Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Gift Idea: A DIY Kit and Gift Cards

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Gift a DIY knitting pattern kit to a knitter friend for a great gift. It’s a little late in the game to be ordering gifts for people and expecting them to arrive on time, especially from artisans at etsy or specialty yarn shops.

But if you happen to have a local yarn shop nearby, now is the perfect time to support it.

I have two gift ideas for knitters that you still have time to put together, and you get extra karma points for shopping local.

The first requires a bit of sleuthing, but can be a lot of fun. If your knitter friend is on Ravelry, you may find that they have a wish list of patterns. Pick one, buy some yarn they might use for it, and buy them the pattern. Or you can just buy some yarn you know they like, in enough quantity to make something (like a pair of socks or a small shawl) and let them pick the pattern on their own.

This works best for people whose tastes you know really well because picking colors and fibers can be really personal. But if you do it right, it’s an amazing gift.

Alternatively, just get them a gift card or certificate to their local yarn store. You may be able to purchase these online and have them sent to the recipient if you don’t live in the same place, or give the store a call and they can probably mail the card for you (or hold it for your friend). It’s always fun to be able to go in and get whatever you want.

Are you buying gifts for a knitter this year? I’d love to know what you got them, or what is on your wish list.

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.