It may seem as if I’m rushing the season, but knitting is time-consuming and life is unpredictable, therefore, I think it’s opportune to share my favorite patterns for gifts.
Gift knitting has some very specific qualities. It should be:
impressive
relatively quick to make
relatively inexpensive materials cost
Now this may sound kind of grinch-like, but it is actually really wonderful to give hand-made gifts to some of those people who would otherwise get a low-price low-involvement gift. The smallest hand knit is nicer than a Starbucks gift card (IMHO).
So, here are a selection of patterns that meet the criteria I’ve laid out. I’ve also personally made them at least once and have found them to be enjoyable knits. That said, gift knitting also lends itself to improvisation and personalization — for example, dive into your stitch dictionary for patterns for a washcloth set, a cowl or a pair of wristers.
Cashmere Tea Cozy by Joelle Hoverson. I’ve made this twice (not in cashmere) and it really keeps the tea warm. It’s a low key, modern knit pattern that uses less than 200 yards of worsted weight yarn.
Fast and Fearless Fingerless Mitts. A super quick and easy knit that requires approximately 100 yards of bulky weight yarn. Pick a luxe fiber for an extra good gift.
Woven Cowl. Half the fun of this project is finding the right buttons, which can really add class to a simple project.
Just Enough Ruffles by Laura Chau. I’ve made this scarf at least 4 times as a gift and once for myself. I absolutely love knitting this — in fact, I may need a new one this winter.
Cabled Cowl by Lion Brand. This is another pattern I’ve made several times. If you love doing cables, this is an absolute blast. The pattern as written is quite oversized. I’ve reduced the size considerably with no loss of warmth.
The Grrlfriend Market Bag. Using approximately 300 yards of cotton yarn, this is a quick and inexpensive knit that is super useful — and could also contain a bottle of wine or other consumables.
Wedding Washcloths by Purl Bee. Another standby gift for me — I knit these as a “palate cleanser” project in between larger projects. Use one color or coordinating colors of a good cotton yarn for a charming gift.
Chevron Stripes Hand Towel by Mason Dixon Knitting. Another one of my favorites, I usually make these in cotton rather than linen, although linen would be fab. It’s harder on the hands to work with linen and more expensive, but of course, linen is very durable, just ask the mummies.
Evangeline fingerless gloves. Make ‘em short or long, they’re quick and easy and, with the single giant cable, quite gorgeous.
Skyping Beanie . A versatile beanie pattern that can be made slouchy or fitted. Use a smaller needle than you think you need — this is quite stretchy.
Pick one or more of these patterns, or find your own. But let’s get knitting. Only 164 shopping days till Christmas.