School Knits - Not School Nits!
Tuesday Treats & Knitting News!
This week marks the start of my new regular Knitting News Section on the fittinginknitting website. For all things knitting, new patterns on the site and seasonal knitting ideas.
And with a 20% discount every week for the new knitting Pattern of the Week, don't forget to check here every Tuesday for the latest updates. A real Tuesday Treat (of the non-edible kind).
3, 2, 1.... Let's Go!
This special edition of Tuesday Knitting News focused on Back to School Crafts. This may seem a bit early, but knitting and masterpieces take time; Rome was not built in a day! And so with a touch of yarn and charm, here are some knitting patterns ideas you may wish to jot down in those exercise books...
Sharpen those pencils and knitting needles – it’s back to school season!
As we wile away the Summer holidays, parents, teachers, and crafty folks alike are gearing up for the new term with creative knitting projects. Keeping children in learning mode! Doing school-related crafty things can keep them entertained over the Summer, while also getting them prepared for the new school year.
In other words, it’s the perfect time to mix education with a bit of knitting fun. Whether you have little ones starting school or you’re simply wondering what you can do next to keep the children busy, knitting offers a cheerful way to transition from Summer into the academic year.
Seasonal Spotlight – Trending Back-to-School Knitting
Back-to-school crafts are already trending, featuring a variety of seasonal knitting projects including DIY pencil toppers, accessories to jazz up plain pencil cases, and cosy decor for those University flats. Quick and easy knitting projects (like the majority of knitting patterns on this site), are ideal for soaking up those lazy afternoons before school routines resume.
Think knitted purses, knitted bookmarks, knitted gifts for teachers, or fun knitted backpack charms... Small, quick knitting patterns are perfect for children to learn and build confidence. Spark their creativity and ease any of those school nerves, and help them to make treasured handmade items they’ll be proud of.
Back-to-school knitting is functional meets fun – you’re crafting items that can actually be used at school, all while indulging in your hobby. It’s a win-win that’s trending for good reason. Begin with an easy knitting project - knit a simple bookmark? Or if you have more time, knit a set of colourful knitted numbers. Help younger children practice their 123s in a tactile way. (See Pattern of the Week below - read on!) So why not jump on the bandwagon and cast on a little something for the new term?
Woolly Well-Being – The Benefits of Knitting (For All Ages)
Let’s touch on why knitting is such a fantastic activity this time of year (or any time!). For adults, knitting is a proven stress-buster – the rhythmic motion of needles can lower heart rate and cortisol levels, helping you relax. Deep breaths and easy stitches = bye-bye back-to-school stress!) It’s like meditation in motion, offering a calming antidote to the hectic school-year schedule ahead. Knitting has even been shown to improve focus and reduce anxiety – handy for parents bracing for busy mornings, or students needing a mindful break from homework. And don’t forget the confidence boost of creating something with your own hands. Completing a small project (say, a cute knitted purse) gives a satisfying sense of accomplishment, releasing those feel-good endorphins.
For kids, learning to knit can be just as beneficial. It improves fine motor skills and concentration, and it’s a great alternative to screen time. Children take pride in using something at school that they made themselves – imagine pulling out a purse or bookmark they knitted over summer. Plus, they can carry their knitting skills forward. Involving kids in simple knitting or finger-knitting projects can help them relax and chat about their school-day worries in a low-pressure setting. In short, knitting isn’t just crafty – it’s healthy and happy for mind and body. So as we prepare for the school season, keep knitting in your toolkit of wellness strategies.
It’s not just a hobby; it’s self-care with a side of productivity.
Make It Personal – Customising Your Knits for School
One of the best things about knitting your own school accessories is the ability to personalise everything. Why settle for generic store-bought supplies when you can infuse your child’s (or your own) personality into each stitch? Here are some fun tips to make your back-to-school knits one-of-a-kind:
Choose School Colours or Themes: Start by knitting in school colors – maybe a blue and white pencil case to match the uniform, or a green and yellow lunchbox cozy in honor of the school mascot. Using familiar colors can build school spirit and help your child feel connected before the first bell even rings.
Add Names or Initials: Incorporate initials or names into your projects. For example, you beautifully knitted backpack accessory may have an initial. This not only looks adorable but also ensures their items won’t get 'lost' into another child's bag.
Include Fun Motifs: Does your student love dinosaurs, space, or butterflies? You can work simple motifs or appliqués into your knitting. Try sewing on a small knitted motif – like a tiny knitted rocket ship on a pencil bag or a butterfly on a headband. It’s a playful way to celebrate their interests.
Mix and Match Patterns: Personalising isn’t just about names and colors – it’s also about using patterns creatively. Feel free to mix patterns from different projects. For instance, take the Little Purse Knitting Pattern from our catalogue and tweak it with the stripy color pattern from our Pouches & Drawstring Bags design to create a unique pencil pouch. Combine elements you love to craft something new!
Embellishments and Buttons: Don’t skimp on the extras. A row of cute buttons, a pom-pom zipper pull, or a crocheted edging can add that special touch. If you’re knitting a bookmark, why not attach a tassel or a tiny knitted charm to the end? It’s those small details that make your handmade item uniquely yours.
Remember, the joy of crafting for back-to-school is that you can collaborate with your child – let them pick yarn colors, choose a button, or knit a few rows if they’re old enough. Personalising knitting projects turns them into cherished keepsakes. Years from now, that raggedy first-grade knit pencil case might just become a beloved memory (with plenty of emotional fiber woven in!).
Pattern of the Week!
Numbers Knitting Pattern PDF Download
In honor of back-to-school, we couldn’t resist featuring this fun and educational pattern. It’s essentially knitting by the numbers and for the numbers – literally! This pattern lets you knit all the numbers 0 to 9 as separate pieces. Each digit is a quick knit (about 10–15 minutes each), made with simple stocking stitch.
Why do we love it for back-to-school? The uses are endless (an infinite number of uses, you might say). You can personalise anything with these knitted numbers – stitch a child’s age or graduation year onto a backpack, adorn a birthday card with their new school year (“Grade 1!”), or even create a countdown garland for the first day of school. Got a sports fan in the family? Knit their team number and pin it to a hat or scarf for a bit of pride on game days.
All numbers in the set are roughly 5 cm tall, so they’re a great size for embellishments. They can be stitched onto other projects or used as standalone decorations. Or make a set for a teacher’s classroom: the durable, soft numbers could be used on bulletin boards or even as a teaching aid for little learners to handle during math lessons.
The pattern is beginner-friendly and stash-busting (each number uses just a small amount of yarn). It’s also a fantastic way to get kids involved – let them choose the colors for each number or even help knit a simple “0”. You’ll be sneaking in some number recognition practice without them even realizing!
** Numbers Knitting Pattern 20% off **
Just for Fitting in Knitting Knitting News readers.
Use the discount code BACK2SCHOOL20 at checkout to save on this pattern and start knitting your own numbers.
(Discount code valid until next Tuesday – so be quick!)
Did You Miss This Last Week?
In my previous knitting update, I got into the summer spirit with travel-friendly knitting projects and seaside-inspired patterns. This highlighted a few of my NEW knitting patterns; quick and simple knitting patterns like the Big & Little Knitted Turtle Pattern, Dolphin Knitting Pattern, a Manta Ray Knitted Toy. These are perfect for ocean lovers, travelers, and for holiday souvenirs. If you missed last week’s edition, don't worry, it's still there...
Check out and bookmark my Knitting News blog so you’re kept up to speed!
Coming Up Next Week – A Stitch of What’s to Come
Stay tuned for next week’s Tuesday Knitting News – we’ll be casting on some autumn cosiness to getting your knitting ready ahead of time. There'll be a sneak peek of autumn-inspired patterns (think crunchy leaves and pumpkin-spice everything).
And of course, there’ll be a brand new Pattern of the Week with another 20% off code. If you love cosy knitting projects and autumn DIY decor, you won’t want to miss it. Until then, happy knitting and enjoy the back-to-school buzz – may your week be knit-tastic and your coffee always piping hot on those early school mornings!
Ready to Knit?
Download the Numbers PDF Knitting Pattern Available Now!
Contact me to get any new or updated patterns straight to you. Or keep an eye on the Updates section of this website to see the newest creations. Fitting In Knitting is also on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for some sneaky previews of projects as they evolve….
Happy knitting!
Ali 🙂
Handmade Gift Ideas!
Get some more ideas, see what you will need, and follow the patterns to learn exactly how you can make your own… More Knitted Gift Ideas!
I aim to have a new pattern up on the website every few weeks (children and their busy schedules permitting!) and I’ll let you know as soon as the next one is up and ready to go.