Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Get Ready for Fall and Winter with Handknits from Norway

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handknits from norway

The winner is Connie.

If you’re a fan of classic Norwegian knitting motifs — snowflakes, stars, geometric patterns and the like — but would also like to use those designs in less-than-traditional ways, you’ll love Handknits from Norway: Classic Norwegian Motifs in Modern Knitting Patterns for Men and Women compiled by Karen Marie Vinje.

The book includes classic patterns for ski sweaters, hats and gloves, but you’ll also find some more unusual designs like the short sweater with puff sleeves, which uses classic patterning on the cropped top of a sweater finished out in lace. There are tunics and dresses, bags and berets, and a few projects for men as well. (You can see the patterns on Ravelry, though this version of the book is not in English.)

If you’d like a chance to knit some of these patterns, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, Sept. 24. I’d love to know what you most look forward to about fall. Me? I love breaking out all the handknits again and snuggling under blankets with my daughter.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Comments

  1. I love how the nights draw in and even though it is too warm for heating, it’s cold enough for candlelight. The nights seem cosier and conducive to knitting.

  3. Since I live in the South, I most look forward to days below 90 degrees. Cool fall nights are the best and being able to knit projects without sweaty lap

  4. Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the return of cool, dry air, the intense colors of the forests here in Maine, and being able to wear the knitted items I have made. This is the time of year my knitting energy comes up, and it usually stays with me till hot weather arrives again.

  5. Waiting for the cooler weather and the beautiful fall trees. And SAFF! A little over a month and we will be headed to Asheville.

  6. Curling up on the couch covered in a crocheted afghan, knitting a hat, and having a cup of hot tea on the table next to me. Yummy!

  7. I love getting those handmade knits out in the cooler weather too! The sweater on the cover is fabulous!! I bet there are a lot of nice projects in this book! thank you!

  8. Autumn is my favorite season, too. I like to watch the leaves fall in my backyard. And I like to light my candles in the evening when it gets dark.

  9. I’m not crazy about fall – the days get short, grey and rainy here in Oregon while I crave the sun. But I do look forward to the crisp apples and fresh-pressed cider at the farmer’s market.

Have you read?

8 Knitted Crown Patterns for Children and Adults

There is something rather wonderful about a knitted crown. It takes a little yarn, a few pointed peaks and suddenly someone is in charge of the birthday cake. Whether they should be trusted with that responsibility is another matter entirely.

I love small knitting projects that invite a bit of fun, and these knitted crown patterns have plenty of possibilities. Make one for a grandchild’s dress-up basket, start a handmade birthday tradition, or knit matching crowns for a family celebration. And yes, there are adult sizes too, because being the person who organised the food should surely come with some royal privileges.

A soft knitted crown also makes a lovely alternative to a cardboard party crown. You can choose a favourite colour, coordinate it with a costume, or make something special enough to bring out year after year. Mustard yellow has that classic storybook look, but dusty pink, forest green and jewel-toned purple would be beautiful too.

These crown knitting patterns include children’s and adult options, along with designs that can be adjusted to fit. Some are worked flat and seamed, while others use circular knitting techniques, so there is a nice mix depending on what you enjoy making.

Our Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults

Start with our own free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults on CraftBits. It’s a lovely starting point for a handmade birthday crown or an addition to the family dress-up collection, with children and grownups both invited to join the royal household. I would choose a colour the wearer already loves—there is no rule saying every crown has to be gold.

Sheep & Stitch Crown: An Adjustable Design with a Video Tutorial

The knit crown pattern from Sheep & Stitch uses worsted-weight yarn and straight needles, with a video tutorial to help you follow along. You repeat the pointed sections until the crown fits, then join the ends, making this a useful option for children or adults without relying entirely on an age label. I especially like the video support for knitters who prefer seeing the shaping happen before trying it themselves.

Jubilee Crown Headband: Baby Through Adult Sizes

Marianna’s Jubilee Crown Headband is a free DK-weight design with baby, child, teen and adult size options. It’s described as quick and easy, making it an appealing choice when someone announces they need a costume rather closer to the event than you would have preferred. I would keep the smallest versions simple and let the yarn colour provide the decoration.

Hobbii Knitted Crown: A Cosy Ribbed Headband

The free Knitted Crown Headband from Hobbii, designed by Katharina Müller of My Favourite Stitches, combines a ribbed band with crown points. It includes baby, child and adult sizes and is knitted in the round with two yarns held together. This is the one I would look at for a crown that doubles as a playful ear warmer—very useful when your little royal insists on wearing their costume outside.

Elegant Knit Crown: Two Stretchy Size Options

Kathryn Andrews’ Elegant Knit Crown is a free Ravelry download with a small toddler/child size and a large teen/adult size. Worked from the top down in worsted-weight yarn, it uses a small amount of yarn and relies on stretchy edges to accommodate a range of heads. It’s a handy option for using a treasured leftover colour that isn’t quite enough for a hat.

Simple Knitted Crown: A Grownup Birthday Crown

Nicky Barfoot’s Simple Knitted Crown is a free DK-weight pattern with seven points and an adult-sized fit. The listed finished circumference is 50 cm, designed to stretch to a 55 cm head, so check that measurement before choosing it as a gift. I like this option for a grownup birthday celebration, especially in a beautiful cotton yarn that lets the shape take centre stage.

Crowning Glory: A Flat-Knitted Crown for the Family

The free Crowning Glory pattern by MrsMeeseMakes is knitted flat and seamed, with the circumference adjusted through the number of points you make. The designer gives guidance for baby, toddler, child, teenager and adult versions, making it a flexible choice for a family set. This would be my pick if you enjoy straight-needle projects and want to check the length as you go.

Paintbox Yarns Party Crown: Child and Adult Versions

The free Paintbox Yarns Party Crown uses aran-weight yarn and includes separate child and adult instructions. The listed finished circumferences are 44 cm and 50 cm, and the pattern is rated intermediate. I would make a coordinated pair in different colours for a birthday child and their favourite grownup—matching enough for photographs, but easy to tell apart when the party gets busy.

Choosing the Right Size for a Knitted Crown

Measure around the wearer’s head where the crown will sit, then compare that measurement with the pattern’s sizing notes. A finished knitted circumference may be smaller than the intended head measurement because the fabric stretches; that is different from choosing a size that is simply too small.

For an adjustable design, check the fit before sewing the ends together. You want the crown to stay put comfortably, especially if its owner plans to spend the afternoon dancing, running or issuing important instructions to the dog.

Yarn choice matters too. A springy wool blend and a smooth cotton can behave quite differently, even when both carry the same yarn-weight label. Follow the pattern’s tension guidance and think about how the finished crown will be washed.

Make It a Birthday Tradition

My favourite idea is to knit a crown that comes out every birthday. Choose a colour that will grow with its wearer, tuck it away with the birthday candles, and let it become one of those small family things everyone remembers.

For children’s crowns, stitched details are a lovely way to personalise the design without adding loose decorations. A little embroidered initial or a few contrasting stitches can make a simple crown feel very much their own.

And if you happen to knit yourself one while making the children’s versions, I think that is entirely reasonable. Someone has to supervise the kingdom—and keep an eye on the cake.