Fold Headband
The crochet version, with back-loop ridges that look like knitted rib.
- Stitch
- Half double crochet ridge
- Size
- 3½ in / 9 cm wide × 21 in / 53 cm around
- Yarn
- 95 yd / 85 m of DK (1 skein)
Quick knit and crochet gifts
Nine small projects that make lovely gifts, from a one-hour crochet ear warmer to a cosy cowl. Each one shows how much yarn to buy and roughly how long it takes.
Updated
Fold Dishcloth
Grit stitch makes a scrubby, hard-wearing cloth for the kitchen.
- Stitch
- Grit stitch
- Size
- 9¼ × 9¼ in (23 × 23 cm)
- Yarn
- 105 yd / 95 m of worsted (1 skein)
Dune Basket
Super-bulky yarn and a big hook make this basket fast and sturdy.
- Stitch
- Single crochet
- Size
- 9 in / 23 cm square × 7 in / 18 cm tall
- Yarn
- 185 yd / 170 m of super bulky (3 skeins)
Cove Hat
Worked sideways so the ridges run up the hat like ribbing.
- Stitch
- Half double crochet ridge
- Size
- 20½ in / 52 cm around × 8½ in / 22 cm tall
- Yarn
- 200 yd / 185 m of worsted (2 skeins)
Lane Washcloth
Make two or three in cotton and tie them with a bar of nice soap.
- Stitch
- Seed stitch
- Size
- 9 × 9 in (23 × 23 cm)
- Yarn
- 85 yd / 80 m of worsted (1 skein)
Lane Headband
A snug ear warmer in stretchy rib that fits almost anyone.
- Stitch
- 2×2 rib
- Size
- 3½ in / 9 cm wide × 21 in / 53 cm around
- Yarn
- 85 yd / 80 m of DK (1 skein)
Brook Cowl
A quick crochet cowl that’s warm without being bulky.
- Stitch
- Half double crochet ridge
- Size
- 8 in / 20 cm deep × 24 in / 61 cm around
- Yarn
- 250 yd / 230 m of DK (2 skeins)
Harbour Hat
Knitted flat and gathered at the top: the easiest hat there is.
- Stitch
- 2×2 rib
- Size
- 20 in / 51 cm around × 8½ in / 22 cm tall
- Yarn
- 175 yd / 160 m of worsted (1 skein)
Glen Cowl
A flat strip seamed into a loop: no knitting in the round.
- Stitch
- Seed stitch
- Size
- 8¼ in / 21 cm deep × 24 in / 61 cm around
- Yarn
- 240 yd / 220 m of DK (2 skeins)
Planning your gift making
- Count back from the date. Add up the hours, then double them: life gets in the way, and blocking and wrapping take time too.
- Buy all the yarn at once so each colour comes from the same dye lot.
- Make a set: a hat and matching ear warmer, or three washcloths in different stitches, from the same yarn.
- Add a care label. Write the fibre and how to wash it on a small tag.
Common questions
What is the quickest thing to knit as a gift?
Small, flat pieces in thicker yarn. A washcloth or an ear-warmer headband takes an evening; the Fold Headband takes about an hour at a steady pace.
When should I start knitting Christmas gifts?
For small gifts, early November is fine. For hats and cowls, start in October. For anything big, like a blanket or a sweater, start by September, or give it as a New Year gift.
How are the times worked out?
From the number of stitches in each project at its gauge, at 20 knit stitches or 12 crochet stitches a minute. That's a comfortable pace for a confident beginner; new makers are often slower, and fast ones can be twice as quick.
What yarn is best for gifts?
Machine-washable wool or a wool blend for anything worn, cotton for washcloths and dishcloths. Add a small tag with the fibre and washing instructions.