Skill level: Beginner — you will need to know how to cast on, knit, bind off and weave in ends, as well as sew on a button.

The size can very easily be adjusted by using fewer rows and stitches or different yarn thicknesses.

It’s a fairly quick knit — shouldn’t take more than one or two evenings in front of the TV. There’s no seaming, and since it’s pretty much a rectangle, there’s no danger of the sizing going horribly wrong.

Go for a traditional wood or tortoise button, or make it arty with a handmade organic shape. You can also use more than one yarn color for a cool custom look -- the creative possibilities are endless.