Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Take it Easy with the Sandstone Scarf Knitting Pattern

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A new year is a great time to learn new skills, and if you’re just now taking up knitting (welcome!) or are reminding yourself how to knit because it’s been a while (welcome back) or even if you’re trying to teach someone else to knit, starting with something really basic is a great thing to do.

The garter stitch scarf is a classic first knitting project because it’s relatively quick and easy and it doesn’t have to come out a particular size. It’s also not the end of the world if your tension isn’t perfect, or if your edges are a little wonky.

If you’re looking for a beginner project with just a little bit more flair, try the Sandstone Scarf from Mirella Moments.

It uses super bulky yarn (which is my preference for beginners because it’s easy to handle) in three colors, which means you’ll learn how to change colors straightaway. It also has fringe, which is an easy way to make a simple project a little more fun.

And even if you are a knitter with a few projects under your belt, this is a nice meditative project for working while watching TV or when you need something that isn’t going to require a lot of thought. This would be a great charity knitting project or a way to get a jump on your gift knitting for next year (it’s really never too early!).

You can grab the free pattern from Mirella Moments.

Looking for more easy knitting patterns for beginners? Check out this post I compiled last year of easy garter stitch knitting projects to take you beyond scarves. Here are some more fun garter stitch projects, because apparently I write a post about garter stitch knitting patterns every year. Probably because even as a not-beginner, I still love knitting garter stitch from time to time. How do you feel about garter stitch? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

[Photo: Mirella Moments]

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.