Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Shamrock Knitting Patterns for Accessories

by

The other day I shared a collection of simple shamrock knitting patterns that stand on their own as pins or appliques, but I wanted to show you some projects that use shamrocks as a design element as well.

In general these are a good place to start if you’ve never done colorwork knitting because the patterns are usually symmetrical so it’s easy to get the hang of what you’re doing.

And these projects are all pretty small so you still have time to stitch them to be ready for the wearin’ o’ the green!

Add a dapper touch to your holiday outfit with this great Irish bow tie from Samuele Scomparin. It’s worked in super fine yarn in two colors and has a string with a button at the back to keep it secure. You can buy the written pattern on Ravelry. (The pattern page says there’s a way to get it for free so I assumed there might be a video tutorial but I can’t find it. If you do, let me know!)

How about some shamrock socks? These shortie socks from Sidney Rakotoarivelo on Ravelry have colorwork shamrocks around the leg. They’re worked in two colors of sock yarn and the pattern is available in English and French.

Sandy Mills has designed a cute and easy shamrock headband you can knit. This one is worked in worsted weight yarn and uses three colors (though you could use the same shade of green throughout). It’s sized for an adult and you can get the pattern from New Age Knitting CA on Etsy.

If you’d rather knit a hat, Lizzy Knits Shop on Etsy has you covered. This pretty hat also uses two shades of green, and worsted weight yarn, to make a fun shamrock Fair Isle style design. The big pompom on top is lots of fun, too.

Now that we’ve covered our heads, what about our necks? If you need a little more warmth than a bow tie can provide, check out this pretty St. Patrick’s Day cowl from Karina Sweeney on Ravelry. It combines three- and four-leaf clovers, and there’s a version done in green and white as well as one in rainbow colors for extra holiday fun.

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.