Our family is non-traditional and celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas — and this Hanukkah knit pattern is one of our favorite ways to bring the Festival of Lights into our holiday decor. The Hanukkah knit pattern creates 8 numbered gift pockets (one for each night of Hanukkah) that you can hang as a garland, drape along a mantle, or string up a staircase. Each pocket holds gelt, small gifts, notes, or treats — the perfect way to build anticipation for each night.

This is the KNIT version of our popular Festival of Lights Gift Pocket Garland released last year (the crochet version is also still available). This Hanukkah knit pattern uses simple stockinette stitch with intarsia colorwork for the numbers, fluffy Pipsqueak yarn for the trim, and Royal Blue + White Red Heart Super Saver for that classic Hanukkah color story. Happy Hanukkah! 🕎

Why You’ll Love This Hanukkah Knit Pattern

✔ 8 numbered pockets — one for each night of Hanukkah
✔ Classic Royal Blue + White Festival of Lights color story
✔ The Hanukkah knit pattern uses intarsia colorwork for the numbers
✔ Fluffy Pipsqueak trim adds soft texture
✔ Beginner-intermediate friendly — simple stockinette + color changes
✔ Hang as garland, mantle drape, or staircase string
✔ Each pocket holds gelt, small gifts, or notes
✔ Creates an instant family heirloom for Festival of Lights celebrations

Pattern Details

Skill Level

Intermediate. Requires knit, purl, garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and intarsia colorwork.

Finished Size

Each pocket: approximately 4 inches wide x 6.5 inches tall. Make 8 total for a full Festival of Lights set.

Gauge

16 sts = 4½” (11 cm); 24 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in garter st with 6mm (US 10) needles.

Pattern Notes

This Hanukkah knit pattern uses intarsia to add the white numbers to the pouches. That can take a bit of practice, but it’s worth the effort.

Reading the Number Graph: The number graph shows when to swap colors to create the number. Important: you start at the bottom of the number and work your way up to the top.

Materials You’ll Need

• Red Heart Super Saver in:
  • Royal Blue (1 ball, main color)
  • White (1 ball, for the numbers)
  • Metallic Grey (small amount, for hanging the garland)
• Bernat Pipsqueak in White (2 balls — for fluffy trim)
• 6.0mm (US 10) knitting needles
• Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Twine for hanging (or use the Metallic Grey yarn)

The Hanukkah knit pattern works in any worsted-to-aran weight yarn. Red Heart Super Saver in Royal Blue is the classic Hanukkah palette, but feel free to customize with sapphire, silver, or any blue that matches your decor.

Abbreviations

• K — knit
• P — purl
• St(s) — stitch(es)

The Hanukkah Knit Pattern

Make 8 pockets total, working numbers 1-8 from the chart into each pocket.

With Bernat Pipsqueak (White), cast on 20 sts.

Rows 1-4: Knit (garter st).

Rows 5-41: Change to Super Saver Royal Blue. Continue in stockinette stitch: knit right side, purl wrong side.

Rows 42-49: Work numbers per the chart below, changing to White for the number stitches (intarsia).

Rows 50-65: With Royal Blue only, continue in stockinette stitch.

Rows 66-69: Change to Pipsqueak White, knit every row (garter st trim).

Cast off and weave in loose ends.

Assembly

Fold pocket in half with wrong side facing out, bringing cast-on edge up to meet bind-off edge. Sew side seams. Turn pocket right-side out.

Hanging the Garland

String the 8 pockets along a length of Metallic Grey yarn or twine in order from 1 to 8. Hang along a mantle, staircase railing, or window frame. Fill each pocket with gelt, small gifts, encouraging notes, or treats — one to open each night of Hanukkah.

Tips for the Perfect Hanukkah Knit Garland

• Batch the trim rows: knit all 8 cast-on Pipsqueak trims first, then all the bodies — production-line style saves time.
• Use a single shade of blue: rotate between royal, sapphire, or navy across the 8 pockets if you want subtle variation.
• Intarsia tip: twist the two yarn strands at every color change to prevent holes in the work.
• Block before assembling: gentle steam-blocking flattens the panels and crisps up the white numbers.
• Pipsqueak alternative: any chunky white chenille yarn works as faux-fur trim if you can’t find Pipsqueak.
• Save for next year: tuck the garland away carefully — it’ll come out fresh every December.
• Gift ideas inside: Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins), small dreidel toys, handwritten encouragements, hair clips, gift cards, or tiny ornaments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this Hanukkah knit pattern take to make? About 1-2 hours per pocket, so 8-16 hours total. Start in early November to be ready by Hanukkah.

Is there a crochet version? Yes! The original Festival of Lights Gift Pocket Garland is a crochet pattern — link in the related patterns section below.

Can I make this without intarsia? Yes — knit the pockets blank and embroider, applique felt, or sew on numbered fabric tags after the fact.

What yarn substitutes for Bernat Pipsqueak? Bernat Velvet, Lion Brand Hometown USA Bonus Bundle, or any chunky white chenille yarn.

What goes inside the pockets? Traditional Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins), small dreidels, handwritten notes, mini gifts, hair clips, or small toys.

Can I sell finished garlands? Yes — small batch sales are allowed for personal income. Please credit SeeLoveShare as the designer.

More Hanukkah & Holiday Patterns You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Hanukkah knit pattern, you’ll love these related holiday projects:

• Festival of Lights Garland — Crochet Version
• Knit Advent Calendar Pattern
• Browse All Knit Holiday Patterns
• Honeycomb Knit Throw — Chunky Cable

Save This Hanukkah Knit Pattern

Want to come back to this Hanukkah knit pattern later? Save it to Pinterest so you can find it when Festival of Lights season starts — and share it with your knitting friends!