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…..
Getting ready for back to school makes me think about pencil crafts, so let’s take a look at some pencil themed knitting patterns!
I recently made a pencil on a circular knitting machine, and it was a fun, quick, easy project that uses little bits of leftover yarn (and if you don’t have yellow you can make it a colored pencil using whatever color’s your favorite). And if you want to make a bigger version check out this pattern from Orange Olive Road on Etsy.
If you want to knit a pencil pillow by hand, check out Sketchy, available on Ravelry from Shana S. Cohen. This one uses worsted weight yarn and has two size options and the choice to make a pencil with an eraser or a colored pencil.
Pencil scarves seem to be the most popular kind of pencil knitting pattern, and there are lot of cute ones. This one from Cosy Craft UK mostly uses garter stitch, with some welts to add texture and what looks like an I-cord edging. It calls for DK weight yarn.
If you want to go all garter stitch try this version from Emsley Co Creations, which uses five colors of DK weight yarn and just a little shaping to make the point of the pencil.
There’s also this fun, mostly stockinette so it looks like it curls a bit, pencil pattern that looks like it’s worked in chunky yarn from Little Knits Studio. This one uses just a little garter stitch and easy shaping for the point.
If you don’t want a pencil scarf, how about some pencil socks? The No. 2 Pencil Socks from The Yarn Enabler are available from Ravelry and use five colors of sock yarn. They feature wide ribs to mimic the texture of a pencil and have options to be worked from the top down or the toe up.
Needs Sharpening by Alexander Walker is a free pattern on Ravelry that uses five colors of sock yarn to make a sort of shortie sock. The little bit of black at the tips of the toes inspired the name. These, too, can be worked in either direction and are available in three sizes.
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.