Hugs in Stitches: Knitting for Someone You Love

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and although it is a perfect holiday to give a knitted gift, it’s also a nice time to plan a knitting project to make for a loved one at another time. Whether it is a romantic gesture or to show affection for a dear friend, knitting can be a mindful and relaxing pastime. And it’s even more enjoyable if you are knitting with someone special in mind.

Knitters know that every handmade present carries a wealth of thought in every stitch. The recipient, on the other hand, may not be aware that every part of the process—from the yarn and pattern selection to weaving in the last ends—was done with them in mind. But you will! A knitted gift creates a personal memory that you both will cherish.

To ensure that your present is a hit, keep the recipient in mind as you’re selecting a pattern. Here are a few project ideas to help you choose something your loved one will wear again and again.

Stylish Cables to Adorn their Feet

Keep your loved one warm and cared for with the Pilaster Socks by Debbie O'Neill. Photo by Gale Zucker Photography

The Pilaster Socks pattern by Debbie O'Neill is a great project for everyone on your list. The handsome cables add a bit of style, and the architectural ribbing adds a touch of elegance—and both add some fun to your knitting time. Pick a practical long-wearing yarn for an outdoorsy person who will reach for them often, and a softer, more sumptuous yarn for someone who will appreciate the luxury.

Find the pattern for the Pilaster Socks in the Farm & Fiber Knits Library.

Pretty Purple Posies

The pretty flowers on the Tulip Fever Cowl by Olga Putano will add a touch of Spring and style to any outfit. Photo by Gale Zucker Photography

The Tulip Fever Cowl by Olga Putano is a beautiful multiseason bouquet that will brighten your loved one's days. The pattern calls for a soft blend of wool and alpaca that will keep chills away and look pretty while doing it, especially if you customize it with your loved one's favorite colors.

Find the pattern for the Tulip Fever Cowl in the Farm & Fiber Knits Library.

A Pattern from the Past: Sweet Baby Socks

Destined to be little heirlooms, these Baby Socks by Jude Daurelle are quick to make, and long on charm. Photo by Joe Coca

Based on a pair of socks from 1871 and knitted in a modern wool/nylon luxury sock yarn, these Baby Socks by Jude Daurelle are both useful and sweet! Make sure you include washing instructions for the parents so they can save the socks as a keepsake or beloved hand-me-down once the baby outgrows them.

Find the pattern for the Baby Socks in the Farm & Fiber Knits Library.

Petite Sheep

Start a tradition by knitting a sheep from A Flock of Sheep by Nancy Bush for every holiday. Photo by Matt Graves

This Flock of Sheep by Nancy Bush is so captivating it will bring a smile to anyone of any age. Knit one, or knit them all—they’re such great stashbusters and a delight to make, too! If you’re hesitant about knitting colorwork in small projects and could use some pointers, Anne Merrow has put together a helpful read about her journey to knit her own flock of sheep.

Find the pattern for A Flock of Sheep in the Farm & Fiber Knits Library.

Pro Tips for Selecting Yarn

1. Remember to choose a yarn that best suits your loved one’s lifestyle. For a gift that is going to wrap them in a soft embrace all year long, I prefer wool. Pure soft wool will keep the ones you care about warm, and it has the longevity that is ideal for a handmade item. I find knitting with wool relaxing and easy on my hands, which makes the process even more enjoyable.

2. If you want to step it up a little, a luxury fiber like cashmere or a breed-specific yarn is a wonderful indulgence that will always be appreciated whenever your present is worn.

3. If you are able to source your yarn from a local farm or breeder, be sure to include any fiber information you can on a card along with the gift so that the lucky recipient will know how to care for it. It is also a nice idea to include a couple of yards of the yarn in case any repairs need to be made in the future.

Above all, have fun—small gifts are great projects for you to try new techniques or new fibers. And most importantly, don’t forget that one of the most rewarding things about a handmade gift is that it can connect people through generations; the gift you make for a loved one today may be passed to another loved one in the future.

Happy Valentine’s knitting!
—Pat