Knitting

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Welcome Blankets Project Seeks to Reimagine Border Wall

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welcome blanketTalk of a wall being built between the United States and Mexico was a big part of the presidential election and is still a hot topic. But what if a wall, something designed to keep people out, could be transformed into something that would welcome people in?

That’s the idea behind Welcome Blanket, a project that aims to symbolically turn the proposed nearly 2,000 mile border wall into blankets made out of 2,000 miles of yarn.

There’s a mitered square blanket pattern designed by Kat Coyle available on the website, with crochet and quilt patterns to come, but any lap-sized blanket of around 40 inches square would be appropriate for this project. I’m thinking of making a version of my Bulky Stockinette Throw, but the mitered squares are perfect for stash-busting odd balls, too.

They’re going to need a lot of them — estimating 1,200 yards of yarn per blanket, that’s about 3,200 blankets to reach 2,000 miles of yarn. The blankets will be on display at the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago from July 18 to December 17, starting with an empty space that fills as blankets come in. The deadline for sending blankets is Sept. 5; check out all the details in the FAQ. After the exhibit, the blankets will be distributed to refugees and resettlement organizations with notes welcoming them to America.

This sounds like a lovely project, and it might help some people to learn more about refugees and do some knitting for a good cause.

If you feel compelled, check it out. If you feel compelled to bring politics in here, please resist that urge.

[Photo: Kat Coyle.]

Comments

  1. If someone brings a subject up, it’s fair game. Whether political, social, religious, or just plain like/dislike. Talking about an issue in any arena is an invitation.
    But, you’re right on one thing..resisting the urge to bring a subject up in conversation is wise if you don’t want an opposite view brought up.
    I, for one, am so very ready for the wall to be built to keep illegals out (knowing it won’t keep out 100% of them). Come in legally, like so may others have done.

  2. She meant that this might not be the best forum for political discussion – and it’s not. There are plenty of other places on the web to have that debate. If you feel the need to voice your opinion, please go there. No matter your views, please be respectful.

  4. I have two legal immigrants in my family, one from Russia and one from Indonesia. I thought she was respectful.

  5. I love the concept and love the idea, and love that it comes with genuine regard, respect and should be treated as such. I love the space to create and to make a difference and I see this space as being exactly that. We need more compassion, more creativity and more sensitivity and more care of each other. Bring on the knitting needles and let the beautiful creative wall begin..

  6. While I respect the author’s opinion, I think I’ll go elsewhere for my knitting and crafting inspiration from now on. I’ve enjoyed this site for many years, but I don’t come to a craft site for politics.
    Also, kind of telling for the author to bring up a political topic, then ask everyone to refrain from discussing political topic. Don’t post them at all is a very simple solution.
    Best of luck to this site’s creators and contributors, and thanks for the years of enjoyment.

Have you read?

8 Knitted Crown Patterns for Children and Adults

There is something rather wonderful about a knitted crown. It takes a little yarn, a few pointed peaks and suddenly someone is in charge of the birthday cake. Whether they should be trusted with that responsibility is another matter entirely.

I love small knitting projects that invite a bit of fun, and these knitted crown patterns have plenty of possibilities. Make one for a grandchild’s dress-up basket, start a handmade birthday tradition, or knit matching crowns for a family celebration. And yes, there are adult sizes too, because being the person who organised the food should surely come with some royal privileges.

A soft knitted crown also makes a lovely alternative to a cardboard party crown. You can choose a favourite colour, coordinate it with a costume, or make something special enough to bring out year after year. Mustard yellow has that classic storybook look, but dusty pink, forest green and jewel-toned purple would be beautiful too.

These crown knitting patterns include children’s and adult options, along with designs that can be adjusted to fit. Some are worked flat and seamed, while others use circular knitting techniques, so there is a nice mix depending on what you enjoy making.

Our Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults

Start with our own free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults on CraftBits. It’s a lovely starting point for a handmade birthday crown or an addition to the family dress-up collection, with children and grownups both invited to join the royal household. I would choose a colour the wearer already loves—there is no rule saying every crown has to be gold.

Sheep & Stitch Crown: An Adjustable Design with a Video Tutorial

The knit crown pattern from Sheep & Stitch uses worsted-weight yarn and straight needles, with a video tutorial to help you follow along. You repeat the pointed sections until the crown fits, then join the ends, making this a useful option for children or adults without relying entirely on an age label. I especially like the video support for knitters who prefer seeing the shaping happen before trying it themselves.

Jubilee Crown Headband: Baby Through Adult Sizes

Marianna’s Jubilee Crown Headband is a free DK-weight design with baby, child, teen and adult size options. It’s described as quick and easy, making it an appealing choice when someone announces they need a costume rather closer to the event than you would have preferred. I would keep the smallest versions simple and let the yarn colour provide the decoration.

Hobbii Knitted Crown: A Cosy Ribbed Headband

The free Knitted Crown Headband from Hobbii, designed by Katharina Müller of My Favourite Stitches, combines a ribbed band with crown points. It includes baby, child and adult sizes and is knitted in the round with two yarns held together. This is the one I would look at for a crown that doubles as a playful ear warmer—very useful when your little royal insists on wearing their costume outside.

Elegant Knit Crown: Two Stretchy Size Options

Kathryn Andrews’ Elegant Knit Crown is a free Ravelry download with a small toddler/child size and a large teen/adult size. Worked from the top down in worsted-weight yarn, it uses a small amount of yarn and relies on stretchy edges to accommodate a range of heads. It’s a handy option for using a treasured leftover colour that isn’t quite enough for a hat.

Simple Knitted Crown: A Grownup Birthday Crown

Nicky Barfoot’s Simple Knitted Crown is a free DK-weight pattern with seven points and an adult-sized fit. The listed finished circumference is 50 cm, designed to stretch to a 55 cm head, so check that measurement before choosing it as a gift. I like this option for a grownup birthday celebration, especially in a beautiful cotton yarn that lets the shape take centre stage.

Crowning Glory: A Flat-Knitted Crown for the Family

The free Crowning Glory pattern by MrsMeeseMakes is knitted flat and seamed, with the circumference adjusted through the number of points you make. The designer gives guidance for baby, toddler, child, teenager and adult versions, making it a flexible choice for a family set. This would be my pick if you enjoy straight-needle projects and want to check the length as you go.

Paintbox Yarns Party Crown: Child and Adult Versions

The free Paintbox Yarns Party Crown uses aran-weight yarn and includes separate child and adult instructions. The listed finished circumferences are 44 cm and 50 cm, and the pattern is rated intermediate. I would make a coordinated pair in different colours for a birthday child and their favourite grownup—matching enough for photographs, but easy to tell apart when the party gets busy.

Choosing the Right Size for a Knitted Crown

Measure around the wearer’s head where the crown will sit, then compare that measurement with the pattern’s sizing notes. A finished knitted circumference may be smaller than the intended head measurement because the fabric stretches; that is different from choosing a size that is simply too small.

For an adjustable design, check the fit before sewing the ends together. You want the crown to stay put comfortably, especially if its owner plans to spend the afternoon dancing, running or issuing important instructions to the dog.

Yarn choice matters too. A springy wool blend and a smooth cotton can behave quite differently, even when both carry the same yarn-weight label. Follow the pattern’s tension guidance and think about how the finished crown will be washed.

Make It a Birthday Tradition

My favourite idea is to knit a crown that comes out every birthday. Choose a colour that will grow with its wearer, tuck it away with the birthday candles, and let it become one of those small family things everyone remembers.

For children’s crowns, stitched details are a lovely way to personalise the design without adding loose decorations. A little embroidered initial or a few contrasting stitches can make a simple crown feel very much their own.

And if you happen to knit yourself one while making the children’s versions, I think that is entirely reasonable. Someone has to supervise the kingdom—and keep an eye on the cake.