Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Big, Bulky Yarn is Still in

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Bulky yarns are still a huge trend this season. Here are some patterns to try. Fall knitting season is definitely upon us, and the stories about fall fashion trends are starting to come in now that New York Fashion Week is done.

I hear from Glamour (because it’s the first place I looked) that neon is still big, as well as faux fur and shearling, which are all looks that could be incorporated into knitting projects. (Especially neon, since you can use it in a scarf, say, if you don’t want a whole neon sweater.)

Brown, black and winter white are also popular colors, go figure. Turtlenecks are also in, apparently.

But one trend that was noted that I’ve seen other places, too, is that chunky knits are still going strong, especially oversized sweaters. Check out these tips from Stylecaster on how to wear a giant sweater (hint: skinny pants, or shorts!) if you’d like to try the bulky look for yourself.

Yarn manufacturers are in on the bulky trend in a big way, with lots of new yarns coming out in the bulky and super bulky arena, as well as tons of pattern support for those big yarns.

A few examples I’ve seen recently:

  • Berroco has a new super bulky called Gusto, which is perfect for super-quick accessories like this cowl, called Juniper. It’s a simple stitch pattern with eyelets for air flow that will knit up in no time.
  • Casa Sonia is another great one from Berroco, using super cozy Ultra Alpaca Chunky. It’s another easy stitch pattern, using knits and purls to add geometric texture.
  • Noble Knits has a couple of great patterns from Universal Yarns using their Classic Shades Big Time Yarn, which looks lovely and like lots of fun to work with. Check out the Cog Shawlette (such a great shape, made with short rows) and the Big Time Cowl (a simple bias knit loop) if you want to bring some quick color into your life.
  • And speaking of big cowls, and Noble Knits, here’s another quick and easy one from Erika Knight Yarns, the Cobblestone Street Cowl. A little textured knitting keeps this one interesting but it’s still a quick project.
  • HiKoo Rub-a-Dib might not be a yarn you’d go to for warmth, but it is a great choice for luxurious spa accessories that knit up in a flash. Hello, holiday gifts.
  • And here’s another one that’s not for wearing, but you might want to stitch it up for plenty of fall and winter warmth. The Angled Eyelets Blanket from Yarnspirations uses the aptly named Bernat Blanket yarn and a relatively easy lace pattern that keeps the blanket from being too hot and makes the knitting more fun.

Are bulky knits on your knit list this season? I’d love to hear what you’re working on!

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.