Crochet Christmas Gifts: 17 Queen Victoria Inspired Ideas That Look Boutique Bought
Crochet Christmas gifts have a royal history, and that makes every stitch feel a little more special. Queen Victoria herself picked up a crochet hook around 1900 and made eight long khaki wool scarves, each marked with her royal cypher, to give as gifts of honour. If a queen thought handmade was the best present she could give, we think your friends will agree. The good news is that you do not need palace budgets or expert skills. A few skeins of soft yarn and some cozy evenings on the couch are enough to make gifts that look like they came from a pricey boutique. Below are 17 ideas, from quick one night makes to slow heirloom projects, plus simple steps for each. Pour some tea, grab your hook and start your list..
Crochet Christmas Gifts Start Here: The Chunky Cowl Scarf
A chunky cowl is the gift that started it all, since Queen Victoria made scarves for her famous presents. Today a squishy cream cowl in bulky yarn works up in a single evening and looks just like the ones in boutique windows. Wrap it in kraft paper with a sprig of pine and a red ribbon and nobody will guess it cost less than ten dollars. You can read more about the history of the Queen’s Scarf on Wikipedia. Who on your list is always cold..
You will need: Super bulky yarn (about 150 yards), a 10 mm hook, scissors, a yarn needle.
How to make it: 1. Chain about 60 loosely and join into a ring without twisting. 2. Work rounds of half double crochet in the back loop for a ribbed look until it is about 10 inches tall. 3. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Granny Square Tote Bag
Among crochet Christmas gifts, granny squares are having a huge comeback, and a tote bag made from them is a gift with real wow. Make ten or twelve squares in cream, red and forest green while you watch holiday movies, then join them into a sturdy bag with strong handles. It is portable work, so you can carry squares to every family gathering. The finished tote holds library books, knitting or market finds. Which colors would you pick for yours?
You will need: Worsted cotton yarn in three colors, a 5 mm hook, a yarn needle, optional fabric for lining.
How to make it: 1. Make 10 classic granny squares, each about 6 inches. 2. Whip stitch them into a front, back and bottom panel and join into a bag shape. 3. Add rows of single crochet around the top and crochet two strong handles.
Crochet Christmas Gifts for the Home: Flower Coaster Set
Flower coasters went viral on Instagram for a reason: they look like little bouquets on the coffee table. A set of six in blush, cream and sage feels so pretty that people hesitate to put a cup on them. Each coaster takes about 30 minutes, so you can finish a set in a weekend. Tie them with twine and a kraft tag for a gift that looks straight out of a gift shop. Would you go for roses or daisies?
You will need: Cotton yarn in pink, cream and sage, a 4 mm hook, scissors, a yarn needle, twine and a tag.
How to make it: 1. Work a flat circle of about four rounds for the base. 2. Add a round of petals with chain loops and double crochets. 3. Layer a smaller petal round on top for a rose look and block flat.
Gingerbread Ornament
Tiny crochet gingerbread men make the sweetest add on to any gift. Work them flat in warm brown yarn, then add white yarn trim and little red buttons or French knots. They take under an hour each and can hang on the tree, a gift bag or a rear view mirror. Make a whole batch for teachers, neighbors and coworkers. How many would you need for your list?
You will need: Brown and white worsted yarn, a 3.5 mm hook, tiny red buttons or red floss, stuffing, a yarn needle, ribbon.
How to make it: 1. Crochet two flat gingerbread shapes, starting with a round head and working down the body. 2. Embroider white trim and add buttons to one side. 3. Stitch both pieces together, stuffing lightly, and add a ribbon loop.
Granny Square Pillow Cover
Crochet Christmas gifts for the home do not get easier. If you already love making granny squares, a pillow cover is the easiest way to turn a pile of them into a real gift. Four large squares make the front, and a simple fabric back keeps it quick. Bright colors feel happy and retro, while cream and red look classic for Christmas. It brings a little handmade warmth to any couch, and it costs far less than a designer cushion. Which room in their house would it brighten?
You will need: Worsted acrylic or cotton yarn in four colors, a 5 mm hook, a pillow insert, a fabric square for the back, needle and thread.
How to make it: 1. Make four big granny squares or one large one to fit the pillow front. 2. Join the squares with single crochet for a raised seam. 3. Sew or crochet the front to a fabric back on three sides, add the insert and close the last side.
Crochet Christmas Gifts With Flowers: A Bag Strap
Crochet flower straps blew up online this year, with one viral flower strap pulling almost 300K likes. A colorful strap clips onto any tote or camera bag and makes an old accessory feel brand new. It is a long, simple strip with little flowers sewn on, and it is a great way to use scraps. Add swivel clips at each end so it moves from bag to bag. Which bag would you dress up first?
You will need: Cotton yarn scraps, a 3.5 mm hook, two swivel clasps, a yarn needle.
How to make it: 1. Chain to the length you want and work three rows of single crochet. 2. Make small five petal flowers and sew them along the strap. 3. Fold each end through a swivel clasp and stitch it closed securely.
Mini Snowman Ornament
These tiny snowmen are pure joy. Two stacked balls of white yarn, a scrap scarf and a little orange nose are all it takes. They sit on windowsills, perch on gift boxes or hang on the tree, and they never melt. Kids and grandparents both melt a little when they see them. New to the hook? Start with our easy crochet projects for beginners. Make them in an afternoon and gift them in pairs. What color scarf would yours wear?
You will need: White worsted yarn, scraps of red, green and orange, a 3.5 mm hook, black beads or safety eyes (embroider the eyes instead for little kids), stuffing.
How to make it: 1. Crochet two small stuffed balls, one slightly bigger. 2. Sew them together and add a little cone nose and eyes. 3. Chain a thin scarf and tie it around the neck.
Ear Warmer Headband
Quick crochet Christmas gifts are a lifesaver in December, and an ear warmer is the perfect gift for anyone who refuses to wear a hat. A twisted front looks so polished that people ask where you bought it. It uses less than one skein, and you can make one in a single movie night. Pick soft acrylic or wool blend so it does not itch. Who do you know that walks the dog every morning in the cold?
You will need: Worsted or chunky yarn, a 5 to 6 mm hook, a yarn needle.
How to make it: 1. Work a long rectangle in ribbed stitches about 4 inches wide and 20 inches long. 2. Fold one end over the other in a twist. 3. Seam the ends together through all layers and turn it right side out.
Fingerless Gloves
Practical crochet Christmas gifts win every time. Fingerless gloves are the cozy hero of every cold office and early morning commute. They keep hands warm while leaving fingers free for phones and coffee cups. You make them as two simple rectangles with a gap for the thumb, so they are friendlier than they look. Add a little cuff in a contrast color for a boutique touch. Who would wear these at their desk every day?
You will need: Soft worsted yarn, a 4.5 mm hook, a yarn needle.
How to make it: 1. Crochet a ribbed rectangle that wraps snugly around the hand. 2. Seam the long edge, leaving a two inch gap for the thumb. 3. Add a round or two of single crochet at the top and bottom for neat edges.
Crochet Christmas Gifts for the Kitchen: Waffle Dish Cloths
Practical gifts are often the ones people use most. Waffle stitch dish cloths are thick, scrubby and so pretty in a bundle tied with ribbon. Make three in matching colors, add a wooden brush or a bar of homemade soap and you have a kitchen gift set. Cotton yarn is cheap and washes well, so these last for years. Who in your family is always at the sink after dinner?
You will need: 100 percent cotton yarn, a 5 mm hook, ribbon, an optional bar of soap.
How to make it: 1. Chain about 30 and work a row of double crochet. 2. Alternate front post and back post double crochets to make the waffle texture. 3. Work until square, add a border and bundle three together.
Market Bag
A mesh market bag is the eco friendly gift that people actually use. It folds into nothing and stretches to hold a full load of groceries or farmers market veggies. The open mesh stitch works up surprisingly fast, so it is a great pick for a last minute gift. Choose a natural cotton color for a European market look. Who on your list always forgets their shopping bags?
You will need: Cotton yarn, a 5 mm hook, a yarn needle.
How to make it: 1. Make a small flat circle for the base. 2. Work rounds of chain loops to make the stretchy mesh body. 3. Finish with a few solid rows at the top and crochet two long handles.
Crochet Christmas Gifts for Book Lovers: Bookmark With Tassel
Small crochet Christmas gifts can still feel special. For the readers in your life, a crochet bookmark is a small, thoughtful gift that fits right into a card. Work a skinny strip in thread or fine yarn and finish it with a tassel at one end. Add a tiny flower or heart for extra charm. Slip it into a new or used paperback and you have a perfect gift for book lovers. What book would you tuck it into?
You will need: Fine cotton thread or sport weight yarn, a 2 to 3 mm hook, scissors, a yarn needle.
How to make it: 1. Chain about 40 and work two or three rows in a lacy stitch. 2. Make a simple tassel from wrapped yarn. 3. Attach the tassel to one end and block the bookmark flat.
Ruffle Edge Mug Rugs
A mug rug is a little bigger than a coaster, roomy enough for a cup and a cookie. Bright ruffle edges make these feel playful, and they are lovely next to a favorite book on a slow morning. Each one takes about 30 minutes, so a set of three is easy to finish in an evening. Pair them with a mug and some tea for a gift that says take a break. Who on your list needs a cozy coffee corner?
You will need: Cotton yarn in two or three colors, a 4 mm hook, a yarn needle.
How to make it: 1. Work a flat circle of double crochet about five inches across. 2. Change color and work several stitches into each stitch for a ruffled edge. 3. Fasten off, weave in ends and press flat.
Hair Scrunchies Set
Scrunchies are the quickest of all crochet Christmas gifts you can make, and a set of three in soft colors looks like something from a trendy shop. You simply crochet around a hair elastic until it ruffles. Each one takes about 15 minutes, so you can make a stack for nieces, daughters and friends in one evening. Package them on a card or in a small jar. Which colors would match their style?
You will need: Cotton or soft acrylic yarn, plain hair elastics, a 4 mm hook, scissors.
How to make it: 1. Single crochet densely all around a hair elastic. 2. Work rounds of several double crochets in each stitch to build ruffles. 3. Fasten off, weave in ends and group into sets.
Crochet Christmas Gifts to Wear: A Poinsettia Brooch
A crochet poinsettia brooch is a tiny gift with big holiday spirit. Bright red petals, a couple of leaves and a cluster of gold beads in the center make it look like vintage jewelry. Pin it on a coat, a bag or a hat. It is quick to make and costs pennies, so you can give one to every friend at the holiday party. Who would wear one to church or the office party?
You will need: Red and green cotton yarn, a 3 mm hook, small gold beads, a pin back, needle and thread.
How to make it: 1. Crochet five long pointed petals and join them in a ring. 2. Make two or three leaves and stitch them behind the petals. 3. Sew gold beads to the center and attach a pin back.
Cozy Baby Blanket
If there is a new baby in the family this year, a soft ripple blanket becomes an instant heirloom. Gentle waves in pink, cream or classic red and green look sweet in photos and keep little ones warm on holiday visits. Use machine washable baby yarn so busy parents can toss it in the wash. It is a bigger project, so start early. Who has a little one arriving soon?
You will need: Soft baby yarn in two or three colors (about 900 yards), a 5 mm hook, a yarn needle.
How to make it: 1. Chain a multiple of 14 plus 3 and work a ripple row of increases and decreases. 2. Repeat the ripple row, changing colors every few rows. 3. Add a simple border all around and weave in all ends.
Bottle Sweater Gift Wrap
Finish your list of crochet Christmas gifts with a wrap that is a gift itself. A bottle sweater turns a simple hostess gift into a show stopper. These little knitted look sleeves with turtleneck tops and pom poms fit over a bottle of sparkling cider, olive oil or homemade vanilla. The sweater is a gift too, since it can be reused every year. Make them in red, cream and green for a festive trio. Which bottle would you dress up first?
You will need: Worsted yarn in holiday colors, a 5 mm hook, a pom pom maker, a yarn needle.
How to make it: 1. Make a small circle the size of the bottle base. 2. Work rounds straight up in ribbed stitches to the neck. 3. Decrease for a turtleneck, add a pom pom and slip it on the bottle.
