It gets really cold in Davis during these winter mornings and evenings! If you’re like me and your back aches from the chilly weather, or your fingers and toes feel frozen even though you’re layered up, you’ll definitely want to fill a shelf of your closet with warm knits. Whether you’re lounging at home, studying in the library, or hanging out with friends and don’t feel like bringing out your cashmeres, expensive name brands, or silky florals, a knitted winter accessory is just what you need. Knitting is really easy to learn! If you love DIY projects and want to give knitting a try, check out some of these easy projects below:
Scarf
I love fluffy, warm knit scarves! I like basic, one-colored scarves in neutral colors like black, gray, or white because they go with every single outfit, but I also have a few colorful scarves I like to wear with my coats. A homemade scarf becomes my immediate go-to accessory when I know I have to be on campus all day and I want something that will keep me warm and comfortable.
You can find yarn and needles at the MU bookstore, the Paint Chip downtown, Walmart, Joann’s, or any arts and crafts store. I would suggest getting needles of medium thickness (sizes 9-15 are best). Here’s a tutorial where you can learn how to cast on and then start knitting. Check YouTube to learn how to finish your scarf once you get the hang of it! You can sew the ends together if you want an infinity scarf.
Headband
You know those cute headbands you slip over your forehead and cover your ears with? Those. Are. Amazing. If you don’t like wearing beanies or hats, these are a great way to keep your ears warm, and they won’t mess up your hair. Whether you’re taking a run in the park with your hair in a ponytail or just walking around campus with your hair down, these headbands are both cute and practical! It takes about 20 minutes to make one, and it’s so easy that you’ll find yourself with a few in no time! Learn how here!
The easiest way to bring the two ends together is sewing them with a needle and the same yarn you used to make it.
Beanie
We all love beanies! I’ve been obsessed with this thick yarn/needle trend that’s been going on lately (like this one!) so I learned how to do it. One beanie takes only about 15 minutes to make because the yarn is so chunky! You’ll need a minimum of size 17 circle needles (they’re connected by a string), and the thickest yarn you can find. Here’s the pattern.
The great part about knitting is that you can easily unravel a few rows if you spot a mistake, or just leave it be because no one will really notice a tiny hole anyway. Yarn is relatively cheap too (around $5-8), which means you’ll save a lot of money! Grab a few friends for a girl’s night in and spend the night knitting while watching movies or talking. It’s seriously so much fun, and it’s a winter project that’ll keep you warm and cozy — guaranteed!