Knitting Christmas gifts

Knitting takes planning, knitting for your entire family and some of your friends takes a lot of planning. Keeping a knitting journal makes every step of the way so much easier. You don't keep one? Now is the best time to start.

First you need two lists - who definitely gets a knitted gift, who gets postponed if you run out of time. Your journal can help you here. Maybe you want to definitely knit for everyone who didn't get a handknit last year. Or first dibs might go to the brother that got gloves last year, you can quickly make him a matching hat. Grandpa might not be around next Christmas; the new baby definitely gets a pair of booties at least, and that finicky boyfriend might not last anyways so he goes to the bottom of the list for complaining about your last gift. Lots of ways to prioritize.

Once you have a list, decide what to give each of them. You can make this easy - such as scarves or hats for everyone. You might want to divide days until Christmas by the number of people on your list(s) and use that number to figure out what's doable. Make quick and easy stuff for the kids on your list, hats for some, scarves for some, and you may realize there's enough time to make your Mom that afghan you've been planning on.

Remember, knitting all the same thing doesn't mean it has to be boring or the results have to be kindergarden-ish. There are so many free knitting patterns out there with so many different, interesting designs that you can make something unique for everybody.

Once you know what you want to knit, check your yarn stash and order whatever you need, then start knitting and knit proud!

photo: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knitted_hats_from_Bolivia.jpg

Knitted Christmas stocking ornaments gifts can be shipped in time to be hung (empty) on a Christmas tree and then filled by Santa with small treasures - a piece of candy, a tiny toy, a gift certificate, a Christmas wish, or anything that is small enough to fit. These knit up in minutes, so make a bunch every night from now til the last mailing day before Christmas. Then send them along with the "stuffings". Children especially are delighted with tiny things.

The pattern is extremely simple so feel free to embellish with sparkling yarn, embroidered patterns, or a simple stripe or other color pattern.

5 ply main color and white wool
3mm (no. 11) knitting needles

Cast on 30sts in main color.

K 6 rows.
Row 7, K 14, K2 tog, turn, slip 1, K4, K2 tog and turn.
Cont until 17 sts remain.

K 20 rows in garter st in main color.
Join in white wool and K 6 rows.

Cast off leaving a long thread to make a loop for hanging on the tree.

Sew up seams.

This charming star can be made smaller or larger by changing needles and yarn, and can be a toy or a tree topper. If you follow the pattern exactly, the star will be about 10" across.

Materials needed:
MATERIALS

2 Hank BERROCO ULTRA ALPACA LIGHT (50 grs), #4201 Winter White

1 Set (4) double pointed knitting needles, size 2 (2.50 mm) or size to obtain gauge

5 St markers (1 a different color)

Tapestry needle

1 Bag Polyester stuffing

GAUGE

28 sts = 4"; 40 rows = 4" in St st

to save time, check your gauge

NOTE

Star consists of 12 points. Each point is made separately, but are joined tog as you work.

You can find the pattern on the Berroco website: Celestine

This basket welt pattern is from Barbara G. Walker's "A Treasury of Knitting Patterns" and is only one of a multitude of patterns that are very simple to do and produce lovely patterns for as many little gift bags as you would like to knit.

This small bag is the perfect size to hold DVD's, Blue Ray's or CD's. It could hold a cell phone, iPod, eyeglasses or who knows what all else, and is easily knitted up in an evening. Or make it larger to hold anything! It is so nice to give a present in a reusable bag.

Supplies Needed:

One pair of knitting needles, size 6.5 mm (US 10 1/2);
100 gm yarn, your choice of color
Scissors;
Blunt tipped darning needle; and
Contrasting colored ribbon.

Instructions:

1. Cast on 50 stitches.
2. Row 1 and 2: *Knit 5, purl 5, repeat from *.
3. Row 3: Knit.
4. Row 4 and 5: *Purl 5, knit 5, repeat from *.
5. Row 6: Purl.

Repeat until the bag measures the desired size, and bind off. Fold the bag in half and sew bottom and side pieces to each other. Turn the bag inside out and thread the ribbon through stitches across the top. Tie the ends together.

Any small oddments of two-ply (in harmonizing tones) will make the flowers.

The original cozy was in two shades of blue; one half being knitted in pale mist blue and the corresponding half in a darker blue. There are numerous other color combinations to suit one's tea-set.

Materials:
1/2 oz. mist blue 2-ply (half the thickness of the fingering weight)
1/2 oz. mist blue 4-ply (fingering weight)
1/2 oz. darker blue 2-ply
1/2 oz. darker blue 4-ply.
3 Old UK Size No. 8 knitting needles
Bone ring about 1 1/2 inches in diameter

Abbreviations:
P = purl
K = knit
M = make
WRN = wool round needle

Pattern:
Wind the 2-ply into 2 separate balls. Note from Sarah: I think the 2 ply is used only so that you can have one strand of light and dark together so that any yarn the same weight as your 4 ply can be used).

Using double 2-ply, cast on 46 stitches.
(In the 3rd row the 'made' st. is obtained by knitting under the wool between 2 sts.)
1st Row: *Purl.

2nd Row: Knit 2 tog. all along row.

3rd Row: (K 1, WRN, M 1, WRN) repeat between brackets to end of row, ending with WRN, M 1

4th Row: Knit, dropping the WRN * (46 sts.)
Repeat these 4 rows nine times more (10 patterns).

(MEASURE FOR REQUIRED DEPTH OF COzY)

Break off 2-ply but keep the sts. on the needle.
Pick up the 46 cast on sts., join in 4-ply for lining and knit in garter st. until the lining is the same depth as patterned part and ending with point of the needle in same direction as the needle holding the patterned part. Now with right side of work towards you, place the two needles together and knit off both needles at once, using the 3rd needle.

Still using 4-ply, purl one row, then decrease as follows: K 11, K 2 tog., K 9, K 2 tog., K 9, K 2 tog, K 11
.
2nd Row: P 2 tog., P to last 2 sts., P 2 tog.

3rd Row: K 9, K 2 tog., K 8, K 2 tog., K 8, K 2 tog., K 10.

4th and alternate rows: As 2nd row.

5th Row: K 7, K 2 tog., K 8, K 2 tog., K 8, K 2 tog., K 7.

7th Row: K 5, K 2 tog., K 7, K 2 tog., K 7, K 2 tog., K 6.

9th Row: K 4, K 2 tog., K 6, K 2 tog., K 6, K 2 tog., K 4.

11th Row: K 2, K 2 tog., K 5, K 2 tog., K 5, K 2 tog., K 3.

13th Row: K 7, K 2 tog., K 7.

15th Row: K 5, K 2 tog., K 6.

16th Row: Same as 2nd Row. Cast off.

Press the top part (where decreasing was done).
Slip stitch the linings to cozy at sides, then slip stitch the two halves together, allowing openings for spout and handle. Double crochet round the ring and attach to top.

To Make the Flowers:
Wind the 2-ply wool loosely round two fingers of left hand (1st and 2nd fingers) about 28 times.
Slip the loops off and hold one end of them firmly in left hand whilst winding the wool round the middle about four times to hold securely.

Tie the ends and allow about 8 inches of wool to sew to cozy.
Now arrange the loops evenly all round and work about 3 French knots in center, using contrasting color, (yellow or bright orange make excellent centers).

Make as many multicolored flowers as will fill the top so that they touch comfortably, and without looking heavy.

Size:
Approximately 9" long x 10" wide x 1.25" deep after felting

Gauge:
10.5 sts=4" over stockinette with one strand of Iceland and Little Flowers held together

Materials:
Size 11 US (8 mm) straight needles or size needed to obtain gauge
Snap
Iceland by Crystal Palace Yarns
2 balls - Color 4892 Brandy
100% wool
100 grams/3.5 ounces
109 yds/100 meters
Little Flowers by Crystal Palace Yarns
2 balls - Color 9756 Fall Herbs
66% rayon/30% nylon/4% metallic fiber
50 grams/1.75 ounces
145 yds/133 meters

Click here for Instructions

I made these dolls years ago and searched the web until I found a picture on someone's eBay page. If you're at all clever you can figure this out from just looking at the picture. You wind yarn around a card or small book that is the same height as the doll you want to make. Then you tie off the hank to create the head and torso. A hank of about half the width is wound around for the arms, then inserted through the chest. Tie off the hands and feet as well.

Scraps of cloth can be used to create clothing, or knit up small articles. The earrings are a nice touch. Use your imagination or help the child who receives the dolls to be creative about clothing and accessories.

Do you know an adult who collects miniatures, such as accessories for dollhouses or other small craft projects? Or maybe you know a four year old who treasures tiny dolls and toys? I've found a website with miniature knitting patterns and here is a link to the free patterns:

Buttercup Miniatures

You'll find patterns for knitted clothing, rugs and blankets, and many other accessories.

You can knit up this scarf using absolutely any yarn you have around, but for Christmas gift knitting, chunky yarn and big needles mean you can finish projects fast. I love using variegated yarn, luscious jewel colors, and my favorite for gift giving, cotton or rayon chenille.

You can change the size of the scarf by changing the number of stitches you cast on, the size of your needles, and/or the thickness of the yarn.

Cast on a multiple of 3 sts (plus one on each edge for a selvage). It's the odd number of stitches that gives this scarf pattern its interest and eye appeal.

The pattern repeat is just K2, P1 - on both sides. Because you are working with an odd number of sts, you get a column of knit sts, a column of purls, and a column of moss st. It pleats itself and its reversible, but its very flexible.

Knit this using cotton chenille yarn for a washcloth soft enough for a baby's skin, boucle yarn for a loopy fabric, or any cotton for a dishcloth.

GAUGE:

18 sts + 34 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in Garter st (k every row). BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you fewer stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

Instructions for Knitted Washcloth

These gloves knit up in a matter of hours. Make a pair for yourself and everyone on your gift list. Be creative, add stripes, cables, whatever pattern you fancy. Thanks to AllFreeKnitting.com for the pattern!

Instructions:
cast on 36 stitches
k2,p2 ribbing for 3 inches.
Next row is a knit row, increase 4 stitches evenly,
(40sts).Purl one row and knit another row.

Thumb increase: knit 18 stitches, in the next stitch knit in
front and back of next st( increase), knit 2, knit in front
and back of next st, knit 18 stitches. knit 1 row, purl 1 row, knit 1 row

2nd inc= knit 18 st. knit front and back of next st, knit 4
stitches,knit front and back of next st , knit 18 stitches.
knit 1 row, purl 1 row, knit 1 row

3rd increase= knit 18 stitches, increase one in the next as
above, knit 6 stitches, increase one, knit 18 stitches.
knit 1 row, purl 1 row, knit 1 row

4th increase= knit18 stitches, increase one in the next
stitch, knit 8 stitches, increase one, knit 18 stitches.
knit 1 row, purl 1 row, knit 1 row

5th increase= knit 18 stitches, increase one, knit 10
stitches, increase one, knit 18 stitches.
knit 1 row , purl 1 row.

knit18 stitches and put them on a holding needle, knit 14
stitches and leave them on the needle, place remaining 18
stitches on a second holding needle.

work the thumb= knit 1 row and purl 1 row, then work
k2,p2 ribbing for 4 rows. bind them off.

pick up and knit 18 stitches from holding needle, knit 1
row, purl 1 row. k2, p2 ribbing for 4 rows. bind off.

Repeat last instructions for second holding needle. sew
seams together using your preferred method.

The finished size is 10 1/4"; the gauge is 4 1/2 stitches to the inch; I used approximately 120 yards on this cloth.
Here are directions for making a large dishcloth:
Materials

* 1 hank Fantasy Naturale, 100% Mercerized Cotton from Plymouth Yarn in color number 8011 (or similar worsted weight cotton yarn)
* U.S. Size 8 16" or 29" circular needle (or straight needles if you prefer)
* Tapestry needle

Find the rest of the pattern here: I Live On A Farm.

Now consider this: It's my dream to have knitted everything. Everything. Including my bedding. So why not knit this dishcloth large enough to make a pillowcase (or knit a few of them and sew them together). You'd want to knit them up in a particularly soft yarn, such as Berroco's Pima Cotton or Rowan Handknit Cotton Yarn.

This is a great project for using up some of your stash because so little is needed of each color. It's so adorable I'm including 3 pictures.

You can make a lot of these by Christmas, please consider knitting up some for charity as well as your own gift giving.

Be sure to choose fiberfill for stuffing this little guy if knitting for an infant.

Click here for instructions.

If you like jacquard knitting patterns but can't be bothered with working with several strands of different colors, try jacquard yarn. Jacquard yarn is similar to hand painted yarn, only the color changes are such that a natural jacquard pattern develops as you knit with only one strand. And a perfectly easy pattern to use for gifts is wrist warmers, or, fingerless gloves. Here's a great free pattern: Wrist Warmers - and a review of jacquard yarn.

I have three little girls in mind, all of whom love little things. For me, the knitter, it's almost instant gratification - these eggs and holders knit up so fast! You can knit the eggs, knit the holders, knit both, add little hats, eyes etc. if you wish - whatever suits your fancy. Jean has lots of other patterns for small things on her website as well, so check them all out.

If you just can't get enough of these lil egg people, no worries, Easter will be here before you know it.

Leg warmers make great gifts because they're fast and easy to knit and you don't need specific measurements to knit a surprise for someone. You can make them very elastic so they can stretch and fit a variety of sizes.

Unlike socks, you don't need to worry about whether their shoes will still fit with a thick wool covering. They're very stylish and will solve the dilemma of so many bare legs in fall, winter, and spring. Here is one leg warmers pattern but let your imagination soar!

For years, I knitted wool socks for my immediate family and used them as Christmas stockings. I didn't knit a loop at the top for hanging, though, as that might be clumsy or look strange when wearing them. I stuffed the second sock into the toe of the first, then filled them as usual with small gifts, fruit, and candy, then laid them under the tree with the gifts. I suppose they could be hung on a piece of sturdy cord with clothespins if they weren't too heavy, but I never tried that, they were too full.

As a child, my brothers and I got to explore our stockings while our parents slept and eventually woke up. The rest of the gifts had to wait for adult presence. I looked forward to sharing that tradition with my own sons but alas, they were an anomaly, I always had to wake THEM up on Christmas morning *grin*.

Perhaps you have a granddaughter or daughter or niece like my granddaughter. A. likes those little plastic critters that, to my eye, don't look like anything real. Big eyes, some have bobbly heads, and various appendages that I think makes them look like monsters, each and every one, but A. will come to me and say, "I can't find Bubbly" (or whatever). I ask her, who's Bubbly? and she'll say, "he's a dog."

We go to her room and there on the floor is a mass of plastic blobs, dozens and dozens. Poking through them, I cannot find anything resembling a dog. A. is looking under her bed; "there he is!" and pulls out a purple and white...blob...with big eyes and something that must be ears, I guess.

Well...

I have yet to knit in plastic, but there has to be something out there in the knitting world that will appeal to her sense of cute - small, compact, and amorphous (leaves much to the imagination.)...

I found them. Cubic Cats. Think of how much fun it would be to have a whole herd of cats - you could stack them, line them up nose to tail. You can make them any color, striped, spotted, and so on and on.

Fast and fun to knit. Click to go to that magic place where Cubic Cats live.