Book Review: 100 Knitted Tiles

If you love to knit different kinds of patterned blocks, you will love 100 Knitted Tiles edited by Sarah Callard. This book features charts and patterns with designs inspired by ceramic tiles from around the world, most of which are colorwork but there are also cables, lace and other textured patterns as well.

The blocks are from a range of designers and use different skills. Many of them require reading a chart to work the design. You’ll find a lot of different knitting skills in these pages, including knit and purl designs, cables, lace, mosaic, stranded knitting, intarsia, modular designs, even a circle worked from the center out (some squares are worked from the center out as well).

It’s hard for me to describe the patterns because there’s such a variety and the designs are often more geometric more than graphic. You can see quite a few of the designs on the cover above or at the publisher’s website. (As of this writing they are not on Ravelry.) But with such a wide variety there are sure to be some that interest you, whether you like making projects with blocks or you just want to play with some new techniques.

All of the samples are shown knit in a fingering/sock yarn (Scheepjes Metropolis), but of course you can try different yarn weights if you want your blocks to be bigger for whatever project you’re using them for. The designs are not consistent is size so you’ll have to put some thought into which ones can be used together in a project or how you might alter the designs to make them match up.

The patterns also don’t list a skill level, though most of them are fine for advanced beginner to intermediate knitters comfortable reading charts and knitting cables, lace and colorwork. Some of the designs are more complex (like Trelliage by Jacqui Gouldblourn, a diamond cable trellis pattern that’s written out as well as being charted).

In addition to the tile knitting patterns there are five projects to give readers some ideas for how to use the tiles. There’s a bag made of eight matching motif squares, a cushion with nine patches, a throw that mixes seven different patterns in its 49 tiles, a needle case made from four tiles and a cushion knit from 16 squares (8 each in two different colors). While there’s not a lot of mix and match of patterns within each project, you could always change up the tiles you use for your projects or go for a more patchwork look.

If you’re the type to be inspired by stitch dictionaries and can come up with ways to use these designs on your own I think you’ll have a lot of fun with 100 Knitted Tiles.

About the book: 160 pages, paperback, 100 tile patterns and five projects. Published 2024 by David & Charles, suggested retail price $24.99.

There is something rather wonderful about a knitted crown. It takes a little yarn, a few pointed peaks and suddenly someone is in charge of the birthday cake. Whether they should be trusted with that responsibility is another matter entirely.

I love small knitting projects that invite a bit of fun, and these knitted crown patterns have plenty of possibilities. Make one for a grandchild’s dress-up basket, start a handmade birthday tradition, or knit matching crowns for a family celebration. And yes, there are adult sizes too, because being the person who organised the food should surely come with some royal privileges.

A soft knitted crown also makes a lovely alternative to a cardboard party crown. You can choose a favourite colour, coordinate it with a costume, or make something special enough to bring out year after year. Mustard yellow has that classic storybook look, but dusty pink, forest green and jewel-toned purple would be beautiful too.

These crown knitting patterns include children’s and adult options, along with designs that can be adjusted to fit. Some are worked flat and seamed, while others use circular knitting techniques, so there is a nice mix depending on what you enjoy making.

Our Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults

Start with our own free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults on CraftBits. It’s a lovely starting point for a handmade birthday crown or an addition to the family dress-up collection, with children and grownups both invited to join the royal household. I would choose a colour the wearer already loves—there is no rule saying every crown has to be gold.

Sheep & Stitch Crown: An Adjustable Design with a Video Tutorial

The knit crown pattern from Sheep & Stitch uses worsted-weight yarn and straight needles, with a video tutorial to help you follow along. You repeat the pointed sections until the crown fits, then join the ends, making this a useful option for children or adults without relying entirely on an age label. I especially like the video support for knitters who prefer seeing the shaping happen before trying it themselves.

Jubilee Crown Headband: Baby Through Adult Sizes

Marianna’s Jubilee Crown Headband is a free DK-weight design with baby, child, teen and adult size options. It’s described as quick and easy, making it an appealing choice when someone announces they need a costume rather closer to the event than you would have preferred. I would keep the smallest versions simple and let the yarn colour provide the decoration.

Hobbii Knitted Crown: A Cosy Ribbed Headband

The free Knitted Crown Headband from Hobbii, designed by Katharina Müller of My Favourite Stitches, combines a ribbed band with crown points. It includes baby, child and adult sizes and is knitted in the round with two yarns held together. This is the one I would look at for a crown that doubles as a playful ear warmer—very useful when your little royal insists on wearing their costume outside.

Elegant Knit Crown: Two Stretchy Size Options

Kathryn Andrews’ Elegant Knit Crown is a free Ravelry download with a small toddler/child size and a large teen/adult size. Worked from the top down in worsted-weight yarn, it uses a small amount of yarn and relies on stretchy edges to accommodate a range of heads. It’s a handy option for using a treasured leftover colour that isn’t quite enough for a hat.

Simple Knitted Crown: A Grownup Birthday Crown

Nicky Barfoot’s Simple Knitted Crown is a free DK-weight pattern with seven points and an adult-sized fit. The listed finished circumference is 50 cm, designed to stretch to a 55 cm head, so check that measurement before choosing it as a gift. I like this option for a grownup birthday celebration, especially in a beautiful cotton yarn that lets the shape take centre stage.

Crowning Glory: A Flat-Knitted Crown for the Family

The free Crowning Glory pattern by MrsMeeseMakes is knitted flat and seamed, with the circumference adjusted through the number of points you make. The designer gives guidance for baby, toddler, child, teenager and adult versions, making it a flexible choice for a family set. This would be my pick if you enjoy straight-needle projects and want to check the length as you go.

Paintbox Yarns Party Crown: Child and Adult Versions

The free Paintbox Yarns Party Crown uses aran-weight yarn and includes separate child and adult instructions. The listed finished circumferences are 44 cm and 50 cm, and the pattern is rated intermediate. I would make a coordinated pair in different colours for a birthday child and their favourite grownup—matching enough for photographs, but easy to tell apart when the party gets busy.

Choosing the Right Size for a Knitted Crown

Measure around the wearer’s head where the crown will sit, then compare that measurement with the pattern’s sizing notes. A finished knitted circumference may be smaller than the intended head measurement because the fabric stretches; that is different from choosing a size that is simply too small.

For an adjustable design, check the fit before sewing the ends together. You want the crown to stay put comfortably, especially if its owner plans to spend the afternoon dancing, running or issuing important instructions to the dog.

Yarn choice matters too. A springy wool blend and a smooth cotton can behave quite differently, even when both carry the same yarn-weight label. Follow the pattern’s tension guidance and think about how the finished crown will be washed.

Make It a Birthday Tradition

My favourite idea is to knit a crown that comes out every birthday. Choose a colour that will grow with its wearer, tuck it away with the birthday candles, and let it become one of those small family things everyone remembers.

For children’s crowns, stitched details are a lovely way to personalise the design without adding loose decorations. A little embroidered initial or a few contrasting stitches can make a simple crown feel very much their own.

And if you happen to knit yourself one while making the children’s versions, I think that is entirely reasonable. Someone has to supervise the kingdom—and keep an eye on the cake.

Have you read?