It’s that time of the year again. Holiday season is here and in full effect. You’ve gotten your decorations out and lights strung up. Lists have been made and visits have been planned. You think you’re making pretty good headway and are proud of being on track until you notice something. Something sitting amongst your yarn stash. It’s a WIP, but not just any WIP. It’s the sweater you promised to knit for your niece for Christmas that you started making back in March. And what’s that next to it? The throw you started on back in January for your aunt. You started these projects early with every intention to have them done for the Holidays, but here they lay amongst your yarn, unfinished. What do you do? People are expecting your handmade gifts. No worries. There’s always a solution. Still want to make those knitted or crocheted gifts? Well, here’s a list of 10 quick and easy gift ideas that you can finish before Christmas (I’m leaving socks off the list since so many of us suffer from SSS- Second Sock Syndrome 😄).
- Cup Cozy- Have a coffee or tea fanatic in the family? A cup cozy is a cute gift that can be made in no time at all. You can even make one with leftover yarn in your stash. Just knit/crochet a piece big enough to wrap around the cup or mug once. Your choice whether to make it close with a button or not, just depends on what type of cup/mug you’re making it for.
- Headband- You can make a headband in the round or flat knitting/crochet. Main thing to remember is head circumference. Consider making one that’s adjustable by making it with button enclosures so that they can be loosened or tightened for a better fit. Since headbands are a very big item to make, you may want to use a knit/crochet pattern with a little more detail just to spruce it up a bit.
- Chunky Hat- Key word here is “chunky”. Making a hat with chunky yarn will work up very fast. You may even decide to make more than one. Add a furry pom pom for a polished look. You really can’t go wrong with a hat.
- Cowl- Made a chunky hat? Why not pair it with a cowl? This is another easy knit/crochet item done in the round, and with chunky yarn, you’ll speed right through it. It doesn’t have to be a hug, slouchy cowl, but instead make it smaller to fit closer to the neck so that it can easily be worn under a coat or sweater. A matching hat and cowl set is a wonderful gift to give.
- Leg Warmers- I love making these myself. They look so good worn over leggings and boots. Just a simple 1x1 cuff and then 2x2 ribbing for the body of the leg warmer and you’re good to go. Bulky yarn works best for these when in a rush. You’ll be done in a flash.
- Fingerless Gloves- Have someone who always has cold hands, even when indoors? Make them a pair of fingerless gloves (I’ve made a few pairs for myself). Keep the knit/crochet pattern simple, like stockinette stitch. I’ve made a pair in the past (no real pattern involved) just by doing a 2x2 ribbing for the cuff and then just straight stockinette for the body of the glove. I followed up with a round of single crochet around the top to polish off the look. A simple gift idea, but one that will be greatly appreciated by those with chilly hands.
- Cell Phone Holder- We all know someone that has all the accessories for their cell phone. How about making them a cell phone holder? Once again, an easy knit/crochet project. If you can knit or crochet a rectangle, then you can make a cell phone holder. Use your own cell phone as a gauge. You can even make it with a strap to make it a crossbody holder. Personalize it even more by attaching buttons or patches of their favorites characters, animals, or items.
- Jewelry- Ever make jewelry with yarn? Now’s a good time. Try making tassel earrings or a knitted/crocheted bracelet. I like making cuff style bracelets with my Chiaogoo Shorties and finish off the ends with a round of single crochet. Want to make it fancy? Try adding beads into the knitting/crochet as you go. If the gift recipient has small wrists, then you may want to flat knit/crochet the bracelet and make it a tie bracelet that they can easily adjust.
- Pillow- Once again, if you can knit/crochet a square, then you can make a pillow. The key here is to get the pillow insert first and then you can gauge the size of the two panels you need to make. Use bulky or chunky yarn and keep the pattern simple (stockinette or double crochet) to be able to work it up fast. Just remember how many rows and stitches you did to make the first panel so that you can make the second panel the same size. Put them together and start seaming them up. Turn them right side out and stuff in the pillow insert. Close up the seam. Viola! You have a pillow! Now every time that special someone cuddles up with that pillow, they will think of you.
- Small Pet Bed- Pet lover in the family? Make a pet bed for their little fur baby. Yup, a pet bed. I made one on a whim for my cat Luna (she likes to lie on the couch with me). Done in crochet using the magic ring method, I was able to complete it in one day. Just start out with the magic ring and make the circle as big as you want. Make the second panel the same size, seam it, stuff it, close it up. I used old t-shirts to stuff Luna’s bed. She likes the squishiness of the bed when she “makes biscuits” 😊. You decide whether to make a round, square, or rectangle bed, just keep the pattern simple and use a big enough yarn weight that will allow you to be able to work it up fast.
So, there you have it. Ten quick last minute knit or crochet ideas to make for the Holidays. There’s still time to make something. Would you make any of these items on this list? If so, which ones and how creative are you going to get with them? Let us know. Leave a comment below.