Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knit a Simple Looking Sweater Full of Fun Techniques

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At first glance, the Doppio Sweater by Seunghee Hong  looks like a pretty classic, straightforward, mostly stockinette stitch sweater. But as you div e into it, you’ll see there’s more going on that makes it more interesting to knit.

For example, it’s a top down raglan sweater, but the raglan lines are curved rather then being straight diagonals. That means you’re adding stitches at a different rate on the sleeves versus the body, which should give you a better fit.

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The neckline is shaped with German short rows (though there are also instructions for using wrap and turn) and stitches are picked up from the neckline or a crochet chain worked in for that purpose. The neckband is folded over and seamed, and there are purl stitches at the sides of the body and back of the sleeves to serve as faux seams.

In addition to all that, the original sweater was worked with a couple of super fine and a sport weight yarn held together to make more of a bulky weight, but you can also use a DK or worsted weight yarn held with a lace weight, or even a bulky weight yarn on its own if you want.

There are lots of tutorials and videos in the pattern to help you with the techniques, but this probably isn’t a great first sweater pattern. If you’re worked regular raglans before, and you’re familiar with short rows, you’ll probably be fine with all the techniques used here. If you’re feeling up for a knit adventure that will get you a classic sweater, this one is a great choice.

The pattern includes nine sizes, with a finished bust measurement ranging from 35 to 67.5 inches, or 89 to 171 cm. It’s meant to be worn with 2 to 5 inches, or 5 to 13 centimeters of positive ease.

You can find more information about the pattern and get your own copy on Ravelry.

[Photo: Seunghee Hong]

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.