It’s half past November and I’ve only gotten a modest head start on my Christmas list. Are you in the same boat? Well, you know it’s the most stressful time of the year so we better get it in gear!
Luckily for us knitters, we have a myriad of knitted gifts that we can choose to make with the yarn that we already have at our fingertips. Handmade gifts are thoughtful ways to show someone you care, and you don’t have to fight the Christmas crowds at the shopping mall, so it’s really a win-win.
But, of course, the reason you’re here is that you’re asking that age old question – what knitted gifts should I make? That’s why I’m so excited to share these 25 free knitting patterns with you! Each item on this list is unique (i.e. there’s not like 3 hats and 6 scarves like some other round-ups I’ve seen) so you should be able to get lots of ideas!
We’ve got a little something for everyone in this post, so no worries if the people on your list are notoriously hard to gift for! Also, you’ll be pleased to hear that many of the patterns for knitted gifts that we are featuring today are unisex in nature so you can cross the guys off your list at the same time that you cross the girls off your list.
Of course, there’s some people that really just won’t appreciate a good knit hat or a nice knit scarf. So I’ve made sure to include a smattering of other unique gift ideas that compliment non-knit gifts. Here’s an example: an adorable knitted jar topper to accompany a jar full of cookie mix, homemade granola, flavored spirits or sugar scrubs. That way you can make it through your full Christmas list without having to worry about those negative nancies.
Oh, and one more thing. As I’m sure you’re painfully aware, free time is hard to come by this time of year! Rest assured, I’ve made sure that most of the patterns for knitted gifts on this list are fairly quick to knit. Whether that be items on the smaller side, or items made with bulkier yarn, or both! So, even if you’re reading this on Christmas eve – I bet you can find a few patterns that you can whip out in time. (That still sounds super stressful though, so why not just get a jump on it now? Scroll down and see all these beautiful knitted gifts for yourself!!)
Looking for gifts FOR knitters? Jump down past the patterns to find the best gifts for the knitters in your life!
Be sure to see Gift Ideas for Winter Lovers, too!
Featured Patterns for Knitted Gifts
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Free Patterns for Knitted Gifts
1. Gift Card-igans
Ain’t no shame in my gift card game! Sometimes gift cards are necessary, especially for folks that are hard to gift for. Adding a homemade touch adds thoughtfulness and cuteness to this quick gift idea. The quick and easy knitting pattern is worked flat and then seamed. The cablework really makes these knitted gift card cozies extra special.
Designer: Simply Notable
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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2. Cambria Wrap
The Cambria Wrap is an elegant balance of oversized charm and lightweight wearability. Triangle shawls are my favorite because they are so easy to wear. Plus, they are incredibly versatile – they can be worn in a number of ways and with a wide variety of outfits. This pattern features eyelet lace and tassel details.
Designer: Two of Wands
Yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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3. Gift Jar Toppers
When your free time is short and your Christmas list is long you need to think small. These knitted gift jar toppers are a quick and easy way to add a handmade touch to a jarred gift. The options for filling the jars are endless – try cookie mixes, homemade granola, flavored spirits, or sugar scrubs.
Designer: Caron Design Team
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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4. Jason’s Cashmere Hat
Read any list of knitted gifts on the internet and I’m sure there will be a hat pattern or two on there. So it seems that knitting a hat really is a no brainer! If you’re worried about the recipient not liking the hat, just make sure to pick a nice, soft yarn – like the lovely cashmere yarn recommended for this free knit hat pattern!
Designer: Melissa Thompson
Yarn: Sweet Fiber Yarns Cashmere Aran (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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5. I’m So Basic Socks
I know that some people gripe about receiving socks for Christmas, but I am not one of them! I’m always appreciative of a nice pair of socks, and I know that many others share my sentiments. Hence the need for a vanilla sock pattern. This one was designed for mindless and meditative knitting and it employs the use of the magic loop technique.
Designer: Summer Lee Design Co
Yarn: Casual Fashion Queen Sturdy Sock (Light Fingering Weight #0)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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6. Gift Bottle Cozy
Dress up a bottle of bubbly with an adorable knit bottle cozy. Shown here in burgundy and hunter green – these bottle cozies put a sophisticated twist on the traditionally bright Christmas color palette. The free knitting pattern is worked in the round using a combination of ribbing and stocking stitch. Finish it off with a couple of festive pom poms and you’re done!
Designer: Red Heart Design Team
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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7. Gift Bag
Employ the relatively simple technique of stranded colorwork to make a delightfully festive gift bag that can hold all manner of trinkets and treasures. You can probably tell just by looking at it, but this is a great project for using up bits of yarn leftover from other projects. I like this pattern because it enables you to add a handmade touch to anything you decide to gift.
Designer: Elena Alexeeva
Yarn: Gardstudio DROPS Nepal (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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8. Icicles Dishcloth
I know that it doesn’t seem terribly exciting to include a dishcloth amongst all our other pretty knitted gifts, but hear me out. This is actually a really good gift for someone who appreciates the practical things in life, and it’s a good idea for a hostess gift too. Really it’s all in the presentation – pair it with cookie mix or a cute set of kitchen utensils.
Designer: The Kitchen Sink Shop
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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9. Juniper Moose
It doesn’t get much cuter than this Juniper Moose from Knit Picks! As far as knitted gifts go, I think this one would work equally well for children and for cute home decor enthusiasts. Despite the intimidating size of this project, it actually works up fairly quickly thanks to the bulky weight yarn. And, yes, if you’re wondering, the wreath is removable!
Designer: Rachel Borello Carroll for Knit Picks
Yarn: Knit Picks Biggo (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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10. Three-Yarn Scarf for Giving
Working with multiple strands of yarn held together is one way to customize your knitted creations. This design combines the warmth of merino yarn with the fluffiness of a mohair-wool-silk blend and the rich hues of a mohair-silk blend. The other benefit of working with three strands of yarn held together is how much time you save thanks to the thickness.
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Super Soft Merino and Purl Soho Tussock and
Purl Soho Burnish (Held Together = Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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11. Festive Rose
An elegant rose is the perfect knitted gift idea for the flower enthusiast in your life. Attach a pin so they can wear it as a brooch, or sew it onto a shawl for a beautiful floral accent. You could also use it as a gift tag! The free knitting pattern is worked flat using basic stitches and knitting techniques.
Designer: Ambah Blog
Yarn: madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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12. Winter Smiles Headband
The Winter Smiles Headband is one of those rare designs that looks extraordinary, but is actually quite easy to knit. This double thick headband is worked as a tube in the round and then seamed with a special technique to make the twist. Choosing high quality yarns give this knitted gift idea a luxurious touch.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca and Garnstudio DROPS Kid-Silk
(Held Together = Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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13. Modern Mountain Throw Blanket
You might think that you don’t have the time to whip up a blanket before the big day, but you’ll be done with the Modern Mountain Throw Blanket before you know it thanks to the super bulky yarn. Since it’s all knit and purl stitches, it’s a nice mindless knit that you can work on while you watch TV. The rich textures and modern color scheme are sure to impress!
Designer: Mama In A Stitch
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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14. No-Purl Rib Hand Towel
Hand towels make excellent hostess and housewarming gifts. Pair them with a nice bar or bottle of hand soap, and you’ve got yourself a real winner. This design uses just knit and slipped stitches, so it’s very accessible for beginners. I recommend that you choose colors based on the recipient’s home decor color scheme.
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Field Linen (Sport Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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15. Toadstool Bookmark
Sometimes the best gifts are the unexpected ones! Delight the book lover in your life with their very own Toadstool Bookmark. I think that this knitted gift idea would go over particularly well if you tuck it inside a book that you think the recipient might like. The design is knit flat in one piece using short rows.
Designer: Dot Pebbles
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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16. Southwood
Sweaters are really a one-size-fits-all knitted gift idea, since everyone has the basic needs of warmth and coziness. The Southwood pullover can be used for nearly everyone on your Christmas list since it is available in sizes 0-6 months to 5XL, and since the basic design is gender neutral.
Designer: Galt House of Yarn
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Cascade 220® (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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17. It’s That Fast
Teens and adults alike will love how easy it is to wear this cute and cozy cowl. To ensure that these knitted gifts are well received, make sure that you choose a nice, soft yarn. (Because nobody wants a scratchy scarf!) This textured cowl pattern calls for a bulky weight yarn which should help you cut down on time spent knitting.
Designer: Marji’s Yarncrafts
Yarn: Cardiff Cashmere Large (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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18. Royal PomTassel
These fabulous tiered tassels are sure to make someone’s day! You can use them as purse charms, gift tags, or whatever else you can think of. They look so fun to make and they’re easy to customize too with different colors of yarn, different charms, beads, icord and more. I bet you know a person or two who would love these!
Designer: Alexandra Davidoff Studio
Yarn: Hedgehog Fibres Sock (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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19. Snowflake Mug Hug
Delight the coffee lover in your life with a reusable cup cozy in a classic winter theme. This design is knit flat in a single color. You’ll then go back and add the snowflake using the duplicate stitch technique. If quick and cute are your cup of tea, then this is the knitted gift idea for you! This gift pairs well with a coffee cup or a gift card to their favorite coffee stand.
Designer: Bernat Design Studio
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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20. Chloe’s Cushions
These cute little cushions were originally designed to hold pins. Fun fact: the lanolin present in sheep’s wool can help keep pins from rusting, so this would make a great gift for a seamstress. You could also fill the cushions with rice instead to make adorable little hand warmers. The pattern is knit in the round using stranded colorwork techniques.
Designer: Yamagara Knits
Yarn: Höner och Eir Nutiden (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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21. Kestrel Scrunchie
Scrunchies have been making a comeback lately – especially among Gen Z. That’s what makes this knitted gift idea so great for teenagers. Their small size also makes them well suited to stocking stuffers. They’re addictively quick to knit and they just look so polished. You’re definitely going to want to make multiples!
Designer: Ine Rufaidah for Quince & Co.
Yarn: Quince & Co. Kestrel (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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22. Planner Protection
Whip up a colorful slip cover to accompany a new planner or journal. Nothing beats that fresh notebook smell! This clever design is knit flat all in one piece in such a way as to avoid having to seam anything entirely. As you can see, it looks especially amazing in a color-changing yarn. What a fun knit!
Designer: Martina Behm
Yarn: Kremke Soul Wool Lazy Lion variegated and semi-solid (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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23. Hot Water Bottle Cover
A hot water bottle is the perfect gift for the person in your life who’s always cold. Add a cute knitted cover for a personal and handmade touch. This straightforward design is simple as pie and can be knit either flat or in the round – you decide! The hardest part will be deciding what yarn to use.
Designer: Maker Maker Store
Yarn: Wren & Ollie Spin DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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24. Point Edwards Mitts
These unique (and unisex) gloves feature a roll down cuff on both the finger part and the thumb part. Equal parts cute and practical, these gloves make it easy to stay warm while still having access to your digits should the need arise. The pattern is surprisingly straightforward and accessible for beginner and more experienced knitters alike.
Designer: Fairlight Fibers
Yarn: Cedar House Yarns Irish Yearling DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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25. Fringed Knit Basket
You can never have too many baskets! This surprisingly sturdy Fringed Knit Basket is a fairly quick knit that is sure to impress. It’s shown here in bright colors for a kid’s bedroom, but I think that it would look just as cute in muted tones for a boho living room. It’s knitted gifts like this that are sure to see some use for years to come!
Designer: Heather Lodinsky for Knit Picks
Yarn: Red Heart Bunches of Hugs (Quadruple Stranded = Jumbo Weight #7)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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What about gift ideas FOR a knitter?
Okay, so maybe you came to this post hoping to find a gift idea for your favorite knitter. Not to fear, we’ve got you covered there with this easy gift guide, too!
Here are some amazing gift ideas for knitting tools for the knitter friend in your life:
Interchangeable Needles
I don’t know any knitting friend out there that wouldn’t appreciate these as a Christmas gift – even if they already have a set! You can find sets of various needle sizes, from small needles for sock yarn (and lighter!), all the way up to larger needles for bulkier yarns.
Yarn Bowl
Yarn bowls are beautiful as well as functional. The best ones are a nice wood, so that if they fall of a table they don’t break. This would be a wonderful gift for an experienced knitter as yarn bowls will hold yarn wound into a cake.
Circular Needle Set
A set of circular needles is another great gift idea because you can get sets with many different sizes. This would be for an intermediate knitter or advanced knitter because you have to learn the basics before jumping into knitting in the round.
Fancy scissors
A really nice pair of scissors is always appreciated, especially if they are handy for on the go. I love smaller pairs of scissors that I can tote in a bag. I really love the ones that have a cover on the blades.
Custom Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are invaluable tools – and they can be beautiful as well as functional! I’m sure any knitter would appreciate this unique gift of cute and functional markers.
Bamboo or Wood Straight Needles
These are still my favorite straight needles of all time! If you know someone starting out or someone who doesn’t have all the needle sizes, get them some of these awesome bamboo or wooden needles.
Knitting Kit
This is a wonderful idea for a beginner knitter! There are a lot of great knitting kits out there, for all skill levels, but I think it would be most beneficial for a beginner or intermediate knitter. You can even get a learn to knit kit for those wanting to learn!
Knitting Project Bag
I don’t know a single knitter who doesn’t take their yarn on the go! Help them organize their projects with a handy knitting bag that can be stylish enough to also be their everyday bag!
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Are you going handmade this holiday? I know that there are a lot of ideas for knitted gifts out there, but I hope that my little list has been of some help. I’d love to hear about your favorite free patterns for knitted gifts in the comments below!
Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free knitting pattern round-up to all your knitting friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing knitting patterns.
I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
