Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Learn to Knit (or Teach Someone Else) This Holiday Season

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complete knitting skills giveawayI know we’ve all got a million other things to do right now aside from learning new skills, but once the actual holiday stuff (eating, unwrapping presents) is over, sometimes there’s extra time you don’t quite know what to do with.

So why not fill it learning new skills or teaching someone else to knit?

I’ve got just the thing to help one of you do just that.

Complete Knitting Skills by Debbie Tomkies is pretty much just what the title says. This book has tons of information on all the tools and supplies you need to get started; knitting basics like casting on, knitting, purling, increases and decreases; blocking and finishing; altering patterns to fit; choosing the right increase, decrease, cast on or bind off for a project; more advanced skills like knitting in the round, lace and cables; fixing knitting errors and more.

Even better, the book is linked to a website with 27 videos that will help you gain confidence in your knitting skills if the words and photos in the book aren’t allowing you to understand what’s happening.

This book is a great guide for a new knitter or someone who wants to learn how to knit better.

The cover is just a little bit worn, but you could even give it as a gift if you like.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, Nov. 26. I’d love to know either who taught you to knit or someone you’ve taught to knit or would like to teach to knit. My grandmother and mother both taught me, and I’ve taught lots of people, though of course I’m proudest of my daughter enjoying the fiber arts!

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Comments

  1. I was taught by my mom and great grandmother. I am teaching my daughter -I would love to gift to her! thank you!

  2. My mom never got a chance to teach me to knit before we lost her last year and I really want to learn!

  3. I took a class years ago and then got into a group at work to knit. I have tried to teach my granddaughters but without success. Would love this book to help teach them!

  4. I started learning from friends & have self-taught via internet. I’ve taught a friend, starting w/ dish cloths. I work w/ Alzheimer’s patients & could use this book for good reference w/ those who want to refresh their knitting skills

  6. My aunt knitted and crocheted too. My mom didn’t. I taught myself watching my aunt then a friend when we were in college

  7. I taught myself to knit but love sharing this craft with others. Last year, I taught my cousin to knit and after the holidays, I’ll be teaching my sister. This book would be a great gift for her. Thank you!

  9. I took a class as a teen and though I am right-handed, taught my leftie college roommate to knit! That was years ago now. Would love the book to help me teach my grandchildren to knit! Thank you for the opportunity to win this nice book.

  10. LI love to knit and would love to know how to pass on the craft. Not the best teacher, so I’d like some hints. I tried with my nieces but would like to show some of the kids in school.

  11. I would love to have the book for my daughter, whom I am teaching to knit! I am carrying on the tradition started by my mom and grandmother!

  13. My mother in law taught me to knit. When I first met her she was knitting socks on 4 needles. She was so fast at it. She was very inspiring and only to happy to share her skills. Since then I do both knit and crochet. I like to do both on my projects. I taught my daughters to knit and crochet. I am happy to teach and share.

  14. My sister taught me to crochet when I was a little girl but I’ve never learned to knit. It has been on my bucket list since I retired but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. Twin grand babies have been keeping me busy. But it’s still on my list and a comprehensive book would help immensely! Thanks for the chance!

  15. My Mother and Grandmother taught me to knit, my Great Grandmother taught me to crochet.
    I now pass my skills on at community recycle workshops, turning pre loved materials into lovely craft makes.

  16. My Mum taught me to knit when I was very young and my Nan helped as well; she was an amazing knitter. After a 25 year break though, I’ve picked up my needles again and I’m teaching myself, although Mum helps out if I get in a pickle.

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.