The prospect of knitting a baby gift may be quite frightening to many hobbyist knitters – especially those who have never knitted baby items before. While it might have "seemed like a good idea at the time," one may suddenly realize she or he has decided to make something that requires very small needles, tedious detail and probably a very near deadline. This handy guide on how to choose reasonable
baby projects will help knitters avoid the pitfalls of choosing overly ambitious projects and will help even the most beginner knitter select and finish a baby gift that the recipient can appreciate and enjoy.
Know Your Limitations
The first step in choosing an appropriate baby gift project is to be honest with oneself and set boundaries. The time to learn how to knit tiny cables is not when the baby shower is three weeks away. Likewise, it is not a good time to work with slick or silky yarns. It is, however, the time to make a list of
knitting methods that seem easy. For instance, is it easier to knit than to purl, or is it equally easy to do both? If so, put them both on the list. Is shaping a cinch or is it a struggle? If it is a struggle, leave it off the list. Answering questions like these honestly and making a list of one's own "expert level" skills will determine what kind of pattern will work best for quick and painless completion.
Select Patterns and Yarns Based on the List
Knitters should choose baby projects based on the skills they currently have ("the list" as described in the previous paragraph) so that the project is easy enough to be completed within a reasonable amount of time. There is nothing more discouraging than beginning a project that is too hard when a deadline is involved.
Projects such as blankets and simple cardigans are good for those who lack shaping experience. Hats and skirts are perfect for knitters who like to work in the round. Booties and more complicated pieces such as pullovers or stuffed animals are best left to knitters who are adept at shaping and working in the round, unless the project is knitted flat and sewn together.
Overall, projects that use baby yarn or lightweight blends of wool, cotton and/or acrylic are probably the best choice for stitch consistency and workability. Here are some guidelines for pattern selection:
- Read the pattern carefully and completely before making a selection. Look at all the types of stitches required to determine whether they are on the list or not. The simpler the stitch pattern, the faster the project will be to knit, so knitters should steer clear of cables, bobbles, lace or other intricate stitch patterns unless they have had good experiences with those.
- Look at the type of yarn and the gauge required for the project to determine whether it is a common blend of fibers (moreover, available in the desired color) and a reasonable gauge. For example, sock yarn might present a challenge to a knitter who has never knitted anything with size 0 needles before. For the sake of simplicity, it is best, when possible, to purchase the same yarn used in the pattern rather than hunting for something else that is compatible.
- Pay attention to the number of lines in the pattern instructions and the number of pieces the project requires. Ordinarily, the more lines there are, the more complicated the pattern is, and the more pieces there are, the longer it will take to knit. A wonderful word to look for in a pattern is "repeat." This instruction indicates that the knitter can do again what they just did before. The more times this word shows, the easier the pattern will be.
- Above all else, choose a pattern that is adorable and irresistible – it is much more likely to result in a finished project. One that is "just okay" will probably end up in the UFO (unfinished objects) drawer.
Prepare to Get Knitting
- Once the knitter has gotten the pattern and the yarn for his or her project, it is time to get started. But first, there are a few tricks that will help the project move along at a steady pace so that it can be finished in time for gifting. Here are the steps for preparation:
- Divide the pattern into sections and mark them accordingly. For example, if there are fourteen days between now and when the gift should be finished and there are 28 lines in the pattern, divide the pattern evenly into two-line sections. If the project will only be knitted over one weekend, divide the pattern in half. By establishing a visual cue, the knitter will have a goal each time he or she sits down to knit and will be able to see progress.
- Prepare the yarn. If it was purchased in skeins, wind all of the skeins into balls before beginning.
- Find the right tools. Locate all the knitting tools needed for the project and put them in a bag or basket along with the yarn and the pattern. Stitch markers, a measuring tape, scissors, a pen, sticky notes, double-pointed needles and other tools should all be within arm's reach to save time.
- Keep the project close. On-the-go knitters should keep their project in a bag so they can take it with them and work on it at any given time. At-home knitters should keep their project readily accessible wherever they usually sit down to read or watch television so they can knit while they sit.
Anyone from a novice to an expert can effectively select and complete a baby gift project by following these simple guidelines. By making a skills list, selecting the project carefully and being prepared, a knitter's anxiety about creating a baby gift will never outweigh the sheer joy of knitting.
Lynette Elliott - Lynette Elliott is a cable-obsessed sweater knitter, seamstress and freelance writer. She lives in Dallas, TX with a husband, two dogs and ...
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