Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Help Knitters Produce a Book Inspired by the Midwest

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help fund a knitting book full of midewestern inspirationKnitters Allyson Dykhuizen and Carina Spencer are lifelong residents of the midwestern United States, and they know there’s a lot special about that part of the world (as do I, being born as I was in Iowa).

They’re working on a project with a bunch of other midwestern designers called, appropriately enough, Midwestern Knits. The book will feature 12 or 13 designs inspired by the history and culture of the midwest and using yarn from local producers.

Essays will be included in the book to explore the inspiration behind each design as well.

The project is being funded by a Kickstarter, and there’s about a week left to contribute if you’d like to see this book become a reality. There are all sorts of great thank yous involved, from free pattern downloads to kits, or even having a sweater knit for you. All pledges of $25 or more include a copy of the book when it comes out, which is expected to happen next fall.

I hope you’ll check the project out and give if it moves you.

[Photo via Kickstarter.]

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Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.