It’s Time To Prepare For Gift-Giving Season! Easy Knitting and Crochet Project Gifts
This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Elizabeth Miller. Find them on Instagram at @Lizzy_7979. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Hey crafters! If you haven’t started thinking about who you’re gifting to this December, it’s time to start planning because the clock is ticking! I like well-crafted handmade gifts, but I love making and gifting them even more! I love to knit and crochet for Christmas gifts. If you’re looking for some project inspiration to make as gifts for your loved ones this holiday season, read on!
Knit or Crochet Beanie And Scarf Set
Everyone loves a good beanie and scarf. Luckily, these are two of the easiest projects, and they can be adapted and changed for any person or personality. Matching sets are super cute, or you can use complementary yarn colors. Whether you spruce up the set with lots of cables or sew the beanie into a cat-ear beanie, there is lots of room for personalization. You can’t go wrong with this option!
Crochet Headbands And Bandanas
Got someone you need a gift for who loves Stevie Nicks and boho fashion? Consider crocheting them a headband or bandana! There are tons of free patterns on Pinterest, and they work up super fast. They’re the perfect 70s-inspired accessory. In the winter, many headbands can also double as ear warmers. Others, especially ones that use granny stitches, are meshlike and can be worn even in the summertime. For more Stevie Nicks and 70s-inspired fashion, check out these two articles.
Knit or Crochet Balaclava
Popular projects this year include balaclavas! Check out this article for a few free methods and patterns on how to make them. Balaclavas are simple and easy projects sure to turn out cute. They’re also super convenient for cold winters. Whether your loved one is sleek and sporty or an all-out fashionista, there is bound to be a balaclava for them!
Hand Knit Blanket
Chunky hand-knit blankets are so comfy and perfect as a winter gift. Hand-knitting is really fun, and because the yarn for these blankets is chunky, they work up quicker than you’d expect. Overall, I think they’re quick, easy, and always adored as gifts.
Knit or Crochet Tote Bag
Tote bags are not only helpful for their many uses, but have become essential outfit accessories lately. Plain tote bags are super easy, they’re essentially just a bunch of pieced-together rectangles. But, totes can be personalized or made for specific instances. For example, mesh market and produce bags have wider holes. This means they work up quicker than plain panels. But, using lots of color changes and designing, these panels can be extremely personalized with lots of designs using pixel art. You can learn more about pixel art patterns for crochet under the hanging tapestry section of this article.
Knit or Crochet Amigurumi
Amigurumi takes a bit of skill, especially because these patterns require crafters to know how to color change and work in the round. But, they produce some amazing results! Any children or animal lovers in your life would love an amigurumi plush. There are patterns for practically every animal, creature and even human. You could make a doll and some clothes for a child, or a variety of giant mushroom pillows for your cottage core bestie. Depending on how big and complicated the pattern is, these projects take a bit of time, but in the end, they can look really great.
Knit or Crochet Sweaters
Sweaters do take a lot of time to complete, but they work up faster if you’re using a thicker yarn. Top-down sweaters, like raglan style sweaters, are a relatively smooth process because they require the least amount of piecing, sometimes not needing to do any at all. Cardigans do require the most piecing, but they can be easier to fix if you make a mistake. A lot of love and care goes into making sweaters, but also in their upkeep! Make sure whoever you gift a sweater knows how to take care of their sweater, such as washing instructions and storage instructions depending on the fiber content.
What projects do you like making as gifts? Let us know in the comments below!