Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

KnitBits: New Pattern Collections, Geeky Crochet and More

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stranded knitting magazine and more knitting newsIf you’re looking for something new to knit this weekend, you’re in luck. Knitting Daily has a new free collection of five chunky knitting patterns (must be registered to download, which is free), while Yarnspirations has issued a lookbook full of free (knit and crochet) patterns that are perfect for charity knitting or other gift giving. There are little hats, baby blankets, regular-sized blankets and some hat and mitten sets in this sweet collection.

Stranded magazine is a new digital knitting magazine that has just released its first issue. The magazine includes six patterns, as well as tips on choosing the right size in a knitting pattern. It costs $16 and is available from their website or on Raverly.

And if you’re looking for something special to stitch for a mom in your life (I’ll have more on that soon), check out these project ideas from Red Heart. I love the Laid Back Shawl.

The Classic Silk Faux Cardigan (it’s actually a pullover because it doesn’t have buttons) from Classic Elite Yarns is a great choice for spring knitting, too.

I can’t resist this article about mathematical crochet, because it’s just really cool to me that things that can’t be visualized otherwise can be expressed in yarn. (It works in knitting, too.)

And finally, Vickie Howell, who is everywhere and doing all the things, just launched a knitting and fiber-related podcast this week. Called Crafti-sh, three episodes have been released for the launch, including talks with knitter and novelist Rachael Herron, Knitter’s Review owner and author of the recent book (and New York Times bestseller!) Knitlandia, Clara Parkes, and Stephen Frasier of Spoonflower. So fun.

Looking for more knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Looking for Yarn online? Check out Lionbrand our preferred source for purchasing yarn online.

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Summer Headband Knitting Patterns

Some knitters have trouble coming up with projects they can both knit and wear when it’s warm outside. Especially if you’re not ready for garments (thought tank tops and summer tops are great first garment projects!) it might seem like there’s nothing to do when it’s hot outside.

One way to remedy this situation is by knitting headbands. Headbands are great any time of year to keep hair out of your face and make you look a little more pulled together without any effort. Wider headbands double as ear warmers when it gets colder, but skinnier ones are great throughout the year.

A couple of great examples are from designer Elly Donner, who has a set of headband knitting patterns on Ravelry you can buy individually or as an ebook. Homebody, shown here, is worked in garter stitch (the ties are crocheted but you could also use I-cord), while Slipstream uses slipped stitches and garter ridges, and Sounds of Spring has little cables. The patterns use DK weight yarn and are a great way to use a little leftover yarn from another project.

I also recently came across the lovely Plush Braided Headband by Yevgeniya Li. A free pattern on Ravelry, this wider design is covered in lush cables for a sleek and fancy look. It uses worsted weight yarn and you can customize the length for a perfect fit.

Celeste Knitwear’s Spikelet is a simple twisted headband with columns of eyelet lace to keep it from being too heavy. It’s worked flat and sewn together to make the twist, and uses DK weight yarn. It has three sizes available.

This skinny lace headband from Lusi Knits is another cute choice. It calls for fine weight cotton yarn, but you could use heavier yarn if you have it on hand to make a wider headband (or use any fine yarn you have available). It uses ties to customize the fit.

And if you want to go super basic but still really cute, try the easy ring headband from Lulu Pattern. The sample is knit pretty wide, but you could make a narrower version if you want, and the little ring turns it from a plain loop into a bow with very little extra work. It calls for worsted weight yarn but you could also use whatever weight you like for this one to change up the look and size.