Tom Daley’s knitting has drawn just about as much attention this Olympics as his diving.
The 27-year-old has been crafting at every available opportunity and has so far created some amazing pieces including a sweet jumper for Instagram dog sensation, @izzythe.frenchie, as well as a pouch for his medal.
Yet it’s his latest item that takes gold for us.
On Thursday, the Olympian showed off his handmade "Olympic cardigan" that features designs on both the front and back and it’s seriously impressive.
Posting on his knitting and crochet Instagram page, @madewithlovebytomdaley, he captioned the shots: "When I got to Tokyo, I wanted to make something that would remind me of these games. Something that I could say I had made in Tokyo, during the Olympics!"
In a video, he said: "So I finished the jumper and here we are”.
Wearing his knit and demonstrating each part of his design, Daley continued, "This says Tokyo," while pointing to the Japanese characters that spell out the host city.
"We've got GBR, we've got a Union Jack," he said as he showed off each sleeve.
And finally, the father-of-one showed the back of the cardigan which had his country's Olympic logo, "Team GB" and the Olympic rings stitched on.
18 of the best knitting kits for beginners
Cosy Super Chunky Alpaca Scarf Kit
BUY NOW £44.99, Lilipop Mill on Etsy
This cosy super chunky scarf kit by Lilipop Mill comes with a super handy tote that you can use for all your knitting projects going forward.
What's in the kit? a 200g ball of Lilipop Mill chunky core spun yarn, made using beautiful baby grade alpaca fibre, along with a pair of Knit Pro knitting needles and a Lilipop Mill scarf knitting pattern for you to follow.
Best for: those with a tiny amount of prior knitting knowledge.
Eclan Scarf Knitting Set
BUY NOW £48.00, Stitch and Story
A stunning cable knit blanket that will keep you cosy during the winter months or would make the perfect crafty present for someone you love. The blush pink is also super on trend.
What's in the kit? 3 x100g S&S The Chunky Wool, a pair of 12mm bamboo knitting needles, scarf pattern, sewing needle and basic knitting instructions.
Best for: those who don't mind a little challenge.
Knitting Kits for Beginners Adults
BUY NOW £16.99, Amazon
Whether you want to relax and unwind with a new hobby or you simply want to impress a friend or loved one with a thoughtful birthday present, this easy to use beginners kit is the perfect solution and comes with everything you need.
What's in the kit? 3 x premium quality balls of wool made from 100% cotton, 2 x bamboo knitting needles and 1 x yarn needle.
Best for: complete novices to knitting.
Alfie Wristwarmers Knitting Set
BUY NOW £14.00, Stitch and Story
This easy-to-use wristwarmers knitting kit contains everything you need to make these warm gloves. There's no tricky pattern to follow making them a great way to kickstart your new hobby.
What's in the kit? 2 x 50g S&S The Lil' Merino, a pair of 5mm bamboo knitting needles, wristwarmers pattern, sewing needle and knitting instructions.
Best for: those with cold hands!
Beginner Knit Kit
BUY NOW £34.95, The Knit Kit Company
Who doesn't love a chunky shawl? This kit makes a gorgeous, modern yet classic mini shawl that has a basic lace pattern.
What's in the kit? Shawl knitting pattern, 3 x 50g ball of our double knit merino yarn, 1 x pair of 4mm circular knitting needles, a tapestry needle and a 100% cotton Knit Kit Company project bag.
Best for: people who love sustainable fashion
Fala Pom Pom Hat
BUY NOW £29.95, The Knit Kit Company
This is the best selling kit from the Knit Kit company. It contains all you need to make a super soft hat, including knitting needles, stitching needles and yarn in a variety of colours. Buy yours now and you've got six months to sort your skills in time to make a pom pom hat for Christmas.
What's in the kit? Fala hat knitting pattern, 1 x 100g ball of super chunky merino yarn, 1 x pair of 10mm circular knitting needles, a tapestry needle and a 100% cotton Knit Kit Company project bag.
Best for? People who love matching (make one hat for you and another for your best mate / daughter / mum)
The Crafty Kit Company Knit Your Own Teddies Kit - Knitting Kits For Beginners
BUY NOW £12.99, Create and Craft
Two adorable teddies to gift to the little people in your life, or keep for yourself.
What's in the kit? All you need to make your own sweet teddies: acrylic yarn, bamboo needles, a yarn needle, sewing needle and toy stuffing. The full colour instructions are easy to follow, too.
Best for: Those who know the basics: how to cast on and off, knit plain and purl stitches, and make increases and decreases.
Masley Cushion Cover Knitting Kit – Knitting Kits for Beginners
BUY NOW £48, Stitch and Story
Take your pick from four contemporary colour-block choices with this Masley Cushion Cover Knitting Kit. You'll need to supply the cushion pad to stuff inside your completed cover, which measures 16cm/6.3in x 16cm/6.3in.
What's in the kit: The pattern, three balls of chunky wool, size 12 bamboo needles (optional), sewing needle and a re-usable storage bag.
Best for: Couch potatoes! (Well, it's the comfiest place to knit…)
Buttonbag Baby Booties Knitting Kit – Knitting Kits for Beginners
BUY NOW £20, Button Bag
As well as being adorably cute, knits for babies have another big advantage: they're small, so you can see results sooner.
The soft 75% cotton/25% acrylic yarn blend in this kit makes it easy to work, easy to wash.
What's in the kit: All you need to make a pair of baby booties: knitting needles, yarn, buttons, sewing needle.
Best for: Packaged in a ribbon-trimmed case, Buttonbag's Baby Booties Kit, makes a pretty gift for mums – or grandmas – to-be. Or present the new arrival with knitted-by-you booties and mitts.
We Are Knitters Baby Blanket Kit – Knitting Kits for Beginners
BUY NOW £45, We Are Knitters
We Are Knitters has an extensive range of beginners knitting kits, including this super-cute, soft baby blanket kit – which is available in a whole host of colours.
What's in the kit: This is the most comprehensive list of contents, two skeins of Pima cotton (100g), 5mm knitting needles, the pattern, a smaller knitter's sewing needle, and the embroidered label.
Best for: Little bundles of joy.
We Are Knitters Blanket Kit – Knitting Kits for Beginners
BUY NOW £85, We Are Knitters
Why should little ones get the best gifts? This blanket is just as soft, and the perfect make for someone who loves a stylish, cosy home.
What's in the kit? 7 skeins of wool, 8mm knitting needles, the pattern, a smaller knitter's sewing needle, and the embroidered label.
Best for: Fashionistas who want their home to look as good as their Instagram feed.
Harry the Puppy knitting kit
BUY NOW £25.95, Etsy
This adorable cuddly pup is the cutest knitting kit by far. It includes everything you need to complete your Puppy and his neck tie, and his Puppy Pack (1 dog bed, 3 dog coats and 1 lead). Note: you will need your own needles
What's in the kit: Harry the Puppy knitting pattern, Harry's Puppy Pack knitting pattern, 2 Balls Sirdar Alpine yarn, 1 Ball Ricorumi Teal, 1 Ball Ricorumi Blue Fleck, 60g Super Chunky yarn, Red cotton DK, Black Cotton DK, 4 Round buttons, 1 Bone button, Washable polyester stuffing
Best for: Those with some knitting skills (and dog lovers)
Sophie La Giraffe: Sophie's hat knitting kit
BUY NOW £26, Stitch and Story
Stitch and Story has teamed up with global baby brand Sophie la girafe, universally loved by parents and children, to create exclusive knitting kits using superfine merino baby yarns.
What's in the kit: Pattern for babies aged 0 - 3 months, 3 - 12 months and 12 - 24 months. 1 x 50g S&S The Lil' Merino Wool (100% superfine merino wool)1 x 10g S&S The Lil' Merino Wool (For ears and horn), pair of 5mm bamboo knitting needles short (25cm), Sophie's Hat pattern, Sophie la girafe woven label, sewing needle and basic knitting instructions.
Best for: Ideal for a beginner. The kits contain everything you need to get started and learn the basic techniques – including how to cast on, knit, purl, cast off, and sewing.
