Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Book Review: Knitting with Disney

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I love going to my local library and checking out knitting books I might have missed when they came out. This week I found Knitting with Disney: 28 Official Patterns Inspired by Mickey Mouse, The Little Mermaid, and More.

By Tanis Gray, this book’s format will be familiar to you if you’ve seen her Harry Potter and Star Wars books. The designs come from Gray and other knitwear designers, and they include characters, costumes, apparel and decor inspired by Disney films.

Projects are rated on a scale of one to three mouse ears, with seven rating one, 11 getting two ears and eight ranking three sets of ears on the scale.

There’s a nice range of movies represented, from Beauty and the Beast to The Emperor’s New Groove. There are projects inspired by Mulan, Cinderella, Moana, Ariel and many more.

Some of my favorite patterns include:

  • Jaq and Gus, designed by Sara Kellner, these brave mice from Cinderella are true to their animated versions
  • Kuzco’s Poncho from The Emperor’s New Groove (designed by Cassandra Cruikshank) mostly because this was one of my daughter’s favorites
  • Three Fairies Socks and Mitts by Spillyjane, with allover colorwork inspired by the fairies in Sleeping Beauty
  • Ariel Socks, covered with the texture of mermaid scales and designed by Agata Mackiewicz (you can see these on the cover)
  • Meghan Regan’s Beauty and the Beast Pullover, covered with icons from the movie like teacups and post, roses and clocks (a portion of it is also on the cover)
  • Mistress of Evil Socks, designed by Heini Perälä, worked in bands of colorwork that look like flames, inspired by Maleficent
  • Heidi Gustad’s Magic Carpet Throw Blanket, which is of course inspired by Aladdin

There’s a great variety of designs and inspirations here, sure to delight any Disney fan. Whether someone in your household has a favorite Disney movie you want to celebrate or you know (or are) a superfan who will love all these projects, you’re sure to find something you want to knit for yourself or as a gift.

About the book: 208 pages, hardcover, 28 patterns. See all patterns on Ravelry. Published 2021 by Insight Editions. Suggested retail $29.99.

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.