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Giveaway: Scarves and Shawls for Yarn Lovers

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scarves and shawls for yarn lovers giveaway

Congratulations to asteride!

There are a lot of great yarns out there that might be called “novelty,” yarns with a lot of texture or that use fiber in unexpected ways. Ribbons, eyelash yarns, slubby, super bulky and multi-textured yarns are sometimes thought of as being too trendy or not serious enough by some knitters, but using these yarns is really a lot of fun.

They’re particularly great for newer knitters — once you get over the fact that it’s sometimes hard to see stitches made with these kind of yarns — because they hide mistakes and are wonderful to use with simple stitch patterns in easy projects like scarves and shawls.

Carri Hammett’s Scarves and Shawls for Yarn Lovers pairs interesting yarns with simple stitches and shapes to make fun projects suitable for all skill levels. None of the projects here are too difficult, and the funky yarns make them look a little fancier and more complex than they would otherwise, which is great.

This is a somewhat old book (it was revised in 2010) so you may not be able to find the exact yarns used in the projects, but there are good pictures of the yarn used so you can choose yarns with similar textures or fibers to get the same kind of look.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, February 15. Why don’t you tell me about your experience with novelty yarns or what sort of yarn like this is your favorite? I really love yarns with lots of texture that offer surprises while you knit.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing. Good luck!

 

Looking to chat about Knitting and Patterns? Check out our Facebook Knitting page and our Facebook group dedicated to Knitting and Knitting Patterns.

Looking for more amazing shawl patterns? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Comments

  4. I have been playing with both novelty yarns and regular that were donated to our prayer shawl ministry- I’ve enjoyed combining them with more fuzzy, such as Divine, to blend the textures and colors to create new “blends of color”- fun!

  7. I have enjoyed using the ribbon yarns for shawls and scarves: they don’t look like they are soft on the skin, but they are and quite light.

  8. I love doing scarves and infinity scarves with novelty yarns for different looks. People always wonder how I come up with some of my pairings. Would love to win u our book.

  9. I love novelty yarns and have used a wide variety- ranging from ultralight to a heavy weight with pompous every few inches. Using specialty yarns always make a scarf or shawl look very high end.

  10. Just taken up hand knitting and am experimenting with different types of yarn. Would love to have a copy of this book!

  11. I have some novelty yarn in my stash, but not sure what to make with it. This book looks fun and might solve my problem!

  16. I haven’t knit with many of the novelty yarns but have my eye on some of the silk sari recycled yarn and would love to have the book of patterns to inspire me.

    Darla

  17. I’m a fan of novelty yarns. I know others don’t like them but I think they are a nice way to easily dress up your project.

  18. I have been wanting to try Tshirt yarn and also silk sari yarn. This book would be a great way to try a new project.

  20. I use lots of novelty yarns to make my projects just a tad different,I love the ladder and eyelash yarns.The book looks like a wonderful addition to someones library!! Good -Luck everyone.

  21. I taught myself to knit. The first things I made were scarves and purses using homespun and fun fur (this was a while ago). This was probably the most difficult way to learn to knit.

  22. I made the ruffle scarf with the ruffle yarn that gets so popular around Christmas. It was fun, but I haven’t worn it or gifted it. 🙂

  23. i enjoy knitting scarves and this book seems to be loaded with new patterns. now off to learn some new scarves to make. Enjoy““““`

  24. I too love yarn with texture but I don’t always like the finished product. Would like to see this book. Thank you for the giveaway.

  27. As a beginner knitter, I bought a whole bunch of novelty yarns hoping I’d know what to do with them someday. I’m all ready to go, just need to win this book!

  28. I would love to have this book…it looks so interesting to knit with different types of “yarn”…is that regular ribbon? :>)

  30. I love using eyelash yarn along with a base yarn to add a bit of pizzazz. Looks like a good book. Thanks for the chance to win.

  34. I like sparkle yarn…thread or sequins. I also like yarn with different colored textures…its like a surprise as you knit.

  35. I just finished a scarf using a yarn from Japan – it is called Noro and this particular one is 60% wool and 40% silk. The colors change and the texture does as well. It makes for an interesting look (I have it on now!)

  38. Mixing different types of yarn within the same color family has yielded some beautiful “artsy” results. It could be a great way to use up various scraps of expensive yarns in scarves or shawls.

  40. Scarves made of novelty yarns make great gifts! I don’t need an elaborate pattern ’cause the yarn is the main interest.

  43. I love playing with different yarns. I go to thrifts, watch for in store sales and use coupons. The book look s exciting! I am a beginning weaver and a love to knit using different materials. Love to have this book! Thank you!

  44. Looks like a great book. My husband is the knitter in our family. He would love to try something new.

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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.