One and Done! Great Knits to Combat Last-Minute-Gifts Panic

Every December, I marvel at how fast the time seems to be flying. The creative ideas I’ve held on to and all the inspiring yarn I bought and saved all year long are now taunting reminders that winter and holiday gift-giving at work, at school, and with family has arrived. And, no, they never reschedule—much to my yearly dismay (though I always hold out hope)!

But all is not lost. I have rounded up some great projects that will satisfy my desire to give hand-knitted gifts with the rapidly dwindling amount of time left to make things before the holidays. I hope this helps some of my fellow knitters wrap up their last-minute knitted gifts as well.

Here’s my Top-6 List of last-minute gifts to make:

1. For lovers of the great outdoors:

Full of sculptural cables, which keeps the knitting interesting, the Traverse Toque by Tayler Harris will keep the chill away for even the most intrepid person you know. The pattern calls for less than 300 yards of yarn and is knitted in the round—meaning there is no seaming—which makes it a quick-knit topper that’s sure to please anyone on your list.

This allover chevron topper, the Traverse Toque by Tayler Harris, makes a great gift for the outdoor lover on your list. Photo by Gale Zucker

2. For the sybarite:

Do you have someone on your list who yearns for luxurious things? The Copper Cowl by Sara Lamb ticks all the right boxes. Treat them to this enjoyable-to-craft cowl that is elegant and feminine. Knit it from something posh, like splurge-worthy cashmere. You won’t want to stop at one. As a plus—knitting with such a butter-smooth fiber will take the edge off of your late-moment knitting experience.

Sara Lamb's Copper Cowl is relatively quick to knit; make one for a gift now, and one for yourself later. Photo by Joe Coca

3. For the techie:

Fingerless mitts are just the thing for people who prioritize texting and gaming over warmth. The Brooklyn Mitts by Olga Putano will keep them cozy and ensure they won’t miss a second on their devices. These mitts only take small bits of yarn, so you can make them lickety-split from yarn that you have at home. Bonus for you: no fiddly fingers to knit!

Brioche knitting gives the Brooklyn Mitts by Olga Putano a wonderful loft and comfort factor. Photo by Gale Zucker

4. For the fashionista:

Colorwork patterns are very much at the forefront of fashion now, and although the stranded-knitting might appear to be time-consuming, it is very manageable in a small project such as Kate Larson’s North Road Hat. Knitted in the round, there are no seams to finish! Make it with soft Shetland yarn that will really showcase the pattern, and you will make someone very happy.

The perennially chic North Road Hat by Kate Larson makes a wonderful gift for a friend with an eye for style. Photo by George Boe

5. For the purist:

Let the yarn do the heavy lifting. Knit the Farmer’s Favorite Socks by Debbie O’Neill from traceable wool for those who appreciate every aspect of a knitted item, from the sheep to the socks. Make them in the Blue-Faced Leicester the pattern calls for or branch out to try another small-farm-produced breed.

The Farmer’s Favorite Socks by Debbie O'Neill are the perfect knits to work on while you put on a favorite movie or two and relax. They are so nicely designed and fun to create that you won’t even mind knitting the second sock! Photo by Gale Zucker

6. For the crafter, or the would-be crafter:

Share your love of knitting. Package up some pretty yarn and needles and add in a subscription to Farm & Fiber Knits. They will love it, and so will you: It will take one more thing off of your to-knit-right-away list, and, even better, it will add one more person to your fiber community.

Inspiring and informative stories, and must-make patterns that showcase all the best about yarn are why Farm & Fiber Knits will have you picking up your knitting needles all year long.

Small, thoughtful gifts allow you to indulge those you love, while grabbing some peaceful knitting time when things are hectic. But don’t take my word for it: Go check out these patterns for yourself. After all, time is ticking!