Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knit an Adorable Mini Scarf that Doubles as a Headband

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It doesn’t seem like the mini scarf trend is going away, and while I think I’ve seen enough Sophie scarves to last a lifetime, it’s nice to see some different variations on this theme. 

Take, for example, the Double Trouble pattern by Susanne Sommer. 

This little scarf that doubles (thus the name) as a headband is worked in two color (double doubles!) brioche stitch with an I-cord edging. It calls for fingering weight yarn in two colors.

There are two size options which allow you to wrap around your neck or head once or twice, or play with twisting or tying the ends together. The designer suggests using solid or semi solid yarns, or a solid or semi solid combined with a multicolored yarn that has good contrast. I have to say the designer picked the perfect colors to go with their hair!

You can also switch the order of the colors halfway through the knitting to give it a different look. 

I want to believe this would look as cute and effortless on me but it’s probably not true. That also probably doesn’t mean that I won’t give it a try!

If you’ve hesitated to try brioche knitting, or you feel like two color brioche is too tricky, you should know that two color is actually easier in a way because you can see what you’re doing and where you need to go a bit more easily. (Though if you want to try a super simple single color brioche knitting project first, I have a headband that will teach you the basics!) Also be sure to check out Lavanya Patricella’s great book about brioche knitting if you want to learn more. 

If you’re ready to get started on this adorable scarf and headband, you can grab the pattern on Ravelry. 

[Photo: Suzanne Sommer]

Braided Headband Knitting Pattern [Knitting]

Easy Headband Knitting Patterns [Knitting]

Free Knitting Pattern – Toddler Tied Headband

Have you read?

A Nostalgic Christmas Pudding Knitting Pattern for Your Handmade Decorations

There are some Christmas decorations I’ll always have a soft spot for, and a little knitted Christmas pudding is definitely on that list. Brown yarn, white icing and a cheerful red cherry—it’s a simple combination, but it brings back that lovely feeling of unpacking the handmade decorations each December.

This Christmas pudding knitting pattern from CraftBits is a small decorative project worked on straight needles. If you enjoy knitting Christmas ornaments but prefer to avoid working in the round, the flat construction makes this one worth a look.

A Small Project for Leftover Yarn

One of the appealing things about this project is its modest materials list. The pudding uses brown and white 8-ply yarn, with a little red yarn for the cherry and green felt for the holly leaves. You’ll also need 4 mm needles, stuffing and your usual sewing-up supplies.

It’s the sort of project that sends me straight to the leftover yarn basket. Those small balls that seem too useful to throw away finally have somewhere to go, and you can choose a rich chocolate brown or a softer, more muted shade depending on your Christmas colours.

The felt leaves are a practical finishing touch, too. They give the pudding its familiar festive appearance without adding another fiddly knitted component.

How the Knitted Pudding Comes Together

The pattern begins with 40 stitches and a brown stocking-stitch section. Colour changes introduce the white icing, followed by a white top that decreases towards the centre.

Once the knitting is finished, the piece is sewn together, stuffed and gathered at the bottom. A separately knitted cherry and the felt holly leaves complete the decoration.

I like projects where the finishing makes such a difference. A flat piece of knitting becomes a rounded little ornament, and those final details give it personality. It would look lovely tucked into a Christmas shelf display or sitting among greenery on a mantelpiece. You could also add a securely attached hanging loop for the tree.

A Pattern Detail to Check Before Starting

The design is charming, but the published instructions would benefit from a clearer technical edit. Some readers have reported difficulties with the colourwork rows, particularly the stated row endings.

I haven’t knitted a sample myself, so I wouldn’t describe this as a tested recommendation for a first colourwork project. Before starting, read through the pattern and check that each colourwork row accounts for all 40 stitches. Keep the carried yarn loose enough that the fabric can expand when stuffed.

A little more detail about the cast-on colour, finishing and finished measurements would also make the tutorial easier to follow.

A Lovely Idea for a Traditional Handmade Christmas

What appeals to me most is the pudding’s old-fashioned simplicity. It doesn’t need beads, elaborate embellishments or a perfectly coordinated decorating scheme. The knitted texture and little holly topper do the work.

For knitters comfortable checking a pattern and sewing up small projects, it’s a sweet source of festive inspiration. I’d be tempted to make a small collection in slightly different browns, keeping that lovely homemade character rather than trying to make every pudding identical.

Find the Christmas pudding knitting pattern at CraftBits and read through the instructions and reader comments before casting on.