Red Heart Cutie Pie Yarn is so soft therefore perfect for knitting for babies.
1
Have a sense of style
I know this should go
without saying, but
it’s one thing a lot of
gift givers (or makers)
forget. Just because
you like the style of
something, doesn’t
mean everyone else
will. I know we’re
all thinking that this
adorable little sweater
is for a baby and the
babies don’t have
a sense of style, but
mommy and daddy
do. If the parents have
a really plain sense of
style, chances are, they
aren’t going to dress
their little girl in tons of
frills and bows.
2
Go functional
You know what every
new parent needs?
Blankets. I was
recently the hostess
of a baby shower and
didn’t realize, until
that moment, how
many sheets, blankets,
cloths, towels, etc.
are required for one
small baby. If you’re
not totally sure if
the garment you’re
looking at knitting
is going to be well
received, blankets are
always used!
Wash-ability would
also be under the
functional headline. If
you’re looking to make
an heirloom, handwash only would be
acceptable. If you’re
looking to make
something a parent
would actually use, I
would highly suggest
a fiber that is machine
washable.
Cutie Pie yarn in colors Cotton, Koala and Splash
3
Think color palette
If it isn’t obvious, I’m
a huge color person.
I love all shades and
will admit to reigning
myself in when it
comes to matters
of choosing colors
for babies. While
I might think rich
colors are awesome,
some mothers might
object. If there’s a color
palette for the nursery
a matching blanket will
be safe. Odds are the
parents have picked
colors they like for their
child’s room.
Another good thing
to think about is
gender stereotypes.
It’s more and more
common for parents
to break the ‘blue is
for boys’, ‘pink is for
girls’ color schemes. I
know there are strong
feelings on both sides
of the color-stereotype
line; it would be best
to find out if there are
any strong feelings
either way.
4
Safety
This is something
that can be easily
overlooked, but of
paramount importance.
If knitting a textured
blanket, have a care,
the lacework could
get tangled around
little fingers and toes.
Make sure buttons
are sewn on securely
and all pom poms
and bobbles are kept
within reason to avoid
choking hazards.
Taking these 4
tips when knitting
for babies into
consideration will
ensure your lovely
knitted gift is received
and used with joy.
A few well placed
questions could save
you hurt feelings and
frustration. If you’re
going to spend hours
making something
why not make sure it
meets the stylistic and
safety standards of the
recipient.
Photos by Michelle Nguyen
KNITmuch | issue 1
45