Free and Fast Knits for Christmas Gifts: Scarves in Worsted

This page contains a list of free knitting (and some crocheting) patterns for scarves and cowls that will knit up quickly in worsted or bulky yarn. *Please note these items were free when this page was created, and that could change.

Christmas Gift Knitting

If you are like me and the majority of the population, waiting until the last minute is typical. We have busy lives and at holiday time it’s worse. The months leading up to holiday season is the ideal time to begin knitting those Christmas gifts. We know it, and yet many of us procrastinate.

It’s okay to begin knitting late in the season, if you can find some fast knits, done with heavy weight yarn – worsted or bulky. Personally I am keeping a list of the best machine-washable yarn I can find. I have grown boys who will absolutely not hand wash anything.

Scarves, cowls and hats are about the quickest projects, in my opinion, and I’ve listed mostly scarves, a few cowls, and one necktie, on this page. A page about free hat patterns is coming!

Knitting Scarves for Guys (Unisex)

Guys can be the most difficult to buy for and that is why hand-knits could be the perfect gift. When I search around Ravelry for patterns, I see that a lot of people knit (and crochet) for husbands, boyfriends, sons and grandsons. My own grown sons, even the one here in Florida, seem to appreciate the hats I’ve knit them.

The links below go to their corresponding Ravelry page where the pattern can be downloaded. Most scarf patterns are unisex and color will differentiate male or female. Please note: Most of these items I have not knit myself. I can’t vouch for the pattern and these are ideas only, not suggestions.

FREE … Gattelin Rock Scarf
FREE … No-Purl Ribbed Scarf
FREE … Mario Scarf
FREE … Necktie – cute idea!
FREE … Basketweave Scarf

The nice thing about knitting a scarf is that gauge doesn’t really matter. A scarf pattern is pretty easy to convert from fingering weight to worsted or bulky. Cast on fewer stitches if your yarn is heavier. Scarves can be knit to any length desired.

Scarves and Cowls For Women

FREE … Candygram Cowl
FREE … Namu Cowl – link goes to website Knitboop Designs. I have knit this cowl (see it here) and it’s lovely. It has cables, so maybe not that easy for some knitters.
FREE … F832-Diagonal Scarf
FREE … Just Triangles Entrelac Scarf (Purl Soho)
FREE … Miss Marple Scarf

Free Crochet Patterns

Although I mostly knit, I do occasionally crochet so thought I’d include a few patterns here for the crocheters. These links are for scarves and hats, which are the easiest and fastest projects in my opinion.