This pattern is worked in the round from the top down and starts with Judy’s Magic Cast On. The sides and the back are in stockinette stitch, and the front is purled. Increases are worked similarly on the front (purlwise) and back (knitwise). The bottom is worked from back to front with a three-needle bind off which gives it a lovely, bulky appearance.

I have taken great care to find out all about the measurements of nest boxes. Not only researching the sizes of the boxes for birds that are known to visit gardens, but also the different sizes for different species regarding the entrance hole or opening. The pattern includes three sizes of nest boxes making them suitable for several sorts of chickadees (US) or tits (UK), sparrows and dunnocks. This design comes without perches, as these would make it easier for predators to get inside.

This pattern includes three sizes, with the bright green one on the left being a size S and the blue one size L. The others are size M.
The bright blue nest box was knitted just for the fun of it. Natural colors are favored, as not to attract cats or other predators. Wool (preferably 100%) is best suitable, because it is water resilient. Perhaps it is not what you might expect with a project for Spring, but plenty of yarn brands offer high quality wool all year round.

You will need two skeins of DK yarn 1.75 oz (50 gram), with yarn held double, or aran yarn that is supposed to be worked with needles size US 8 or 9 (5 or 5.5 mm). You want the knitting to be a tight knit using the size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, but without risking to strain your hands and arms.

When finished, hang your nest box in your garden and watch your winged friends use it with delight!

Wondering where I got my idea for designing a knitted nest box? Right here on Ravelry, for more information read NO DAY WITHOUT JOY – THE MAKING OF THE IMANOR NEST BOXES.