As Christmas is quickly approaching the not so organised of us are frantically looking for for some quick and easy Christmas gifts. We knitters and crocheters rely on our crafting skills this time of year to whip up quick and thoughtful gifts for our friends and loved ones. So with this idea in mind I have put together a series of blog posts for some quick gifting inspiration.

We are starting with hats. Great projects for the beginner and experienced alike. Hats can range from simple stocking stitch or garter stitch beanies to more complex constructions or stitch patterns. Below is a selection knit and crocheted hats in a variety of yarns, from the easy peasy to the more skilled.

Chunkeanie by Woolly Wormhead. This super simple hat will knit up in a flash. Worked bottom up in the round on 5mm needles it can be worn with the brim folded up or down depending on your style. A great unisex design that will be a go to hat for anyone. Try this in Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk Blåne.

Beeswax Hat by Amy van de Laar. This stunning hat is for the knitter looking for something a bit more special. Simple mini-cables go together to make a complex looking all over texture. Knit in a DK weight yarn, I am instantly thinking Fyberspates Vivacious DK especially the Burnished colour.

Best Beret by James N Watts. Try something a little different than a traditional beanie. I'm in love with this cute beret. With a number of different silhouette options to knit, from classic to dramatic depending on your preferences. It's knit in a dense gauge to create a sturdy fabric that holds its shape. Try this in in Kate Davies Designs Àrd-thìr.

Harlow by Andrea Mowry. If brioche is your thing this hat is for you, in a variety of sizes you can knit them for the whole family. A great one for stash busting and using up half balls, the colour possibilities are endless. Try using one colour for you main colour and lots of left over bits as the contrast. Yarn possibilities are also endless, try mixing Fyberspates Vicious 4ply in a strong main colour with a contrasting speckled Garnsurr Søkke Merino.

1 Hour Beanie by Jess Coppom. With a name like that you can't get anything speedier for a gift. These hats are crocheted flat and then seamed. They come in a variety of sizes so great for anyone, its also free! Try them in the fun bright colours of Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk Troll.