SaveSorted by time rather than by type, because in December the question is never what would be nice to make. It is what can be finished before the twenty fifth.
Part of our seasonal library.
Everything here is free. Nothing needs yarn you would have to order specially, and the timings are honest rather than optimistic.
Snowflake, small
Beginner20 min
Under half an hour in cotton thread. Make six.
Icicle
Beginner15 min
The fastest thing on this list.
Gift tag
Beginner15 min
A small flake or star with a chain loop, tied to a parcel.
Key ring charm
Beginner25 min
A tiny tree or bauble. The stocking filler.
Napkin ring
Beginner20 min
A band with a holly leaf.
Candy cane
Beginner25 min
A striped tube over a pipe cleaner.
Flat star
Beginner25 min
One round, stiffened flat.
Holly sprig
Beginner20 min
Two leaves and three bobbles.
Mini stocking
Beginner45 min
Fits a chocolate coin.
Bauble cover
Beginner45 min
Worked over a shop-bought ball.
Mug cosy
Beginner45 min
A band with two buttons.
Coaster, snowflake
Beginner30 min
Worsted cotton, no stiffening needed.
Mini tree
Beginner40 min
A stuffed cone for a windowsill.
Gift box ornament
Beginner30 min
A stuffed cube with a surface ribbon.
Ear warmer
Beginner1 hour
One band with a twist at the front.
Bookmark
Beginner30 min
Thread with a tassel.
Gingerbread man
Easy50 min
Two flat pieces with icing piped in chain stitch.
Snowman
Easy55 min
Two stacked balls with a scrap of orange.
Bell
Easy35 min
A flared cone with a bead inside.
Wreath, miniature
Beginner35 min
Worked around a curtain ring.
Fingerless gloves
Easy3 hours
A tube with a thumb hole.
Bunting, ten flags
Beginner3 hours
Triangles on a long chain.
Beanie
Beginner2 hours
Worsted on a 5.5 mm hook.
Mantel garland
Easy3 hours
Stars and trees along cord.
Market tote
Easy4 hours
Cotton, single crochet, sturdy.
Pot holder pair
Beginner2 hours
Cotton doubled. Never acrylic near heat.
Table runner
Intermediate6 hours
Filet crochet in cream cotton.
Stocking, full size
Easy5 hours
Worked in the round from the cuff.
Cushion cover
Easy5 hours
Plain with a single motif on the front.
Hot water bottle cover
Easy4 hours
A tube with a button flap.
What fits in the time you have left
| Evenings left | What is realistic |
|---|---|
| One | Ornaments, tags, charms, coasters |
| A weekend | Beanie, ear warmers, mug cosies, bunting |
| A week | Stocking, cushion cover, tote, pot holders |
| Three weeks | Table runner, several gifts, a full set of ornaments |
Questions
What can I crochet for Christmas in one evening?
Ornaments, gift tags, coasters, key ring charms and napkin rings. All under an hour each.
Are free crochet patterns good enough for gifts?
Yes. Check the pattern gives stitch counts per row and states whether it uses US or UK terms.
What is the most useful handmade Christmas gift?
Dishcloths, ear warmers and hot water bottle covers, because they get used rather than admired.
How much yarn should I buy for Christmas crochet?
Around 100 grams per accessory. A set of six ornaments takes under 100 grams in total.
Can I use acrylic for everything?
Not for pot holders or anything near heat. Acrylic melts. Cotton, doubled, for those.
When is it too late to start?
Nothing over four hours in the last week. A blanket started in December will not be finished in December.