It’s that time of year again and many of us might be thinking of knitting or crocheting a gift this festive season. But time is quickly running out and our plans might be more ambitious than hours in the day. So with this blog post I am looking at little projects that are quick to knit but are still thoughtful. A handmade gift is always fun to make. From picking the project and thinking of the recipients favourite colours. You can make something unique which will be treasured. If you are looking for some inspiration for what to make then read on.

Eventyr Hat by Skeindeer Knits. The Eventyr Hat takes the same motif used in Eli Leistad’s Eventyr jumper. This hat makes a great introduction to colourwork as the repeat is simple and easy to knit. It’s knit in the same Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk Blåne yarn that the Eventyr is made in using 6.5mm needles making it quick. Great for testing colours before you knit the jumper as it only takes 100m of the main colour and 25m of the contrast colour.

Desemberpannebånd (link to Ravelry) by Linka Neumann. An even simpler and quicker project to knit is a headband. The colourwork section in these break up the stocking stitch and add a fun bit of patterning. Knit in the round in one piece it would be really simple to make a few of theses in different colours in time for Christmas. They would look great and be quick to knit Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk Blåne. Linka Neumann is a master of scandi-style colourwork so if you like this headband you should check out her books Wilderness Knits and Wilderness Knits for the Home.

Sophie Scarf (link to designers website) by PetiteKnit. This has to be the most iconic quick knit there is. Knit by thousands of people this little scarf is made in any DK yarn and is a great stash buster. Worked in garter stitch from tip to tip it makes the cutest little neck tie and the sweetest little gift. You don’t need much yarn for this so a small one could be made in just one of Socks Yeah DK or &Make DK.

Worsted Badlands Mitts (link to designers website) by Kathryn Folkerth. Fingerless mittens, especially open ones like these are really simple to knit. No fiddling around with fingers, just the thumb to worry about. They also make great gifts. Worked from the top down with the clever idea of getting every last bit out of your leftovers by knitting the cuff as long as you can. These are knit in the Fibre Co Cumbria for soft and warm mitts.

Free For All Cowl (link to Ravelry) by Jen Peck. This free pattern is designed to get the most out of one skein of worsted weight yarn or even two strands of 4ply held double. The textural chevron stripes add a simple but effective detail. A great and practical gift or even something to make for yourself from a gifted skein. I would choose John Arbon Yarnadelic Worsted for this, soft but still woolly and warm.

Lumi Socks (link to Ravelry) by Fiber Tales. These heavy weight house socks would knit up quickly in a heavier yarn like Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk Blåne. Knit in the round from the top down they would even look cute as little Christmas Stockings. The Latvian braid and tassels at the cuff add a nice touch to this simple design.

Scrap-Buster Holiday Light Garland (link to Ravelry) by Carla D. T. Fisher. You can’t get more festive than this and what a fun gift to make for someone to decorate their home. Make this as long or as short as you like with lots of different coloured lights. Something like Socks Yeah DK with a good choice of colours would be ideal.

Wilderness Slippers (link to Ravelry) by Claire Slade. Hand knitted and felted slippers might be a little slower than some of the other projects but they make a more unusual knitted gift due to the fact you also have felted them. These are knit seamlessly from the sole up using a heavier yarn. You want a non superwash wool for this that will felt easily. Try Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk Blåne.

Gramma’s Dishcloth (Grandmother’s 2nd Favorite) by PJ Allen. These dishcloths are probably one of the simplest things you can make and will be quite familiar to many. There are lots of versions and variations out there but I have to include them. My mum always makes me dishcloths and every now and then will present me with some. I love them for around the house. A colourful bunch of dishcloths tied with a ribbon makes a great gift. You can knit them in any thickness. Quince & Co Whimbrel or the lighter Quince & Co Willet would be perfect.