Make Great Gifts without Knitting Patterns
As busy as we all are, sometimes we find ourselves with time to knit and no knitting patterns handy. What to do? Try some of these ideas for great gifts for knitting charities, family and friends, or actually keep for yourself.
Knitting for even a short period of time, means you are familiar with the stockinette stitch. If not, it is made up of alternating rows of knit and purl. This pattern will give you a smooth side (knit stitches) and a rougher side (purl stitches.) With this simple stitch, you can make a multitude of simple but useful gifts.
Placemats
Take an old placement you have in your home and measure it for the length and width. Knit your first row until it measures the width of your placemat. Purl the next row. Keep alternating until you reach the desired length for the new placemat. Finish off by crocheting a row of single crochets around the edge.
Potholders
The technique for potholders is the same as the placemat except it's a quicker project and it is square instead of rectangular. Again, use one of your own potholders for the measurements, and use the stockinette stitch until you get the desired size. Finish with the single crochet around the edges.
Scarf
Knitting patterns are also unnecessary for a great new scarf, all you need is the stockinette stitch. Start out using a specialty yarn for a unique and stylish look and follow the instructions as above.
Purse
Make purses easily and without needing to measure. Start out knitting until you have the width you want for your purse. Keep knitting until you have a length and can turn up 2/3. Sew the sides together on the wrong side with a strand of matching yarn and a tapestry needle. The other 1/3 will be the flap of the purse. Turn it outside and either use the stockinette stitch to make a shoulder strap or use it as a clutch purse.
Knowing that you don't always need knitting patterns is liberating to knitters. Now you'll never be caught anywhere where you can't start up that quick project. Simply take a look at what yarn is in your bag and start knitting away!
