Christmas knitting projects are my favourite things to make. The selection of patterns is fantastic, there are so many to choose from that every year I find something new. One of my favourite knits is a Jean Greenhowe duckling pattern that I adapted by creating a Santa hat instead of a bobble hat. 

The best options for Christmas knits (or crochet) is the King Cole range of books. They are now up to 8 volumes of knits and 5 of crochet. They are stuffed full of ideas for decorations and gifts. They have also produced a book of Scandi-inspired knits and crochet projects.

These are the top 10 knitting patterns in my store, but it's worth having a browse through the other patterns to find something fun that inspires you. 

Number One

Christmas Knits book 4 is my number one selling Christmas pattern year after year. I think the long legged shelf sitters featured on the cover are the reason it is so popular - the elf, in particular, makes a great option for the annual naughty elf game. The Christmas jumper garland is a more time intensive project, but the effort is worth it. The book also includes a Christmas pudding cushion, faux fur stocking, fun character baubles and scarf and hats for bottles. Buy

Number Two

Another great collection, Christmas Knits book 1 is the first of the series and gets off to a great start with a fun Advent garland - a series of mini numbers mitts and socks that are strung together and can hold little daily gifts. The rest of the collection includes Santa and Snowman tea cosies, wine bottle jumpers, a wreath, stockings and Santa hats for all the family from babies to adults.  Buy

Number Three

Christmas Knits book 3 is predominantly made up of the characters from the Nativity. It makes a fantastic centrepiece for your Christmas decorations. It also includes one of my favourite Christmas knits - the fairy light garland. There are so many colour combos you could do to fit with any Christmas decor colour scheme. This more traditional collection also includes a wreath, fun tea cosies, mini Christmas jumper tree baubles and unusual tinsel birds. Buy

Number Four

Not a Christmas collection, this pattern features three sizes of Christmas trees and a selection of baubles all knitted in tinsel yarn. I love this pattern, it is so easy and simple to make and the colour combos are fun to create. I use my tree as a desk decoration at work each year and have knitted it in my favourite colour - purple. You could also knit a selection of trees in different colours and sizes and create a feature in your home or on your table. Buy

Number Five

Knitted in a mix of yarns, this second collection of Christmas Knits from King Cole features some fun projects including the reindeer tea cosy on the cover. The collection includes a stylish Christmas tree garland, retro 'paper' chain garland, table runner and cutlery stocking as well as a selection of tea cosies and tree decoration. Buy

Number Six

Designed by Alan Dart for Sirdar, this Advent Calendar with keepsakes makes a great heirloom. With 24 keepsakes to knit, you'll have fun bringing them all to life and then enjoy them all over again each day you 'open' a pocket in December. Delight yourself and all the family. Buy

Number Seven

Number Eight

Knit an elf for the popular annual Elf on the Shelf game that kicks off on the 1st of December every year. Hand-knitted in DK yarn, this Christmas Elf pattern from Hayfield offers three different size elves so you can create a family of naughty fun! Buy 

Number Nine

There are so many fun Christmas jumper patterns to choose from, but this one is easily the most popular. Choose a single bauble or a whole jumper full. Christmas Jumper Day is a popular annual tradition and knitting your own sweater that will last year after year is a more sustainable, eco friendly option. Buy

Number Ten

Candy cosies are one of my favourite festive knitting projects. This selection has lots of fun designs to knit. Candy cosies make great table decorations or party favours, they also make special gifts for Secret Santa, teachers or colleagues.  Buy