Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knit Kards: Knitting References and Tips in Handy Card Form

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Knit Kards Nancy's Knit KnacksThese are going to Hedvig!

A long time ago, Nancy’s Knit Knacks sent me a bunch of goodies, some of which I reviewed in the About.com days, and some of which I’ve given away over the years. And some of which I still have!

These Knit Kards are really cool. They’re a set of 14 cards, which are slightly bigger than 3×5, and which are collected on a key ring. The topics covered on the cards include:

  • average yardage for different projects in different yarn weights and sizes
  • how to make different kinds of increases and decreases
  • a card for storing of to four people’s measurements with tips on ease
  • how to knit a perfect gauge swatch
  • knitting needle and crochet hook inventory
  • knitting abbreviations
  • how to determine the rate of increase or decrease on an angle (as when shaping a sweater sleeve)
  • yarn weight classification chart
  • how to determine the length of the long tail for a long-tail cast on
  • how to make a one-row buttonhole
  • how to estimate the yardage needed for a project based on your swatch
  • how to read a yarn label and washing instructions

Lots of handy info, right?

I’m giving this away with week, along with a hook and needle gauge and a pack of circular needle identification tags.

If you’d like a chance to win these goodies, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, September 10. I’d love to know if you have any clever knitting tips or favorite tools.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing and good luck!

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Comments

  3. I love that! I have several tips. First, always slip first stitc purl wise for pretty edges. My 2nd tip was invented to help me knit cables and watch tv. Let’s say the cable has a 6 row repeat – the wrong side rows are usually simple. I print two rows of instructions onto index cards. Label the top with name of cable, date and use. Then I flip through to use and save for later.

  4. This sounds like a great thing to have. Are you sure you want to give this away, Sarah? My favorite tools are KnitPicks circulars, which are great for making socks. I just can’t imagine those double pointed needles, which always gave me apoplexy when I tried to use them. In fact, I didn’t make socks or hats for years upon years, until I discovered circulars. (Actually, it was years upon years before circulars were even invented.) My biggest tip would be to enjoy your work. Stop every so often and look at it, inspect it, look for errors that can be corrected now, before you have to rip out half of your hard work and admire your own work as much as you admire another’s.

  6. My favorite tools are multiple handy notion bags, point protectors, stitch markers, highlighter tape. All this for my grab and go project bags.

  8. My favourite tools are my removable stitch markers. I always use them for pattern repeats and have some with instructions for SSK etc so I know which decrease/increase to do without looking at the pattern.

  10. My most useful tip of late is the “lifeline”…inserted in the work at random intervals so that if a mistake is made, it is easier to rip out to correct. I absolutely hate ripping out!

  12. My daughter has really upped her knitting game and is starting to sell some of her work. This would be an awesome present for her.

  14. These cards really seem to be a VERY handy thing to have!!
    My favorite tool? Well, it may seem simple, but plastic zipper bags from Ikea to keep my WIPs, and specially the different balls of yarn in intarsia or stranded projects!! 😀
    And a tip I always use because it’s an incredible timesaver: when casting on a lot of stitches with the long tail cast on and need to estimate how long the tail should be, wrap the yarn around the needle 10 times, and then just use that lenght as a reference for how much yarn is needed approx. for 10 stitches. And always: place a marker every 10 stitches when casting on and avoid starting over and over again 😉

  15. Love my card for doing Kitchener……….I always forget and the little tag with this info keeps me going.

    from overcast VT,
    the Vermonster

  17. Looks like a great gift. Very useful. My favorite tools are my stitch markers. I love collecting and using them. So cute.

  18. My favorite tool? My husband, of course! He is great at math and is always willing to help when the numbers perplex me! Plus, he’s more fun to be with than a calculator.

  19. These tip cards look awesome! I’d like to win them to give to my daughter for Christmas! She started knitting 2 years ago. Thanks1

  22. These look like they’d be so handy to have at hand, especially for those of us who are not great knitters. I love to knit but I will never attempt any patterns that require much thought. Thanks for the opportunity!

  23. How ingenious! I never know how long to make my starter tail so I end up doing my project in crochet. These cards would certainly come in handy. Thanks for this neat giveaway.

  25. They look like a good reference tool. My favorite tool is my fishing tackle box. It has lots of compartments that I keep my knitting notions in and it is small enough that it fits in my knitting bag, so it goes everywhere with me. Very handy.

Have you read?

8 Knitted Crown Patterns for Children and Adults

There is something rather wonderful about a knitted crown. It takes a little yarn, a few pointed peaks and suddenly someone is in charge of the birthday cake. Whether they should be trusted with that responsibility is another matter entirely.

I love small knitting projects that invite a bit of fun, and these knitted crown patterns have plenty of possibilities. Make one for a grandchild’s dress-up basket, start a handmade birthday tradition, or knit matching crowns for a family celebration. And yes, there are adult sizes too, because being the person who organised the food should surely come with some royal privileges.

A soft knitted crown also makes a lovely alternative to a cardboard party crown. You can choose a favourite colour, coordinate it with a costume, or make something special enough to bring out year after year. Mustard yellow has that classic storybook look, but dusty pink, forest green and jewel-toned purple would be beautiful too.

These crown knitting patterns include children’s and adult options, along with designs that can be adjusted to fit. Some are worked flat and seamed, while others use circular knitting techniques, so there is a nice mix depending on what you enjoy making.

Our Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults

Start with our own free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults on CraftBits. It’s a lovely starting point for a handmade birthday crown or an addition to the family dress-up collection, with children and grownups both invited to join the royal household. I would choose a colour the wearer already loves—there is no rule saying every crown has to be gold.

Sheep & Stitch Crown: An Adjustable Design with a Video Tutorial

The knit crown pattern from Sheep & Stitch uses worsted-weight yarn and straight needles, with a video tutorial to help you follow along. You repeat the pointed sections until the crown fits, then join the ends, making this a useful option for children or adults without relying entirely on an age label. I especially like the video support for knitters who prefer seeing the shaping happen before trying it themselves.

Jubilee Crown Headband: Baby Through Adult Sizes

Marianna’s Jubilee Crown Headband is a free DK-weight design with baby, child, teen and adult size options. It’s described as quick and easy, making it an appealing choice when someone announces they need a costume rather closer to the event than you would have preferred. I would keep the smallest versions simple and let the yarn colour provide the decoration.

Hobbii Knitted Crown: A Cosy Ribbed Headband

The free Knitted Crown Headband from Hobbii, designed by Katharina Müller of My Favourite Stitches, combines a ribbed band with crown points. It includes baby, child and adult sizes and is knitted in the round with two yarns held together. This is the one I would look at for a crown that doubles as a playful ear warmer—very useful when your little royal insists on wearing their costume outside.

Elegant Knit Crown: Two Stretchy Size Options

Kathryn Andrews’ Elegant Knit Crown is a free Ravelry download with a small toddler/child size and a large teen/adult size. Worked from the top down in worsted-weight yarn, it uses a small amount of yarn and relies on stretchy edges to accommodate a range of heads. It’s a handy option for using a treasured leftover colour that isn’t quite enough for a hat.

Simple Knitted Crown: A Grownup Birthday Crown

Nicky Barfoot’s Simple Knitted Crown is a free DK-weight pattern with seven points and an adult-sized fit. The listed finished circumference is 50 cm, designed to stretch to a 55 cm head, so check that measurement before choosing it as a gift. I like this option for a grownup birthday celebration, especially in a beautiful cotton yarn that lets the shape take centre stage.

Crowning Glory: A Flat-Knitted Crown for the Family

The free Crowning Glory pattern by MrsMeeseMakes is knitted flat and seamed, with the circumference adjusted through the number of points you make. The designer gives guidance for baby, toddler, child, teenager and adult versions, making it a flexible choice for a family set. This would be my pick if you enjoy straight-needle projects and want to check the length as you go.

Paintbox Yarns Party Crown: Child and Adult Versions

The free Paintbox Yarns Party Crown uses aran-weight yarn and includes separate child and adult instructions. The listed finished circumferences are 44 cm and 50 cm, and the pattern is rated intermediate. I would make a coordinated pair in different colours for a birthday child and their favourite grownup—matching enough for photographs, but easy to tell apart when the party gets busy.

Choosing the Right Size for a Knitted Crown

Measure around the wearer’s head where the crown will sit, then compare that measurement with the pattern’s sizing notes. A finished knitted circumference may be smaller than the intended head measurement because the fabric stretches; that is different from choosing a size that is simply too small.

For an adjustable design, check the fit before sewing the ends together. You want the crown to stay put comfortably, especially if its owner plans to spend the afternoon dancing, running or issuing important instructions to the dog.

Yarn choice matters too. A springy wool blend and a smooth cotton can behave quite differently, even when both carry the same yarn-weight label. Follow the pattern’s tension guidance and think about how the finished crown will be washed.

Make It a Birthday Tradition

My favourite idea is to knit a crown that comes out every birthday. Choose a colour that will grow with its wearer, tuck it away with the birthday candles, and let it become one of those small family things everyone remembers.

For children’s crowns, stitched details are a lovely way to personalise the design without adding loose decorations. A little embroidered initial or a few contrasting stitches can make a simple crown feel very much their own.

And if you happen to knit yourself one while making the children’s versions, I think that is entirely reasonable. Someone has to supervise the kingdom—and keep an eye on the cake.