Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knit a Kerchief Like a Cloud

by

I don’t know if it’s the algorithm or the bias that you see more of what you’re looking for, but it often seems like as soon as I do a roundup of a particular kind of knitting pattern I’m suddenly seeing them everywhere.

So it was with knit kerchiefs, which I posted about last month. Not too long after I came across the Cloud Kerchief pattern from Lavanya Patricella and I knew I needed to share that one, too.

This project calls for a DK weight wool and a mohair/silk blend worked in alternating garter stitch stripes for a super cozy and slightly fuzzy project. You could omit the mohair and just use two different colors of DK weight yarn if you want a different look and a lighter project for the warmer months.

I love the look with harmonious colors, but you could also go a little bolder if you like. It just depends on your style and how you would like to wear it. Making it all in one color with a single kind of yarn is also an option if you want a super simple and quick to knit project.

I don’t think it would be wrong to say this would be a great knitting project to knit for a gift. Even if you don’t have a gift-giving holiday coming up, go ahead and make one and set it aside until a gifting opportunity presents itself.

The pattern has options to make it a little triangle that you can tie at the neck or a bandanna style cowl that is joined with a seam at the back for easier wearing and a little more warmth. You could make both to wear at different times of year.

You can also wear either one around your neck or on your head as shown, which is all the more reason to make both versions (though of course they don’t have to match!).

Find the pattern for these fun kerchiefs on Ravelry.

[Photo: Lavanya Patricella]

Have you read?

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.