Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Cute Kerchief Knitting Patterns

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A lot of people ask (me, and the Internet, more generally) what you can knit when the weather gets warm. I guess that’s because most people start knitting scarves, hats and mitts, and maybe have the goal of knitting a sweater, but they don’t see the possibilities for knitting things they’ll be able to use when it’s warmer outside.

Of course there are a lot of different options (washcloths, market bags, headbands to name a few) but one that’s been on my mind lately is kerchiefs.

These little triangles of knitting are great to wear as little scarves or to hold your hair back. They might give you a little warmth for cool mornings, but they aren’t so stifling you can’t wear them when it’s warm out.

Some of them you could even fashion into a wearable for your dog, if you’re into that.

The pattern that got me thinking about kerchiefs was Mollie Conrad’s Walnut (available on Ravelry), which is a lacy little scarf worked with two strands of fingering weight or a DK weight yarn by itself. It’s worked from right to left and includes an integrated I-cord edge. This one also includes fun skills like knit 3 together and a centered double decrease.

If you’re looking for something a little easier, this plain and pretty little triangle from Darling J’Adore on Etsy is a great option. It’s perfect for beginners because it’s just a simple stockinette triangle, and it’s a fast little project that only uses about 100 yards of sock yarn.

Add a little bit of texture with a simple repeating knit and purl pattern like on this scarf from Whole Cloth Patterns. It’s knit from the top down to the point and uses fingering weight yarn and a fun diamond design.

The Triangular Miter Kerchief from Lion Brand Yarn throws in another fun technique of working decreases at the center as you would for a mitered square. It also calls for using two colorways of yarn and alternating every two rows to give a pretty watercolor look. You can get the free pattern from Lion Brand.

Indre Ju on Etsy has another cute little triangle that uses eyelets to make it more breathable for summer weather. This one calls for a light weight yarn and particularly a cotton/bamboo blend to keep it cool.

Or try the Borrowed Light scarf from Dutiers Patterns. This one has an allover lace pattern and comes in three sizes depending on the size of your neck and how you plan to wear it. It calls for fingering or sport weight yarn.

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.