KnitBits: Trudeau’s Socks, New Twist Collective and Tons More

Did you hear about the 92-year-old woman who knit Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau a pair of socks? Well, he sent a hand written note back thanking her. Lillie Stewart has been knitting socks for 60-some years, and keeps her MP’s feet warm, which is how her socks got to the PM. The note said he looks forward to wearing the socks with pride. Aww…

A cliche of a lady has been winning hearts through her appearance on “Jeopardy!” Margaret Miles is a librarian who racked up more than $40,000 in winnings on the show, and when asked by Alex Trebek what she likes to do in her spare time, she said, I kid you not, “knit and pet cats.” She went on to say she is “hopelessly stereotypical.” Sounds like our kind of lady.

The new spring/summer issue of Twist Collective is out. It’s the magazine’s 25th issue, and they’re celebrating by offering remixes of a dozen patterns in different yarn than they were originally knit in. There are plenty of new projects, too, plus articles on tatting, swatching, shaping in cables and more.

Speaking of swatches, knitting pros talk all the time about the need to check your gauge before embarking on a project that needs to fit. You might not think it’s that important, or that one knitter’s stitches can’t be that different from another. If you’re in the “I never swatch” camp, you need to read this article from YarnSub. The author had 12 knitters knit up swatches with the same number of rows and stitches, and the variations are stunning. The tightest gauge was 20 percent smaller than suggested (which would make a garment three dress sizes smaller than intended) and just one knitter hit gauge exactly.

It’s good to have goals in life and in knitting, but I don’t think I’d ever try to knit a million stitches in a month. Julie Bruce did it, with a full 18 minutes to spare, with the aim of knitting blankets for hospitals and raising money for a local hospice.

If you need more evidence that knitting makes you happy, this survey of more than 3,500 knitters found stitching has important “psychological and social benefits.” And this post talks about how knitting can help you sleep better, so maybe turn off the iPad and knit a few rows before lights out tonight.

Finally, the knitter at roving crafters thinks we need to tell people knitting is hard. She explores all the skills, from concentration to determination, that we exhibit as knitters and says we should sell it as being hard so people will appreciate it more. What do you think?

[Photo via CTV.]

Looking for more knitted socks designs and patterns to keep you warm this winter? Check out these knitted sock patterns Etsy. And these Knitting Pattern books on Amazon.

Looking to buy your Yarn online? Check out these online yarn specials.

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.

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