Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Stitch a Scarf that Looks Like Chains

by

The other day I was talking about how much I love scarves because there are so many different things you can do with them. Even if you limit yourself to the “regular” rectangular shape, you can make a scarf in just about any stitch pattern and using most of the techniques of knitting you can think of.

Have you seen how easy it is to knit a Fisherman’s Rib Super Scarf (on our sister site)

Because of that, I’m always seeing new scarf patterns that interest and intrigue me. (Or maybe I’m just a boring person…don’t tell me if you think so!)

For instance, Chained Up by Szymon Jergas. This DK weight scarf is worked with cables that are turned such that they look like chains running down the scarf. 

The pattern is charted and probably wouldn’t be the best choice for someone totally new to cable knitting, but it’s a gorgeous finished project that’s great for anyone in your life to wear. It might even be fun for people who do historical re-enactments or go to Renaissance faires or similar events (do those things even happen in winter?) to add a cool and warming touch to their outfit.

From the look of the projects in progress page for this pattern, which you can download for free on Ravelry, it looks like blocking is pretty essential to straighten everything out and give the cables that nice chained look.

And if you’re looking for more fun cable knitting patterns, check out my roundup of fun cable knitting patterns to help boost your skills. Here you’ll find blankets, hats, sweaters and more to get you started or keep you going on your cable knitting journey. If you’re totally new to knitting cables, check out this cute hat pattern that’s a great option for your first cable knitting project. Or you can find a bunch of fun cable knitting patterns for all skill levels on Etsy.

[Photo: Szymon Jergas]

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.