Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway: Faux Taxidermy Knits

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faux taxidermy knits giveaway

Patricia is the winner.

I recently shared a story about Louise Walker, a British knitter who has turned knitting faux taxidermy animals into a booming business, and it just happens that I found my copy of her book, Faux Taxidermy Knits, in my donate pile so I thought it was the right time to do a giveaway.

The book is a lot of fun, with both wearable projects and home decor inspired by animals. Check out all the projects on Raverly.

I have a friend who covets the wolf headdress, and I have to say it is pretty amazing.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, Sept. 11. I’d love to know what your favorite wild animal is, if you can narrow it down to just one (I’ve always been partial to cheetahs, but I’m not sure I’d want to knit cheetah print!).

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

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Comments

  1. I would have to say my favorite wild animal is a leopard. That should be easier then a Cheetah. LOL

  2. With my grandchildren in the south (read that as hot climate) my usual gifts of hats, scarfs and mittens are no longer wanted or needed. Your book of Fayx Taxiderny Knits could give me a way to still gift with knitted items.

  3. I’ve already made an anatomically correct shark hat as well as an anaconda hat scarf in crochet. Guess I’m obsessed with animal weirdness and also new to knitting. please help me move beyond scarves and dishcloths (yawn).

  4. My favorite wild animal is a deer. But I have to say I want to make that fox it’s so cool and winter is right around the corner.

  8. I just love those hedgehog slippers!!! They look so happy that I think I would smile every time I looked at my feet.

  9. I wonder if my husband would notice if I knit something from this book and hung it up with his other deer heads in the house??

  12. Love to knit unique unusual projects. Smile thinking of how
    delighted a child would be to receive an animal themed item.
    The Panda Bear would be one of my favorite wild animal.

  14. the theme for our county fair next year is “party with the animals” this would be perfect!

  17. How cute!!! the fox scarf would make a wonderful gift for my grandchildren. I feel just positive my husband would tell them some outrageous story about how he found a fox skin. they would then want to find more!!!!

  20. I love this book… My favorite local wild animals are deer, squirrels & rabbits (all wild in my yard). Favorites that I don’t see in my yard have to be elephants & tigers.

  22. I’m partial to the whole cat family, but leopards are my most favorite. I’ve already knit leopard print and it’s not so bad! Cheetah should be easier 😛

  29. I have I have a collection of hippos but that badger is pretty fun too! You’re right, lots of great projects in this book

  36. We have many critters in our woods. I would have to choose between the little fox I see from time to time or the white tail deer or the cute little black squirrels or the wild turkeys or the family of rabbits that live here too! Tough choice but I would have to go with the little black squirrels.

  37. My favorite wild critters are Squirrels and Crows. I feed them both in my backyard, but haven’t thought of knitting their likeness before!

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.