A Few Simple Sweaters for Gift Knitting

When it comes to gift knitting, sweaters can be a bit intimidating. But don’t let that stop you from creating a beautiful and thoughtful gift for someone special. There are plenty of simple sweater patterns out there that are perfect for gift knitting, even if you’re short on time.

One example is Nutmeg, a free pattern from Jennifer Stark. This pattern is worked in bulky yarn, making it a fast knit. The simple instructions and the luscious alpaca yarn used in the sample combine for a lovely, quick knitting experience. This sweater is perfect for those cold winter days and will be sure to keep your loved ones warm and cozy.

Another great option is the Simple Garter Stitch Pullover, a free pattern from Purl Soho. This sweater is worked in a worsted weight yarn and features a classic design that is timeless and versatile. The garter stitch makes it easy to knit, even for beginners.

If you start today, or, you know, soon, you still have time to knit a sweater for a (very) special someone for the holidays. I know I knit Nutmeg, a free pattern from Jennifer Stark, in just a couple of days a few years back. Bulky yarn, simple instructions and the luscious alpaca yarn I used combined for a lovely, quick knitting experience.

The rest of these I haven’t knit but they look relatively straightforward and quick to work up:

Jordana Jacobs’ Essential Sweater is another bulky beauty (the pattern costs $6.50, or dig out the 2010 easy issue of Knitscene)
I’ve always wanted to knit the Garter Stitch Swingy Sweater from Feminasina, but it’s more of a recipe than a pattern, so beware if you don’t have time for math right now
Jennifer Stark has another great looking simple sweater called the Super Birthday Sweater that would be great for other gifting occasions as well
Nati by Lucy Hulett is a super-bulky beauty that’s perfect for new knitters and will run you not quite $5 American (£3.50)
I don’t know if I buy it, but this vintage sweater pattern claims to only take three hours
And if you have access to the book Speed Knitting, the Cap-Sleeved Summer Sweater is a great choice (I think it’s the only pattern I copied before I gave this book away)

Do you have a favorite quick-knitting sweater pattern? I’d love to hear about it.

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Why should the fireplace get all the fun? Instead of knitting stockings this year, why not whip up a pair of Christmas themed socks? These Christmas sock knitting patterns are lots of fun to make and you can wear them to holiday gatherings for years to come.

For our friends in the southern part of the world, there are the Christmas in July socks from the Kiwi Lodge – Kylie (Ravelry link). These shorty socks are covered in Christmas trees and have bright pink heels and toes for a tropical feel. There’s also an option to make a longer sock if you celebrate somewhere it’s colder.

Twin Stitches Designs (Ravelry) has a fun pattern with mix and match colorwork motifs you can use to build your own cozy Christmas socks. From the sample socks I see Christmas puddings, trucks hauling trees, Santa belts, ornaments and a couple of different borders. There may be more patterns included but the listing doesn’t say. Make a pair that matches or use different motifs on each foot for extra holiday cheer.

If you want to stick to Christmas puddings on your holiday socks, check out this cute pattern from Stone Knits. These lovely socks feature a band of puddings around the leg and a bit of holly by the toes.

These vintage holiday light socks from Grey Owl Knits by Sarah are classic looking and lots of fun at the same time. I love this color combination but of course you can make your lights and stripes whatever colors you like or have on hand. They’re worked using stranded knitting.

And if you’d like even more of a mix of patterns for your socks, try Barbara Ceglédi’s Christmas Chaos socks, a free pattern on Ravelry. The pattern includes 25 little motifs you can choose from, ranging from snowflakes and Christmas trees to elf hats, reindeer and hearts.

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