Gift Guide for Crafters: What to get for your crafty bestie

Written By Daniela Ruiz

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If there’s one thing crafty people have, its crafty friends! I’ve scoured the internet (and my friend’s minds lol) to round up some unique gifts to give to the crafty people in your life (or just to yourself).

The main thing to consider when giving gifts to crafters is how long they’ve been at their craft. Someone who’s been knitting for 15 years, may not need the same gifts you would give someone who started this year! I’ve organized this gift guide by experience level, but that being said if your friend has mentioned needing a new version of their favorite basics, go for it! I’ve also set aside a section of gift ideas for all experience levels.

Other big things to consider are…

  • Space—Does your cousin, who’s a freshman at university, have space for that large Swift or Sentro machine? Or will it likely add unwanted clutter to their space? If so - stick to more space-saving gifts.

  • Keep to your strengths! - AKA don’t make assumptions about things you don’t know about! Don’t buy a single ball of yarn in a pretty color as a gift, try a gift card and share the link to the yarn that reminded you of them. This way they can use their knowledge to buy the appropriate yarn and quantity instead of not knowing what to do with a single gifted skein.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask - The time to ask “what would you like for a gift?” (or what they wouldn’t like) is now! Simply having an idea of what someone is eyeing is a great way to keep everyone happy and for you to most effectively spend your money.

Beginners

Let me start by saying I LOVE shopping for beginners. The world is your oyster! So let’s get some basics out of the way, you’ll probably find these in almost every knitty gift guide, but that’s because they’re great options.

  • Ball Winder ($23) - This ball winder is THE beginner’s ball winder. This tool is essential for winding skeins of yarn and makes the cutest cakes to organize their stash. I’ve had mine for nearly 4 years and it’s still going strong!

  • Blocking Mats ($27) - Another great basic tool that will help the crafter in your life wash and pin their makes into their final shape.

  • Blocking Combs ($17) - These make the process of pinning your garment in place quick and easy. Plus if your like me and have curious pets around, they’re a much safer option to individual pins

  • Retractable Tape Measure ($4) - Once I got my first retractable soft tape measure, I never went back. This basic 2 pack is perfect for anyone but you can find kitchy themed ones just as easily!

  • Bent Tip Darning Needles ($5) - Darning needles are like socks to knitters. They’re always disappearing and you can never have enough. I love these bent tip versions because they’re so easy to use. This 2-pack comes with 2 different sizes for different yarn thickness.

  • Detail Scissors ($9) - A pretty pair of scissors is a simple gift to elevate the daily knitting experience. Or for something a bit more novelty, try these teeny tiny travel scissors.

Ok, let’s move on to some more fun things ;)

  • Knitting Needle Organizers ($17) - This case is perfect for any knitting needle or crochet hook! Not to mention it’s the perfect size to throw in your bag for crafting on the go.

  • Over-the-door Yarn Organizer ($20 on sale) - For people who are just starting on their crafty journey. This is a great way to organize your stash in a space-saving way. I know this is what I would’ve used in my student apartment!

  • 52 Weeks of Easy Knits ($20) - This book is a fantastic option for knitters of all levels, but especially beginners. It provides instructions for 52 projects to help people build their skill set for many years.

  • Barber Cord ($10) - Also called “try it on tubing”, this tool makes it easy to put stitches and projects on hold. You can buy it at most yarn stores and in plenty of cute packaging, but this spool will allow your giftee to cut it to whatever length they need.

Intermediate

These items are small investments that help streamline and improve the crafting experience. These are great gifts for people who have been actively crafting for a couple of years.

  • Yarn Swift ($65) - A yarn swift and ball winder go together like peanut butter and jelly! This tool helps wind skeins of yarn into balls to knit from. I recommend checking to make sure they don’t already have one they like! Plus, this design opens up like an umbrella, making it easy to collapse down and store in small spaces.

  • Compression Gloves ($15) - Compression gloves are my go-to for resolving and treating the strain in my hands from knitting too much. I love to put them on right before bed and sleep with them on. These gloves also have a wrist support element for bonus points.

  • Neck Light ($12 on sale) - This was such a game changer in my knitting practice, I can’t recommend it more! This little light will save your knitting bestie from needless eye strain. Plus it’ll do double duty if your friend is an avid reader!

  • Portable Sink ($18 on sale) - A collapsable sink makes blocking and handwashing knitwear so much easier. This is especially great for those with shared spaces who may not be able to use the kitchen sink to soak a sweater for half an hour on a whim.

  • Sock Ruler ($17) - Does your friend love to knit socks? This is the perfect accessory to help them knit socks in any size. Plus it comes in a bunch of cute colors!

  • Sock Blockers ($30) - Sock blockers help dry handknit socks perfectly into shape. I love using wire ones since they tend to dry faster. This set includes 3 sizes.

  • Row Counter ($20-25) - These twice sheared sheep row counters are hands down my favorite. They can be used like a stitch marker and i’s easy to remember to change the number. I love using them when working cable or lace repeats.

  • Tension Ring ($8) - Tension rings help keep consistent tension throughout the crafting process. They typically come in adjustable sizing to help fit just about everyone!

Advanced

When it comes to people who have been at their craft for several years, they tend to know what they like, making it a bit trickier to find an exciting gift. For people at this level, I think the best gifts are upgrades of basic equipment or experiences/education.

  • Fancy Ball Winder ($110) - If your friend has had the same ball winder since day one (*cough* me *cough*) then maybe you want to gift them an upgrade! This all-natural wood winder can handle larger quantities of yarn and is much quieter than the squeaky plastic versions.

  • Classes/Convention passes (depends) - There’s no better gift than learning more about what you love! Look into your local stores or look for local yarn conventions (yes those exist) for classes in things they might be interested. For local stores you can likely buy a gift card so they can choose their own classes. Or, ask in advance if there’s anything they’ve been wanting to try!

  • e-spinning wheel ($125) - Speaking of learning a new skill, many fiber artists dream of making their own yarn. This electric mini spinning wheel is so beginner friendly and is the one I use. There are also TONS of resources and accessories associated with this machine for your giftee to use. Be sure to check if they’re interested in learning spinning before gifting this item!

  • Stitch Dictionary Book - Stitch dictionaries are such a fun gift, especially if your friend loves to self-draft/freestyle their own designs. Here’s some I’ve had my eye on…

  • Stitch Fiddle Membership ($30) - Stitch Fiddle is a website that allows you to create your own knitting charts for colorwork, lace, and cables. This membership will allow access to all of the website’s great features!

  • I-cord bind off tool ($17) - This handy little tool makes one of the most fiddly bind-off options a breeze!

  • Fabric Depiller ($16) - Electric fabric shaver removes pesky pilling and leaves sweaters looking brand new. A must-have for anyone who owns a sweater!

  • Geo-metry Bag ($60-$125) - These cocoon bags are designed for knitting on the go. I love to loop mine onto my belt loop for knitting and walking or onto my purse for the movie theatre. There’s options for different strap lengths and other accessories as well. They also just released a line of bucket-style bags, such a cute little project bag!

All Levels!

These gifts are things any crafter would probably enjoy receiving!

  • Cute Stitch Markers/Progress Keepers - Knitters and crocheters can never have enough stitch markers. They help us keep track of where we’re at in our projects. You can find ones for every theme, give it a search on etsy or your local yarn store to support small businesses! Pro tip, if your friend is a crocheter make sure you get “locking” or lobster claw stitch markers.

  • Project Journals - Is your friend an analog person all the way? If they love to journal, then what could be better than a knitting specific project journal. I’ve linked a few that caught my eye

  • Project Bags - When it comes to project bags you can spend anywhere from $10-$200+. I’ve linked my favorite low-moderate priced bags and a few luxe options.

    • Cavallini Vintage Print Pouch ($17) - These small pouches are my favorite for sock projects and just to carry around knitting accessories in my purse. They come in plenty of cute vintage prints so you can find the one perfect for your giftee.

    • Petite Knit Project Bag ($25-$80) - For the uninitiated, Petite Knit is basically the Matilda Djerf of the knitting world. Mette is THAT girl and she makes THAT project bag. She has plenty of different styles and prints but my favorites are always the bucket bag styles.

    • Soolla Studio Bag ($60) - Tons of pockets and nooks to store just about everything you could need. Plus, its available in 15 colors!

    • Black Purl Magic ($28-$140) - When I tell you I DREAM of Black Purl Magic bag its not an exaggeration. She makes unique, colorful, and bold project bags that are nearly impossible to get your hands on. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some, I would go for her signature vinyl bags.

  • Gift Cards - Gift cards are the perfect option if you want your friend to have full freedom over their gift. But what’s the best place to get a gift card from? I gotcha covered :)

    • Local Yarn Stores - If you happen to have a yarn store in your area, that would be my top choice! Depending on the store they may not have gift card sales available online and you may need to go in-store. I would recommend staying away from “big box” stores like Joann, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby. Knitters can be quite picky when it comes to their supplies and these stores tend to have limited fiber composition options (aka 95% acrylic).

    • Wool and Company - For my United States based readers, Wool and Company is my go-to for buying online. They have a fantastic diverse selection of brands, fibers, and notions. Plus, they have a fantastic customer service team! Another bonus is that all U.S. orders have free shipping (no minimums!).

    • Jimmy Beans Wool - Another great option for US based people. This is usually where I go when I can’t find what I’m looking for at Wool and Company

    • Wool Warehouse - This UK based store is one of the top stockists for Drops brand yarn. A affordable option with natural fibers that is nearly impossible to find in the US! They offer free shipping in the UK for orders over 30 pounds (the currency lol) and affordable shipping options to the US and elsewhere.

    • Garntopia - This Oslo based store is my go-to when buying large quantities of Scandinavian brand yarn (aka Sandnes Garn, Filcolana, Knitting for Olive, etc). If your friend primarily knits sweaters or larger projects this is a great option because the shipping cost is typically less than the mark-up when buying in the US.

  • Books - When it comes to knitting books, you can find all kinds of topics! Here are some that have stuck with me

  • Knitting/Crochet Project Kits - Kits are a fun way to gift your friend hours of fun! These can definitely be on the pricier side, but are a fun all-in-one gift. I would stay away from the kits you can find at places like Joann and Barnes and Noble, they tend to be thrown together as cheaply as possible.

    • Wool and the Gang - Tend to start around $50 for accessories and $100+ for garments

    • We are Knitters - Similar to Wool and the Gang!

    • Knitting for Olive - A socially and eco conscious brand. They produce beautiful yarns and patterns and will help you choose yarn to go with specific designs. This is definitely more of a “DIY” option when it comes to building a kit and is probably best if you are familiar with knitting yourself. Or a gift card is always an option :)

    • Emotional Support Chicken - These the “it girl” pattern of the knitting community. A real-life size knitted or crocheted chicken in the cutest packaging! These kits are the most affordable option at around $40. Plus, you’re supporting a local yarn store!

That’s it for my gift guide round-up! I hope you found a thing or two to gift to your friend (or yourself!). Feel like something’s missing from the list? Make sure to drop a comment so we can all know!

xo Dani

Daniela Ruiz
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How to Wear Your Makes More Often