January is a GREAT time to learn a new and productive hobby. During winter, you’re often cooped up in your house twiddling your thumbs. Instead, twiddle your knitting needles and get a head start on your gifts for the year. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, sometimes you need motivation to start a project. This weekend, start knitting a large project that you can continue throughout the weeks to come.
If you’re new to knitting, see Learn to Knit. The Learn to Knit article includes basic knitting information, links to YouTube videos that demonstrate technique, and some basic tried-and-true knitting patterns to get you started. You can easily complete an easy scarf or dishcloth in a weekend. See the Patterns I Have Used section in the article for these patterns.
If you’re a more experienced knitter, consider a fun project that would make a great gift. Here are some suggestions:
- CompactCarBlanket – This pattern from Lion Brand Yarn will help you create a fun and colorful blanket that you can keep in your car. It rolls up and includes straps with a button closure.
- OrnamentStocking – This Lion Brand Yarn pattern for a tiny stocking makes a great ornament, or can be hand-embroidered with a name and would make a great gift card holder.
- Pillow-HandspunCushion – This is a great pillow cover pattern is from Woven Flame.
- RippleAfghan – This gorgeous chevron-style afghan is from A Knitter’s Home Companion and would make a lovely gift if you coordinate the colors with someone’s home decor.
- Scarf-Homespun-1-skein – This Lion Brand Yarn pattern for a simple and soft scarf is a favorite of kids and adults alike and makes a great gift.
Basketweave Baby Blanket
For this weekend project, a baby blanket is a great place to start. This basketweave design is simple to knit, but makes a beautiful finished project. You can make a white one to keep on hand for a last-minute gift or use the pattern with multi-colored yarn to make an afghan as a non-baby gift.
BasketweaveBabyBlanketChecklist.pdf
This knitting pattern is a variation on the Lion Yarn Basketweave Baby Blanket (Download the PDF from HERE). This Epiphenie pattern includes a checklist that you can use as you knit to keep your place.
