Handmade Holiday Delights: Quick and Easy Knitting and Crochet Projects for Loved Ones

Every year I simply cannot resist making things for people I love – even if I have  done so in years past.  The reasons are simple.  In addition to loving them, I also love making small items that are bound to come in handy.  Gloves, mittens and hand coverings of all types instantly come to mind.  After all, who can’t use another pair – even if they are just something that’s stashed in the car or the closet.  I can practically guarantee they will come in handy – and when they do, they will remember who loves them enough to make something for them.

Cold  hands invariably lead to cold bodies -  like feet – the other extremity.  When your hands are cold, your whole body is affected.  Even partial covers on the hand and wrist can keep one comfortable.  Here are a few free examples which will prove the point.  (In addition, they are excellent projects for using up left over yarns. I like these types of “mitts” since they keep your fingers free for small chores but keep your hands relatively warm. 

As most parents will attest, full mittens easily go astray. Half mittens or “mitts” tend to stay on longer since they are easy to keep on even when playing. This free pattern uses a fingering weight yarn, like Terra.   You can make them with leftover yarn, as well.  Just knit them up in your young friend’s (or relatives) favorite colors.  We suggest that you don’t forget to include a connecting cord.

Image Credit - ravelry.com

These are sized for kids up to 10 years.  To make a matching adult pair, just increase the stitch count or use a dk weight yarn, like Viva!

We also like these small projects because they allow us to practice new techniques without investing in a lot of time and expense.  Take a look at these handsome long hand mitts  and see what we mean.

Fans of the popular TV series, “The Outlander”, might recognize these as the “gauntlets” worn by Clare Fraser on her adventures in Scotland.

Find this free pattern- ravelry.com/patterns/library/wood-garlic-gauntlets

These are knit in a bulky weight yarn and will be completed in relatively short time.  If you decide to give these a try, you will need to be comfortable reading a chart, but that is  easy enough to do, and they are sure to keep your hands warm and cozy.

Here is  a pair of full mittens.  They were  inspired by a movie called “Twilight”, which had millions of people enthralled.  The “Bella” mittens are also made of bulky yarn but they cover the hand completely, like regular mittens.  They are super long, keeping the owner  protected from chill winds.

Image Credit: ravelry.com

Talking about small, one of the most enjoyable ways to spend the Holidays is with and through the eyes of a child.  Here are a few good ideas for those who are fortunate enough to have a very young person in their lives. 

Image Credit: foxandpinestitches.com

The suggested yarn for this hat is worsted weight (#4) so it is knit up quickly on circular needles (no seaming).  It has been sized for a variety of head measurements which means  that you could outfit a whole family – from infant to mom or dad – for the Holiday.  It’s easier to knit hats in the round with small 10” circumference needles like these.  In addition, you will find using double point needles no longer than 5” to be the easiest to manipulate.

Thinking about projects for babies, made us dream about soft and cuddly things.  These toys are perfect for the small ones – both human and animal in your life. 

When it comes to making things for little ones, we are big fans of keeping it simple.  Look at this sweet little baby doll pattern to see what we mean.  We always suggest using cotton yarn for these types of projects (easy to wash up) and embroidering the details – no buttons or fancy trim – for the obvious reason.  Babies and pups use their mouths to play with everything!

Image Credit: ravelry.com

We are having a lot of good fun in finding small and quickly made projects for all the people in your life who appreciate your work.  We will return later this week with more quick and cute ideas.  Until then, happy crochet and knitting!