Famous Stars Who Knit: 14 Cozy Projects Inspired by Celebrity Knitters

Famous stars who knit prove that a pair of needles and a ball of yarn can calm even the busiest life. Picture an Olympic diver waiting for his turn on the board, quietly knitting in the stands while the whole world watches. That really happened, and it made millions of people want to pick up needles too. Knitting is slow, cozy and surprisingly addictive. It also gives you something real to hold at the end, like a hat, a blanket or a gift for someone you love. Below you will meet a few well known knitters and find easy projects inspired by them. Some are perfect for total beginners, and a few use no needles at all. Grab a mug of cocoa and a basket of yarn, because this is the season to start..

Famous Stars Who Knit: Tom Daley and His Chunky Cardigan

Among famous stars who knit, British diver Tom Daley is the best known in sports. According to his Wikipedia biography, he took up knitting and crochet when the COVID-19 lockdown began. During the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics, TV cameras often caught him knitting in the stands while he watched other divers. A chunky cardigan is a great project inspired by him. Thick yarn and big needles grow fast, so you see progress every evening. It is cozy, forgiving and very satisfying to wear..

You will need: About 8 to 10 balls of super chunky yarn, size 10 mm (US 15) knitting needles, a simple chunky cardigan pattern, yarn needle, scissors, 4 large buttons.

How to make it: 1. Knit the back panel in simple stockinette or garter stitch. 2. Knit two front panels and two sleeves. 3. Sew the shoulder and side seams with a yarn needle, then attach the sleeves. 4. Add a front band and sew on big buttons.

Knitted Keepsake Pouch

A tiny drawstring pouch is the perfect second project after a scarf, and the kind of quick make famous stars who knit love to share online. It is small, quick and useful. Keep a special necklace, a lucky charm or a medal from a school race inside it. Two colors of stripes make it look cheerful, and a ribbon or a twisted cord closes the top. You can finish one in an evening while watching a movie. These little pouches also make sweet gifts for teachers and friends. What treasure would you keep inside yours?

You will need: Small amount of cotton yarn in two colors, size 4 mm (US 6) needles, yarn needle, ribbon or cord, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cast on about 30 stitches and knit a long rectangle with stripes. 2. Make a row of small holes near the top by knitting two stitches together and adding a yarn over. 3. Fold the rectangle in half and sew the sides. 4. Thread a ribbon through the holes and tie it.

Poolside Knitting Bag

Famous stars who knit often take their projects everywhere, so every knitter needs a bag that goes along, from the pool to the park to the stands at a kid’s swim meet. A simple striped tote in sturdy cotton holds yarn, needles and a snack. Cotton is strong and easy to wash, so a little splash is no problem. Knit two rectangles, sew them together and add two long straps. Line it with an old pillowcase if you want it extra strong. Where would you carry your knitting?

You will need: 4 to 5 balls of cotton yarn in two colors, size 5 mm (US 8) needles, yarn needle, scissors, an old pillowcase for lining (optional).

How to make it: 1. Knit two rectangles about 14 by 16 inches with stripes. 2. Knit two long straps about 2 inches wide. 3. Sew the rectangles together on three sides. 4. Sew the straps inside the top edge and add a lining if you like.

Famous Stars Who Knit Make Bucket Hats for a Cause

Tom Daley has even used his knitting to help others. He once created a range of knitted pieces, including swim briefs, sunglasses and a bucket hat, for a water safety campaign that raised money for the Royal Life Saving Society UK. A knitted bucket hat is a fun summer project. Bright stripes look cheerful, and cotton yarn keeps it light. Knit it in the round, then increase stitches for the brim. Which colors would you pick for sunny days?

You will need: 2 balls of cotton yarn in three colors, size 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needles, double pointed needles, stitch marker, yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Cast on about 90 stitches in the round and knit the crown band about 4 inches tall. 2. Decrease evenly to close the top. 3. Pick up stitches around the bottom edge for the brim. 4. Increase every few rows until the brim flares, then bind off.

A Hand Knitted Christmas Jumper

For Christmas 2024, Tom Daley designed a knitted Christmas jumper to raise awareness of the dangers of drink driving. It is a reminder that a sweater can carry a message. A classic red jumper with a snowflake and reindeer band is the dream project for many knitters. If colorwork feels scary, start with a plain red sweater and add the pattern with duplicate stitch, which is like embroidery on top of knitting. Will this be the year you wear one you made?

You will need: Red worsted yarn for a sweater, small amounts of white yarn, size 4.5 mm (US 7) needles, a simple sweater pattern, yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Knit a simple sweater front, back and sleeves from a beginner pattern. 2. Chart a small snowflake and reindeer design on graph paper. 3. Stitch the design on the chest with white yarn using duplicate stitch. 4. Sew the pieces together and weave in the ends.

Famous Stars Who Knit: Krysten Ritter and a Granny Square Tote

Actress Krysten Ritter is an avid knitter, and she has even appeared on the cover of a knitting magazine. She is a reminder that you can have a busy acting career and still make time for yarn. A granny square tote is a fun project for anyone who loves color. Granny squares are made with a crochet hook, and each one takes about twenty minutes once you learn. Sew a few together into a bag and you have a one of a kind tote. Which colors feel like you?

You will need: Cotton yarn in five bright colors, a 4 mm crochet hook, yarn needle, scissors, fabric for lining (optional).

How to make it: 1. Crochet 10 to 12 granny squares in mixed colors. 2. Sew them into two panels for the front and back. 3. Sew the panels together on three sides. 4. Crochet two sturdy straps and sew them on.

Famous Stars Who Knit: Tracey Ullman and the Patchwork Blanket

Comedian and actress Tracey Ullman is an avid knitter who co-wrote a knitting book in 2006, full of patterns and stories. Famous stars who knit like her love to share, and that spirit makes us think of patchwork blankets, where every square can be different. Knit simple squares from leftover yarn, then sew them together. Friends can each knit a square for a group gift. It is the perfect project to pick up and put down, because each square is small. Who would you make a patchwork blanket for?

You will need: Leftover worsted yarn in many colors, size 5 mm (US 8) needles, yarn needle, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cast on 30 stitches and knit in garter stitch until you have a square. 2. Make 30 to 40 squares in different colors. 3. Lay them out to plan the colors. 4. Sew them together in rows and add a simple border.

More Famous Stars Who Knit: Lizzy Yarnold and the Pom Pom Beanie

Lizzy Yarnold won Olympic gold medals in skeleton racing in 2014 and 2018, flying head first down an icy track. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting. A warm pom pom beanie fits her winter sport perfectly. Knit it in the round with a ribbed brim, then top it with a giant fluffy pom pom. A cardboard pom pom maker made from two donut shapes works great. It is one of the best first projects for new knitters. How big will your pom pom be?

You will need: 1 to 2 balls of worsted or chunky yarn, size 5 mm (US 8) circular needles, double pointed needles, cardboard for a pom pom maker, yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Cast on about 80 stitches in the round and knit 2 inches of ribbing. 2. Knit around until the hat is about 7 inches tall. 3. Decrease to close the top and pull the yarn tight. 4. Make a big pom pom with two cardboard rings and sew it on top.

Famous Stars Who Knit Start Small: Michelle Williams and the Beginner Scarf

Even award winning actors start somewhere. Michelle Williams learned to knit while preparing for a film role. A simple scarf is where most knitters begin, because it only uses one stitch. Pick a soft yarn in a color you love and medium needles. Do not worry about small mistakes, because they disappear when you wrap it around your neck. Many famous stars who knit started with a scarf just like this one. Who will get your very first scarf?

You will need: 2 balls of soft worsted yarn, size 5.5 mm (US 9) needles, scissors, yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Cast on 25 stitches. 2. Knit every row (garter stitch) until the scarf is as long as you like. 3. Bind off loosely. 4. Weave in the ends and add fringe if you want.

Simple Cotton Washcloths

Cotton washcloths are tiny, useful and a great way to practice new stitches. They take one evening, and you can use them in the kitchen or bathroom right away. Try a basket weave or a seed stitch to see how texture works. Tie a few together with twine and a bar of soap for a sweet handmade gift. They are also perfect for travel knitting because they fit in a small bag. Want more handmade fun? Try our realistic clay crafts. Which stitch will you try first?

You will need: 1 ball of cotton yarn, size 4.5 mm (US 7) needles, scissors, yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Cast on 35 stitches. 2. Knit in seed stitch (knit one, purl one, then switch on the next row). 3. Stop when you have a square. 4. Bind off and weave in the ends.

A Cozy Dog Sweater

Famous stars who knit are not the only ones who love sweaters. Small dogs get chilly on winter walks, and a hand knitted sweater keeps them snug. Measure around the chest and from the neck to the base of the tail before you start. A simple tube with leg holes is easier than it sounds. Use washable yarn, because dogs love puddles. Skip buttons and loose strings so nothing can be chewed off. Navy, red and cream all look classic. Is your pup ready for a new winter look?

You will need: Washable worsted yarn, size 5 mm (US 8) circular needles, stitch markers, measuring tape, yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Measure your dog’s neck, chest and back length. 2. Knit a ribbed neck tube, then increase for the chest. 3. Bind off two small openings for the front legs and cast them back on the next round. 4. Knit to the waist, finish with ribbing and bind off.

Crochet Flower Coasters

Round crochet coasters are colorful, fast and great for using up leftover cotton yarn. Each one takes about twenty minutes. Make a set in matching colors for a gift, or mix every color for a cheerful coffee table. Cotton soaks up drips and washes well. If you are new to crochet, coasters are a perfect way to practice working in rounds. Stack them, tie them with ribbon and they are ready to give. Who on your list would love a set?

You will need: Cotton yarn in a few colors, a 4 mm crochet hook, scissors, yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Make a magic ring and crochet 12 double crochets into it. 2. Work two more rounds, increasing evenly so it stays flat. 3. Change color for a petal edge with small loops. 4. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Mug Cozy for Cocoa Season

A mug cozy is the perfect tiny project for learning cables. It is just a small rectangle that wraps around a mug and closes with a button. It keeps cocoa warm a little longer and protects fingers from a hot cup. Knit one in mustard, cream or deep red, and give it with a bag of cocoa mix. Many famous stars who knit love quick projects like this between bigger ones. How many could you make before the holidays?

You will need: Small amount of worsted yarn, size 4.5 mm (US 7) needles, a cable needle, one wooden button, yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Cast on 18 stitches and knit a band with a simple cable down the middle. 2. Knit until it wraps around your mug with a little gap for the handle. 3. Make a small buttonhole at one end. 4. Bind off and sew a button on the other end.

Arm-Knit Chunky Throw

You do not need to be one of the famous stars who knit to make this. No needles? No problem. Arm knitting uses your arms as the needles, and giant chunky yarn turns into a throw in about an hour. The big loops look amazing on a bed or sofa. Kids can help hold the yarn, and it is a fun project for a cozy night in. Lay it on a flat surface as you go so the loops stay even. It is the fastest way to feel like a real knitter. Ready to roll up your sleeves?

You will need: About 5 to 6 skeins of jumbo chunky or chenille yarn, your arms, scissors, a large flat surface.

How to make it: 1. Cast about 12 loops onto one arm. 2. Knit each loop over to the other arm, then back again. 3. Keep going until the throw is the length you want. 4. Bind off and tuck the ends inside the loops.