Knitting

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Giveaway: Knee-sel for Holding Knitting Patterns

by

knee-sel knitting chart holder

Rose is the winner!

I’ve been doing some spring cleaning in my office (even though it’s not quite spring yet, it certainly feels like it!) and I found this little gadget and thought someone might like it.

The Knee-sel from Nancy’s Knit Knacks is a little fabric easel, for lack of a better word, that is sturdy enough to hold your pattern in place while you’re knitting from a chart. It straps around your leg and also props up against your leg to hold the chart or pattern where you can see it. It also has a little pouch to hold a pen for marking what row you are on or taking notes (it could also hold a cable needle).

I never tried this so it is new in the bag. Mine is size small, which is says is for a 15-25 inch leg. It’s sold black and measures 8 inches wide, 6.5 inches tall and 5/16 inch thick. They retail for $29.99

for full information and more pictures of the Knee-sel in action.

If you’d like a chance to win this, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, March 13. I’d love to know if you have any tricks for keeping up with where you are in a chart, or what you would use this gadget for.

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

[Photo via Nancy’s Knit Knacks.]

Comments

  2. This is so neat! I am trying to learn to do more patterns so this wold be perfect

  3. I’d love this gadget and think its very nice of you to want to give it away like this.

  4. I’d love to win this ti give to my nearly 100 year old Grandmother who is still and avid knitter but needs her patterns close enough to be able to see them, this would be a PERFECT solution for her!

  6. Would love to use this for my knitting!! I often like to sit on this couch in my house but there’s no low table to go with it, so it’s always a bit of a struggle!! This would be amazing!

  7. Now that would save me grovelling under the sofa for it when I need to read the next bit!

  10. In think this would be extremely helpful and would make my knitting, crocheting and cross stitch much quicker and easier!

  11. That looks like a great gadget. I’m always trying to find the perfect way to support my charts while I knit.

  13. I could sure use one of these. I always put my book/pattern on my desk, then the cat jumps up, knocking the pattern to the floor. Pick it back up, try to balance it in my lap which never works. Thanks for the chance to win.

  18. When using a chart I use a metal board and a magnet (this one was from when I did cross stitch) When just counting rows, I use the county app on my Kindle. And I have an ingenuous set of stitch markers for counting things like rows for cables.

  20. I always try to balance patterns etc. on my lap without a lot of success! Thanks for the chance to win!

  21. I usually set the pattern on the edge of the couch arm. Cats find it great fun to jump on it. Knock it off. Sleep on it. Sleep on my lap… would this prevent that? I’d love to find out haha!

  22. I think this a nifty item, i am a sewer but i would love to get this for my daughter (the knitter). I know she would put it to good use. Thank you for this opportunity.

  23. This looks really great to hold my knitting pattern whilst knitting. Thanks for the chance!

  24. Do you think you can send me some detail pictures to my email so I can try to figure out how to DIY one for my sister who knits? Thanks.

  25. Looks like a great “why didn’t I think of this” gadget! When I tire of poring over my paper copies on the couch beside me, I sometimes resort to pulling patterns up on the computer screen and enlarging them enough so can refer to the row I’m working on (normally the the bottom line or top line) and scrolling away as I work…not so handy when I’m watching Netflix while I knit though!

  26. oh such a great idea. I could have used this so many times if I had known about it. Love this idea

  27. What an awesome looking gadget. I bet it could finally be the tool to keep my dogs from knocking my patterns all over the place on me.

  28. I’m glad to read that I’m not the only knitter who has cats that must contribute to the creative purr-cess. 🙂

    I’m mostly using my iPad for patterns: I print out the patterns and then hold them on a TV table using the iPad as a weight. Maybe not the best use of my tech toys.

  29. The knee-sel looks like a great idea i would love to win it and try it out. I am thinking also of my mothers arthritis fingers and pages slipping out between them, i would most likely give it to her if she could use it.

  30. This looks great! I am an avid knitter. Would save lots of time chasing a fallen pattern. Just lost my husband, who was a great supporter of my knitting. He would have been impressed!

  34. I could use this because my eye sight is not as good as it used to be it would bring the patterns closer and I would not lose my place trying to read it laying on the table. Thank you for a chance to own it.

  35. My method for tracking my chart lines is kind of a hot mess, but after a 2 month long jag of lace knitting, my go to ruler is actually a nail file (the great big pink ones). It doesn’t slide, and it’s handy in my knitting bag (I must file frequently when knitting lace)
    I think the knee-sel would probably work with on of those magnetic chart holding thingies, but I’d probably use it to prop my book for reading while I’m knitting.

  37. What a ingenious idea. I don’t knit, but my daughter does. I’m always looking for neat little “just because” gifts for her. I’m going to have to find one of these up here in N.Idaho.

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.