What to Knit for a Man – 10 Projects for the Guy in your Life

Do you struggle to come up with ideas for what to knit or crochet for a man? Finding knitting and crochet patterns that the man in your life will actually love and get use out of can be a daunting task. I totally know the feeling! After some trial and error myself, I’ve found 10 wonderfully easy and free patterns that guys are sure to love. These are all beginner friendly, so no matter what level of knitter you’re at, you can give these a try.

You will find each of these patterns and/or tutorials by clicking on the links provided.

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1. Rafa’s Hat by Joji Lacatelli

• Knitting pattern
• Suggested needles – US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles
• Comes in sizes Adult Small, Medium, and Large

2. Manly Mitts by Sarah Chilson

• Knitting pattern
• Suggested needles – US 5 (3.75) needles, 32” circulars or DPNs
• Uses simple knits and purls to create a subtle texture

3. Just For Him – Classic Ribbed Scarf

• Crochet pattern
• Suggested hook – US size H (5.5mm)

4. Flax Sweater by Tincanknits

• An excellent and popular choice amongst beginners, this knitting pattern is a favorite even for the seasoned knitter. I think you will love it if you give it a try!
• Need help with this figuring out this pattern? Check out this video series on YouTube here.
• Suggested needles – US 6 (4.0 mm) and US 8 (5.0 mm) circulars, 16” and 32”, DPNS or use magic loop method for sleeves

5. Antler Torque hat by Tincanknits

• Knitting pattern
• A beautiful cabled hat knit from the brim to the crown.
• Cabling pattern is both written and charted, so you can use whichever method you prefer.
• Worsted or aran weight yarn
• Suggested needles – US 6 (4mm) 16″ circular and US 8 (5mm) 16″ circulars. You will also want to have double pointed needles (DPNs) on hand or a long circular needle if you plan on using the magic loop method.
• Even comes with a tutorial! Click here to see. I just love Tin Can Knits!

6. Vanilla Latte Socks by Virginia Rose-Jeanes

• Knitting pattern
• Socks with a little boost of “caffeine” that your man will surely love!
• Fingering weight/sock yarn
• Suggested needles – US 0-2 (2.0mm – 2.75mm) long circulars or 2 circulars

7. Vanilla Beanie Beanie by Virginia Rose-Jeanes

• Knitting pattern
• Uses 2 fingering weight yarns held together to create a DK weight yarn
• Suggested needles – US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0mm) 16″ circulars or longer circulars if you’re doing magic loop

8. Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure

• Knitting pattern
• Fingering weight/sock yarn
• Suggested needles – 2.5mm – 3.0mm 16″ circulars

9. Ribbed Watchman’s Hat by Channah Koppel

• Knitting pattern
• Worsted weight yarn
• Suggested needles – 4.0mm – 5.00mm, use some trial and error to see what needle size you need to obtain the gauge as listed out in the pattern

10. Manly Scarf #3 – Night on the Town by Luise O’Neill

• Knitting pattern
• Worsted weight yarn
• Suggested needle size – US 7 (4.5mm)
• This pattern does not have a specific gauge to meet since it’s a basic scarf and some intuition and planning will have you doing just fin

What’s one of your favorite things to make for guys? I’d love to hear some of the winners you’ve knit or crocheted. Let me know by commenting on this post or sending me a message

Happy making!