Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway: Pop Knitting

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win a copy of pop knitting

The winner is Trish!

Pop Knitting by Britt-Marie Christoffersson is not a new book (it was published in 2012), but it is one of those books that I just love and that I wouldn’t be giving away if I hadn’t been sent an extra copy (thanks, Interweave/F+W!)

This book is so much fun, chock full of colorful inspiration and a multitude of ways to add pop to your knitting.

In this case pop oven means color, but also fun textures, like those cool circles with a different color inside you see on the cover.

Flip this book open to any page and you’ll see something interesting; more often than not it will probably be something you’ll want to play with.

Some random examples: using slipped stitches and intarsia to for a welted fabric with contrast color circles, making waves of contrasting color and texture across a fabric by picking up stitches 7 rows below the working row, knitting in different directions and different colors in garter stitch to make a woven openwork fabric and playing with shortened and lengthened rows to make a hodgepodge, stash-busting fabric that looks like a work of modern art.

This is a book for a swatcher, for the adventuresome knitter who isn’t afraid to add a motif to a knitting pattern or strike out on their own to create something amazing. Or just use it as a coffee table book that, if nothing else, will inspire you to play with color and stretch your idea of what knitting can do.

If you’d like to win a copy of this one, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, Dec. 21. Why don’t you tell me your favorite color combinations for knitting? I’m really loving gray with anything bright right now.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing and good luck!

Comments

  2. I have a few knitting books in my collection, but I would love to have Pop Knitting. I’ve been knitting sweaters & vests for myself for over 20 years. I now have a 23 year old daughter who has 2 kids. So now I knit for the grannies. Maybe, I’ll be lucky and no one else will comment. (-)
    My website is not really published yet and it’s school related rather than about crafts.

  4. I also love grey with bright colors. I just finished a muffler with grey and a Christmassy Red. I am rather new to mixing colors, so this book would be most helpful!

  8. knitting a cobblestone baby vest at the moment that is cream and this gorgeous soft bluey green I just want to eat it up, so delish.

  12. I love to see pink’s and greys together, but I don’t believe they suit me. I’m usually in different greens and yellows. But I still would love to own the book.

  13. I’ve been in a teal phase for a while and have decorated for Christmas with teal, purple, and gold. Love the idea of this book. Thanks for another wonderful giveaway!!

  20. Purple’s always been my go-to, but lately it’s been orange and yellow (sometimes with purple thrown in for good measure). But it really boils down to “for whom is this being made with love?”…

  23. I think I’ve covered the full spectrum of colours through my years of knitting, but always customizing patterns, or trying different things just to see if they turn out and suit the person they are being made for…

  24. I need a new afghan for my living room. I’d love to do one in shades of burgundy and green using techniques from this book!

  25. I really love any color combo. I just try to tailor it to the person I’m giving the handmade gift too so they like navy and yellow, I use navy and yellow.

  26. I like cream, black ,pea green ,mustard, and red im just starting a modified version of Antler by Tincanknits with this color combo.! Book looks awesome !

  28. Purple and bright green are my favorite colors – I want to make a “Pop” scarf with these two colors!

  29. I
    I like working with blues and greens to represent the sky and grass or with blues and beige to represent water and sand.

  31. I love bright color combinations like purple and hot pink, turquoise and lime green and orange and pink just to name a few. I would love this book, anything different is fun for me!

  33. I am also mostly a green/blue/purple person but one colour combo I keep thinking about is dark gold or burnt orange with creamy white. Would sure love to see/have this book!

  35. I like purple and green together, especially if they are of the same intensity and brightness. A warm ochre color with a deep purple is also very nice.

  39. Blue and yellow – my current favorite combination. They look so bright and balanced together.

  41. I am knitting a sweater right now that is black and gray but has turquoise and green to contrast. It is going to be gorgeous when it is done.

  42. I love blue and brown together, red and gold, and burnt orange and navy.
    Looks like an awesome book! I’d love to try it out!

  43. I love the colors I’ve been seeing in the sky lately- that dark blue/grey steel (clouds) with scattering of the dried gold (leaves) against it! Would be fun to use the techniques in the book to try to capture the color combinations.

  46. Looks like a beautiful book – the kind you savor over and over again, trying out new techniques and color combinations, getting ideas…
    One of my favorite color combinations (for now) is any shade of aqua, from light to dark, with colors like coral, lime green, peach. I am definitely a fool for color!

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.