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    Home » Free Pattern Roundup

    Teacher's Gift Time - 10 Crochet and Knit Ideas

    Published: May 21, 2012 · Modified: Jun 18, 2018 by Tamara Kelly · 13 Comments

    I don't know about you, but between homework, library trips, laundry, dinner, lessons, shopping, doctor appointments, working, and everything else, the end of the school year always sneaks up on us here at moogly headquarters. School ends a bit earlier here than it does in many other parts of the country - it's our last week already! But it's not too late to come up with handcrafted gifts for the kids' teachers.

    Great #Knit and #Crochet Gift Ideas for Teachers! From Mooglyblog.com

     

    Whether I've got one teacher to gift or seven (last year was a doozy!), I like to give them something hand made. For me that always means knit or crocheted, but often it includes a baked good or something made by one of the other amazing crafters I know. One rule - no apples or mugs! As the daughter and daughter-in-law of teachers, I know for a fact they have more of that stuff than they know what to do with.

    Here are some of the gifts I've given over the past few years, as well as ideas I'm keeping in mind for all the years ahead. And with the oldest in 4th grade and the youngest in preschool, I've got a lot of years to plan for.

    1. Inga's Häkelbeutel - There's nothing like sitting back to ponder that your oldest child is just two days away from finishing Kindergarten, and suddenly realizing that A. you need a gift for the teacher, and B. you have no money to spare... time to get those hooks flying! If I'd had more than one teacher to gift that year it wouldn't have worked, but I managed to make this bag in just a couple days, using just the bits and ends of cotton yarn I had left over from other projects! With a batch of homemade cookies inside, this bag was finished just in time and definitely within budget. Update: You could also make the Wrapped Ombre Tote Bag, found HERE!Inga's Haekelbeutel, a free crochet pattern
    2. How to Impress the Muggles Crochet Coffee Cup Cozy - If you've got lots of teachers or very little time, this is the perfect project. Although I did these for a Christmas gift rather than an end of year gift, I promise that coffee drinkers don't stop when it's summer. I actually managed to make all of these while sitting in the car waiting to pick the kids up from school - so you can't say you don't have time. Pair it with a coffee shop gift card you'll be all set in minutes. After all, Starbucks even sells their gift cards at the drive-through! Crochet Coffee Cup Cozy Free Pattern by MK Carroll
    3. That Pouch Thing - This free pattern was perfect. I made 2 pouches using just 2 skeins of kitchen cotton in just 2 days! Filled with homemade cookies (hey, who doesn't love cookies?), they were ready to go. I did bump up the size a bit, to make sure they were big enough, but the pattern is easy to follow and very customizable. That Pouch Thing Free Crochet Pattern
    4. Ballband Dishcloth - This one was knitted, but if you prefer to crochet there's a look-alike available as Brick Wall Dishcloth. Or really, any large washcloth or dishcloth pattern works for this idea! Made up in school colors, I wrapped these around a small (⅓ size) loaf of homemade banana bread and tied the corners together in a bow using a length of leftover yarn. Add a card from the child and all done. Pretty, practical, and delicious. I'll even share my banana bread recipe if you ask nicely. 😉 Update: Another fun idea is to attach the Rainbow Flower Scrubby Cloth with a pretty ribbon - free pattern HERE!Ballband Dishcloth Free Knitting Pattern
    5. Textured Soap Saver - This year, with three kids in school, work, out of town guests (I really should be cleaning... as soon as this post is done, honest!), and general business, I knew I needed something fast but luxurious. So I took this pattern, added my own twists, got the softest cotton yarn I could find, and whipped these up. To fill them I ordered some of the amazing soaps from Bean Tree Soap. I know I've talked about her stuff before, but it's Just That Good. If you've still got time before the end of your school year, you should order from her, but if you're down to the wire, any specialty bars (or even good ole Ivory) should fit in these bags. Update: Get the Moogly Soap Saver pattern HERE!Textured Soap Sacks free crochet pattern from CrazySocks Crochet
    6. Crocheted Gift Card Holders and Knitted Gift Card-igans - If sticking a gift card in an envelope isn't enough, consider either of these free patterns, or use them as inspiration and the building blocks for making your own. Once the teacher has used up the gift card she can always reuse the pouch for business cards or one of the other little stack of papers teachers always seem to have to deal with.  Of course, my Chinese Waves Pouch pattern works well too. Free Crochet and Knit Patterns for Gift Card Cozies
    7. Penché, a Wine Bottle Cozy (knit) or Dressed Up Wine Bottle (crochet) - One of my favorite things about Ravelry isn't even yarn related - it's the opportunity to learn about other cultures from around the world, from regular citizens. And one interesting thing I've learned is that in many countries it's acceptable, and indeed quite common, to give a nice bottle of wine as an end of year teacher gift. While kids here in the States aren't supposed to be bringing alcohol on school grounds, why not give a nice bottle in a beautiful bag to the piano teacher or coach, where you can hand it over adult-to-adult? Bet it'll go over a bit better than another "World's Best Teacher" mug! Update: For a super fast bag, try the Girls Night Out Wine Cozy, found HERE!Free knit and crochet patterns wine bottle covers

    8. Book Thong - Here's an idea for the thread lovers and bibliophiles. Teachers spend so much of their own money on things for the classroom, so a gift card to the local bookstore is an excellent gift. Pair it with a custom handmade bookmark and you've got a hit! This one features lovely beads, but there are lots of patterns out there for flat ones and more complex ones as well. Even some featuring apples... but I think this one is just gorgeous.
    9. Amikomo 13 - Lunch Bag - I don't know about you, but if I were a teacher, I don't think I'd be getting the hot lunch every day. A pretty lunch bag would make cold lunches a lot more fun! This one looks like it'll take some time - definitely not a last minute project. If this one is too twee for the teacher you've got in mind, then almost any small solid sided tote that closes would work. Or just leave the flowers off this one. Japanese Lunch Bag free crochet pattern
    10. Lacy V Shopping Bag - For that very special, one of a kind teacher that you truly want to show your appreciation for. Make this big bag in gorgeous colors and if you really want to go the extra mile, fill it with all the things your teacher loves. What about a soft fluffy towel, sunglasses, flip flops and some light reading for those you know are planning a sunny getaway this summer? Or lemons, a pretty plastic pitcher and fancy plastic glasses for those staying closer to home?Lacy V Shopping Bag Tote Crochet Free Pattern

    Teachers have one of the hardest jobs on the planet. They deserve our thanks, so when you're done crafting for the special people in your kids' lives, don't forget to include a handwritten note letting them know just how much their hard work means to you and your children. It only takes a few minutes, and odds are it's the best gift of all.

    What are you gifting to your kids' teachers this year? If you're a teacher, what are your favorite kinds of gifts to receive? More ideas please.... we've got a lot of years and teachers to go!

    Thanks for reading! Be sure to check out and like the moogly facebook page to get all the latest updates, fun links, sneak peeks, and more!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. 1

      Robin

      November 06, 2012 at 5:47 pm

      I'm trying to find the bag that goes with the jungle finger puppets that you shared. Could you share it?

      Reply
      • 2

        moogly

        November 06, 2012 at 6:53 pm

        Hi Robin! That was something I just improvised by crocheting around a plastic container (crystal lite actually!) - I'm afraid I've never written it down.

        Reply
        • 3

          Robin

          November 06, 2012 at 8:37 pm

          Do you have a picture?

          Reply
          • 4

            moogly

            November 06, 2012 at 9:01 pm

            Only what you would've seen already, as far as I know. I should probably write that up one of these days...

            Reply
            • 5

              Robin

              November 07, 2012 at 7:25 am

              I haven't seen it. Please direct me to where I can find it.

            • 6

              moogly

              November 07, 2012 at 8:44 am

              Oh shoot, from what you said I thought you'd seen it somewhere. My old computer crashed and I don't have a picture anymore myself! Another reason to remake it and write it down!

            • 7

              Robin

              November 07, 2012 at 9:13 am

              Please let me know when you do. I make gifts for my children and this would be great Christmas gift, as they are into puppets of any kind.

    2. 8

      Terry Lawler

      May 06, 2013 at 1:44 pm

      Is there a secret to finding the patterns on Pierrot Yarns. I went to find the pattern for the lunch bag but got nowhere fast

      Reply
      • 9

        Tamara Kelly

        May 06, 2013 at 2:09 pm

        It can definitely be tricky! The lunch bag is considered "dining decor" rather than under bags! Here's a direct link to the English language PDF: http://gosyo.co.jp/english/pattern/eHTML/ePDF/1103/2w/amikomo-13_Lunch_Set.pdf Hope that helps!

        Reply
    3. 10

      Denise

      May 06, 2013 at 1:51 pm

      You forgot to put your fish pouch on there!

      Reply
      • 11

        Tamara Kelly

        May 06, 2013 at 2:05 pm

        Haha, this one is from 2012! 😛 If I write up a new one it'll definitely be included!

        Reply
    4. 12

      Madeline

      May 16, 2014 at 8:57 pm

      The Amikomo 13 lunch bag doesn't actually link to that bag. And I've searched the whole Pierrot website, and that bag just doesn't seem to be linked there. Or maybe I'm remedial. Not sure! Even the links on the R
      Avery page take you to the site where I assume it's supposed to be,but I just can't find it.

      Reply
    5. 13

      Madeline

      May 16, 2014 at 9:00 pm

      Okay, sorry, found a direct link to it.

      http://gosyo.co.jp/english/pattern/eHTML/ePDF/1103/2w/amikomo-13_Lunch_Set.pdf

      Reply

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