Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knit a Cozy Pencil Skirt

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If you live in a part of the world that’s going into cold weather, this one is for you. And even if it’s getting warmer where you live right now, this is a great pattern to keep in mind or make ahead for the cold season that will be back before you know it.

The Julia Slit Pencil Skirt by Kunbi Ayo-Okanlawon is a simple project in the best possible way.

It’s worked from the bottom up, starting with a flat panel to allow for the slit on one side, which is required for ease in walking in such a long skirt.

After that the piece is joined in the round for the rest of the body, and a slip stitch pattern adds interest to the field of stockinette.

It has an elastic waistband and some waist shaping and negative ease for a sleek fit.

The reason this is for the folks experiencing colder weather is that it’s knit with chunky yarn, which is great because it makes a big project like this go a lot faster. And I for one love the idea of a chunky wool skirt over a pair of leggings (maybe even knit leggings?) with a chunky sweater when it’s cold outside. Though it’s also super cute styled with a T-shirt and jacket like Kunbi did.

The skirt has nine sizes available, ranging from a waist circumference of 21 to 47.5 inches (that’s 53 to 121 centimeters) and a hip circumference of 29 to 57 inches (74 to 145 cm). Those are garment measurements, not body measurements; the Ravelry description says it has negative ease but I’m not sure how much. (I’m very interested in this one so if I knit it I’ll update to let you know!)

You can find this pattern on Etsy. And if you like the idea of knitting skirts I’ve shared another of this designer’s patterns before that might be better for folks heading into the warmer seasons, so check out the Hopeful Skirt too!

[Photo: Kunbi Ayo-Okanlawon]

Knit a Pretty, Lacy Skirt

Knit Yourself a Skirt with the Hopeful Skirt Pattern

 

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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.