Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Use Your Stash to Knit a Blanket That’s Full of Charm

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I have been working (if you use the term working incredibly generously because I haven’t touched it in a couple of years) for many, many years on what I hope will one day be a giant (6 foot by 6 foot) garter stitch blanket worked in strips that are joined as I knit. 

It’s a great winter project because it’s big enough to sit under while I knit, and it’s a good place to put all the random odd balls I’m not using in all my other projects. 

I was reminded of that giant stash buster when I came across the pattern for the Charm Blanket from Purl Soho. 

Like the classic yo-yo quilts that use little bits of fabric left over from other projects, this blanket is designed to look like it was assembled from random bits of leftover (though in reality it calls for 40 mini skeins of fingering weight yarn in a wool, alpaca and linen blend). 

The yarn is held double in this project, made of individual garter stitch octagons that are joined as you work. 

Of course if you have tons of leftover solid colored (or even multicolored) sock yarn or want to buy the kit you can absolutely do that, but I noticed that the pattern calls for size 8 US/5 mm knitting needles, which would be perfect for making this blanket with single strands of worsted weight yarn instead. 

And I, for one, have a lot more bits of worsted weight yarn lying around than I do fingering weight. 

Whichever way you choose to make it, this blanket as shown measures 36 by 48 inches, or 91.4 by 122 cm. You could of course continue in the same manner and make it as big as you like. Maybe it can be your never-ending project like my giant garter stitch strip blanket. 

You can grab the free pattern at Purl Soho. 

[Photo: Purl Soho]

Bust Your Stash and Keep Warm at the Same Time [Knitting]

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.