The countdown to Christmas has begun and you’ve got more ideas than time? We’ve got 5 tips to help you finish your knit and crochet gifts just in time for the holidays!

11/29/2022

Don’t look at your calendar… Don’t! If you did look, you might be feeling a little bit anxious about the number of presents you want to knit and crochet for your loved ones and the time left to finish them! After all, surely you don’t want to be weaving in ends on Christmas Eve! Don’t worry, Katia is here to help with tips to finish every gift on your list with plenty of… with some time left before the big day!

1 | Start early

“Time is of the essence”, as they say. If you already have a list of presents you want to make for Christmas, don’t wait until the last minute to tackle it! 

Try starting with the smaller projects on your list: scarves, cowls and bags, for example. These projects are so fast to make, they will encourage you to continue with the larger or more elaborate gifts on your list.

Equanimity is a texture-centric crochet cowl, inspired by linear wood grain motifs, the scent of an herb garden after a fresh bout of rain, and peaceful crocheting time. Perfect for this hectic period!

2 | Plan

If you don’t already have a list, make one! Get a plan ready for each gift you want to crochet or hand knit. This will help you calculate how much time you need for each one and establish an order for your projects. 

When you download our free patterns, read them through to make sure you understand the different stitches and techniques, and check out our YouTube channel or Academy to clear up any doubts before you begin.

Follow this granny square blanket pattern made of granny squares in different sizes using 6 colors of Merino Aran.  

Are you looking for a gift idea for a newborn? Follow this free pattern to knit a baby blanket with circular needles and just 1 megaball of Katia Rocket. 

Or keep your loved one’s neck and hands warm with a single accessory: this free crochet scarf with pockets!  

3 | Materials

Make sure that you have all the materials you need for each gift before casting on or crocheting your starting chain to avoid having to stop halfway to go purchase more yarn or missing notions. Our patterns include a list of all of the materials needed to complete the project. Make a list of everything you need and gather everything before you begin.

To make the Live pinafore, for example, you will need the pattern and 5 balls of Essential Alpaca. Build your kit on our website:

Or, if you prefer the New Dawn poncho, choose your favorite color of Merino sport and add 22 balls and the pattern to your cart. Easy peasy!

4 | Take breaks

Repeat after us: “I am a human, not a machine,” and make sure to take regular breaks. Make sure you sit in a comfortable place, with good posture, and take the time to do finger and wrist exercises. Let go of your hook or needles every few rows and admire your progress. 

You might want to take this opportunity to make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and share some photos with us in the Knit & Crochet with Katia Yarns (US) Facebook group, or read about your favorite techniques on our blog.

5 | Enjoy 

In the end, knitting and crocheting are hobbies and they are meant to be fun. Relax!  

Maybe you’re a beginner and you’re afraid people will only see the mistakes in your work? stop worrying right now. The important thing is to make the presents for your loved ones with love (not perfection - we all make mistakes). The perfect gift is the one that comes from the heart!

In this set of accessories for the home, the patterns are suitable for beginners and you'll have great fun crocheting and gifting them.

We hope our tips and suggestions will help and inspire you in making your Christmas gifts. Remember: there are thousands of knitting and crochet patterns on the katia.com website for you to add to your list, and our Facebook community is there to help you along the way! 

Leave us a comment and let us know which of these 5 tips will help you most.