The Best Knitting Patterns of 2018

It’s that time of year again: welcome to the official top 50 patterns from I Like Knitting for 2018.

Featuring cozy cowls, delicate shawls, trendy tees, gorgeous sweaters, socks and more, this list covers it all. And we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of the talented designers who create exclusive projects for our issues. Truly, we are so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.
Make sure you take a close look; these trends are likely to stick around in 2019.

All Cowl’d Up

Cowls make great gifts and these designs are no exception. Both cowls had a nice drape and are knit with gorgeous yarn. Expect to see even more gradient and colorful yarn take the spotlight in 2019.

All I Want Is Hue Cowl | Mulberry Wine Cowl

Tread Lightly

Though everyone loves a good cozy knit, this year we saw light and lacy designs take the spotlight. Our prediction for 2019 is that more and more knitters just want to knit all year round so these light designs are a perfect match.

Gossamer Wing Scarf | Autumn Crown Watercolor Shawl | Breezy Butterfly Shawl | Malibu Shore Scarf | Wheat Harvest Shawl

Unique Tees

Tees with a twist: each of these designs has a unique element that makes it stand out in the crowd. From lace paneling, to a cross-back construction, plain tees took the backburner in 2018. If you’re going to knit a top, go bold in 2019.

Bali Lace Tank Top | Coral Honeysuckle Top | Cross Back Tee

Sweater Weather Is Better

Who says sweater weather has to be in fall and winter? That’s right; sweaters were popular year round in 2018 and we’re not complaining! Lightweight sweaters make for perfect companions for spring and summer travel while heavier cabled designs are in it for the long haul.

Wild Lavender Sweater | Beatrix Aran Cabled Pullover | Waterfront Pullover | Mabel Front Cable Pullover | Dockside Sweater | Sandalwood Pullover

Tasseled & Fringed

We’ve been on board with this boho look for a while and we’re glad to see these designs, from four separate magazine issues in 2018, come to the forefront. Fringe adds an all-over, carefree style while tassels seem to add a playful finishing touch. Be sure to try this trend out in 2019 if you haven’t already!

Breakwater Scarf | Freshwater Fringe Shawl | Musquee de Provence Shawl | Hibiscus Shawl

Oversized & Cozy

Staying warm doesn’t have to mean constricting layers. It can be as simple as throwing on an open-front cardigan or a buttoned-up poncho in order to add an extra layer of coziness without feeling trapped in your clothes. Take these two popular classics as a prime example.

Buttoned Poncho Coat | French Lavender Cardigan

Toasty Toes

Stripes, cables and bows all took home the blue ribbon in 2018 with these designs. Add these to your to-knit list and you’ll have the best of the best ready to go.

Catching Butterflies Socks | Winter Weekend Socks | Cecily Toe Up Cable Socks | Eve Slippers | Clark Men’s Socks

Creature Comforts

Just look at these cuties! A fox, unicorn, raccoon and a narwhal? I think we’re still in love with these clever designs for the animal lover in your life. We just wish they came in adult sizes!

Clever Fox and Wild Deer Headbands | Sleeping Unicorn Scarf | Curious Raccoon Costume | Unicorn of the Sea Sweater

Heart It

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, these patterns from 2018 are oh-so-cute for everyday wear as well. We guarantee that she’ll want to keep wearing these pieces well into spring.

Hearts and Stripes Forever Baby Dress | Hearts Aflutter Toddler Sweater

Trees Please

If you didn’t get a chance to knit these for Christmas 2018, add these two patterns to your knitting list for this year! The light-up tree is a showstopper and we love the creative placement of the Christmas tree on the stocking. More trees to come in 2019!

December Dreaming Stocking | Tree-mendously Lit Knit Decor

Bold Red

Be on high alert for red, red, red in 2019! While a bold color choice on its own, we especially love it paired with blues and grays. These three striking designs were a hit this past year and it’s easy to see why!

Jack Fair Isle Scarf | Willow River Hat | Mirage Blanket

Crush On Blush

We’re pleased to see pink being popular in a variety of designs this past year, other than the typical baby girl items we are used to seeing. Pair these pinks with delicate grays for a new look you’re bound to love.

Down to Dream Baby Blanket | Rose Tea Cozy | Eucalyptus Clutch | Gloria Mittens

Long & Short Of It

From summer to fall, these two tunics rose to the top of people’s knitting lists. We love the peplum shape (super on trend) and those absolutely gorgeous cables. We suggest wearing these long pieces with leggings.

Frilled with Joy Peplum Tunic | Mae Cabled Tunic

Summertime Gladness

Beat the heat this summer with this selection of bright patterns featuring blocks of bold color. We love how striking these projects are!

Lemonade Cowl | Living Breezy Sweater | Pineapple Shawl | Sunrays Shawl

Bluesy Mood

Blue was a strong color in 2018 and we expect that trend to carry through to this year. But there’s something especially classic about a blue shawl. These two patterns, while quite different from each other, are equally lovely. We hope you enjoy adding them to your knit list (if you haven’t already).

Memory Lane Shawl | Sea Salt Shawl

Thank you again to all of our designers for coming up with such incredible patterns this past year. And thank you to you, our readers, for coming along for the ride.