Knitting

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Some Sweaters that Might Not Inspire Your Own Sweater Knitting

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1970s sweater knitting patternsThe introduction to this slideshow of sweater knitting patterns from the 1970s makes me smile in light of what we’re talking about this month. It’s talking about how everyone seems to knit these days, but they mostly just knit scarves and baby blankets.

However, not a single knitter I know has found the time to make a sweater, let alone a skirt or pair of pants. And matching sweaters for the whole family? Forget about it!

Well, I’ve never knit matching sweaters, but I can crank out a couple of sweaters a season (especially since my daughter is still pretty small) and I’ll bet you can, too.

The post suggests that people knit more sweaters back in the day because they didn’t have other distractions like the Internet. But watching television is a great way to get more knitting done, so cozy up with this slideshow for inspiration (even if it only inspires laughter and an understanding of what you don’t want to make) and get ready to knit your own awesome, much more fashionable sweaters.

And if we’re being honest, I would totally knit a couple of these. But those pictured would be much better for an infant, and probably fit better, too. How about you?

[Photo via Collectors Weekly.]

 

Comments

  1. Those little sweaters are better than the hugely oversized ones of the ’80s (or whenever it was). We traveled to Scandinavia while our daughter was in college. She gave us measurements, so we could buy a sweater to bring back to her. My husband commented, “She’d better marry a football player, so he can wear it after oversized goes out of style!” Wonder whether she still has it?

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.