Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway: Textured Knitting Books from Leisure Arts

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leisure arts booklet giveaways

Congratulations to Bradi!

I’m really liking sharing some quick book reviews over here, both because it gets me looking at more books than I was otherwise and because it’s giving me some more great stuff to give away.

So this week I’m giving away two books from Leisure Arts that I reviewed recently: Easy Textured Knits and iKnit Intrepid Cables. Both of these booklets are great for new to intermediate knitters and will give you lots of ideas for adding interest to your knitting.

If you want a chance to win them, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, February 22. Why don’t you tell me if you have a favorite textured stitch pattern? Moss Stitch is my favorite basic, but I also love diamond patterns (and chevrons, though I’m not wild about them in woven fabric, which is kind of strange).

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

Comments

  1. I have never really thought about if I have a favorite stitch pattern. I think that just something other than straight garter or stockinette is great.

  5. I have only just taught myself to knit this past month so I don’t know which I like. lol
    i don’t have internet (really) & I hv taken all the books my library has. New books would be sweet & then when I’m done with them the library will be 2 books richer!

  8. I am new to knitting so i do not have a favorite stitch yet, but i am already addicted and am excited to discover a favorite as i learn more!

  11. Cool books! I love a cable texture even though I haven’t been able to master it yet. But I’m working on it!

  12. I have a simple slip stitch pattern that I use for cowls frequently. Also like a stitch that the Yarn Harlot used for a scarf. Easy and good texture.

  21. I love moss stitches for more interesting yarn (my favorite piece I’ve ever knitted was a mustard yellow cowl with super, super bulky yarn in a moss stitch!) and chevron for baby blankets. I’d love to add more to my repertoire!

  22. I love trying most stitches, making garments look unusual and original as long as the wool isn’t too thin as my hands are beginning to become old before I want them to.

  23. I am still beginner o I do not know how to do the fancy stitchs yet. I want to try to learn though.

  25. I’m currently working on a sampler afghan so I’m looking for any new textures I can. So far I’m just loving just how many patterns there are made with nothing more than knit and purls and I really love those, but it’s probably just because I’m still new when it comes to the other stuff, ie cables.

  28. I like moss stitch, seed stitch, ooo – cables are pretty, but I’ve never tried ’em. Texture is GREAT!

  37. I tend to prefer textured fabrics to colorful ones- and I like moss stitch, too, but should probably learn some others…

    thanks for the giveaway!!

  38. I love linen stitch. The texture is subtle and the it can create great visual texture if you use different color yarn.

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.