Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knitting in the News: Tech, Art and Business

by

knitting in the newsIt’s been a while since I’ve done a roundup of knitting news, so there’s a good amount today.

If you think about it, a knitting machine may just be the original 3-D printer. And a business in London called Unmade is connecting current technologies with old-school knitting machines to allow customers to create (or print, if you will) one-of-a kind garments. This story also talks about Wool and the Gang, a British company that sells both ready-to-wear knits and knitting kits, which recently did a round of fundraising to bring production to the United States.

Of course we know knitting is artistic, and at times it is actually art, too. Learn more about how large-scale fiber artist Jacqui Fink got started knitting giant blankets out of unspun merino roving (her Instagram account is amazing, too), and though you may have seen it before, go ahead and look again at Carol Milne’s gorgeous knit glass sculptures. Awesome.

You’ll also want to check out the delicious looking knit food by British artist Jessica Dance (via the Jealous Curator). Or just knit yourself a boyfriend. (Another olide but a goodie that popped back up recently.)

British wool prices are incredibly low, but some are working hard to promote finer British wools (many are only good for carpets) by producing British rare-breed knitting yarn.

Apparently knitting and other handcrafts are big in Indonesian cities right now.

And finally, don’t miss the story of Blind Girl Knitting, aka Sarah Wilkinson, a 21-year-old from Illinois who has a genetic disorder that causes tumors to develop throughout her body, including her eyes, which has caused almost total vision loss. She’s learned how to do things without being able to see and now runs and handcraft business. She and her business partner hope their business sends the message that vision-impaired people can do anything (other than drive a car).

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.