Holiday prep starts early for us knitters if we plan to honour our special people with gift-worthy knits. With only a few weeks until Christmas it’s time to focus on those handmade gifts. To take the pressure off we’ve rounded up 7 knitting projects that are tried and tested with our Cowgirlblues yarns. Fast enough to finish, interesting enough to impress, and easy enough to enjoy knitting.
We’ve got socks, beanies, cowls, and shawls in a range of yarn weights – all realistic gifts you can finish before the end of the year, if you put your mind to it.
1. Basic Bereanie
Pattern: Basic Bereanie by Bridget Henderson (Free!)
Needles: 4mm/US 6
Yarn: Cowgirlblues Kidsilk (25g) held with Merino DK (100g)
More details on Ravelry
This beret-beanie hybrid is the perfect opportunity to play with different yarn combinations (and use up your stash!). By holding together two different colours of yarn (marling, if you want to get technical) you can broaden your colour options and create some beautiful, unexpected results.
If you need some marling inspiration, check out these swatches made by @olala.knitworks using our Merino Twist and Kidsilk. All of this colour variation comes from just five shades! Pretty amazing, right?
And if your intended recippient is truly giftworthy, maybe consider buying them a fur/faux pom-pom too!
When you’re ready to cast on, download the free pattern from our website.
2. Color Palette Socks
Pattern: Color Palette Socks by Laura Moorats (Free!)
Needles: 2.5mm/US 1.5
Yarn: Cowgirlblues Proper Sock Multi (100g) held together with 4 x Proper Sock Minis (20g) for the stripes
More details on Ravelry
The Colour Palette Socks are another great stash-buster. They’re cuff-down striped socks that look extra crisp with a half-twisted rib.
If choosing all those colours feels intimidating, start by picking one of our Proper Sock Multis that reminds you of the intended recipient. Once you have this colour, you can build up the rest of the palette without too much guesswork by using colours the same, or similar too, the elements of your base colour.
3. The Daily Socks
Pattern: The Daily Socks by Summer Lee ($5 ~ R85)
Needles: 2.25 and 2.75mm/US 1,2
Yarn: Cowgirlblues Proper Sock Multi (100g) and 1 x Proper Sock Mini (20g for contrast cuff)
More details on Ravelry
The Daily Socks are a great basic-but-not-boring pattern. They’re simple enough for everyday wear, but the stitch pattern and contrast cuff keeps them interesting. Margaret (Bridget’s mother, a keen sock knitter) has knit two sample pairs – one in Cher & Ruby Grapefruit and another in Miriam Makeba & Lemon.
4. Amren Shawl
Pattern: Amren by Joji Locatelli ($6 ~ R100)
Needles: 3.75 mm
Yarn: Cowgirlblues Merino Linen (100g)
More details on Ravelry
If you haven’t tried our Merino Linen yet, this pattern is a great place to start. The linen makes for a lightweight shawl with beautiful drape. It’s on the smaller side, so it’s a good choice if you’ve left your gift-knitting to the last minute (no judgement here). If you have the time, the pretty tassel details are worth the effort.
5. Nouverie Cowl
Pattern: Nouverie Cowl by Melissa N West ($8 ~ R140)
Needles: 3.75 mm and 4 mm
Yarn: Cowgirlblues Merino DK (200g)
More details on Ravelry
This cowl combines twisted knit stitches, cables, bobbles, and a frilled edge for a detailed but easily wearable gift. You’ll need a solid colour to do the pattern justice so that the mini cable details can take centre stage.
6. Loveletter Cowl
Pattern: Loveletter Cowl by Cowgirlblues (Free!)
Needles: 4.5 mm/US 7
Yarn: Cowgirlblues Merino DK (2 x 100g in contrasting colours)
More details on Ravelry
The Loveletter Cowl looks best when combining two contrasting yarns – the contrast helps the rib details to stand out. And it’s reversible too – vertical stripes on the one side, and floats on the other. So your knitworthy recipient gets two for the price of one!
You can find the free pattern on our website.
7. New Canaan Cowl
Pattern: New Canaan by Elizabeth Smith ($5 ~ R85)
Needles: 6mm/US 10
Yarn: Cowgirlblues Fluffy Mohair (100g)
More details on Ravelry
This pattern uses the biggest needles of the bunch – always a win when you’re on a deadline. Although people don’t always believe it works up with a single skein of Fluffy Mohair, it sure does.
The stitch pattern is simple and easy to follow. And Elizabeth Smith has included instructions for multiple yarn weights, from Fingering weight to Bulky.
Whether you’re knitting for others or treating yourself, these patterns will see you through the holiday season stress-free. They’re quick enough to finish without any last-minute panic, and special enough to show you really care. And that’s the sweet spot for gift knitting.
Have fun!
by Holly Kane and Bridget Henderson