2025 Gift Guide: What to make for your Craft-Worthy Friends (Knitting Edition)

Written By Daniela Ruiz

There comes a time in every crafter’s life when you find someone you want to craft for. Finding the perfect project for each person (without spending months making it) can be a struggle! Here are some of my favorite craft projects, plus some hacks to help you craft your way through the holiday season. I’ll be including knitting projects for all skill levels :)

Introduction

When it comes to my gift projects, there are a few things I always consider…

  • Time constraints are always at the top of my mind when choosing the right project. You want to enjoy the making process, and avoiding burnout is a major part of this!

  • Space is another major consideration. If you’ve ever lived in tight quarters, you know that storing your items is the biggest challenge. I always want to avoid giving someone an item that will bulk up their space/be difficult to store.

  • Utility is the final consideration I keep in mind. What purpose do I want this item to serve for them? What characteristics does this gift need to fit that purpose? The little details make the biggest difference!

I’ve included a variety of projects, from wearables/garments, accessories, and the cutest home decor! I’ll be including both free and paid-for patterns, plus giving plenty of yarn recommendations to find the perfect combo for you :)

Knitting Projects

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Knitting Projects ☆

Knitting Patterns

Garments and wearable accessories are my favorite kinds of gifts to make! They’re perfect for day-to-day or seasonal usage, and because they tend to be more hard-wearing, I like to use yarns with some synthetic content for easy care. Let’s work our way from head to toe!

Headwear ranges from headbands to beanies and bonnets. I love making headwear for gifts; they typically take about a week to complete, can often be completed with low yardage, and are fun to wear! Here are some patterns I’ve loved using, as well as some others that I’ve had my eye on. Click on the photo for a link to the pattern!

  • Beret No. 3 by My Favorite Things Knitwear ($5) - This felted beret has been on my favorites list for years! It’s knitted in a bulky-weight yarn on chunky needles, which means you can likely crank out this project on a time cruch. Just be extra careful with your felting swatch for best results. Who knows, you could knock this one out in a day! This is the perfect gift for your chic friend who may be sporting the season’s hottest bob haircut.

  • Joanna Hat by Aleksandra Sołowianiuk ($5) - This little beanie is the definition of too sweet. The pattern includes sizes for baby through adult, which means you can even create matching mommy-and-me sets :’). This DK-weight hat is knit on 3.5mm needles. I would estimate 1-2 weeks of knitting time per adult-sized hat.

  • Mini Bonnet by Material Grrrlz (free) - Still new to knitting? This project is exactly what you’re looking for. Worked with 2 strands of worsted-weight yarn, this little bonnet is the perfect way to use your scraps and still end up with the quintessential cool-girl accessory. The edges and ties are created with some basic crochet stitches. Once you get in the groove, this is easily a one-day project that you can make from your scraps. If you have a Pinterest baddie in your life, they want this bonnet.

  • Bub Bonnet by Lydia Morrow ($6ish, low-income discount available) - Yet another pattern I’ve been eyeing for years, Lydia Morrow is one of the most interesting and unique designers on the modern market. Her patterns are playful, cheeky, sexy, and vintage inspired. This bonnet can be made with or without horns, but why would you ever skip the horns? This project is made with DK yarn and on 3.75mm needles, I would budget about 1-2 weeks of time to complete this project. Your hot goth gf is dying for you to make her this.

  • Elli Bonnet by Lea aka KissKissRhinestones ($6) - This was made for lovers of vintage. Funny enough, I have a vintage magazine with a near identical design! Made with 2 strands of mohair on 4mm needles, the mohair halo gives the sweetest touch to this accessory. I would budget less than a week to complete this project. Your cottagecore friend can’t wait to add this to her cool-weather wardrobe.

  • Icelandic Sheep Headband by Alyssa Kaat (free) - I’m not typically a headband girl, but this one stole my heart! The little touch of colorwork keeps it fun to work on, and who doesn’t love little sheep? Made with less than 100 yards of aran-weight yarn, this is also the perfect stashbuster. Knitted on 6.0mm needles, I would budget less than a week to finish this project. I would love to knit this for anyone who lives in a place where it gets extra chilly.

  • Sophie Hood by Petite Knit ($6) - This all-in-one hood and scarf is perfect for anyone who lives in a chilly place and is on the go! While I’m not the biggest fan of the Sophie scarf, this hood alternative keeps the timeless and simple fabric with a more utilitarian design. I love the idea of working a larger size for a nice slouchy fit. Worked on 5.0mm needles with aran-weight yarn, I would budget 1-2 weeks to complete this project. Your friend who always bikes/walks wherever they go would love to pop this one on!

  • Pussy Hat by Dani Ruiz aka Me! ($5) - This “cat ear” beanie is such a fun little gift to give out. Worked on 10mm needles with bulky-weight yarn, I can finish about 2-4 beanies in a day! The pattern includes duplicate stitch designs for a star, bow, skull, and heart OR duplicate stitch whatever your heart desires onto it. This gift is perfect for your friend who loves a little alt twist to their outfits.

Scarves aren’t just boring strips of fabric anymore! Here’s a few cuties I’m obsessed with this season.

  • Wiggly Shawl by Helena Wieser (~$7) - This playful shawl is a fantastic way to add a little whimsy to winter layering. Worked on 3.5mm needles with sport weight yarn, this one is more of a time commitment; I would budget around a month of knitting time to comfortably finish it. Not ready to commit to the shawl size? She also has a scarf version available! I would love to work the scarf version in a larger yarn/needle combo for extra squishiness.

  • Moby Neck by Petite Knit (~$8) - Not ready to commit to knitting a sweater? A neck piece like this is a great alternative! Worked on 3.5mm needles with DK yarn, I would budget about 2 weeks to complete this project. This is perfect for someone who moves between indoor/outdoor spaces often in the winter. Think “I need to keep my neck and chest warm without bulking up all my clothing”. Anyone who commutes on public transit or works outdoors would love to cozy up with something like this!

  • Peacock Scarf by LE KNIT (~$6) - These mini triangle scarves have been the “it girl” scarf for the last year. I love the feminine touch of the lace, and the low yardage makes it the perfect time to splurge on a skein of cashmere. Worked on 3.5mm needles with DK yarn, I would budget less than a week to complete this project. This is the kind of project I would love to make for my mom or grandma.

  • Netta Scarf by Masha Ziablikova (~$5) - This sweet scarf is the perfect option for something more customizable. Designed to be a single repeat (as shown), the pattern recommends you add more repeats to suit your preferences and adjust your needle size to create your desired fabric effect. This means that you can make the perfect gossamer wide shawl, or a dense and cozy skinny scarf, all in one pattern!

Garments aren’t typically my go-to item for gifts, they require a significant time commitment, and are generally the most expensive projects to make due to materials cost. I’m going to recommend patterns that I think can be reasonably completed between 2-4 weeks (which means larger gauge!).

  • Osgoode Slipover by Joan Ho (~$8) - This classic slipover is the perfect place to start. Worked on 5.5mm needles with aran-weight yarn, this one will fly off the needles. Cables make the project that much more fun for you and whoever is lucky enough to receive this gift! If you have a friend who lives for the dark academia aesthetic, this is perfect for them.

  • Sidewalk Cafe Sweater by Drops Design (free) - I love the simple and effective design of this sweater. When it comes to gift knits, I prefer avoiding straight stockinette sweaters. A little pop of colorwork or cables adds a personal touch, and this design accomplishes that wonderfully! Worked on 6.0mm needles, you could complete this in 3-4 weeks or less. One note about the pattern - this is a Drops design studio pattern, which is notorious for sometimes having very difficult-to-follow patterns. However, if you’re an intermediate level knitter or above, I’m sure you’ll have no issues!

  • Meadow Sunset Wrap by JoJo Knitwear (free) - I love this wrap as an alternative to a shawl or sweater, and the styling ideas are so versatile! I can see my mom wearing this on a chilly morning or myself pairing it with a mini skirt and tights for a cutesy date night. Worked on 5.5mm needles and bulky weight yarn, don’t be fooled by the gauge, this project has as much yardage as most sweaters! Be sure to budget a full 4 weeks to complete this project.

  • Student Vest by Svetlana Volkova ($6.50) - I just couldn’t resist including this slipover. The fit and design are a classic preppy look with a modern feel. It layers beautifully and features a gorgeous mohair halo, the neckline is easy to adjust to your preferences as well. Worked on 5.5mm needles with Aran weight yarn, you could complete this project in 2 weeks.

  • Diamond Pants by Bailey Baird ($9.50) - You might think I’m crazy for recommending you knit pants, but hear me out! These bulky weight pants are knit on 8.0mm needles, and you could easily make them into shorts by stopping early. I think these would make the cutest PJ shorts to make for your friends. If you’re making a shorts version, you could budget about a week per pair!

  • Miu Top by Una Gil (~$6) - This is one of the few items I’ll recommend with a tighter gauge. Knitted on 4.0 and 3.0 mm needles and sport-weight yarn, this top took me about a week to knit! I love the y2k-esque fit and simplicity of the design. Your friend who was listening to the Brat Album nonstop will love this top. Be sure to keep an eye on the recommended ease for best fit :)

  • Bitchin’ Skirt by Dani Ruiz (free) - This is one of my favorite tutorials I’ve made to date! I teach you how to make this skirt based on your measurements and fit preferences. I show you how to calculate stitch counts based on gauge, allowing you to use any yarn! If you’re not looking to do the math yourself, I also have a spreadsheet available for purchase to do the math for you.

  • Loupy Stripe Cardi by Loupy Studio (free) - One of the cutest free cardigan patterns on the market! Perfect for stashbusting while creating the cutest sweater. Worked on 6.0mm needles with aran yarn, I would budget 2-3 weeks to complete this project.

Gloves and Mittens are easily one of my favorite projects! They work up quickly, oftentimes have interesting construction, and are SO utilitarian. My fingerless gloves are easily one of my most-worn makes, and what’s more fun than gifting someone something they’ll use every day! I would budget about 1-2 weeks or less for all these options.

  • Chantal Mittens by Moreca Knit (~$7) - These snug-fit mittens can be made as either mittens or gloves and feature a slip stitch design. They’re perfect for anyone in your life with a sleek and sophisticated style. Worked on 3.0mm needles with dk weight yarn, they are sure to keep you cozy no matter the weather.

  • Marla Gloves by Astrid Muller (~$4) - Not ready to tackle a thumb gusset yet? No worries! (Though I will say, if you’ve knitted a raglan sweater, you can knit a thumb gusset.) I love a cozy sleeve pulled over my hand, and this glove accomplishes just that! It’s worked on 3.0mm needles with sport-weight yarn.

  • Tabi Mittens by Material Girlzzz (free) - This one is for the fashion girlies in your life. I also love the idea of still being able to use your index finger while wearing mittens! Worked with 2 strands of DK or worsted yarn on 6.5mm needles, you could finish these gloves in less than a week.

  • Kitten Catch Mittens by Florence Miller (~$6) - There’s no way I could skip adding these to the list. This is perfect for cat lovers (duh), but I can also see a little whimsical Studio Ghibli touch too. This project may be pushing to the 3-week time mark, worked on 2.5mm needles with fingering-weight yarn. One drawback, this is a one-size pattern for a medium-sized woman’s hand.

  • Tiilda Mittens by Inese Sang (free) - Who doesn’t love a little chunky cable? This is perfect for your friend who’s obsessed with the Chris Evans Knives Out sweater. Worked on 5.0mm needles and bulky weight yarn, this is another great option for a week-long project. Extra bonus, there’s a matching free beanie pattern if you’re looking to create a matching set!

Socks and Footwear are some of the easiest gifts to personalize! Socks can be everything from utilitarian to goofy, here’s a little tasting of the thousands of patterns out there. I generally budget 1-2 weeks to complete a pair of socks.

  • Berry Special Socks by Stone Knits (~$7) - This design always puts a smile on my face. If you’re looking for cute and whimsical colorwork, look no further than Stone Knits. Worked on 2.5mm needles with fingering-weight yarn, this project is also great to use up your scraps. Your cottage core bestie dreams of these socks.

  • Midsummer Dancer Socks by Sari Nordlund (~$8) - If you love the femininity of a ruffle, the lace flowers on these socks amp it up another level. Your friend with the Doc Martens Mary Janes will love pairing these with spring and winter outfits.

  • Apres Surf Socks by Dani Ruiz ($6) - These cable rib socks include instructions for DK and worsted weight yarn, meaning they’re the perfect bed/house socks. One of my testers even finished a pair of the DK version in 2 days! These are perfect for your friend who’s always wearing fluffy house socks.

  • Bubbles by Emma Bermudez ($7.50) - I’ve been obsessed with these socks for YEARS! Do you have a fish-loving friend? Or maybe someone who just loves goofy things? This is what I would go for! I might budget closer to 3 weeks for these socks :)

  • Spruce Socks by Kaitlin Barthold ($5) - These are the socks I would make for anyone who loves the great outdoors. The simple slip stitch is the perfect understated touch. I can’t wait to see my friends wearing these on their next hike!

  • Sailor Slippers by Annie Sews - Socks not quite what you're looking for? These felted slippers are the perfect alternative. This pattern is releasing on October 18th, stay tuned on her Instagram page! (@anniesews_)

Bits and bobs and other accessories are some of my favorite quick gifts to make, here’s a few that have been sitting in my Ravelry favorites

  • Wickedly Frisky Pocket Cat by Rebecca Danger ($5) - These little cuties can be made in any size at any gauge. Imagine gifting your friends a pocket-sized version of their own cat!

  • Fisherman’s Hottie Sweater by Sarah Hengstmann (free) - Does your bestie have a hot water bottle glued to their hands? Or do they need one? Either way, you can dress it up with a cute cozy! This one is worked on 3.75mm needles with DK weight yarn, but you can find thousands of free options to suit your giftee :)

  • Miniherzen by DUCATHI (~$5) - These mini hearts can be used for anything from stitch markers to ornaments to little garlands. I love the idea of making a garland for a kid’s room or window decor. The designer recommends you stick to a tight gauge!

  • Bunny Nuggets by Rebecca Danger (free) - These little nuggets of cuteness can be made at any gauge. I can see them decorating my desk at work, being little buddies for kids, or even stuffed with catnip for your pets! Note: if you do make them for pets, avoid anything that could accidentally be eaten (ex. snap-on eyes)

  • Scrunchie Bag by Loupy Studio (~$3.50) - This versatile design can be worked up in a variety of sizes and can be worn as a shoulder or cross-body style. This is the ideal bag for your cool younger cousin ;)

  • Muszelka Purse by Rat & Sea Witch (~$5) - These adorable seashell pouches are the perfect little stocking stuffers. Worked up on 3.5mm needles with DK yarn, these little guys are perfect to use up your scraps!

  • Butterfly Flight by Arella Seaton (~$3) - These mosaic colorwork projects are perfect as washcloths, coasters, potholders or anything else, depending on your yarn/gauge choice.

  • Rybka Pouch by Rat & Sea Witch (~$4) - This “little fish” pouch steals your heart at first glance! The length is adjustable, but the pattern includes instructions for an AirPod or pencil case.

  • Frilly Knit Scrunchie by Material Grrlz (free) - This frilly scrunchie ties around your hair, perfect for your friend who’s always trying out new hairstyles!

  • DEATH of Rats by Steph Conley (free) - Who doesn’t love a tiny grim reaper rat? Your alt bestie will be obsessed with her new little friend!

Looking for a summary of all these patterns plus more? I’ve wrapped everything together in this Ravelry bundle.

Yarn Recommendations

Picking the right yarn can be the trickiest part of gift knitting! I always recommend giving your stash a good look-through before going shopping. If you have a large stash like me, you may rediscover some great options already in there. I’ll organize my yarn suggestions based on “care level”, aka machine washable.

EASY CARE/MACHINE WASHABLE

When gifting items to people who typically don’t have time to handwash/don’t want to (ie. people with young kids, busy professionals, young adults who are still learning how to do laundry, etc), machine washable is always the safest option. The more hard wear and tear that you expect an item to get, the more I recommend that your yarn include some level of synthetic material. Remember, synthetic = durable; it’s all about getting the right balance to avoid that plasticy acrylic feel that knitters hate.

SPECIALTY/HANDWASH

I recommend using these specialty yarns for people who are experienced with taking care of nice clothing. Do NOT gift your little brother a cashmere beanie when you know he throws everything in the washing machine! These yarns are for people who you know will take the time to handwash or will ask you how to care for their gifts.

And that’s all I have for you today! I hope you found a pattern or two that gets you into the gift-knitting spirit. Got any patterns you want to share too? Drop them into the comments below!

Daniela Ruiz
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