Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Boost Your Knitting Skills with this Collection

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knitting skill booksI’m really trying to clear out a bunch of knitting books because I’m not sure I’m going to keep doing giveaways (at least weekly ones) in the new year, so this week is a big one.

It includes four books:

Beginner’s Guide to Lace Knitting by Rita Weiss

Beginner’s Guide to Knitting in the Round by Kristin Omdahl

I Can’t Believe I’m Entrelac Knitting by Marly Bird

Take the Fear Out of Cables by Jill Wright

That should keep you going with new skills and fun patterns for a while.

If you’d like to win these, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, Nov. 19. I’d love to know which of these particular skills you most want to learn, or, if you know them already, who you’d like to teach them to.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

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Comments

  1. I’d like to win these, and me and my mum could spend hours of quality time together knitting

  7. I would like to learn all of it!!! I can do basic stiches but thats it, so this is awsome for me!! fingers crossed!!

  10. These are some great books. I love the lacy patterns. I am an elementary school counselor and have began to teach a few of my students. I am on a mission to teach a whole new generation love of knitting. I do not have much experience with entrelac or cables and would love the opportunity to get better. This is one big giveaway I would be excited to win!!

  11. Cables and lace knitting are both on my list for learning this next year. Would love to win!

  12. The Entrelac looks very interesting! Would like to learn that and do a refresher on the cable stitch. Love the headband ear warmers, too!

  14. My Mom and MIL were fantastic knitters during their lives. I can barely knit above the knot stage. The lace knitting looks like a great book

  16. I am teaching myself to knit and these books would be a great boon especially the knitting in the round book.

  21. I REALLY want to learn Enterlac! I am knitting hats for my granddaughters on round needles … I probably should have researched this technique a little better before I tried it. I’m also teaching my oldest granddaughter and her best friend how to Knit. Then I can learn lace …

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.