Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

A Cozy Cowl Just for You

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wynter cowl classic eliteNow that it’s too late to knit anything for anyone else for Christmas, I say it’s time to get selfish with your knitting. Maybe for just a little while. Even if you only knit one project for yourself. I tend to give myself permission around the holidays to knit from someone else’s pattern, which is super rare for me. It usually takes me a couple of years to finish a project, but it’s a lot of fun to make something I don’t have to think that much about.

If you’re looking for something to knit just for you, I’d like to suggest this simple seed stitch cowl from Classic Elite Yarns. Designed by Susan Mills, it’s actually more of a recipe than a pattern, because it explains how to make it for three different lengths and three different widths. Just choose the yarn you like in two different colors, swatch, pick your options and you’ll be on your way.

It’s worked in seed stitch in the round with a touch of contrasting color on each side. This makes the project pop with very little effort, which is just the thing for the rush of the holiday season. And odds are we’ve still got a lot of cold weather ahead of us in the Northern Hemisphere, so you’ll get plenty of use out of this project.

[Photo via Classic Elite Yarns.]

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Check out these books dedicated to Knitted Cowl Patterns still looking for more cowl patterns? Check these out on Etsy.

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Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.