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Cool Knitting Tools to Make Getting the Right Size Easier

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knit hat design size chartsI collect a lot of links to a lot of different things so I always have lots of options for things to share with you. Sometimes a theme emerges from the things I have found, and lately it seems I’ve found quite a few things that will help you with measurements and the math of knitting.

First, Knitting Daily has a free (with free subscription) ebook full of tips for how to measure yourself. If you’ve ever wondered exactly where a hip measurement is supposed to be take from or what sort of ease you should choose in a pattern, this is a great resource. It also includes four free sweater patterns you can try these principles on and be sure to get a great fit.

Sometimes a knitting pattern doesn’t give you quite all the information you would like when it comes to shaping. All too often patterns will say something like “decrease 10 stitches evenly across the row.” That’s because the designer didn’t want to do the math to figure out how to do that in every size offered. But the good news is there are online tools that can help you figure it out for your size, such as Eskimimi’s Knitulator, which I just recently found. You can figure out how to increase or decrease evenly by putting in how many stitches you have to start with and how many stitches you need to end up with, and it will give you options for how to do it. Easy!

Hats are common projects in the fall and winter and make great gifts, but it can sometimes be difficult to know what size to make, especially if you’re making up a pattern as you go. These great infographics from Cyndi Byars via Petals to Picots are super handy, and show all the measurements you would need to make a hat for anyone, preemie to adult male. You’ll see how big around the hat should be, how tall the body should be before shaping, even how big the circumference of the top should be if you want to knit a hat from the top down. Such great stuff!

Have you come across any great knitting resources lately? I’d love to know what you’re learning!

[Image via Petals to Picots.]

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Vintage Knitted Lace Stole Pattern PDF – A Romantic 1950s Bridal Shawl

There are some vintage knitting patterns that feel like they belong in a hat box with tissue paper, silk gloves, and a very dramatic lipstick. This Vintage Knitted Lace Stole Pattern PDF from the CraftGossipStore has exactly that sort of old-school glamour.

It is a restored vintage knitting pattern for a delicate triangular lace stole with long fringe, designed to drape softly over the shoulders. The look is very 1950s evening wrap, but it also works beautifully for modern bridal styling, boho wedding outfits, vintage-inspired photo shoots, costume wardrobes, or anyone who likes a little romantic drama in their handmade accessories.

You can find the pattern here: Vintage Knitted Lace Stole Pattern PDF from CraftGossipStore.

What I like about this pattern is that it has that lovely “special occasion” feeling without being locked into one use. Yes, it would make a beautiful handmade bridal shawl, especially in cream, ivory, soft white, champagne, or pale blush. But it could also be stunning worn over a simple black dress, used as a vintage-style evening wrap, or made as an heirloom gift for someone who loves classic lace knitting.

The finished stole measures approximately 60 inches across the top and 43 inches along each side, so it has enough width to sit nicely around the shoulders while still keeping that airy lace look. The triangular shape gives it a graceful drape, and the fringe adds movement without making the design feel too heavy.

This is a digital PDF pattern, so no finished stole will be posted out. After purchase, the file is available as an instant download through Etsy, which is always handy if you are in that dangerous “I need a new project immediately” mood. We have all been there. Usually surrounded by yarn we already own, naturally.

The pattern is best suited to confident beginners through intermediate knitters who are comfortable following row-by-row instructions and working basic lace techniques such as increasing, decreasing, slipping stitches, and keeping track of rows. Like many vintage knitting patterns, the instructions may be more concise than modern patterns, so a little patience and a good row counter will be your friend here.

The original pattern calls for fine crochet cotton or thread and No. 11 knitting needles, but as with any vintage pattern, modern substitutions may require some swatching. I know swatching is not the most thrilling part of knitting, but with lace it really does help. A small test piece will show you the fabric, drape, and openness of the stitch pattern before you commit to the full stole.

If you are knitting this for a wedding, photo shoot, formal event, or gift, I would choose the yarn carefully. A smooth cotton thread will give it that crisp vintage lace look, while a softer fine yarn could make it feel more modern and romantic. A light wool blend, silk blend, bamboo blend, or fine cotton could all give different results, so think about whether you want structure, softness, sheen, or drape.

For supplies, you’ll want suitable fine yarn or thread, knitting needles, a tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape, and something to help track your rows. Mary Maxim is a good place to browse classic yarns and knitting supplies, while Amazon can be handy for stitch counters, blocking mats, lace blocking wires, and pattern folders if you like to keep your printable PDFs organised.

One thing I would not skip with this project is blocking. Lace rarely looks its best straight off the needles. Blocking opens up the stitch pattern, evens out the fabric, and helps the stole sit beautifully across the shoulders. If you are making this as a bridal wrap, blocking is what takes it from “I knitted a lace triangle” to “oh, this looks properly elegant.”

This pattern would be a lovely choice for knitters who enjoy vintage accessories, wedding knitting, heirloom-style projects, and lightweight wraps. It has enough detail to feel special, but the finished piece is still wearable and versatile. That is the sweet spot with vintage patterns — beautiful, but not so precious that it never leaves the wardrobe.

If you have a soft spot for romantic lace, fringe, vintage fashion, or handmade bridal accessories, this is a gorgeous little pattern to tuck into your knitting queue.