So it’s 5 weeks now before Christmas. Have you started your gift knitting yet? If you need a push in that direction here it is. I need to start a few things myself. Still lots of time to do something really special for someone who will really appreciate the work. Below are some patterns, good for gift knitting and crocheting that are all for DK or Sport weight yarns. Yarns like fancy Pashmina from Madelinetosh, or Sweet Georgia DK merino, or terrific old favourites like Cascade 220 Superwash will all be good bets for these projects.
Keaton Slouch Beanie by doverandmadden on etsy
Isn’t this a wonderful design! Once again imagine all the fun you could have mixing colours to make this hat. Better yet – it is sized small (for a 12 monther) to big (adult). The designer forewarns that you will have to know how to use double pointed needles and know how to increase and decrease. This implies that the colour pattern is not fairisle nor stranded so if you are not used to colour work you should have no fear attempting this pattern, as only one colour should be worked at a time each row. You can purchase the pattern on etsy HERE
Tee by The Knit Cafe
This brand new release from us – The Knit Cafe – is knit with sport weight yarn. As all things knit for little ones it is a fairly fast knit. You should be used to reading patterns and know how to increase and decrease and seam to make this wee sweater. The polka dots are added on once the knitting is done with a easy and super-fun technique called duplicate stitch. We have added a picture tutorial on how to do duplicate stitch on The Knit Cafe’s Blog HERE, so you will have no trouble with it. You can come in and let us advise you on polka dot colours, picking up some mini skeins for them, and get the pattern too. Or you can also purchase the pattern HERE
Soft Cotton Cardi by Katya Novikova
This cute crocheted baby cardi has a lovely open texture and pretty colour details. It is sized to fit 6-9, 9-12, and 12-24 months. The written pattern has step-by-step instructions and a chart for the yoke. So grab your hook and go to it. You can purchase the pattern HERE
Bea by Andi Satterlund
I like this headband because it has a great retro feel. This is probably partly due to the DK weight yarn which makes a slimmer headband. This will make an adorable hair adornment for your friend and a fast knit for you. You can purchase this pattern HERE
For a chunkier, warmer headband have a look at The Knit Cafe’s free pattern called KNIT 101 HEADBAND.
Hedgehog by Littlecottonrabbit on etsy
You can make this guy any size you like just by switching your yarn and needle size. The instructions suggest DK, Aran or Fingering weight. It also suggests that it would be a terrific project for using up scraps and I agree. Whether you make it pincushion size for your crafty sister or hugable size for your sweet nephew this would be a great gift. you can purchase this pattern HERE
Sunday Shawl by The Little Bee
All you crocheters can get excited about this one! It’s a generously sized crochet shawl pattern that allows you to get fun with colour! Have a look at some of the individual projects made from this pattern and you will see how different this shawl can be based on colour choice. Crocheters know that it is a fast craft so even though it requires 1200 – 1365 m of yarn to complete this project you still have plenty of time to make it for Christmas. You can purchase the pattern HERE
Ottograph Street by Cello Knit
The button on the top of this hat is like the delicious cherry on top. It is that kind of terrific, one of a kind detail that really makes a hand knit sing! This hat is worked in rounds and with a simple lace pattern and a twisted rib hem. It is free! Find it HERE
Dr Who Scarf by Chris Brimelow
I love it when someone comes into the cafe and wants to choose colours to make an authentic Dr Who scarf. It is a fun challenge to find just the right hues for this iconic piece of knitwear. Anyone who is familiar with the series knows that there are a few different versions of this scarf. The designer says “This is the first scarf worn by Tom Baker for his portrayal of Doctor Who from Robot in season 12 through The Seeds of Doom in season 13, and in scenes from The Masque of Mandragora, The Hand of Fear, and The Deadly Assassin in season 14” so you know what you are getting into. This is a long, long, long, long scarf but is knit completely in good old garter stitch and any knitter new to the craft or old will have no trouble with it. If you have any Dr. Who aficionados in your life, I am sure they would greatly appreciate this gifty. The pattern is knit in DK weight yarn and you can find it for free HERE
A New Family Portrait – A Collection of 3 Christmas Stockings by Dorene Delaney Giordano
How about this for a seasonable gift? This is an advanced knitting project that will require some time to make. If you are speedy you may be able to get one done for this Christmas. At any rate, if you fancy hand made stockings for the family, it is a good time to get started. These stockings have a wonderful classic farm-house feel, and would be such a joy to use year after year. The pattern includes charts for all letters so that you may spell out the names of your loved ones. You can purchase the pattern as a set of three as there are three different surface patterns on these socks. Or you can buy each pattern alone. Find them HERE
If all this doesn’t suit you, there is always the ever popular HoneyCowl! This free pattern has two sizes, so you can make it as a one or two skein project. Find it HERE
Craftily yours
Kristin
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