Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Easy Blanket Knitting Patterns

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Now that it’s officially winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it seems like the perfect time to start knitting a blanket. I have a couple of different blanket projects (one knit and one crochet) that come out of hibernation for the winter, so I can work on them while sitting under them. Hopefully one day they will be done and I can enjoy them all year. Here are some pretty (and pretty easy) blanket knitting patterns for you if you need something to work on/snuggle up to this season.

The Issy Blanket by Make Play Repeat on Etsy caught my eye because I happen to have some leftover Yarnicorn yarn from We are Knitters that I tried to use on a sweater I ended up not liking. This pretty blanket uses simple stitches and super bulky yarn to get lots of texture and warmth without a lot of work.

Or try an even easier texture with this basketweave variation on this afghan from Fifty Four Ten Studio on Etsy. It’s worked in bulky yarn and has an easy to learn pattern. It comes in six sizes, from a baby blanket to an extra large throw.

If you have a lot of leftover yarn you’re looking to use up, the Garter Squish from Stephen West (a free pattern on Ravelry) might be just the thing. It’s worked in garter stitch with two strands of worsted weight yarn held together to make a bulky weight. Or you can combine more strands of different weights — as long as the gauge is similar it won’t be a problem.

This one is maybe a little harder than some of the others because it uses more than one color, but mosaic is such an easy method of colorwork that I wanted to include this one, too. The Tweedle Doo blanket from Yarnspirations uses a solid color and a striped version of worsted weight yarn, and the pattern is all knits and slip stitches, so it’s actually really easy to do. You could also make your own stripes with leftovers from other projects if you wanted.

Another great way to use your stash, or coordinating yarn you buy for the purpose, is on a sampler blanket that uses several different colors of yarn and stitch patterns. Sharon’s Glamping Blanket from Casapinka is a great option in this genre. It comes in four sizes (for cats, babies, dogs or the back of the couch) and uses bulky yarn. You can get the pattern on Ravelry.

Or combine different stitch patterns but in a solid color (or add stripes as you like) with the Eris Blanket form Etsy seller PURE by Linda Whaley. All the patterns use just knit and purl stitches, so it’s a great way to learn some new pattern stitches if you’re a newer knitter. This one is worked in DK 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.