Last minute machine-knit gift ideas

I thought I'd do a little post grouping some last minute machine-knit ideas together, for anyone needing a few quick stocking fillers! These patterns are chosen for their speed of execution, not the technical skill required! 

Hats:

Blowing my own trumpet here, an easy hat for all gauges of machine in 2x2 rib - it's stretchy so fits a wide range of heads! No ribber? This hat is an easy knit on a standard gauge machine, and makes a reversible hat. You can use fairisle patterning on it, too - don't forget to turn the first pattern upside down though if it's a "directional" pattern! And if you'd rather cut and sew a hat, this is a great tutorial. 

Gloves and mittens:

This is a fairly simple mitten pattern kindly shared by Gerda Stitt - if you don't have a ribber, you can easily work mock rib for the wrist, or cast on in waste yarn and handknit the rib later.  

If you fancy a bit of a challenge, Susy Ranner kindly shared an old Knitmaster pattern here for 3ply or 4ply gloves with fingers. Beware though - the fingers are quite fiddly to do, and there are always lots of ends to weave in on gloves! 

Socks:

The penny sock has long been my go-to sock pattern (a ribber is required) for many years, before I got my CSM. If you've got a Passap, this Easy Passap sock is pretty much the same pattern, except no waste yarn is required. Use sock yarn if you want them to wear well, acrylic or wool if they're for just around the house or in bed. 

Neckwarmers and scarves:

I love this, lightning fast winter cowl - straight DBJ knitting and a quick seam with a sewing machine. 

I wrote up a pattern for a chunky scarf using the ribber here. Sorry there isn't a bigger picture of it! There's another pattern for a simple tube scarf here. No ribber? I wrote up a simple stocking-stitch scarf here - it happened to have a giraffe on it, but you could leave that off or use your favourite fairisle pattern. If you're lucky enough to own a garter carriage, this cowl practically knits itself. And for the Passap owners, this scarf is a straight strip of N/N that requires very little finishing off. 

Baby items:

There's a simple pattern for a baby blanket here, plus instructions on how to chart it for different stitch patterns. 

Love these twisted headbands, too - a quick knit.

However you decide to spend the holidays this year, I hope it's a time of peace and joy for you. Merry Christmas everyone, and let's hope 2021 is better!