Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

An Easy Scarf Knitting Pattern Stitched with Love

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This super sweet scarf knitting pattern would be fun to stitch up for Valentine’s Day, or to give to someone who you want to wrap in love.

The Shape of My Heart scarf from Annie Baker Designs is worked in fingering weight yarn (aka sock yarn or super fine) in a tube to the desired length. Hearts are randomly added in duplicate stitch using scraps. The pattern calls for stitching on the hearts after the whole scarf is done, but I think it would be easier to do as you knit because it’s easier to get to the center of the tube as you’re knitting it without having to maneuver around the whole rest of the scarf to make your stitches. 

Either way, there are several heart patterns shown in the pattern so you can make solid or outline heart shapes, both upside down and right side up depending on what you need for where you are in your scarf.

This is such a cute and easy idea you could also do it with other weights of yarn. If you have more worsted weight yarn than you have sock yarn, for example, you could knit a tube of whatever width you like and use your leftovers to stitch on hearts in just this same way.

If you’ve never worked duplicate stitch before, it’s an easy way to add colorwork to knitting projects. It involves sewing on top of the knit stitches, literally duplicating the shape of the stitch so that it’s completely covered with another yarn. This makes the knit fabric thicker in those places but also makes the stitches you duplicate stand out, which adds an interesting texture to your project.

Check out this tutorial from Purl Soho if you need help with the basics. It doesn’t look like I’ve done a video on this so I”ll try to get to that soon!

The pattern is available for free on Ravelry.

[Photo: Annie Baker Designs]

Have you read?

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.