Knitting

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Fashion Trends You Can Use in Your Knitting

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check out the latest trends you can knit yourselfThis time of year knits, if not exactly knitting, are in the news a lot. Everyone wants to don a knit sweater, hat or accessory to stay warm and look fashionable through the season.

I’ve written before about knitting related fashion trends (giant scarves and cowls, and in general anything bulky) but today I’ve got a few more for you.

The Guardian has declared 2015 the year of the pom-pom beanie, which it describes as “one part library geek, one part glamour,” and saying “this hat channels that adorbs Instamodel thing where they go out for casual pizza nights and take squad photos looking gorgeous pulling silly faces. And you don’t even have to wash your hair.”

The examples shown in the story are mostly furry not yarn pom-poms, but of course we can make our own and add them to our own handknit hats.

Another stylish accessory of the moment we can make ourselves is the knit headband. PopSugar recently put together a slideshow of options, most of which we could easily knit ourselves. Look above to see the crazy simple knit headband from Barney’s that costs, I kid you not, $125. One case in which you can easily knit it yourself for less, even if you use cashmere. Get started with my collection of headband knitting patterns.

One knitting-related trend you might not want to DIY is sweater nails. Using gel polish and a dotting tool, you (or a trained professional, let’s be honest) can make textures on your nails that look like cabled sweaters. They’re really cute but I’m guessing I don’t have patience for such a thing. How about you? Would you do it?

Looking for more Knitted Beanie patterns? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking to buy your Yarn online? Check out these online yarn specials.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

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.