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The BEST DIY Gift Ideas: Knit and Crochet Baby Patterns

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Looking for the best DIY gift ideas? The holidays will soon be upon us, so it’s time to start making all of your handmade gifts. These knit and crochet baby patterns are the perfect gift for the little one in your life. There’s love and care put into every stitch, so these baby patterns are bound to be treasured!

The BEST DIY Gift Ideas: Knit and Crochet Baby Patterns

Making knit and crochet baby patterns as gifts for either the holidays or for baby showers is a great idea for so many reasons. They’re often much more inexpensive than buying the same item at a baby store or boutique. They’re also a great way to use up your stash of yarn. For instance, baby bootie patterns are super stashbusters – you’ll get through your stash in no time!

We also love baby blanket patterns because they’re so snuggly and soft. Every little babe deserves a beautiful and cozy blanket for nap time. These gorgeous baby blanket patterns will make the perfect addition to any nursery or child’s room. Simply customize to the colors to your preference and get stiching!

The BEST DIY Gift Ideas: Knit and Crochet Baby Patterns

 

How to Make Baby Booties

Any of these crochet baby booties or free knitting patterns will help you make the best booties! From fun designs to the basics that every baby needs, these free bootie patterns are a must-have.

Cutie Newborn Baby BootiesSuper Easy Knit Baby Booties

Basic Baby Booties

Moccasin Style Baby Booties Pattern

Bitty Baby Uggs

Owl Crochet Baby Booties

Cowboy Booties

Cutie Newborn Baby Booties

Free Baby Blanket Patterns

Knit or crochet up something warm and snuggly for the perfect handmade gift that will last for years to come!

10 Day Quick Knit Baby BlanketVelvety Basketweave Baby Blanket

Baby Bubbles Crochet Afghan Pattern

10 Day Quick Knit Baby Blanket

Ripple Rainbow Baby Blanket

Pie Crust Baby Blanket

Gray Grandma Baby Blanket

Lace Chevrons Baby Blanket

Fun & Free Baby Patterns 

These free crochet and knitting patterns are extra fun for that lovable little one in your life. They’re one-of-a-kind gifts that are too adorable to resist!

Baby Elephant Crochet HatBaby Elephant Crochet Hat

Baby Bear Newborn or Preemie Hat

Blooming Berry Baby Mitten Pattern

Breezy Baby Beanie

Galaxy Baby Beanie

Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern

Which of these free knitting and crochet patterns would you make as a gift?

3 Tips for Crocheting an Adorable, Customized Baby Shower Gift!

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I’m Marie Segares from Underground Crafter. I’ve mentioned before that I love crocheting baby projects, and I’ve recently shared two free blanket patterns on FaveCrafts.

Now, I keep a little stash of ready-made crochet baby blankets for last minute gifts, but once in a while, I want to make something very special to welcome the newborn of a dear friend or family member. Here are 3 tips I follow for crocheting customized gifts that will thrill your favorite parents-to-be.

Carefully choose colors

One of the easiest ways to customize a crocheted baby gift is by selecting the color of your yarns to match – or contrast – colors in the nursery. Many parents today use non-traditional colors, so rather than choosing plain white, yellow, pale pink, or baby blue yarns, find yarns that fit with the decor of the nursery.

You can find out about the nursery colors by looking through the online baby registry. Another great place to get a “sneak peak” of the nursery decor is on social media. If one (or both) of the parents are on Facebook or Instagram, you may find pictures of a painted room, or with some sleuthing on Pinterest, you can find a board with nursery ideas. And, of course, you can always ask!

Add letters or names

If the parents have already named the baby, you may want to add a crocheted, embroidered, or “monogram” name to your project.

The Stitchy Gift Tags free crochet pattern includes a tutorial for using the backstitch to add words to your completed crochet projects.

Basic Crochet Square, free crochet pattern by Olivia from Hopeful Honey on FaveCrafts.

Basic Crochet Square, free crochet pattern by Olivia from Hopeful Honey on FaveCrafts.

Another option is to use graph paper to chart out the letters of a baby’s name in blocks for a crochet granny square blanket. Choose a one-color granny square pattern, like the free Basic Crochet Square, and “spell” out the name with squares in a contrasting color yarn.

Make a layette

For a truly special gift, go beyond one project and make a layette set including a blanket as well as a jacket, cap or bonnet, booties, diaper cover, and/or a hooded towel. I love to include a set of baby washcloths in organic cotton yarn, too.

Circle Hexagon, free #crochet pattern by @ucrafter

The Circle Hexagon makes a great baby washcloth. The free pattern is available here on the Underground Crafter blog.

Choose your favorite patterns to mix and match into a great set. If you keep the color scheme consistent, the layette will look coordinated!

What are your favorite tips for crocheting baby shower gifts?

The Cutest Baby Crafts You’ve Ever Seen (Seriously!)

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Want to make a big impression at the next baby shower you attend? Here’s an ideas – give the absolute best gift. Sure, the new mommy is supposed to be the star of the show, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your own moment in the spotlight. Among a sea of store-bought items, your handmade gift is sure to stand out, and we think that’s awesome!

What items meant the most to you when you were a tot? For me, it was my crocheted baby blanket. My mom received the blanket as a gift and it grew up right along  with me. Handmade items are so much more likely to become keepsakes and leave a lasting impression on the recipient. Be that memorable person and make something meaningful for your next baby shower or celebration. Fair warning about sometime hormonal moms to be – they may not be able to contain their excitement, enthusiasm and appreciation.

 

Crochet For Babies

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on crochet baby patterns. There are so many ways to make a delightful baby gift – all you need is a hook and some yarn. If you’re short on time, make a hat or toy. If you’re willing to put in a little extra time and effort, create an afghan or baby sweater. No matter, what the results are sure to wow everyone! The finished crochet piece will keep kids warm, toasty and comfy. New mommies – do you know what that means? Less crying and more (adorable) giggling from your bundle of joy. What could be bad about that?

crocheted-baby-dressAdorable Crocheted Baby Dress

Scalloped Bubblegum Baby Dress

Impossibly Cute Baby Skull Hat

Baby Pullover Sweater

Precious Crocheted Baby Booties

 

More Super Cute Baby Crafts

If you can’t crochet, you’re in luck – there are plenty of other ways to create adorable baby gifts. Knit, sew or craft something that a baby can wear or a new mom can display. Any hip youngster needs cool looking threads, so step up to the plate and make sure they don’t disappoint! Your homemade designs will make everyone say “Awwwww”,  so prepare accordingly. Baby crafts are fun to make because they can be over-the-top, so experiment with bright colors and wild designs. When it comes to DIY projects for kids the more eye-catching your design is, the better!

Simply Adorable Sock Yarn Baby Booties

Precious Hooded Cardigan

Too Cute Baby Tank and Leggings

Sweet Dreams Hat

Burst Blossom Headband

Modern Lovey Baby Afghan

 

 

What is the Last DIY Gift You Created?

 

 

The Circus Is In Town! Animal Prints and More

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Who doesn’t love the circus? I know, I know–some of us have trouble with clowns. But doesn’t everybody have at least one great memory of the circus? Maybe it was the huge elephants, or the acrobats, or the lion trainer putting his head in the lion’s mouth. Or maybe you liked watching the trick horses. Whatever it was, there was that one, magical moment.

Well, now you can capture those memories in an easy quilt pattern! Recreate the magic for your kids in one of our gorgeous baby quilt patterns or snuggle up underneath a warm memory with one of these modern quilt blocks. And if neither of those tickles your fancy, why not try out one of our small quilt projects? There’s something for every animal lover!

Baby Quilt Patterns

Circus is in Town QuiltYou can lose with an animal pattern for easy baby quilts. Try out the Circus is in Town Quilt or the Off to the Zoo Baby Quilt for a fun adventure that will keep your little one warm and their imagination active.

1. Circus is in Town Quilt
2. Circus Baby Quilt Patterns using Hawaiian Applique
3. Off to the Zoo Baby Quilt
4. Zoo Racers Baby Quilt
5. Zoology Bubbles Baby Quilt

Modern Quilt Blocks

Giraffe Quilt BlockThese gorgeous, modern quilt blocks are great to mix and match! Use a combination of the Giraffe Quilt Block and the Swimming Sea Turtle Block to together a whole zoo or stick with just one herd. Either way, you’ll have a fun, festive quilt that will look good in every room.

1. Giraffe Quilt Block
2. Swimming Sea Turtle Block
3. Tiny Tabby Block
4. Grumpy Cat Block
5. Birds on a Wire Block

Small Quilted Projects

Jungle Safari Medallion QuiltPillows, wall quilts, and plushies, oh my! These adorable small quilted projects are perfect bits of home decor flair for your kitchen, living room, or bed room. Make the beautiful Stuffed Turtles for a nice twist on your guest room decor or hang the Jungle Safari Medallion Quilt on your living room wall.

1. Stuffed Turtles
2. Jungle Safari Medallion Quilt
3. Safari Applique Pillows
4. Patchwork Bunny Buddies
5. Elephant Applique Cushion

Want more adorable animal quilt patterns?

300X250 Baby Mine, Don’t You Cry: 20 Precious Baby QuiltsSpeaking of adorable animal quilts, win the Leo the Lion Applique Cuddle Kit, the Sweet Dreams Boy Wee One Cuddle Kit, or the Scottie Girl Ziggy Cuddle Kit from Shannon Fabrics! These kits will help you make the warmest, coziest, cuddliest baby and young child blankets you can imagine. What’s more, they’re absolutely adorable. The Shannon Fabrics Cuddle Kits combine cute patterns and designs with comfort to keep whoever’s nestled in them happy and warm, no matter how cold winter gets!

Get a closer look at the prizes…

Leo the Lion Applique Cuddle Kit
Sweet Dreams Boy Wee One Cuddle Kit
Scottie Girl Ziggy Cuddle Kit

What’s your favorite memory of the circus?

Simple Sewing Projects: 16 Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners

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Simple Sewing ProjectsMy first sewing project was a fabric plush doll similar to the Soccer Sister Doll. Of course, mine wore a dress styled after Little House on the Prairie and was as nonathletic as her maker. But I’ve kept her all these years, and now she sits in a place of honor in my sewing room.

Soccer Sister Doll

Whether you have a child just learning to sew or are a beginner yourself, those first projects will always have a special place in your crafting heart. To that end, AllFreeSewing has your back with our new eBook, Simple Sewing Projects: 16 Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners! This eBook is chock-full of tutorials and how-tos to improve your sewing technique while making gorgeous, stress-free projects. Simple Sewing Projects: 16 Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners includes everything from market purses to scrapbusting coasters — and all on a budget!

Here are just a few of the awesome projects you’ll find in Simple Sewing Projects:

Bib with BiasBib with Bias

There are so many practical uses for this easy DIY bib. The Bib with Bias makes a great gift for baby showers, for one thing; for another, this pattern is incredibly easy to alter to be made doll-size. So if you’re teaching your little one to sew, this is a great place to start.

If you’re a novice sewist unused to working with bias tape, this is definitely the project for you. The shape and design of the bib is super easy to work with, so you’ll get great practice sewing on the bias.

And, of course, it’s adorable. Make a few grownup-sized bibs for the next time you serve lobster!

Big Books Library Bag

Big Books Library BagI love this cheeky DIY tote. And it’s shockingly easy to make! Not only does this tutorial teach you how to make a bag, but how to create the graphic as well. That’s a trick that you’ll use over and over on your sewing journey. From applique to embroidery, adding an overlay makes any pattern uniquely yours.

The Big Books Library Bag is also great for its sheer usefulness. You’ll make a bag that is incredibly sturdy and roomy, the perfect size for almost anything. Need to make a trip to the library to pick up books for a research project? No problem. Need to run to the grocery to cook for your in-laws? No problem. Need to lug around a holiday season’s worth of half-finished crafts to work on at the doctor’s office?

No problem.

Braided Scrap Coasters

Braided Scrap CoastersIf you’ve ever sewn before, you know that every project has leftovers. Don’t throw them out! There are tons of great ideas for scrap fabrics out there, like these Braided Scrap Coasters.

These coasters are super easy to make, use up a bunch of those scraps, protect your counters and tabletops, and they’re absolutely free! It doesn’t get better than that in a DIY home decor craft.

There are so many great projects just waiting for you in Simple Sewing Projects: 16 Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners. Whether you’re teaching or learning, this is the perfect eBook to get ideas for easy sewing projects.

 

Who taught you to sew?

Cute and Cuddly Baby Crafts Fit for the Crown

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In honor of the royal birth that we have all been patiently awaiting, AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com is celebrating with our favorite baby shower crafts! Whether we’re gaining a little royal prince or princess, these cute and cuddly baby crafts are fit for the crown. Take a look at our list of 20 Cute and Cuddly DIY Baby Shower Crafts; they will be sure to satisfy even the noblest babies! We can all agree that baby showers are life-long memories that new mothers will carry throughout their lives. Make them even more special with a few handmade baby shower ideas that are fit for the Duchess of Cambridge herself!

Royal Party Decor

Every party-thrower knows that it’s not time to party until you whip up a few handmade decorations. These DIY baby shower decorations will make the entire celebration sparkle! From buntings and banners to cupcake toppers and wall art, each one of these DIY baby shower decorations is definitely darling. Get the party started with one of the amazing, fun, and festive baby shower decorations on our list of 20 Cute and Cuddly DIY Baby Shower Crafts. This It’s a Boy Bunting is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of a little prince! It’s easy enough to make a pretty pink version to celebrate a new princess.

DIY Baby Shower Gifts

Don’t forget to show your love for the little one with a homemade baby shower gift they can keep forever. Make their trip home from thehospital a warm and comforting experience with a lacy crochet baby beanie, or stack up a diaper cake full of everything that the little one will need when they get home. No matter which one of these homemade baby shower gifts that you choose baby will be happy, healthy, and comfortable with them. Personalize your own frame to commemorate the new birth that you’re most excited for! This precious picture frame is the perfect DIY baby shower gift.

 

Baby-Inspired Party Favors

The big sendoff is always a priority, because it’s the last memory your guests will have of the party. Make it a good one with one of our DIY party favors for the shower. These do-it-yourself party favors will prove your appreciation, and the mommy-to-be is sure to thank you for whipping them up. Make her job easy when you create a DIY party favor for the expecting mother, she has more than enough to worry about!

Baby watch 2013 is in full swing! Have a party with your gal pals while you wait for the new arrival; these cookies are the perfect party snack.

 

 What’s your guess? Will Princess Kate have a boy or a girl?

Baby Gifts Ideas that Will Guarantee Success

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We’ve all been there. You think you’re good to go in terms of Christmas, birthdays and all other homemade presents and all of a sudden a new baby is born. Be prepared for your next get-together by learning how to make homemade gifts for new babies that will be well received by both the newborn and the parents. These baby gift ideas are super fun to make, not only because they are easy to put together, but because they’re just darn right cute. Whether you use these as birthday gift ideas, baby shower gift ideas or Christmas gift ideas, this collection of crafts is worth checking out. Follow my list of DIY baby gifts and consider saving yourself a trip to the toy store and indulging in a little craft-time for yourself.

Baby Gifts Ideas that Will Guarantee Success

1. Based off of my interactions with new parents, I’ve learned that they’re terrified for their baby’s well-being. I never come across a new parent who doesn’t continually glance at their child as though they’re waiting for spontaneous combustion of some sort. This is entirely understandable and can be used to your advantage when deciding on homemade gift ideas. This Christmas, create these super easy Best Baby Knee Pads. It’s scary enough having a crawling baby loose in the house. Put the parents’ minds at ease by providing some knee protection for their little one’s sensitive skin.

 Best Baby Knee Pads

2. Obviously, this Baby Christmas Beanie is for the holiday season. Homemade Christmas gifts for babies really don’t get cuter than this tree topper. The newborn will be getting a lot of baby hats during its debut into the big bad world, but you can gift a homemade hat that’s unlike any other with this crochet craft.

 Baby Christmas Beanie

3. I love this idea from Club Chica Circle. This Cupcake Onesie Gift Idea provides practical supplies for parents and it looks delicious. As a die-hard cupcake fan, I’m in love with this gift presentation. For me one of the hardest parts about giving a gift (after the hurdle of selecting one) is wrapping it. Check out this project if you’re at a loss for gift wrapping ideas.

 Cupcake Onesie Gift Idea

4. I just couldn’t ignore the royal baby buzz. Treat your friends and family’s newborns like royalty by crocheting this adorable Crochet Crown from Poochie Baby Crochet Designs. Once you tackle this design, treat yourself to a crown for yourself. After all, if it’s good enough for royalty, it’s good enough for you, right?

Crochet Crown

5. This Jesus Felt Finger Puppet really should be at the top of my list for baby crafts. I love this baby gift idea. Say you’re running late for a party and you know there’s a baby there waiting for a present (because all babies expect them). You can whip up this itty-bitty puppet and entertain that little rascal endlessly. Plus, the subject of this puppet couldn’t get any safer. Parents will love you for investing energy into entertaining their child.

 Jesus Felt Finger Puppet

For more great baby gift and Christmas ideas visit our site! There are tons of Christmas-inspired projects that will have you crafting in no time.

 What’s the strangest baby gift you’ve ever seen?

FaveQuilts Giveaway: Welcome Baby Flannel from Windham Fabrics

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May’s the last month of spring, which gives you a whole other month to work on your baby quilts. If you’re stuck looking for a fabric that you think would warm, cuddly, and adorable, but also suitable for a variety of tastes, you’ll want to find out more about the Welcome Baby Flannel from Windham Fabrics. You’ll be ready to make all things baby once you see how bright and versatile the selection in this collection is. It’ll be hard to stop working once you get inspired by these super cute designs!

Welcome Baby Flannel

What makes this fabric a must-have for any quilter is not only the patterns themselves, but the quality of the fabric. Find the perfect blend of softness and warmth with flannel material that will not only result in some snuggly new baby quilts, but also durable diaper bags, bibs, or whatever else you plan to make to help out an expecting mother. The options definitely aren’t limited and you won’t have to worry about your material wearing quickly or falling apart.

The Welcome Baby Flannel bundle provides patterns that will allow you to design patterns using a number of styles. There are certain patterns like the one above that have little animals, while others have simpler looks like polka dots or hearts. Because these themes aren’t gender-specific and are all included in more than one pastel color, you can make a baby quilt pattern without having to worry about your pattern looking too specific.

Finding just the right fabrics to make a beautiful new baby quilt doesn’t have to be difficult if you’ve got the Welcome Baby Flannel bundle from Windham Fabrics! This collection without a doubt will be one of May’s best, which is why the editors of FaveQuilts are offering a new giveaway. Enter by May 14th for your chance to win your very own bundle of fabrics.

Combat the Cold: 62 Sweater Patterns for Knitters

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As I type this, snow is falling and the wind is blowing. It is currently 32 degrees in Chicago and we are experiencing what is known as “Thundersnow.” This winter has not been kind and I absolutely hate it. Until the weather takes a turn and the snow finally melts, I’ll have to gaze at images or warm beaches and even warmer sweaters.

It’s no surprise that I can’t get enough of FaveCrafts’ most recent round-up of knit sweater patterns. Not only are there warm shawls, wraps and pullovers for women, there are plenty of patterns for men and kids, too. No one will be left out in the cold with this handy collection. Plus, there are so many options to choose from – whether you love bulky knits or light and open lace, you’ll find a project to work on.

My absolute favorite pattern is for the Easy Baby Cardigan. This adorable project melts my heard and makes me want to grab a pair of needles. Best of all, the pattern only calls for 3 balls of yarn, so you don’t have to go broke at the craft store. Use blue or pink yarn to complete this project and give it to an expectant or new mommy – it’s a great gift idea.

There are plenty of patterns for men that won’t disappoint. Guys can be extra hard to create crafts for, but these patterns are simple and utilitarian enough to be worn every day. Make A Knit Men’s Sweater using 7 balls of yarn in a neutral color like gray or taupe. This simple pullover is a great layering piece that feels and looks so good. Since there aren’t any buttons or cumbersome elements, it’s easy to throw on or take off.

Now it’s time to make something for yourself. The Comfortable Pocket Cardigan only requires one yarn color – no busy pattern, no optical illusions. I also love the v-neck and low pockets – so stylish and timeless at the same time. Sure, you could head out to the mall and buy an expensive sweater that probably doesn’t fit, but why? This sweater pattern is so much fun to make and looks better than anything you’d find in a store.

Even though it feels like winter will never end, the fact is it will soon. Start working on one of these sweater patterns now so it can get plenty of use this season. You wouldn’t want to get caught in the “Thundersnow” without one!

Find 59 more sweater knitting patterns for the whole family.

National Sewing Month 2012: 4 Reasons to Start Sewing

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There are only a few days left in our National Sewing Month blog series. Today’s post will inspire anyone who doesn’t currently sew to give it a try! We know the FaveCrafts Blog brings in all kinds of crafty people, some of whom steer clear of the sewing machine. It’s time to give sewing a try! Our friend Angel, from the blog Fleece Fun, created this handy list of all the reasons why you should consider sewing this season.

Remember, if you’re looking to score our huge mystery prize, leave a comment at the bottom of this post and every post with National Sewing Month 2012 in the headline. You’ll be automatically entered to win. We’re picking a winner this Saturday so stay tuned!


To learn more about Angel and to find her entire project list, visit her designer profile.

 

 

September is National Sewing Month! Sewing is a wonderful hobby and a very useful skill. If you’re a crafter and have seriously considered getting into sewing, I four reasons why you should:

1. It’s a small step from crafting to sewing.

The crafting and the sewing brain are similar. It’s about taking things and putting them together to make them useful and aesthetically pleasing. If you love to craft, odds are you’ll love to sew.

2. It’s cheap to learn.

Unlike other skills, most sewists learn from family and friends. Plus there are lots of free online videos to help you get started! AllFreeSewing’s YouTube Channel makes it possible to see how to complete projects step by step. They even have basics like how to thread your machine and wind a bobbin. Also there are lots of bloggers (like myself) that offer free patterns and sewing tutorials online so you can try sewing with minimal cost!

3. It’s a small investment with big potential.

Etsy.com has grown by leaps and bounds, and handmade is now “cool”.  A small investment in a sewing machine can provide big profits to dedicated sewists. I know several sewists who have made money making this Baby Car Seat Cover and selling it.

4. It’s a blessing to those around you.

Food, shelter and clothing are the three fundamentals of human life and comfort. Sewing provides one of these fundamentals. Being able to provide clothing to friends, family and charities that have fallen on hard times blesses those around you. Some easy patterns like children’s fleece pants, this fleece hat with ribbon, or this fleece flapper headband are great for keeping warm in winter.

If you’re ready to get started I recommend that your first project be simple and easy! Don’t try to overdo it – or you might get discouraged. This Easy Ribbon Pillow is cute and a great place to start. Want something a little more advanced? Try this Ruched Pillow. From there the sky’s the limit! So are you ready to get started? Sewing is a wonderful skill, but like many worthwhile things, it takes time. So be patient with yourself! My last piece of advice: keep the seam ripper handy. Even a seasoned sewist needs to unpick every now and then!

 

If you already sew, why do you do it? If you don’t, do you think you’ll give it a try?

 

 

 

Crochet

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Knitting

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