Gift Knits You Still Have Time for

We are coming down to the wire on Hanukkah and Christmas, but there’s still time to do some gift knitting if you want to. It’s not ideal, but there are a lot of quick knitting projects out there that can be great gifts, or part of a gift, and we’ll talk about a bunch of them over the next few days.

Yarnspirations suggests that you can get a lot of gifts done in the little time that’s left by using your arms as needles. They say you can arm knit a blanket (plain or in holiday colors) in three hours or less, while a scarf or cowl can be made even more quickly. (If you don’t know how to arm knit yet, I just published an arm knitting tutorial over at About, as well as a pattern for a super-simple cowl you can knit in about 10 minutes.)

Love Knitting has a great roundup of quick knit gifts on its website; some of my favorites are the Scrunchy, Slouchy Slipper Socks from Lion Brand Yarn and the Eco Ewe from Rowan, which would be perfect for the fellow knitter in your life.

Speaking of gifts for knitters, be sure to check out the yarn basket ornament knitting project from Red Heart. This cute little knit basket designed by Scarlet Taylor includes tiny balls of yarn and little needles sticking out. Too cute! (I actually have one that was given to me and I keep in my office all year.)

Also check out my collection of quick knitting patterns over at About. Some of my favorites include the simple Roll Brim Hat, which doesn’t look so simple in a multicolored yarn; and the Drop Stitch Soap Sack, which is a great gift to mass produce and give along with a really nice bar of soap and other spa goodies.

Are you still knitting holiday gifts? I think I have one more cowl and a scarf to do, plus little knit things for my daughter’s teachers. I’d love to hear what you’re working on!

Looking for more Christmas themed Knitting patterns? Check out some of our favorite Knitting patterns on Etsy and

These Christmas Knitting Pattern Books on Amazon

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

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