and just for her.

A Pre-Loved Look: Mended Heart Hat

Stephanie White, Former Editor

I’ve fallen hard for the visible mending trend that’s been popping up on everything from denim jeans to hand-knit sweaters. I think of those mended patches as a medal of honor; a visual indication that this garment is well-loved.

Though I’ve yet to get out my needle and thread for anything in my own wardrobe (my sewing skills aren’t great), the Mended Heart Hat by Cheryl Toy seems like a great place to start. Since nothing yet needs to be mended, it’s a low-pressure way to practice an invaluable skill.

Perfect Pick for Beginners: Netherleigh Cardigan

Julia Pillard, Digital Content Editor

I can never say no to a solid wardrobe basic. I am also not great at embroidery (yet). Combining embroidery and knitting can make for some truly stunning pieces, but simple embroidery can be just as striking. For this reason, I love the Netherleigh Cardigan by designer Amy Christoffers.

For anyone cautiously exploring embroidery in their knitting, this might be a good place to start; the cardigan has a chain-stitch birds embroidered onto one shoulder. The simplicity of the embroidery seems well within my capabilities, and I’d relish the opportunity to play with colors: a grey sweater with black birds would be just *chef’s kiss*.

So Cute It’s Crewel: New Growth Hat

Allison Korleski, Video and Podcast Producer

Andrea Cull’s New Growth Hat from knitscene Summer 2019 seems improbable at first glance. What is a winter hat doing in a summer issue? Why are spring flowers on a winter hat? The honest answer to both questions is “Who cares?” The simple embroidered flowers make me smile every time I look at them, which is reason enough.

I like to bang out a few hats each summer for those “oh-crap-I-need-a-gift-super-quick” moments that we all have. This hat is a quick palate-cleansing knit in 2×2 ribbing and stockinette, but the embroidery makes it look downright thoughtful. You can use embroidery floss, but those flowers are also a great way to use bits and bobs of leftover yarn you’ve held onto. If your scrap yarn is too heavy for delicate flowers, just split the plies!

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We hope you’re feeling inspired to take that extra step to plan and execute some embroidery on your knitting. If you make one of these projects, be sure to tag @interweavecraft on Instagram so we can see your version!

Originally published March 4, 2021. Updated February 17, 2022.

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Embroidery + Yarn: Patterns and Resources