Ok, yes, it seems weird to start thinking about Christmas as we’re just getting started with real Spring and Summer, but if we don’t start thinking about it now, we end up in a mad, hand-cramping, making frenzy in December or giving homemade gift cards for something we need to finish up in January-or worse-buying something! But if we start now, get some ideas, make some plans, and start working consistently, we can use the love we have for our friends and family to guide our making plans over the next 6 months and still enjoy holiday festivities come December. And won’t it be so exciting to present our loved ones with beautiful, thoughtful handmade gifts that we’ve been waiting with anticipation to give them?! So, once a month over the next 6 months, I will gather up a group of ideas and patterns to get us excited and motivated to start making some great gifts for our friends and family!
*Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and buy something, you don’t pay any extra, but I may get a small commission.*

You thought I was going to start with complex patterns, didn’t you? But The New London Wool Roving Pillow Cover Knitting Pattern from The Autumn Acorn is a quick and easy pattern made with wool roving, so it works up super quickly and makes a thick, warm, and luxurious accessory. I’ve included it here for a couple of reasons: you might need some time to locate the materials you need, but the project will be quick and you’ll get the payoff of being able to check an item off of your make list, which will help keep you going!

Again, we don’t have to make elaborate gifts for everyone. The Hillcrest Cowl Knitting Pattern from Peony Knits is a relatively quick and easy knitting pattern. This would be a great project if you’re a new knitter and you want to make some stylish gifts for your friends.
Update: this pattern is unfortunately no longer available. Check out these other great cowl knitting patterns for some great options!

This beautiful Blossom Wall Hanging crochet pattern from 1 Dog Woof is a lovely home decor crochet pattern that will look fantastic on your friend’s wall! It would be a great wall decor for a baby’s room. Also, it can be hung upside down for a rainbow look: same pattern, two entirely different looks. Just a different placement of the tassels. How fun is that? You can totally whip up one of these for your friend with the boho chic vibe.

1 Dog Woof also has this great crochet pattern for the Plume Sweater, which is a batwing sweater, consisting of 2 seamed panels. This sweater is so versatile; it can be worn year round and it’s so on-trend, your fashion-loving friend will adore this sweater. It is size-inclusive, with sizes from XS to 5XL

If you’re less confident about your recipient’s size, you can make this Boho Poncho with Fringe Crochet Pattern from A Frayed Knot Boutique. This fun poncho can be a great way to use up some half skeins of yarn and you can make them in just about any combo for a different look each time.

Again, just because we’re starting early doesn’t mean we need to make everyone a sweater. The Abigail Monogram Towel crochet pattern from Two Little Birds Patterns is a great, thoughtful gift to make for your colleagues or the women in your small group. It’s also nice to work on a small project that uses light cotton yarn during the warm summer months.

The Wildrose Shoulder Bag Crochet Pattern is All About Ami‘s latest pattern using her signature wildrose granny square. It’s a great pattern to work on through the summer months and would make a delightful gift for your sister or friend. Who doesn’t need another a lovey, relaxed handbag? Also, you can get this pattern as part of a Lionbrand Kit, which includes the pattern and all the yarn you need to make this project.

Have you been meaning to try out the buffalo plaid trend? This classic pattern is used in the Buffalo Plaid Sheepskin Lined Cowl Crochet Pattern from Whistle and Ivy and just screams winter and Christmas. You will need to track down some sheepskin fabric for the lining, but the crocheted buffalo plaid is quick and fun to work on and it’s amazing how a few colours of yarn come together to make the plaid pattern. This would make a great gift for a friend or family member.

We can’t forget the fun of making handmade toys for kids. Amigurumi are crocheted stuffed toys that are so much fun to make and give. Check out this fun and adorable Crochet Yoga Lemur Pattern from Yarns of My Heart. This little stuffed toy is completely wired so it can be bent in all sorts of shapes for a fun and interactive toy!
Update: unfortunately, this pattern is no longer available. Check out these other lemur amigurumi crochet patterns for some great options!

Do you know a cat-lover? Make them their own snuggly kitty in just a few hours. This little bundle of 4 Amigurumi Kitty Cats Crochet Pattern from Ami Amore allows you to make different kitty cats for all the cat-lovers you know!

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