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Get Cozy with the Granny Cardigan

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I’m sure you’ve heard of a grandpa cardigan, which I imagine as a kind of shapeless, probably oversized, V-neck, button up cardigan you might find on an old man or Mister Rogers. There’s nothing wrong with that style, but where are the grandmothers in all that? Don’t you think they’d have better sweaters? 

Enter the Granny Cardigan from Joji Locatelli. This cabled cardigan retains some of the boxy shape of the grandpa version, as well as the V neck and buttons, but on the whole it’s a more refined version, like a hug from your granny.

The design is worked from the top down and involves minimal finishing since the sleeves are picked up from the shoulders and worked in the round from the top down and the button bands is knit in one piece all the way around the body.

There are 10 size options with a chest measurement ranging from 38.5 inches (that’s 96 cm) to 69.25 inches (or 173 cm). It’s meant to be worn with 5-10 inches (13-25 cm) of positive ease, but she worked in a little less ease on the smaller sizes so little frames won’t feel like they are totally swallowed up in the sweater. Unless you want to be, in which case choose the amount of ease that you prefer.

The pattern calls for a DK or light worsted wool, so make sure you check your gauge before getting started.

You can find this pattern on Ravelry.

Looking for more fun cable knitting projects? Check out this collection of cable knitting patterns to help boost your skills and confidence with cable knitting. And if you’re looking for more great cozy cardigan knitting patterns, I’ve got you covered with these easy cardigan knitting patterns. Or maybe grab another one of Joji’s patterns, perhaps for some fun cabled socks to go with your cabled sweater?

[Photo: Joji Locatelli]

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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.