Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Brooklyn Tweed Fall ’13 Collection is Here

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brookly tweed fall 13This is the time for launching fall collections, and I’ve got a bunch to tell you about in the coming days. First up is Brooklyn Tweed, which brings us a collection inspired by the forest for this fall. the collection has 14 patterns that are heavy on cables, texture and warmth, just like you’d want going into the cold season.

I love Michelle Wang’s Tread, a long loop of a cowl with a bold zigzag pattern; the Feather Cardigan by Veronik Avery, which features a drapey, open style and textured panels on the fronts (though they look more like wishbones than feathers to me); Jared Flood’s Oshima, a boxy sweater with a deep ribbed section at the top and a large turtleneck; and the incredibly detailed cable work that is Wang’s Stonecutter pullover, pictured here. It’s really an apt name for a garmet that looks more carved than knit.

Check out the look book and let me know if anything from this lovely collection is making it into your queue!

[Photo via Brooklyn Tweed.]

Looking for knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking for pullover and sweater patterns? Check these books out.

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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.