Knitting

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Giveaway: Floral Blocks to Knit and Crochet

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floral blocks to knit

Congratulations to Donna.

They say that April showers bring May flowers, but where I live the May flowers have been getting rained on quite a bit lately. So I thought it would be fun to share some flowers of the knit and crocheted variety this week.

75 Floral Blocks to Knit by Lesley Stanfield features pinwheels, hexagons, circles and squares with floral motifs in lace, colorwork and embroidery. Some flowers are applied to the blocks while others are integral to the block and still more are flower or leaf shaped themselves. These projects offer lots of ideas for afghan blocks, pillow fronts, washcloths and more.

Likewise 75 Floral Blocks to Crochet by Betty Barnden has a bunch of fun designs of different shapes, sizes and techniques using crochet. This book includes a directory of blocks showing collections of blocks in different colors that you might combine for a project.

The giveaway this week is for both books; there will be one winner.

For a chance to win leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, May 17. Why don’t you tell me what your favorite flower is? I usually say zinnias, but I love sunflowers, too. And roses.

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

Comments

  2. My favorite flower is one with purple in it! Thank you for the opportunity to win the books.

  3. Oh where to start, here on the coast of Vancouver island Canada ,choosing one flower is the most difficult questions ever !!! Lilacs are out ,they count as first right now as they are loaded with childhood memories. The pink bloosems with snow fall petals fill our streets, most are finished now but oh the early days of spring are so sweet.

  4. I would absolutely love to win these books! I adore flowers, as well as knitting and crocheting…what a perfect combination! Flowers have such a deep meaning for me. Ever since I was a child I would spend hours wandering through the pages of my great grandmother’s Language of Flowers books! I learned so very much about botany. I learned to love flowers and the meaning behind them. I not only enjoyed reading about them, but reproducing them as well. I started drawing flowers, painting them, sculpting them, and sewing them! So many beautiful flowers, it’s hard to pick just one favorite! As a teenager I went through a sunflower stage, and decorated my room floor to ceiling with sunflowers! I’ve also always enjoyed the delicate beauty of the many varieties of orchids. Then of course there’s the classic rose. I have so many favorite varieties of roses, but one that has a special place in my heart is the sterling rose; a pale purple, almost silver rose. Dinner plate dahlias have also been a favorite in my garden. And who could forget the lotus? Teaching us that the most beautiful of creations can come from the mud. And then there’s the beautiful songs, poetry, and prose about flowers. The song about lilies of the valley my mother sang to me as a child, and my favorite, a poem about a garden and many flowers, called Maud, by Alfred Tennyson. One of my favorite lines goes, “Beginning to faint on the light that she loves, on a bed of daffodil sky…” Isn’t that beautiful? But then again, aren’t all flowers beautiful? Well, I’ve gone on and on, but I wanted to share my love of flowers with everyone, and hope that I might win these beautiful books and continue my collection of all things floral! Good luck to everyone, and take time to stop and smell the roses!

  6. I forgot my favorite flower, which is the iris. I do love purple flowers.

  7. My favorite flower is Peonies, and luckily I’ll soon have 9 blooming plants in my back yard!

  8. My favorite flower is a Sunflower. But there are so many that are a close second.
    Fushia, bleeding hearts. Coneflowers…

  9. wow pretty book! i love so many kinds of flowers; gardenia, calla lily, rose, orchid, bird of paradise, …i really could go on lol 😀 thanks for the chance 🙂

  10. Daisies. They are always happy. They always remind me of Sunshine and Spring,my favorite season.????

  12. Favourite flower has to be Fuchsia as there are so many varieties, colours & shape. Would love to win these as I am new to crochet & loving it

  14. My favorite flower….I have three, the lilac…carnation and the rose.
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway.

  18. The crochet books looks brilliant but I think my favourite is the blue ‘thistle’ int he knit book. Really hope I’m lucky enough to win – thank you for the chance!

  27. Daisies always make me happy. And they go so well with almost every other flower, so they’re versitile.

  28. My favorite flower is the buttercup (daffadil) because it is the first sign of spring to me.

  32. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway! My favorite flower is the pansy. But I like violas, violets, lilac & peonies too!

  36. Bleeding hearts -fascinated me as a child exploring in my Nanny’s garden.

  37. I like all flowers, but I’d have to say sunflowers are my favorite. Since I don’t have a green thumb, I’d love these books to create my own blooms 🙂 Thanks for this wonderful giveaway!!

  39. I live in the desert in Botswana so ANY flower is a blessing……. even the weeds 🙂

  40. How do you pick just one? Lol
    Tuberose for smell and Passion Flower for beauty.
    Thank you for the chance to win the books!

  42. Its really hard to narrow it down to just one. A rose would be my number one choice but I love them all. Great giveaway. Thank you

  43. Roses have always been my favorite flower, I currently had 7 bushes in my garden.

  44. One of my first goals since I retired is to create a wreath for the door of my new house. I have been trying to save up enough different flower patterns I find here and there on the internet, but these books would really make it possible to begin knitting and crocheting flowers right away! I REALLY would love to have these two books!

  50. So many flowers that I love—lilacs for the scent, lily of the valley for its delicacy. I love the flowers that attract my butterflies and hummingbirds. Thank you for the chance to win such fabulous books.

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.