Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas
So today I got an announcement for a baby shower. In 2 weeks. I work full time. I have 2 jobs. I am a farmer. Plus I have a very needy puppy.
So, I need an idea for SUPER QUICK baby gift to knit, preferably out of stash (which mine rivals most yarn shops, so it really shouldn’t be an issue..). Pay attention to the SUPER QUICK statement. Has to be a quick knit.
Let the ideas fly… please, please, please help me out here…..
I don’t often share knitting patterns for pets, mostly because I don’t think of it. I don’t have a dog, and I’ve never knit for my cats except a knit couch and a little cat bed I made on a knitting machine, both of which were pretty much ignored.
I have shared some pet bed knitting patterns, and both hats and sweaters for dogs.
But I don’t think I’ve shared a pattern for a cat sweater, until now.
This one is the Bunny sweater by Sarah Zhou, so named because her cat is named Bunny, of course.
It’s a made to measure pattern because cats come in all shapes and sizes, and you can also use any yarn you like and whatever gauge you are getting with that yarn.
The design is knit from the bottom up, that is, from the tail side up toward the head. Pairs of decreases shape the body as you work toward the armholes, which are made by binding off a few stitches. Then the belly and the back are worked flat, then joined and worked in the round for the chest part.
There are some design options in the pattern, from the look of the photos they include using a contrasting color for the edging, working a scalloped edging, maybe a foldover collar? But of course you can add your own embellishments, stripes, make it in team colors or for a Halloween costume. I’m sure they’re quick to knit so you can make a bunch if you have a cat who is willing to submit to such torture.
Bunny looks like a very good and mostly tolerant girl; I don’t think either of my cats would be willing to wear a sweater. But if you make one (the pattern is available on Ravelry) and successfully get your cat to wear it I would love to hear about it!
[Photo: Sarah Zhou]
How about a cute little tobogan for next winter? The kid will need its head covered the next time it gets cold as well. I think one done is stripes would be really cute in some nice tones to fit the sex of the baby, or neutral tones if the sex is not known yet. If these are people who appreciate crafting at all, they would love it!
Thanks, Nisa,
I hate to be dense, but is a tobogan a hat?
A Fruit Hat is always a hit and a fast knit! I always have yarn enough for a few of these – just in case.
How about booties? In a worsted weight yarn, they shouldn’t take too long, and won’t use much yarn!
If you would consider crochet, this makes an excellent gift and table decoration.Works up quickly. Made one for my niece, she loved it.
http://www.e-patternscentral.com/detail.html?prod_id=5809&cat_id=2
saarjeets booties (spelling??). Super quick, super cute! And playing with the color and buttons make them ready for boy/girl or either. I make these for friends all the time and can have a pair done in about 2 hours.
augh! I don’t crochet well enough to pull off a gift! But thanks for the idea…
Baby washcloths from nice and soft cotton yarn! I recently came across a couple in my cupboard, and they are so nice to use. Don’t tell the kids, I use them for myself!! You could really use any stitch you are comfortable with. Wrap three or four up in a ribbon, and viola! I saw the idea on Creative Jewish Mom here :
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a011570601a80970b0133f5b70904970b
My MIL made a nice little bib for my boys, that would be a great handmade gift too! I’m not sure if she used a pattern or if she winged it though? If you are an experienced knitter I bet you could whip that up. She just used regular stockinette stitch.
We are about to hit winter but you’re properly not, but a knitted poncho is super easy and cute!! Just two rectangles 🙂
Here’s a seamless version of Saartje’s Booties:
http://fleeglesblog.blogspot.com/2007/12/sartjees-fleeglized-bootie.html
Or this cute seamless cap from Pickles:
http://www.pickles.no/small-and-clever/
I just knit a pair of Lorna’s Lace booties out of angora. I love the pattern and it is such a beautiful gift.
Simple…knit some bibs in bright colors. Or maybe some burp cloths or wash cloths.
You don’t mention whether it’s a boy or a girl -however I would recommend a baby kimono since it can be done in matter of hours.
I did mine from the pattern found here: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80859AD.html?r=1
It makes such a lovely gift!
I knit a cute little poncho for my future granddaughter, and she stills wears it for dress-up…..5 years later….that’s if you know it’s a girl coming…:-) Sorry, but the pattern was basically out of my head, two rectangles sewn together….good luck….
It’s a girl. Keep the suggestions coming!
I’m in a similar position, and I decided to knit the baby bibs from Mason-Dixon Knitting. I’ve made them before and they are fast and easy and are greatly appreciated by new parents.
With large needles and small yarn, knit two rectangle pieces 6″ x 6″.
When folded in thirds, they will be sleeve to be used on baby’s car seat straps. Somehow, make a button hole on one side, and sew two buttons on the other side.
Little baby’s necks get very chaffed by those nylon seat straps.
Compared to the other ideas perhaps stupid. But can’t you knit a little jumper consisting of 2 squares for back and front and 2 rectangles for the arms.Easy, quick and still beautiful.
Susan B. Anderson has a really cute, quick and easy baby sweater and hat on her Spud and Chloe site. The patterns are free.