12 Knitting Patterns For Sports Fans

Win at crafts with these champion makes!

This summer, we’re being treated to a series of great sporting events from football to tennis and many others in between. While this may give some people the urge to take up an energetic hobby, we see it as the perfect opportunity to flex our knitting muscles and enjoy the action in front of the television set, needles in hand. TV knits shouldn’t be too taxing – you don’t want to miss a game-changing moment, after all – but there are plenty of projects to suit all sporting
occasions. Here are a few ideas!

This cuddly crew are from Sirdar Bear Book 2 and we love Sue Jobson’s cute and creative designs for sporty teds. For stockists, visit sirdar.co.uk

GOLF
The relaxed pace of golf makes it the ideal sport for TV knitting. This stripy accessories set by Susie Johns is a great choice for any golfing fan and it’s easy to knit. Find the pattern for free at letsknit.co.uk.

LK designer Susie Johns also has a fun book out, titled Knitted Golf Club Covers (£9.99, Search Press) which features 24 novelty patterns. Order your copy from your local bookshop or visit searchpress.com

You’ll have to go a fair way (excuse the pun!) to beat this adorable golfing outfit from Knitables. Modelled here by the Knitables pig, this is just one of the brilliant costume designs available for the brand’s cuddly toy patterns. There is quite a bit of colourwork so you may want to knit the simpler pieces during the live coverage and save the more advanced sections for later. See the full range of toys and outfits at knitables.com

FOOTBALL
Support your national team with these colourful slipper socks from Bergere de France. They’re a quick and simple project that can easily be made during a match. Find the patterns in Magazine 181 at bergeredefrance.co.uk

The FA have announced the football fixtures for the domestic football season which kicks off in August. Uneven stripes bring a modern twist to the humble footie scarf. Find the pattern in The Twelfth Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK Book (714). Sublimeyarns.com

Treat your little football fan to this sweet sweater. Designed by picture-knit expert Gail Pfeifle, it has a simple construction with an intarsia colourwork motif. Find the pattern at roodesigns.com

CYCLING
Cheer on your favourite rider in the Tour de France with this sweet yellow jersey pattern by Amanda Berry. This quick and simple knit features a bold number one that’s worked using stranded colourwork. Download it for free at ravelry.com

If you’re after a bigger project, you’ll love this bicycle jumper from Gyles Brandreth’s book Novelty Knits (Kyle Books)! Inspired by some of the TV star’s most notable sweaters, it’s a fab and fun make for any biking fan. Get your copy at amazon.co.uk

TENNIS
Wimbledon and strawberries go together like needles and yarn! Libby Summers’ easy makes are the ideal decoration for this famous tournament. The pattern – along with more fabulous fruity knits – is available in Libby’s Strawberry Collection eBook on ravelry.com

Marina Orry’s Tulip socks are perfect for summer and the interesting lace and heel details mean they’re ideal for knitting during those inevitable breaks when rain stops play! Get the free pattern at letsknit.co.uk.

Andy Murray recently made his comeback at Queens and we’re hoping to see him in this year’s Wimbledon. We love Jackie Holt and Ruth Bailey’s knitted version all the same. If you’re not one for Murray-mania, you can adjust the design to look like your favourite tennis star. Download the Andy Murray knitting pattern for free at letsknit.co.uk

RUGBY
We’re getting ready for the Rugby World Cup in September. Knit your little sports fan a classic rugby jersey in your team’s colours. Nancy Pietraszek’s pattern is super cute and really simple to make. Buy the pattern at ravelry.com