A Handmade Holiday
Planning ahead for the Christmas season
Get ready to deck the halls with handmade baubles! Well… baubles, toys, stockings - whatever you’re in the mood to make this Christmas. The possibilities are pretty endless when it comes to seasonal crafting as there are so many routes you can go down. Whether you love a classic red and green Christmas theme, or you’re matching your makes to your favourite tv show, I’ve put together some ideas and patterns to get you started on your Christmassy crafting journey.
Decorations
Handmade decorations can be one of the most enjoyable Christmas makes. There are tonnes of free patterns to choose from, and you can put your own spin on them however you like. Whatever colours and materials you choose, you can bring your handmade holiday decorations to life in no time. Often these come in the form of smaller makes, so you can make as many as you have time for and squeeze them in between other projects.
I think it helps to choose an overall theme for your decorations. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
Classic Christmas: Think red, green + sparkly! You could choose decorations that reflect timeless winter icons, such as garlands of greenery and berries, Christmas stockings and cute red robins. This theme is warm and cosy, and always a favourite for many.
Winter Wonderland: You could have an icy take on your decorations, with lovely light blues, shiny silver and a crisp white for snow. This theme goes great with decorations such as snowflakes, stars and amigurumi or knitted snowmen!
Classy Christmas: If you’re looking for something a bit different and modern, you could opt for a more out there colour scheme, such as black and gold. You can still bring in lots of sparkle while creating a more striking look. This would go well with Tinsel Chunky eyelash yarn as you can choose bold colours without losing the Christmassy feel!
Gingerbread House: If Christmas for you is all about having fun with the family, this could be the theme for you! You could pick a nice warm shade of brown to make baubles or heart motifs, and then add bursts of sweet shop colours in the details. It wouldn’t be complete without a few gingerbread men and you can add candy canes to really bring in the Christmas spirit.
Here are a few free pattern suggestions for your handmade decorations:
Rudolph Ornament by Spin a Yarn (crochet)
Winter Ornaments by Golden Lucy Crafts (crochet)
Christmas Bauble by Thoresby Cottage (crochet)
Gingerbread Garland by Golden Lucy Crafts (crochet)
Granny Square Ornaments by Homemade at my Place (crochet)
Mini Christmas Tree by Becky Skuse (crochet)
Star and Tree Ornaments by Rosee Woodland (knit)
Christmas Wreath Ornament by Stella’s Yarn Universe (French Knit)
Snowman by Flutterby Patch (knit)
Bell Ornament by This and That (knit)
Mini Mittens by Knit Curio (knit)
Christmas Tree Coaster by Nimble Needles (knit)
Gifts
Giving handmade gifts can make Christmas even better for crafters and their loved ones. Choosing the perfect project and yarn for someone you care about and making them a one of a kind present can be a very rewarding experience and is guaranteed to make the recipient feel special. There are lots of ways you can go with handmade gifts, from warm winter accessories such as hats, scarves and socks to novelty Christmas makes and gift bags.
Here are some free pattern suggestions for handmade Christmas gifts:
Mini Santa Hat/ Chocolate Orange Cover by Little Duck Crochet (crochet)
Cute and Cosy Mittens by Hooked on Patterns (crochet)
Country Cottage Stocking by Who’s Homemade (crochet)
Santa and his Sack Gift Bags by Lazy Daisy Days (knit)
Christmas Stocking by Frayed at the Edges (knit)
Santa Hat by Adina Logsdon (knit)
I hope you’ve found these suggestions useful and that you’re thinking big this Christmas when it comes to your crafting!