Shawl Every Day 2021 - Day 22 - Holiday Gift Guide: Knitters and Crocheters
Shawl Pattern is Love & Darkness by Sylvia McFadden
Getting gifts for makers can be tough. They often already have everything they need or what they do need is really specific and it can be hard to buy the right thing. So this week I’ll be offering my tips for what to get (and not to get!). First up: knitters and crocheters.
Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are one of those things where we always have plenty, but we are also constantly losing. They are very small and can escape easily. Stitch markers are a great gift because there are so many cool ones out there so you can get really personalized ones.
Snag-Free Knitting Stitch Markers - These are my basic go-to style for knitting stitch markers. Nothing fancy, they come in lots of different colors to mark different things. Can’t go wrong here.
Fast Food Knitting Stitch Markers - For the fast food enthusiast. This shop has tons of cute options.
Cat Ring Knitting Stitch Markers - Um, hello? Super cute.
Locking Pin Stitch Markers - These can be used for either knitting or crochet. The locking pin means they won’t easily slip out of your crochet work.
Removable Crochet Stitch Markers - These are just gorgeous.
Cast On Counting Stitch Markers - I’m sure you’ve tried to interrupt your maker when they are starting a project and you head “Shhhh, I’m counting!” These stitch markers will help them keep track of how many stitches they’ve cast on.
Magnetic Chart Keeper
Pattern holders are super useful for keeping track of charts. I’ve mentioned before that I often just use a Crayola marker, but this would be a serious upgrade for the maker in your life.
Knitter’s Pride Pattern Holder - Comes in 2 different sizes and different colors. The small size fits a piece of paper folded in half and the large size fits a piece of paper not folder. The size shown is the small, but I have both sizes and both are useful.
Knit Picks Basic Chart Keeper - Simple, but cute
DIY Magnetic Chart Holder - If you’re into making it yourself, here’s a great tutorial for a DIY version!
Fun and Useful Accessories
These are the sorts of things that knitters and crocheters are less likely to have, but are super useful additions to their kit.
Crochet Hook Size Reminder - When you set a crochet project down and pick it up later, it can be tricky to remember what size hook you were using. These stitch markers will let you know!
Thread snips - We all have to cut yarn, but a new pair of thread snips can bring joy to the process. There are tons of gorgeous handmade and vintage options on Etsy that can add a little glam to a maker’s kit.
Labels - I know I don’t always do a good job of labeling my work, so getting some labels for the holidays would be wonderful. There are so many fun options on Etsy from ribbon to faux leather to fabric. If your maker is not as snarky as the one pictured, there are plenty of “handmade by” options as well.
What NOT To Get
Yarn - They probably already have enough. Or they may be particular about what yarn they buy. Or the yarn might not be useful for the projects they like to make. Maybe stick with a gift card to a shop you know they like or a note that says “next yarn buy is on me!”
Needles - Unless they’ve specifically asked for a new style or size or brand, best to skip this one.
Patterns - You are unlikely to know if the project is something within the maker’s skill set or even if they would like making it.
Yarn - Seriously. Don’t buy yarn. Just don’t do it.
