Simple summer holiday knitting and crochet projects that pack small

I'm frequently guilty of packing summer holiday knitting and crochet projects with good intentions and grand goals!

One time I packed an ambitious blanket project that had been waiting patiently in the corner for weeks. Because surely a week away would provide plenty of uninterrupted making time, no chance!?

The reality was rather different.

There were days out, meals with family, books I wanted to read, and all the usual distractions that make a holiday fun. The blanket spent most of the week exactly where I'd packed it, while I found myself wishing I'd brought something a little smaller and easier to pick up.

Since then, I've become a firm believer in choosing projects that fit naturally into a holiday. 

Most holidays don't offer endless hours of uninterrupted crafting, but they do provide plenty of opportunities to squeeze in a few rows over breakfast, during a journey or while relaxing by the pool. 

That's why smaller knitting and crochet projects can make such good travelling companions. They're easy to tuck into a suitcase, simple to pick up when a few spare minutes appear, and satisfying to work on without needing your full attention. Alternatively you can take a few balls of a larger project with you, knowing that taking the whole thing is just too ambitious!

What makes a good holiday knitting or crochet project?

Over the years I've found that the projects I enjoy most on holiday usually have a few things in common.

They're portable enough to take on a train, tuck into a beach bag or keep beside your seat on a long car journey. They don't require lots of equipment and the pattern isn't too complex that you can easily pick up where you left off.  

The key is, they're enjoyable in short bursts, short rows are key!

Whether you find yourself with twenty minutes before breakfast, an hour in the garden or a quiet evening on the balcony, a good holiday project fits around your plans rather than demanding that your plans fit around it. And lets not forget a holiday doesn't always mean going away, it can be a week off work staying at home. 

Progress counts

These days I try not to judge a holiday project by whether I finish it. If I can get something started or indeed a UFO finished then it's a win!

Holiday projects have taught me that progress doesn't have to come in huge chunks of time. A few rows here and there can be surprisingly satisfying, particularly when there's no pressure to meet a deadline or finish by a certain date.

You might finish a project before you come home. Equally, you might simply make more progress than you would have done if the project had stayed behind on the sofa. Both are worth celebrating.

A holiday project isn't a race to the finish line. It's simply a chance to enjoy making whenever the opportunity arises.

I've picked out some ideas for you 

Small knitting and crochet projects that travel easily

Uneek sock knitting kit

If I'm travelling by train (which is often the case, not just at holiday time!) socks are often the first thing I reach for.

The Uneek Sock Knitting Kit is compact enough to fit into a small project bag, making it ideal for train journeys, airport lounges and long car trips. These kits are two small 25g balls each dyed the same so you can make a pair of matching socks! And it’s currently got a tempting 20% off. 

Watching the colours unfold as you knit adds a little extra excitement too, as the self-striping yarn creates beautiful patterns without any colour changes on your part.

I also have a good stock of the ever popular Crazy Zauberball sock yarn.

Baby ballet wrap knitting kit

A holiday can be the perfect opportunity to make progress on a special gift project.

The Baby Ballet Wrap Knitting Kit offers all the satisfaction of creating a handmade garment, but on a much more manageable scale than an adult sweater. Small enough to travel easily and straightforward enough to work on in short sessions, it's a lovely choice if you're knitting for a new arrival.

And if you do happen to finish it before you come home, that's a lovely bonus.

Textured stitch knitting cushion kit

Not every holiday knitting project needs to be tiny. I've included this as it is just one ball of yarn and you knit just one piece of work. Don't forget a sewing up needle just in case you do finish it!

The Textured Stitch Knitting Cushion Kit strikes a nice balance between being substantial enough to feel rewarding and simple enough to enjoy at a relaxed pace. The textured stitch pattern provides interest without requiring constant concentration, making it a good choice for evenings spent chatting with friends or unwinding after a busy day. 

Summer holiday projects that grow one stitch at a time

Wave cushion cover crochet kit

Crochet projects often make excellent travelling companions and this cushion cover is no exception. This Wave cushion kit in cotton can be cooler on the hands too.

The repetitive nature of the stitch pattern means it's easy to put down and pick up again whenever you have a spare moment. Progress comes steadily and the finished cushion cover is something you'll continue to enjoy long after the holiday has ended.

Jewelspun crochet shawl kit

A shawl can be a wonderful summer holiday crochet project.

The Sirdar Jewelspun Aran Shawl Kit combines relaxing crochet with beautiful colour changes that develop as you work. It's portable enough to carry with you during the day and satisfying enough to become your go-to evening project when you want to relax and unwind.

Even a few rows each day can make a noticeable difference by the end of your trip.

Wave stitch crocheted blanket kit

Blankets probably aren't the first thing that spring to mind when you think about holiday projects, but bear with me!

One of the joys of a blanket project is that it doesn't mind being worked on little and often. 

You don't need to finish a blanket in a week. You don't even need to finish a section. A few rows here and there are enough to keep the project moving forward.

Many crocheters find that repetitive rhythm wonderfully relaxing, particularly when they're away from the usual demands of everyday life.

For a holiday project the Wave stitch crocheted blanket kit could be exactly what you're looking for.

Choose a project that fits your holiday

When it comes to summer holiday knitting and crochet, the best project isn't necessarily the most ambitious.

Looking back, the projects I've enjoyed most on holiday have been the ones that travelled well, fitted around whatever the day brought and were always ready when I felt like making a little progress. A holiday project should feel like a companion rather than a commitment.

These days, I'd much rather come home having enjoyed my knitting or crochet than feeling guilty about a project I never touched.

Whether you come home with a finished project, a half-finished project or simply a few extra rows than when you left, every stitch counts.

If you're looking for inspiration before you pack your bags, take a look at our knitting kits, crochet kits and baby collection for projects that travel well and reward every spare moment.