Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway: Knitting Skill Books from Leisure Arts

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Win two Leisure Arts books to help you build your knitting skills.

Congratulations to Jen!

I know a lot of my readers are newer knitters, or even just people who are interested in knitting but maybe haven’t picked up needles yet. Or maybe you’re an experienced knitter but you want to share the love with someone else.

Either way, this week’s giveaway is a great one for newer knitters. It includes two little books from Leisure Arts: Learn to Knit, Now! and Expand Your Knitting Skills.

Learn to Knit, Now! includes instructions on how to make a slip knot, perform the long-tail cast on, knit, purl and bind odd, as well as tips for reading patterns and seven projects to try. The projects are skill building so as you work through the book you’ll learn how to sew a seam, work ribbing and perform other pattern stitches. Links to video tutorials are included if you need more help.

Expand Your Knitting Skills offers 17 patterns for knit accessories that go beyond the basics and include such skills as knitting cables, working in the round, picking up stitches and creating a ruffled edging for your knit project. The projects are mostly hats and scarves, but there are also mittens, fingerless gloves and a knit bag to try out your new skills on.

I will pick one winner to receive both books from people who leave comments on this post before the end of the day Sunday, January 12. I’d love to know if you’re a new knitter or who you would gift these books to in order to encourage their knitting.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing and good luck!

Comments

  3. I learnt to knit as a teenager and I’ve been knitting only simple, suitable-for-beginners projects ever since.

  4. I love easy projects becsuse i do a lot of charity knitting ~so it goes faster~ i am a self taught knitter~ would love to add these books to my library

  6. i would love to learn to knit! i am learning crocheting now and just made my first newborn beanie hat!!! thanks for the chance 🙂

  8. I have been knitting for a bit. I would love to give the new knitter book to a niece as she so would like to knit.

  9. I started knitting 2 years ago & have been expanding my skills slowly but surely. I find I always learn something new from beginners books because I taught myself to knit. I’m sure one of my friends would love to have the beginner book after I have gleaned all the knowledge I can from it. And a second book to help me build on my skills would be awesome! I always look after my books & pass them in when I’m done with them. Thanks for the giveaway!

  10. I have knitted like 2 projects and need all the help I can get! Would love to win, thanks so much!!

  11. i would love to have those… i am a newbie, i have a daughter and i love threads… i always buy knitted things but i hope i can make clothes/accessories thru knittings… im learning to make one… ciao!!!

  14. I’m a newbie knitter (at 53 years old) and would absolutely love to win these books. I don’t have anyone living close by that can teach me and there are no knitting shops nearby where I can go and learn. I’m learning through youtube videos and Craftsy and slowly developing my skills. I would definitely be able to use these books and would also regift them later if I get past the stage of needing them myself. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

  17. I won’t consider myself even a good knitter until I can fix mistakes I make instead of having the teacher rip it out and redo for me.

  19. I would love to expand my knitting..which is basic knitting. I inherited my grammas knitting needles. I believe they are from the stone age but treasured.

  22. I do knit a little bit but am basically a beginner and my daughter is learning to knit, so these books would be perfect for us!! Thanks for the chance

  23. I would love to have just one for my knitting class, but I’ll take both. ???? Tracy Custis

  24. I would keep the “Expand your Knitting Skills” book for myself, because it looks like a good book for growing with my knitting. And the “Learn to Knit, Now” book I would give to my neighbor who wants to learn to knit (and I promised to teach!)

  25. I’m an avid crocheter but would also like to try my hand at knitting.This may be the year I get it done!

  26. I’m a brand new knitter! I’ve crocheted for years, but decided 2015 would be the year I finally learn to knit. These books would be great!

  27. Dear Sarah
    What an awesome chance.
    One of my goals this year is to learn to knit.
    But, alas another of my goals was to stay out
    of book stores.
    So you see the two goals collide, I didn’t think my
    goals through apparently. lol.
    I recently scored some vintage knitting needles
    in a grab bag from one of my thrift shopping hauls.
    I have been wondering where to start and this
    would be a great place.
    So… thank you for such the chance.

  29. I would love to win this book to help me to advance from being a plain knit and purl knitter to some advanced knitter with wonderful patterns etc… xx

  30. In 2015, I’d like to expand my elementary knitting skills. Cable stitches, knitting in the round, socks and gloves have always scared me. This way..I can learn with confidence.

    Thanks so much for the opportunity.

  32. Just last week, my daughter and I decided that we wanted to learn how to knit. We got out some needles that I have had from previously trying. Needless to say, we didn’t get very far. Some books to teach us skills and easy projects to get started would be so helpful.

  34. I would love to receive these books. I just started learning to knit last year and still have lots to learn. In fact, I start with a slipknot but it seems my slipknot isn’t even correct because it always comes loose. Thanks so much for the chance at this opportunity.

  35. In the 40’s, grade schoolers all learned to knit for afghans they made for the troops. I have been knitting since for my childtren and grandchildren and friends and family since.I would love to share the books with them so they can continue the tradition.

  36. I learned to knit some many years ago, but have not done any in quite some time. I would love to get back to it again–need some refreshing. Thanks for all you do for your followers!

  37. These look great! Honestly, I’d keep one for myself and gift the other; can never brush up on the basics too often!

  38. Been simple knitting for years. Would love to try expanded knitting. Thank you for a chance at winning.

  40. Have been thinking about learning to knit so these books would be perfect. Thanks for the opportunity.

  42. Hi, Happy New Year. I am new to knitting. I am trying to learn how by reading and watching videos but having a hard time. Maybe these books would help. Thank you for a chance to win these wonderful books.

  43. Hi, I do not know how to knit but I always watch how to knit video tutorial on youtube and would love to learn the art of knitting. I’m inspired to make my own scarf and other stuff. The giveaway knitting skill books will definitely help me to understand the basic of knitting.

  44. I’ve wanted to learn knitting for years….I’ve never just sat down and started until a week ago. I don’t have anyone to teach me, so I’m relying on tutorials…which are helping. It’s slow going, but I will master it! 🙂

  46. Just taught myself to do some basic knitting and have been doing simple scarves, learned to make pom poms, and using a round loom to make hats. Would love to learn to make some special more advanced projects, my family has really enjoyed getting all their knitted gifts!

  47. I would start with the learn to book as I am new to knitting and have not been able to grasp some things yet…..it is fun though. I have been crocheting for 35+ years off and on with thread and just started with yarn/wool…I’m really enjoying the learning of knitting …so much to learn…all the fibers are amazing at the ways they work and drape and such….and feel …some nice wools out there…learning lots and loving it!

  49. I knit when my children were small, then got into crochet I never
    learned how to knit socks, so I want to get back to knitting again
    to learn how to do socks

  50. I’m a very experienced knitter. My two granddaughters are at a good age to learn to knit, but I can’t teach them because they live 2800 miles away! I’d love to send them these books. Thank you for the chance to win.

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.