Knit Bracelets for the True Last-Minute Gift Knitter

All month I’ve been sharing patterns with you to make last-minute gift knitting a little easier. I hope you’ve found some inspiration and maybe knit some great things as well.

Now that we’re down to Christmas Eve eve, there’s not much more to do, but I do have one more idea you still have time to make. Really.

The Adelaide Bracelet from Tian Foley for Classic Elite Yarns is a simple I-cord bracelet, which you can make single or double wrap, depending on how much time you have and how many you want to make.

Add a pompom for extra cuteness if you like.

I made a version of an I-cord wrap bracelet back in my About days using self-striping yarn. I added a little buttonhole and a button to close, but you could also tie it or just sew the ends together and slide it on the wrist.

I also like just making thick cuff bracelets in Garter Stitch (or Stockinette with a couple knit stitches on the edges). Make a little smaller than the recipient’s wrist measurement if you can, and add a cute button for decoration.

What are you knitting this weekend?

[Photo: Tian Foley via Ravelry.]

When my daughter was in early elementary school we were at Joann together (RIP) and she picked out some variegated pink and white blanket yarn for me to knit a blanket for her bed. Now probably 10 years later, it’s one of her favorite possessions. I note this because the blankets we give to little ones might seem simple on the surface, like something they need to keep warm, but they can turn into so much more.

Take the Pocketful of Love Blanket from Purl Soho. On the surface this is a pretty but also easy to knit blanket for a little one. It’s worked in garter stitch stripes using sport weight yarn (the sample is a superwash wool, but this would also be nice in cotton or a blend) and available in a crib or small throw size. Though of course because it’s garter stitch, it’s pretty easy to make it any size you want.

But what makes this blanket extra special is the little details. The slip stitch selvedges and I-cord bind off give it a crisp look that’s perfect with the garter stitch of the body.

And then there’s the pocket.

This is a big pocket. At 10 inches wide and 12.25 inches tall (that’s 25.4 by 31 cm) for the crib size and 12.75 by 14.25 inches (32.4 by 36 cm) for the throw, you can easily fit a favorite stuffed animal, toy or book into the pocket.

I love how even though it uses the same striped garter stitch pattern as the blanket, it’s stitched down so the stripes run the opposite way (horizontal when the blanket stripes are vertical), though of course you can match stripes if you’d rather.

I think this blanket has the potential to be greatly loved by the little one its given to, and by the knitter look for an easy, pretty baby blanket with a little extra useful twist.

Grab the free pattern from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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