Gift knitting season is upon us!

Every year I resolve to start gift knitting some time in July, and every year I find myself frantically casting on all the things just weeks before Christmas. Nothing’s different this year. Less than a month to go, and I’m just getting started.

When it comes to gift knitting, I like quick and versatile projects. Accessories are usually my go-to! Before I get started, I spend some time browsing through patterns for inspiration. Trying to find the perfect knitted gifts, and looking for matching yarn, is all part of the fun of gift knitting!

So, today I wanted to share some of my favorites, in case you, like me, are behind on your gift knitting!

Head

Hats are great for gift knitting! Everyone needs a nice, warm hat, and you can never have too many. Plus, as a knitter, I don’t have to worry about fit, since hats are very forgiving in size (unless you’re knitting for someone with either a really large or really small head).

I have been obsessed with Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Alatau ever since I laid eyes on it. I am a sucker for twisted stitches, and this one is absolutely stunning! Plus, it’s inspired and named after the landscape of Ainur’s homeland of Kazakhstan, and that really warms my heart. Alatau came out in the most recent issue of Pom Pom Quarterly, and I plan to cast on in our Romney/Merino in the February colorway!

Another gorgeous pattern that was just released is the Oleander reversible hat by Laura Chau, featuring all over cables. I would love to knit one in Hudson + West Co’s Forge yarn in the Gold Leaf colorway!

Headbands also make great gift knitting projects: quick to knit, super cute, and they only use up a third of a skein of yarn! I really like this classic twisted version (free pattern on Ravelry), and it would be so warm and squishy in our Alpaca/Corriedale.

I also love love love this colorwork version by Jennifer Berg. It seems like the perfect colorwork project for a beginner like me, and would be great for using up leftover yarn from other projects!

Neck

I rarely knit neck accessories, and I’m not sure why that is. But there are two designs I’ve been smitten with for some time now:

This graphic colorwork cowl by Tina Tse. It’s simple, yet so striking, I love it! I think it would look so good in an indigo dyed blue gradient (but then again, what doesn’t?).

I have also been eyeing Denise Bayron’s Droplet Capelet ever since it came out. It’s such a clever design, so elegant, and I love the fact that it can be worn in a number of different ways. It would look so beautiful in our BFL or Mohair blend, since both these yarns have a natural sheen to them.

Both of these are probably a bit ambitious for gift knitting purposes, at least for me. But they would make such special gifts!

Hands

I have gifted fingerless mitts before, and they were really loved and appreciated, something you definitely hope for in a handmade gift!

I’m currently in love with these two, the Anticline by Emily Greene and the Velje by Ainur Berkimbayeva. They’re quite similar, both of them featuring twisted ribbing and diagonal cables that wrap around the hand. I would honestly have a hard time deciding which one to make! I think they would both look beautiful in our new Corriedale/Merino blend in Earth or Fire.

If you (or the person you’re knitting for) prefer your mittens finger-full, I have my eyes on this pair by Becky Sorensen. They’re so delicate and pretty, and they would look incredible knit in our Corriedale. Knit them in March or April to add color to a winter outfit or choose more neutral tones from our new collection, like Air or Fire!

Feet

Ah, here’s where it gets a little tough for me. I love sock knitting in theory but have hated it every time I’ve tried. The Lyne socks by Dawn Henderson might change that! They’re so pretty (can you tell I like twisted rib?), and have a really cute and short cuff, so maybe I won’t get bored as easily. I’ve already put aside a skein of our new Mohair blend in Water for this pair!

Slippers also make a great gift, and I have gifted a pair of these before. They’re so easy to make, and you could easily customize them by holding yarn double or adding your own embroidery!

And if you’re much better at colorwork than I am, I think these are exquisite, and I wish someone would knit me a pair as a gift!

Kids

Knitting for kids is so much fun, and sometimes the littlest things bring the most joy to them!

As I write this I am rummaging through my scrap yarn stash to start making these peg doll leaves and capes for the kids! They’re just darling, and I already have peg dolls sitting around waiting to be turned into a little fairy family.

This rabbit by Claire Garland! Really, I wish I had the time (and patience) to make all of her patterns, because they are true works of art.

I also love this crown pattern. I’ve made a dozen of these for my kids and as gifts for others, in all kinds of yarns and weights. It’s quick and fun to knit, and perfect for the kids in your life who love to dress up!

My kids don’t need any more hats, but I’ve always thought these are super cute, and it would be so adorable if they had matching bonnets. I would probably make a fox version for Alex and a fawn for Anya!

Our floors get really cold during the winter months, so these would be extra useful!

And I’ve had my eyes on this cardigan since it came out. How cute would it be paired with a fox bonnet?! I’m pretty sure I have lopi in these exact colorways. Plus, the pattern comes in kid and adult sizes, so matching cardigans for the entire family!

We are promised our first snow today, so I’m hoping to snuggle up on the couch with my family, maybe make some hot cocoa, watch a movie, and work through this list. Wishing you a lovely December 1st wherever you are!