I always try to keep a small project on my hooks or needles as a sort of crafty “palate cleanser” while I’m working on intense, long-term projects. I’ve noticed that it helps to keep me motivated and excited about those big pieces if I can take a mini break and finish something else quickly. My newest favorite mini knit is Purl Soho’s free Garter Flap Hat (teeny tiny baby sized).

I love the squishy texture, sweet shaping for subtle ear flaps and, of course, the pompom on top. This one was a great one skein Wool of the Andes Superwash project and I was able to start it in the morning and found myself stitching the little red pompom on just before dinner. Now that’s some almost instant gratification!

Next up is the (also free) Antler Hat by Tin Can Knits. I’ve knit this hat a half dozen times and just love how easy and beautiful the pattern is. I’d meant to make this one in an adult size but for some reason it came out a little smaller than usual so I gifted it to a little fellow for his first birthday. It fit perfectly with a little room to grow and Wool of the Andes Superwash Clarity means it’s super elastic and also easy to wash which is important when it’s a gift for an active toddler!

Remember Holly’s Junior Cloud Pillow? I couldn’t resist and made one of my own in Brava Worsted! My “Big Mo” wound up a little smaller than Holly’s (I went down two hook sizes and I naturally crochet a little tighter) but I just love how he turned out. He’s acting as a cheerful little bolster pillow on my craft room chair right now. Want to make your own? You can find the pattern and SO MANY other cute crochet patterns in Amigurumi at Home.

I whipped up a new, tiny Amineko kitty friend (free pattern) with Palette Turmeric. Even though it’s fingering weight yarn and a tiny hook it was still a pretty quick project and only took me a weekend of afternoons in a tea shop near my house to finish him. I love this pattern and I’m totally charmed by the little book all about this little fellow called Hello My Name is Amineko by Nekoyama.

What are your favorite quick projects? Have you been working on any of our 52 Weeks of Dishcloths free patterns? They’re so quick and useful, perfect as “in between” projects.