Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway: My New Book

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colorwork knittingI’m celebrating this week because my latest book has just been released (the technical release day is Wednesday, but my publisher is showing it as in stock).

It’s called Colorwork Knitting, and it features five different kinds of colorwork:

  • working with self-striping yarn
  • knitting your own stripes
  • slip-stitch knitting
  • stranded knitting
  • intarsia

each used on five different kinds of projects:

  • scarves (there’s one cowl, too)
  • hats
  • mitts, mittens or gloves
  • sweaters
  • socks

So in all that’s 25 patterns (all for women) that will bring a lot of color into your wardrobe and some great techniques to your needles. This book assumes you know how to knit but teaches all the colorwork techniques you need, as well as some of the basics of choosing colors. Check out the projects on Ravelry, or flip through the look book (PDF) to see more.

I’m so proud of this book and happy to have it (well, almost) out into the world.

If you’d like a chance to win a copy, leave a comment on this post by the end of the day Sunday, April 5. Let me know what colorwork technique you’re most interested in learning, or what your favorite is, or, heck, just say congratulations. I’ll take it.

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

Comments

  1. I enjoy intarsia. There are so many beautiful color combinations and designs a person can come up with. 🙂

  4. Congratulations are definitely in order!

    My favorite way to do colorwork is stranded. But, I’m learning some brioche color work that is really intriguing.

  5. I recently got a book on brioche knitting, up to three colors in a pattern. I am also interested in learning entrelac.

  6. Congratulations, Sarah! My favorite colorwork is stranded knitting worked in the round. I like to make Christmas stockings with bands of small Scandinavian motifs. It would be fun to try slip-stitch colorwork.

  7. I am interested in a few I have not really done color work unless you want to count color work when there are many colors in the skein.

  9. I like using colors in many different ways: whole rows, blocks, intarsia…. Thanks for the contest.

  11. Congratulations! I’d love to learn any type of color knitting! I’ve tried but haven’t gotten the hang of fair isle yet. I’d love to win a copy of your book for inspiration!

  12. Congrats on the new book!
    I’m interested in slip stitch colorwork…and creating my own stripes.

  14. Congratulations! About the only colorwork I’ve done is knitting with self striping yarn. I would love to win this book and try some new patterns with colorwork.

  15. Congratulations Sarah! Your book is beautiful and I would love to win it. I am new to colorwork, but a seasoned knitter. Thanks for the giveaway!

  19. Congratulations on the book, it looks great! I have knitted intarsia Star wars cushions for my son, but haven’t tried it on a garment yet.

  20. Congratulations! This book looks just wonderful. I’m excited to see your collection of patterns! I’d like to get better at knitting intarsia. Thanks again!!

  22. Congratulations!
    I’m most interested in knitting with self-striping yarn.

  23. I’m too knew to knitting to even know how to answer your question (I’m only just learning to cast on) I have been collecting and Pinning knitting patterns though, for when I get the hang of it all!!

  24. Congratulations! I have knitted socks with self-striping yarn and just recently learned how to do Fair Isle (on a toboggan). I am so interested in expanding my knowledge – I love to try new techniques so I will definitely love this book.

  26. Congratulations on your new book! The pretty colors and projects on the cover are so inviting that I want to stop and read it now! With two new grandchildren, I want to learn all the color techniques, although I’ve done a little Fair Isle knitting. Thanks for this opportunity.

  27. I love really traditional fairisle knitting but find it really difficult – tension issues! Maybe this book would inspire me to try colours again!

  28. I really don’t know how to do colors and have barely ventured into self striping yarns so I would really appreciate this book! Thanks for the chance to win!

  31. I never really tackled any colorwork. I am just gaining confidence carrying color up the edge. Maybe this book is just what I need. Thank you for your generous give away! Knitter’s are the best!

  32. I have been very intrigued with both stranded and slip-stitch colorwork lately. Your book sounds lvery interesting . would love to try out something new.

  35. Congratulations on your book! It looks like an interesting one. I am getting interested in color work, but haven’t done more than slipped stitches on a few projects. I want to do a bit more with slipped stitches, and get into stranded color work.

  36. I’m a newish knitter and recently done a couple of projects with stripes. I love working with more than one color – opens up so many design options and keeps things fresh and interesting!

  37. Stranded knitting – I can’t do it well in the round.
    Congratulations on the publication.

  39. Congratulations on your new book!!! It sounds like a good one we can all use. I have done a little bit of colorwork, but not with a lot of confidence. I would like to learn all of the techniques eventually.

  41. I have just taught myself two color standing, and am currently working on mittens (also a first) almost done with the first mitten so I’m up of learning even more I’d live to get to fair isle skill level.

  43. Since I am a beginner knitter, I only know the basic knit and purl stitch so I am eager to learn all kind of different stitches.

  46. Congrats on the new book… I’ve become pretty set in my ways as far as colorwork, or colors in general. All my knitting appears to be moss green or brown or moss & brown. I just need some inspiration to get me out of my mossy brown rut.

  48. Congratulations on the book! I am interested in color striping with socks. Socks are my next venture in my knitting journey!

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.