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20+ of the BEST gifts for knitters

If you have a knitter on your gift list these gifts for knitters will work for crafters of all levels.

Knitting is a hobby that I have always admired. The sight of someone sitting comfortably on a couch, needles clickity-clacking along as they make soft hats, sweaters and toys. It just looks so relaxing to me.  It’s something  I’ve always wanted to try but haven’t taken the leap yet. I wanted to do a gift guide for knitters so, considering my lack of knowledge, I decided to consult an expert. It just so happens that one of my BFF’s little sisters is an AMAZING knitter. Their whole family just exudes creativity and artistry…from quilting, to sewing, to knitting, to drawing and painting, everything crafty they touch turns to gold. Jesie Ostermiller is not only an amazing knitter, she is also published author of the book The Colorwork Bible, has her own amazing patterns, and has been featured in knitting magazines.  She is a real professional and she was kind enough to take some time to put together this amazing guide of gifts for knitters, whether you are a beginning knitter, an intermediate knitter or an advanced knitter.  You can follow Jesie and see her beautiful projects (and gorgeous sons!) on Instagram @Knitty_Jo. You can also purchase her patterns on Ravelry here. Thank you Jesie for your help!

Hands Knitting: Beginning Gifts for Knitters

Gifts for Knitters who are just beginning

Needles

A great pair of wooden or bamboo needles like these are a helpful gift for beginning knitters because they tend to grip the yarn a bit more than smooth metal. Having your stitches slide right off your needles is one of the scariest things that can happen to a beginner knitter, so give yourself some insurance. (Clover Bamboo straight needles, size 8)’

Yarn

This one is a bit more tricky. You want to start knitting with a “helpful, encouraging” yarn. What does that mean? If you use a yarn that is too fuzzy, too slippery or too itchy it can cause a new knitter untold grief. Choose something that appeals to you visually and feels good. It is helpful to start with a medium weight yarn, often labeled as “worsted weight” or a chunky yarn. Something like Lion Brand Wool Ease Yarn would be a good beginner option gifts for knitters.

Patterns

There are millions of patterns written for beginning knitters so it can be hard to choose. You want to look for something relatively small with a simple shape, such as a scarf or cowl. These types of projects can be finished relatively quickly and give you a lot of good practice executing basic stitches. A simple pattern would make great gifts for knitters.

Reference Book

One of the best knitting reference books, which I recommend to all new knitters just starting out is KnitSpeak. This book is packed with helpful information about deciphering patterns and any abbreviations or techniques you might run into.

A cute project bag

For storing projects in…big enough to accommodate the length of your needles as well as your skein of yarn. A cute project bag would make great gifts for knitters of any skill level.

Other Tools/Resources

A pair of small, sharp scissors is super handy gift for knitters.

A measuring tape. You can go simple like this one or opt for the more adorable option

There is also an amazing online class you could gift called Knitting 101. I  think the visual of the instructional videos would be super helpful for me in learning how to knit.

Woman Knitting: Gifts for Knitters

Intermediate Level Gifts for Knitters

Intermediate level pattern

Once you have mastered knit and purl stitches it’s super fun to play with new techniques. The most natural step is to play with colorwork techniques, changing colors and creating images in your knitting. This  Aspen Hat pattern looks complicated but is only ever knit with 2 colors at a time and is a good skill builder for the intermediate knitter.

The Colorwork Bible

This is Jesie’s new AMAZING book! With chapters outlining more than a half dozen colorwork knitting techniques, The Colorwork Bible is your updated exploration of both beginner- and advanced-level skills with a vibrant, modern palette and inspired projects. As gifts for knitters go, this one would be loved by knitters of any level.

Chart progress keeper

This ingenious product allows the knitter to keep track of their progress in a pattern by allowing them to track row by row instructions.

Small notions bag or box

This should be a small, ideally clear case that can hold scissors, stitch markers, a measuring tape, a tapestry needle or any other small notion.

Other Tools

A set of stitch markers is vital at this point to help the knitter keep track of progress in any given project. Markers are usually small, removable rings that help mark spots for increasing or decreasing or changes in the pattern.

Circular needles. After mastering straight needles, a nice pair of circular needles allow the knitter to knit around and around seamlessly. They are ideal for knitting hats and cowls. (chiagoo circular needles, size 6 on Amazon)

Double pointed needles. A 3rd type of needle, these needles are pointed at both ends, allowing you to knit in the round in small circumferences (example: the crown of a hat, as it is getting smaller and smaller)

Prepackaged Kit

Assuming a knitter is already equipped with needles and notions, a gift set can be a fun idea, providing the knitter with a pattern and enough yarn to complete the specified project.  This kit has the pattern for the beautiful Aspen Hat designed by Jesie plus the yarn to make it! I love this!!

You could also add to this gift a Knitting 201 Class  in this online course you learn how to knit a pair of socks!

Gifts for Advanced Level Knitters

Knitting pattern

with a new technique such as lace or cables. This cabled hat pattern is a fun and interesting project for an advanced knitter.

The Colorwork Bible

This is Jesie’s new AMAZING book! With chapters outlining more than a half dozen colorwork knitting techniques, The Colorwork Bible is your updated exploration of both beginner- and advanced-level skills with a vibrant, modern palette and inspired projects. As gifts for knitters go, this one would be loved by knitters of any level.

Cable needles

A different type of needle for the new pattern!

A stitch dictionary

These can be a great source of inspiration for a knitter. Check out this amazing new book on Amazon!

Other Tools and Resources

Swift and ball winder. This helps a knitter wind their skeins of yarn into balls that are easier to knit from. Here are a couple available through Amazon this Swift  and this winder .

Knit Picks Gift Card. Or a gift card to a local yarn store.

Subscription to a knitting magazine!

Blocking pins. These tools are amazingly helpful for helping to create a professional, finished look to your knitting projects.

I hope these gifts for knitters are helpful as you try to find the perfect gift for the person on your list who loves to knit.

Looking for other great gift ideas?

Happy Gifting!

Steph

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