Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Book Review: InstaKnits by Melissa Leapman

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While none of us a knitting exclusively for the ‘gram, it’s always nice to make photo-worthy projects that we’ll love to knit and wear (and share on social media). And if they don’t take a ton of time, so much the better!

Melissa Leapman’s InstaKnits includes 24 projects for quick-to-knit accessories and tops, arranged by how much time they will take you to knit.

From a simple striped hat that will take less than two hours to knit in front of a movie to a tweedy, hooded jacket that will get you through a few seasons of your latest binge-worthy show, the book also includes scarves, shawls, summer tops, cowls and more.

Some of my favorites include Just Swirling Around, a super bulky hat with a spiral eyelet pattern (2 hours); Sona, a fun cowl worked in a two-color cable pattern (10 hours); Rosina, a simple tank top with a little waist shaping and a rolled neckline (14-22 hours, depending on the size); Flora, a fun mesh-stitch lace shawl with a lace edging on one side (16 hours); and the aforementioned bulky jacket, Outono, which the book predicts will take 30 to 62 hours, depending on the size. (I am not seeing the book on Ravelry but you can see several of the projects on the cover.)

I’m naturally skeptical of patterns that suggest how long they should take to knit because some of us knit faster than others, but it is nice to have a guideline and know these patterns are faster and those will take longer (if, say, you’re looking for a gift to knit for a party next weekend).

There’s a nice variety in the patterns in terms of type of project and techniques. You’ll find lace, cables, stripes and mosaic projects here. A section at the back of the book covers the basics of how to knit, increase, decrease, make cables and bobbles and other skills.

If you’re looking for a some nice basic and fun patterns that you can make while chilling in front of the TV, as gifts or for a little self-care for yourself, InstaKnits has a lot of great options.

About the book: 160 pages, paperback, 24 patterns. Published July 2022 by Stackpole Books. Suggested retail $26.95. Buy on Amazon.

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.