Dear Knitters,
As fall approaches, I am compelled (that's putting it mildly, more like anxious) to get my holiday knitting in order. I would like to have on hand several extra gifts so I don't come up empty handed when I want to (last minute) give a hand made gift to a loved one.
Can you suggest projects that you like that are great to keep on hand for holiday gifts? I have looked at hats on Ravelry that use Rasta, but I'd really like to know what your go-to projects are.
Thanks a lot!
Corbin in CO
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I really like the projects in the Tin Can Knits Simple Collection
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/the-simple-collection/patterns
I've made many pairs of Maize mitts as gifts, and Rye socks too. The patterns are attractive for all ages and genders and they are simple enough to work well with all kinds of yarns.
Posted by: mellenknits | August 29, 2022 at 09:07 AM
The free Year of Hats series has a lot of lovely hat designs, most of which use worsted or aran weight so they are quick knits.
I have made quite a few of the December and May patterns as gifts— non-knitters are always wowed by cables.
Posted by: Megan | August 29, 2022 at 11:29 AM
I don’t have a specific pattern that’s my go to but besides hats, cowls make great gifts. Cowls are something most don’t have lots of and are more handy than scarfs. Headbands are also great for females who wear their hair in ponytails/buns but still want to keep their ears warm, plus they knit up fast and don’t take hardly any yarn.
Posted by: Aimee | August 29, 2022 at 02:19 PM
The Fruit Rollup hat is a quick and easy pattern in worsted. There are options in the pattern to make slightly different styles.
Posted by: Kate C | August 29, 2022 at 02:39 PM
I like Chinese Waves Dishcloth by Margaret Radcliffe - it works well as a "spa" wash cloth to pair with a fancy bath soap in addition to the intended kitchen use.
And I've made a variety of hats, cowls, infinity scarves and even shawls in the past few years.
I generally do an advanced search on Ravelry - usually specifying yardage for approx one or two skeins of fingering weight yarn along with article (hat, cowl, etc) and technique (cables, lace, etc) and search for free patterns for gift ideas. That way I'll be knitting something I enjoy (I'm not a fan of thicker yarns) and I'm not overwhelmed with choices.
Posted by: Cheryl | August 29, 2022 at 05:58 PM
I’ve knit & felted oven mitts. Very easy - size 9 needles (if you use worsted weight yarn). Then knit a basic mitten. You can crochet a loop below the thumb. Then wash in hot water to felt. They protect against heat really well but are much more flexible than the rigid silicone ones. If you have the time & inclination, you can embroider something on the front. You can also knit a basic mitten on smaller needles with dish cotton to use as bath mitts. If you are so inclined, you can make them exfoliating by carrying a strip of tulle or other mesh fabric along with the cotton yarn.
Posted by: Donna | August 30, 2022 at 12:36 AM
Also I agree with Megan about the Year of Hats patterns.
Posted by: Donna | August 30, 2022 at 12:39 AM
Tiny knitted stocking ornaments (can be filled with candy, a gift card or other small items) and mug hugs- reusable wool mug/coffee cup sleeves and mug rugs - basically knitted coasters.
Posted by: Jessica | August 30, 2022 at 04:56 AM
Well if you are using Rasta I would say either a simple scarf or a cowl. Scarves and cowls are perfect gifts and I have given them to people and they love them.
Posted by: Yvonne | August 30, 2022 at 10:54 AM
Well I don’t know about you Corbin, but I am loving some of these ideas (especially the knitted and felted oven mitts, I definitely have to try). In the past I have knitted and felted hot mats and coasters for exactly the purpose you’re looking for. I also plan to knit and felt a bowl for my husband, for when he has a hot bowl of soup out of the microwave. There are lots of free patterns out there for these kind of things, if your interested try garnstudio.com.
Posted by: Susan | August 30, 2022 at 11:36 AM
I was just about to cast on for "braidhead" headband as part of my holiday knitting too (free pattern if you search for it on ravelry, and it's mostly stockinette so tv knitting). The pattern is written for dk but I tend to convert it to fingering and use washable sock yarn so it's easy care. Earwarmers get warn in my family more often than hats for some reason, and I've made a couple of these that were well received.
Crocheted cotton potholders are probably my other most-gifted type of thing. Fancy or simple, they're surprisingly useful and don't have to fit!
Posted by: Alexis | September 04, 2022 at 01:35 AM