Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knits from Outer Space -Knitting Patterns

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With all the excitement surrounding the Pluto flyby this week, I thought it might be fun to look for some knit representations of space. I didn’t find any knits celebrating Pluto specifically, but there’s lots of fun space-themed stuff out there.

Of course we can’t talk about space and knitting without at least a brief mention of Space Invaders. The little aliens from that classic video game are perfectly shaped for knitting, and there are lots of Space Invader themed knits out there. Two I really liked were this tam from Erica Grønntun and Emily Sontag’s double knit Old School Space Invaders Scarf.

The Illusion Knit Space Scarf by Andrea Blumberg uses a fun technique to make a design that features a rocket, planet and stars you can only see when you look at the scarf just right.

If you love knit hexipuffs (like on the Beekeeper’s Quilt) check out the space-themed charts from Louise Lavender. There’s a rocket, a robot, a moon and Jupiter, and you could use them on other projects as well (I’m seeing them along the bottom of a sweater for a little person).

I also love SJ Griffin’s Moon and Star Socks, which feature lovely stranded colorwork and would be really warm as well as fun to wear.

If you’re willing to shell out a few bucks for some fun patterns, also check out the Little Ringed Planet pattern by Dawn Finney (it’s $2.50) or the super cute Aliens from the Planet Flangelzwat by Liz Wray (somewhere around $4).

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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.