5 Quick Gift Knits

Is it just me or are the holidays sneaking up on everyone else too? Usually, by the time it's mid November, I look at the calendar and am astounded by how few weeks are left before the cookie eating, holiday cooking, gift wrapping and family seeing begins.

If, like me, you are then looking for a few really quick knits to whip up to gift to knit-worthy loved ones, you're in luck because that's what today's blog post is all about: 5 quick gift knits that you can finish in just a few days.

Withy Hat by Sonja Bargielowska

We're starting things off with the project I turn to whenever I need to knit something up quickly: A hat, in a thicker-weight yarn. Bonus for this pattern: Those of you who already have a copy of the Annual (issue three), look no further than your bookshelf! Our very own Sonja designed the Withy Hat (Ravelry | Annual) as one of the patterns for it.

The Withy Hat features a twisted stitch design reminiscent of trees and the option for a shorter or folded brim. It's designed for a Worsted-weight yarn which makes it knit up even faster! Take your pick of our Harvest Hues Worsted or Yarnadelic Worsted - I guarantee you, you're going to find a colour that the intended recipient will love in those ranges.

Maxine Hot Water Bottle by Laura Penrose

Laura's Maxine Hot Water Bottle (Ravelry | Website) is genius as a gift knit because a) it comes with a mini and a full-sized option, b) is designed for a DK-weight yarn or 4ply / Fingering held double, so a relatively fast knit, and c) takes full advantage of any mini skeins or leftovers you might have.

Laura originally designed it for Exmoor Sock held double, and while you're more than welcome to do that, you can also go for any of our DK-weight yarns for it.

Wood Block Mitts by Ysolda

This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves bold, graphic designs! Ysolda's Wood Block Mitts (Ravelry | Website) take inspiration from block printing and quilting techniques. They're completely seamless (yes, really!) and a super fun project for anyone who loves interesting knitwear construction methods.

Ysolda used our Exmoor Sock for her sample – the pattern is great for minis, too, and so feel free to explore all our 4ply / Fingering weight yarns for your favourite colour combo!

Troll Socks by Maja Karlsson

One of the underrated knits to gift, if you ask me, is a pair of really cosy house socks. Hitting the right foot size is not as crucial for those as they can be layered over another pair of socks, and who doesn't appreciate warm toes this time of the year? Enter Maja Karlsson's Troll Socks (Ravelry) who not only feature a genius pattern name, but also a really cosy long garter stitch cuff.

They're designed for an Aran-weight yarn which makes them an incredibly quick gift knit! Get your favourite colour of Appledore Aran for a pair as a gift - and then maybe for another one for yourself?

Townie Cowl by Susanne Sommer

Now, there might be some of you who have a tiny bit more time to knit on the gift – and for those, the Townie Cowl by Susanne Sommer (Ravelry | Payhip) might just be the thing! This bandana cowl combines two colours in brioche (knit flat!) for a delightful colour block effect. I also love the neat finishing with i-Cord edges!

Susanne used a Worsted-weight yarn for the cowl which not only makes it cosy and snug, it also makes the knitting go a little faster. Harvest Hues Worsted or Yarnadelic Worsted would be fantastic options for this one!

Tell me – are you planning any gift knits this year? And do you have a favourite pattern to whip up for gifts?