Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

How About a Hood?

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knit hoodI’m a big fan of cowls over scarves because it feels like more of the fabric is up around your face where you need it, but a knit hood might be an even better idea.

This hood, call Friend of the Forest from Balls to the Walls Knits, is really simple in looks and design, using short rows to shape the back of the head into a rounded shape that will fit well and keep you snuggly.

It’s worked in an alpaca blend yarn, perfect for keeping out winter chill, but any animal fiber would be great in this application.

And of course it doesn’t have to be a solid color — try stripes or a multicolored or self-striping yarn for a little more pizzazz on the coldest of days.

Do you have a knit hood? I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: Balls to the Walls Knits.]

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Check out these books dedicated to Knitted Cowl Patterns still looking for more cowl patterns? Check these out on Etsy.

Comments

  2. That’s a great question. Most of the natural fibers that don’t come from animals are not known for warmth, so maybe a good-quality acrylic like Knit Picks Brava? Or a cotton/acrylic blend might be nice, too.

Have you read?

Knit a Sweet Blanket with a Pocket for Treasures

When my daughter was in early elementary school we were at Joann together (RIP) and she picked out some variegated pink and white blanket yarn for me to knit a blanket for her bed. Now probably 10 years later, it’s one of her favorite possessions. I note this because the blankets we give to little ones might seem simple on the surface, like something they need to keep warm, but they can turn into so much more. 

Take the Pocketful of Love Blanket from Purl Soho. On the surface this is a pretty but also easy to knit blanket for a little one. It’s worked in garter stitch stripes using sport weight yarn (the sample is a superwash wool, but this would also be nice in cotton or a blend) and available in a crib or small throw size. Though of course because it’s garter stitch, it’s pretty easy to make it any size you want. 

But what makes this blanket extra special is the little details. The slip stitch selvedges and I-cord bind off give it a crisp look that’s perfect with the garter stitch of the body. 

And then there’s the pocket. 

This is a big pocket. At 10 inches wide and 12.25 inches tall (that’s 25.4 by 31 cm) for the crib size and 12.75 by 14.25 inches (32.4 by 36 cm) for the throw, you can easily fit a favorite stuffed animal, toy or book into the pocket. 

I love how even though it uses the same striped garter stitch pattern as the blanket, it’s stitched down so the stripes run the opposite way (horizontal when the blanket stripes are vertical), though of course you can match stripes if you’d rather.

I think this blanket has the potential to be greatly loved by the little one its given to, and by the knitter look for an easy, pretty baby blanket with a little extra useful twist. 

Grab the free pattern from Purl Soho. 

[Photo: Purl Soho]