Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway: Self-Striping Yarn Studio

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Self-Striping Yarn Studio Review

Congratulations to Sarah L.

Self-striping yarn is a lot of fun to use, but sometimes it can be hard to come up with projects to use it on where it will still look good but that aren’t just straight Stockinette (not that there’s anything wrong with straight Stockinette, just if you have a lot of self-striping yarn you might want to do something else with some of it).

Self-Striping Yarn Studio by Carol J. Sulcoski has a lot of great ideas for using self-striping, self-patterning and gradient yarns in a variety of projects including hats, scarves, sweaters, cowls, mitts and more.

One thing I love about this book is that the patterns are arranged by yarn weight, which makes it easy to use what you already have in a project. There are even a few projects that are perfect for using up odd balls.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, Sept. 25. I’d love to know about your experience with self-striping yarns or if you have a favorite yarn (Noro Silk Garden over here) or project using self-striping yarns.

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

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Comments

  2. I have used some self striping yarns in the past, I love Knit Picks self striping merino yarn and Plymouth Gina. It really adds such a unique touch to any project! I love making socks and shawls with these types of yarns and I’ve wanted to try the Noro line for ages.

  3. I love self-striping yarns for socks and cowls. It’s very impressive looking to non-knitters! Have used Noro yarns for mitts but love the new gradient striping yarns by Knit Circus,

  4. I’ve used self-striping yarn for anything from hats and scarves to dishcloths, but I’d love to learn how to use it more effectively!

  6. I have made a few shawls with self striping yarn. I love how the colors turn out randomly or not it depends upon the maker of the yarn.

  8. i have used this type of yarn and have had good luck. i like when the colors last longer than just small segments of color..

  9. Hi!
    I’ve used self striping wools for store projects as I worked Ina wool shop before I retired. I’ve made the Knitty Clapotis scarf, mitered scarf, some baby outfits and sock. It’s fun to see how the striping will occur. Lorna

  10. Self striping yarns are a favorite……….all the joy of lovely jacquards with none of those terrible ends to fasten. Love them for socks and shawlettes.

    from rainy VT,
    the Vermonster

  11. These yarns are great for livening up a Fair Isle project, and when combined with solids they add little little pops of excitement when I do stripey scrap projects to use up all the leftovers.

  13. I’ve used very little self-striping yarn, but I have made a few hats with it. I do like a good self striping yarn because they are always so colorful!

  15. It is hard to find the self stripping yarn only area, but I like to use it scares and hats and fingerless mittens.

  16. I love self striping yarns! So far, I’ve mostly been a collector of the yarns. I have made a few small projects with them.

  17. I am just beginning to knit but the thought of random color appearing on my project just makes it more exciting to use!

  18. Self striping yarns are so versatile for knitting projects. It gives the option of pairing knitted items with a variety of clothing options. I have used it in cowls, scarfs and hats, It is especially appealing when used with novelty yarns as trim, e.g. faux fur yarn to compliment and highlight one color in the striping yarn.

  20. I have used it a few times on scarves & love not knowing how it will look till it’s knitted. It’s always an adventure!!!!Thanks for the give away!

  21. This kind of yarn is great for socks but I used some worsted Drops Big Delight for a scattered fair isle motive on a sweater. I love to use a yarn that change color!

  23. I love buying self striping yarn! It’s not as easy to use it in projects, sometimes. I have used this type of yarn in blankets, sweaters, dishcloths, hats, socks, cowls….

  25. Love Noro yarns for the colors but they’re a bit rough for against the skin knitting for me, I haven’t tried Silk Garden yet – I’ll have to try that one next.

  28. I’ve bought self striping yarn, but can’t seem to get it to stripe! So I would love this book so I can make it work!

  33. The book looks great! My favorite is Noro Silk Garden, though I did make an awesome blanket out of Taiyo.

  37. Nor is my favorite! I had the chance to knit with Silk Garden and love it. Any simple knit becomes special with it.

  39. I have not yet had the opportunity to use self striping yarn but if I were to win I believe I would try one of the beautiful shawls I’ve seen created using the lovely yarn.

  40. What a great idea for a book. I have only used self striping yarns for scarves so I would love to see other ideas.

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.