Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway: Knitting Ephemera

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knitting ephemera book review

Mary is the winner.

It’s fun to know about knitting history and some of the funny stories, legends and trivia that go into this craft we love. Whether these facts are amusing to friends or only to us doesn’t really matter. It’s nice to be able to throw out a fact about the origins of the sock knitting machine or the story behind a figure of speech derived from fiber arts.

If you like that sort of thing you’ll love Carol J. Sulcoski’s book, Knitting Ephemera, which collects a lot of knitting lore and fibery fun.

I’m giving away a copy of the book this week, so if you’d like to win it, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, June 12. Do you know any knitting trivia or knitting jokes? Who would you share this knowledge with? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Comments

  1. Unfortunately I do not know any knitting jokes. I might share this book with a friend of mine who also likes to knit.

  2. I am new to learn knit, and I wish to win this beautiful book because I love it’s content. You are lovely people…….Iam your big fan from Pakistan.

  3. Here’s a knitting joke – What happened to the cat who ate a ball of yarn? She had mittens!

  5. I don’t know anyone else that knits but this would be awesome for my own enjoyment.

  7. I was driving on the motorway but the traffic was dreadful, I was at a standstill, so I pulled out my knitting. A police motorcyclist drove up beside me and shouted through the open window ‘pull over’, ‘no’, I replied, holding up my project, ‘socks’, I said! (ah, the oldies are the best!)
    I’d share this with my knit night friends in the pub.

  8. My husband is a master of trivia and frequency shares facts with me. I would love to be able to share knitting trivia with him.

  9. The world’s largest knitting needles and crochet hook are in my hometown – Casey, IL!

  11. I don’t know if this would be considered trivia or just dating myself, but back when I first started knitting, stores like K-mart, Sears, Woolworth (remember them?) and S.S. Kresge sold yarn. They only had acrylic worsted and baby yarn – not all of the selections that are out now, which make you drool!! lol As a matter of fact, I still have a few skeins in my stash, if you can believe it, since I inherited my Mother’s yarn, after she passed away. The craft stores sold things like mohair, which were considered exotic, and a couple other types, but it was mostly acrylic yarn that was available. I had to stop knitting for a few years, due to a severe hand and arm injury, so you could imagine my surprise and joy once I was able to walk into my LYS and saw what was available!! This book is going to be like going back in time for me, and I’m really not that old!! Thank you for the giveaway!!

  12. I don’t know anyone who knits so at times I feel lonely. Reading books about knitting makes me feel connected.

  14. As a Knitter for some 57 years, I would love to know the history of knitting. I have knitted for 4 children, 11 grandchildren, family members, friends and for charity – teddy bears, blanket squares, warn clothing and more.

  15. Love the knitting jokes but some of my knitting is a joke, so I guess it works out! The book sounds fascinating, but if I don’t win it….where can i get a copy?????

  17. I love Carol Sulcoski, i got to take a class from her once. This sounds like a book I need on my bookshelf.

  18. No knit jokes here, I would love to read this book! And better yet, win it! I’d swap trivia and jokes with my knit/crochet pals!

  22. Would love this book! There have been so many changes since I began knitting about 40 years ago as a teen. I think back and remember stores like Woolworth and Kresge were some of the few places to buy yarn. I would visit them weekly looking for new colors, books, patterns…really anything to add yo my stash. Thanks so much for the chance to win this awesome book!

  23. I’ve been wanting to read this book. I’d share knitting trivia and jokes with my mom, who taught me to knit as a child.

  25. I don’t know any knitting jokes. But I would love to win this book and learn some! Thanks

  28. I have never knitted. 🙂 But really would love to start. This would be a lovely way to get started. such a great Idea

  29. I don’t know any knitting jokes, thanks for the chance to win this awesome book!
    Kim R.

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.