Or, make a scarf in your child's school colors. These scarves provide almost instant satisfaction for your efforts. They're quick and easy to make, and in less than a week you'll have created a stylish accessory.

Choose a soft acrylic yarn for comfort and easy care. And many manufacturers now sell yarn in oversized skeins; two one-pound skeins may be all you need to make scarves for the whole family.

• Size 8 knitting needles OR size F crochet hook
• 1 skein deep red yarn
• 1 skein bright gold yarn

 

1. Cast on 30 stitches in gold.
2. Knit 1 row.
3. Turn and purl 1 row.
4. Repeat alternating knit & purl rows for 4 inches.
5. Change to red yarn and continue knitting and purling.
6. Alternate colors every 4 inches until scarf measures about 60 inches; end with red.
7. Cast off.
8. Add matching tassels to each end.
9. If the edges curl, block the scarf to flatten.

 

1. Chain 31 in gold.
2. Turn, single crochet in second chain from end, and continue to end of row (30 stitches).
3. Chain 1, turn, single chain across row.
4. Continue crocheting until piece measures 4 inches.
5. Change to red yarn and continue crocheting.
6. Alternate colors until scarf measures about 60 inches; end with red.
7. Tie off end.
8. Add matching tassels to each end.