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Learn Shawl Shaping with this Mini-Shawl Ecourse

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shawl knitting email series from aroha knitsI have a lot of scarves, but lately I have been knitting more shawls to wear in the colder months. I like something that bunches up around my neck a little more (so all that knitting is keeping me warm instead of hanging on the ends of my scarf), and shawls are just prettier and more fun to knit than scarves.

There are a lot of different ways to put shawls together and techniques you can use in shawl knitting, and one great way to get a crash course in those techniques is by signing up for the 5 shawls, 5 days challenge from Aroha Knits. This free email series covers a triangular shawl with a Garter tab beginning, a 3/4 shawl (the triangle with an extra triangle), crescent, swirl and asymmetrical designs.

The idea is to work each of these little shawls for 30 minutes or less, making them just big enough so you can see the shape and get the idea of how it will look in a larger version without having to actually knit a full-size shawl.

This is a great way to learn different techniques and determine which sorts of designs you like to knit and like the look of. If you’re a fan of shawls you should check it out.

[Photo via Aroha Knits.]

 

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Looking for more amazing shawl patterns? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

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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.