Is it not just the best and most exciting time when you find out that a friend or family member is having a baby?
It may be immediately as you find out, or maybe just before the baby shower, but at some point, you will undoubtedly wonder, what could I get them? But like with any gift, there is always a risk when buying something that someone else might have already bought it.
So if you’re looking to gift a baby something that really means something, then what better than a homemade gift? It’s the thought that counts, isn’t it?
Knitting a piece of clothing, a blanket, toys etc with beginner kits from The Knitting Network can be the best unique present for the family and their baby and something that they’ll be able to keep and treasure forever!
How Can I Learn the Basics of Knitting?
If you are a beginner, don’t fret! There are plenty of ways you can learn to knit.
You don’t need to be super skilful or have a lot of patience, you just need to be able to follow a few basic rules and steps.
Learning to knit can be a lot of fun, and it’s not as difficult as you might think. There are online guides and tutorials on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, and you can even purchase affordable knitting pattern books from Minerva to get you started. Whether you’ve never picked up a pair of needles before or you just need a bit of a refresher from when you was young knitting with your grandparents.
All you need is a quiet place (where you won’t be disturbed), your tools that we’ll detail below, and about an hour of your time.
Your knitting adventures start here!
What Knitting Equipment Do I Need?
Anything you can get your hands on should be fine, although for knitting for beginners it is recommended you use smooth wool or acrylic yarn from somewhere like My Fabrics.
One thing to remember is that every person is different, what works for one might not work for another. You may need to try out a few different things to see what works best for you. Just experiment until you are comfortable with the basic techniques.
Here’s a list of the essentials you will need to get started:
- Knitting needles – needles size 6 to 8 (4mm to 5mm)
- Knitting yarn – smooth wool or acrylic yarn
- A Tapestry Needle – this is for you to be able to weave two ends together when you are finished
- Scissors – self-explanatory, to cut the yarn
- A project bag – somewhere for you to store all your work in progress and keep it all together
Easy Thing to Knit for Babies
Hospital Blanket
Every baby needs a cosy blanket to snuggle with, especially on their first outing out of the hospital to home.
You can make the blanket however big or small you fancy and there are plenty of patterns online for you to follow depending on how far you want to push yourself!
Hats
Is there anything better than seeing a baby in a hat?! They are a super gift for new parents.
Beanies seem to be the leading baby hat as they fit snug and are less likely to fall off. But why not try a bonnet or ear flaps to keep the wind out of their ears in the colder months.
Booties & Mitts
Keep those little toes and fingers warm with booties, socks or mitts.
Depending how much yarn you have depends on how many pairs of these you will be able to make as they don’t take much at all. Mitts come in so useful when the baby’s nails start to grow, too!
Scarf
Accessorise the new baby in a trendy style scarf. The baby’s circulatory system isn’t fully developed yet so scarves will always be a key item to make for a baby.
Adding buttons will make it so that the scarf won’t fall off the baby’s neck.
Cardigan
Cardigans are ideal for babies. Easy to get on and off and can be layered in any way possible. They are essential to any baby’s wardrobe.
You can choose from a mountain of patterns including open front, thick wintery buttoned designs or even one to match their favourite top!
Jumper
Perfect for any new arrival! Whether this would be customised to suit the little one, a classic cable knit or just a plain and simple jumper.
Personalised jumpers are even a favourite with the royal family!
Toys
A handmade toy, knitted with love that they can treasure forever? Yes, please!
There are a lot of ideas and patterns out there. Try and find out the colour scheme of the nursery or the theme the parents are wanting to go with and incorporate your toy with that. If the theme is a jungle, cuddly animals could be your go-to.
Cushion
Sometimes it can be difficult to know what to knit for babies that they won’t grow out of or no longer like when they are older.
Cushion and pillow patterns can come in all shapes and sizes, whether this just is a standard square cushion, the first letter of their name, a cloud, animal, stars and moon, the list is endless. Again with the toys, create something that fits into their theme.
