Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Use Slip Stitches to Make a Sweet Scarf

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Yesterday I shared a project with you that involved slip stitches on a super bulky yarn base. This scarf uses slip stitches, too, but in a more delicate way on a much lighter weight yarn, which gives them a totally different look. Here it’s almost woven as the contrasting color peeks through the lattice of slipped stitches.

Born Slippy from Hedgehog Fibers uses DK weight yarn and a slip stitch pattern to make a small triangular scarf or shawl. The pattern suggests using a tweed yarn and a multicolored yarn to make the pattern look more complex than it is. You could also use a self-striping yarn to give it a more uniform, less scrappy look than a yarn with more frequent color changes might give you.

And of course you can use leftovers from other project for the second yarn, so that the colors change whenever you run out of yarn. So many fun options!

Despite being on somewhat small DK weight yarn, this project goes pretty fast and is a great way to use a nice colorful yarn you have in your stash that you weren’t sure what to do with. Or try using worsted weight yarn and correspondingly larger needles to make a bigger version that would be super cozy and colorful for cold weather.

You can get the free pattern by signing up for emails from Hedgehog Fibers.

Looking for more cute DK weight shawls? I’ve also shared Tsukimi by Angela Tong, which is a single color garter stitch triangular shawl with a fun lace edging. This one uses about 500 yards of yarn, which could be a one-skein project (or two if your chosen skeins are smaller). It uses size 10 US knitting needles so it’s a really fast project for the weight of the yarn.

[Photo: Hedgehog Fibers

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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.