Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knit the Galaxy with this Star Wars Knitting Book

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Attention all Star Wars fans: a new official Stars Wars knitting book is being unleashed on the galaxy, and I for one can’t wait to get stitching.

Star Wars is one of the fandoms everyone in our family agrees on, and I think there’s something to knit for everyone in Star Wars Knitting the Galaxy by Tanis Gray.

This collection of 28 knits includes toys, replicas of costume items, apparel inspired by the movies and home decor. If you’ve ever wanted to knit a porg, or a Death Star pillow, now’s your chance.

There’s so much great stuff in this book I can’t even name favorites, but I do think I need Princess Leia’s Hoth Snow Vest, designed by Stephanie Lotven, or Meghan Regan’s The Order of the Jedi Pullover, which elevates the holiday sweater with lightsabers, Yodas, stars and other symbols. My daughter would love Carissa Browning’s Ewok Hood (she had an Ewok-themed birthday party a few years ago), and the Chancellor Palpatine Scarf might be just the thing to actually get my husband to wear a scarf. The BB-8 blanket Tanis designed is adorable, as are the R2-D2 mittens from Therese Sharp (they say beep, boop, bleep and other droidy noises on the palm side!).

The patterns aren’t on Ravelry yet since the book isn’t released until Jan. 26, but you can see some of them on Amazon.

Patterns are rated by number of light sabers to show degree of difficulty from one to three. Five patterns are rated one, 14 are two and nine are three.

This book is the perfect thing for a knitter who loves Star Wars, or knitter who knows and wants to knit for people who love Star Wars. I will note because I’m sure someone will ask, that this book really just covers the movies so there is no Baby Yoda here, but there is a pocket Yoda pattern that could probably be altered to look a bit more like Grogu. That is definitely not a reason to skip this one, there is so much fun stuff in it!

About the book: 208 pages, hardcover, 28 patterns. Published by Insight Editions, suggested retail $29.99.

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.