Now that 2026 is here, many of us who love to knit and crochet turn our thoughts to what to focus on in the upcoming year - at least, I do. It’s a new year, new 365 days of crafting possibilities. So, if you are up for old & new reasons to pick knitting needles, choose some soft, colorful yarn and get started, then it’s time to begin. For me, over the years of being in love with the craft and still a student, here’s what I have been thinking about. Let me take you through my crafting goals for 2026.
1. Tools and Yarn Organising
Number one on my list is getting organized. My lovely knitting needles, the beautiful accessories that come with them, and the gorgeous yarn needed a little sorting out. So, I began by assessing what I currently have on hand in terms of yarn. In my case, it’s a lovely assemblage of hand-dyed merino knitting wool and an impressive array of fine knitting needles.
For the yarn organization, the goal is to sort them and get them ready for 2026. Winding and dispensing accessories have helped me sort some yarn stash. From novelty scraps to yards of DK and worsted yarn, I have them ready in cakes and skeins. My goal is to create some yarn swatches.
Since experience has taught me the wisdom of protecting my supplies, I like to keep my yarns tucked away in bags that are secure and outfitted for knitters. These are my favorites. They come in 2 sizes (small, large), close neatly with a sturdy zipper and even have custom custom-designed space for my needles.
For my prized knitting needles, I have them safe and organized in their sets, which I prefer. Over the years, I have explored the benefits of circular knitting needles. From knitting blankets on the trusted cables to working the magic loop technique for socks and baby garments, they have served my crafting for years. So, in this case, KnitPro Doctor bags are a good investment, assisting me with crafting anywhere.
2. Improving Intarsia Colorwork
I am an experienced knitter, but like many well-trained knitters, I know that some of my techniques can be improved upon. In my case, it’s Intarsia knitting.
It has always been my favorite - a clever way of adding different colored designs within your knitting. Think of it as inserting a knit picture within the work on your knitting needles. Because the inlaid design has its own yarn, Intarsia knitting allows the back of the project to stay neat without annoying strands of yarn on the reverse. Intarsia is ideal for initials, shapes, figures, or blocks of contrasting color.
I hope 2026 brings more opportunities to use the colorwork technique.
3. Make Hats
While my yarn stash contains a range of beautiful hand-dyed colors, there’s not enough of each to make a sweater, but there is more than enough to knit up some very cute hats. I love knitting for children, so it was easy to consider what I would like to concentrate on making this year. Not only are hats easy and fun to knit, but they are also useful in the best way. I think of them as little individual experiments since I never knit the same hat twice. This way, I learn new patterns and techniques, as well.
4. Knit for Charity
While I will enjoy knitting for the children I know, I also look forward to knitting for the kids I do not know and donating the hats to a reputable organization that supports kids. There are a number of charities and hospitals that are dedicated to helping people and/or families in need. If you, too, are planning to be charitable with crafting, a simple Google search will take you to a list of established not-for-profits that appreciate and pass on donated items. Contact them to make sure they are currently operating or looking for donations.
If you are looking for design ideas, here’s the Ravelry address for a baby and children’s knitwear designer whom you might consider: Benja Kirk. Her work is classic and she has a wide variety of designs, including cute hats!
Another option is to start getting ready for Socktober early! I hope to have a pair ready every other weekend.
So, here are my crafting goals. Hope you make yours and have a craft-full year.
Knitting is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to another’s well-being. I think of it as a triple win – especially when using pure wool. The sheep gets shorn, the knitter gets the good emotional and physical effect that comes with knitting, and the recipient gets something to keep him or her warm. And, handmade is always in fashion, never goes out of trend. It’s meditative, a rhythm of knit and purl stitches that weaves mental wellness, helps practice gratitude. What a good way to begin a New Year!
Author Bio
Phyllis Howe has been a devoted knitter for over 30 years, transforming yarn into cherished handmade treasures. Her needles have explored every corner of the knitting world and still seek new adventures, utterly enchanted by every new project. What Phyllis loves most isn't just the finished objects, but the meditative rhythm of the craft and the vibrant community it creates.
Through her writing, she shares three decades of wisdom. Her voice carries the warmth of someone who genuinely loves both the craft and the people who practice it.
