Knitting

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Giveaway: Seamless (or Nearly Seamless) Knits

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seamless knits giveaway

 

Congratulations to Marly!

In the northern part of the world we are clearly into sweater knitting (if not quite sweater wearing) season, so I thought it would be appropriate this week to give away a book that has some quick to knit sweaters in it.

Seamless (or nearly seamless) Knits by Andra Knight-Bowman is a fun little book with 19 patterns for projects — sweaters, tops and vests — that require minimal finishing when the knitting is done. Some are knit from the top down, others from the bottom up, still more with a combination of methods.

Several of these are great first sweater projects, and there are a few that require a bit more skill as well.

I really like that sweater on the cover, but as I noted in my review linked above, these garments are often more cropped than I’d like, so if you check it out or happen to win this giveaway, you might want to bear that in mind and buy an extra ball of yarn to give yourself a little more coverage if that’s something you’re a fan of.

Want a chance to win this book? Leave a comment on this post by the end of the day Sunday, Sept. 22, and I’ll pick a winner at random.

Why don’t you tell me about your sweater knitting preferences if you have them. Top down, bottom up or seamed? Raglan, drop shoulder or set-in sleeve? Pullover or cardigan? I’m loving top-down raglan pullovers right now, but they’re my least favorite to design!

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

Looking for knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking for pullover and sweater patterns? Check these books out.

Comments

  2. I would just love to knit something other than scarfs, hats, socks, mittens. To make a sweater would be awesome!!

  4. You know, I don’t really have a sweater knitting preference. I like all different knitting styles, tho top down seamless does have the try it on as you go advantage. I do find that, while I love pullovers, I wear cardigans more often.

  9. I like making a top-down seamless raglan vest for babies that can be easily adjusted bigger or smaller. I’d really like to try something from this book.

  10. Im another knitter that would rather knit… I don’t really like to design or sew, so this sounds like a book I would love (to win)!

  11. Who wouldn’t want a chance to win a free book? (I would, certainly!) I do have sweater knitting preferences, but what I like is change … If I’ve done something one way, then I want to try it another way.

    That aside, if I’m knitting for a specific result for a certain person (or body type), then my preference is top-down (to try it on them at various stages of the process for real-time feedback) pullover body construction, usually with drop shoulder.

    For myself, cardigans win every time, often knit side-to-side (wrist to wrist) , worked at least partly in the round, and vaguely reminiscent of a very tailored kimono.

    Thus far, I’ve successfully avoided incorporating such “niceties” like bust darts and waist shaping in the designs that I publish, primarily on the grounds that most knitters honestly don’t want to work them … and then they wonder why my own fit me so well!

    My least favorite thing to design: Set-in sleeves with a continuation of a colorwork pattern that should more-or-less look like it matches up!

    Thanks for asking … and for the giveaway!

    I’m gkgreen on Ravelry.

  12. I love seamless knitting. I absolutely hate doing finishing work! I do (unlike the others here) like bottom up knitting… usually I am knitting for someone else and therefore, trying the item on is not an issue… I think the yoke on sweaters comes out better bottom-up! I would love to have this book in my library.

  16. I love knitting top-down sweaters and cardigans! I’m just a big fan of keeping it simple when I can and so when I find a great pattern that is a top-down, then that’s all the more reason to love it! The less work in the finishing of the garment makes me a happy gal. There are some really nice patterns that are just beautiful. I would love to win this book!

  17. This looks lovely. I am rather new to knitting so I haven’t developed a preference for top to bottom or bottom to top, but I am ready to branch out and would love a chance with this book. Thank for offering this giveaway.

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.