Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Master Cables with This Cute Hat

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This easy hat is a great way to learn cable techniquesI think sometimes people get intimidated about learning new skills because they don’t want to have to work with something new on a really big project that might be too difficult or frustrating.

(That’s why I really want my next book to be a whole bunch of knitting skills but only scarves, because who’s scared of a scarf?)

That’s also why I like this pattern from Classic Elite Yarns. The Cable Top Cap by Susan Mills is a cute little beret, and it’s worked from the bottom up so it starts out just like any other hat you’ve ever knit.

The cable portion is at the top and helps make the great star/floral motif at the top, but the great thing is it’s only 14 rounds of the project. That’s enough to get comfortable but not too much to get overwhelmed, I think.

And even if you’re totally good with both hats and cables, this would be a great project for fall and winter, or even for gift knitting, don’t you think?

[Photo via Classic Elite Yarns.]

Looking for more Cable-styled knitting patterns? Check out these Cable Knit Patterns on Etsy

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.