Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Simple, Sweet Toddler Slippers

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bulky toddler slipper knitting patternI’ve had a pair of leather soles with holes around the edges for a long time. These soles are designed so you can knit a sock and sew it onto the sole for a sturdier, more slipper-like design.

I’ve had them for a long time because I just haven’t gotten around to knitting a pair of worsted-weight socks to fit on the base, but this may well be the year I do it. A little post-Christmas gift for me, if you will.

If you have a little one, you can find these soles in different sizes to fit wee feet (I once found boot-shaped ones sized for a baby and just added a knit cuff, so cute).

Georgia Bean cut out little leather soles to whip up quick bulky Garter Stitch slippers for her little guy, and you can, too. If you don’t know someone that particular size, a quick search online will likely find you basic patterns for all sorts of sizes. Find a bulky-weight pattern for ease and speed, then trace the bottom of the finished sock/slipper to make a leather piece that’s just the right size.

Have you ever added leather soles to socks or slippers? I’d love to hear about it.

[Photo: Georgia Bean.]

Looking for more Slipper patterns? Check these out 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.