Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Winter Knitty is Live

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knitty winter 2014It’s one of the best days of the winter season today, because the new Knitty has just been released. And this one is extra special because it’s the 50th issue of the long-running online knitting magazine. Here’s to 50 more, and many more beyond that.

This time around you’ll find musings on prejudice by Donna Druchunas and a slouchy Baltic-inspired hat designed by Susan Santos; a pep talk and historic knitting pattern for gloves from Franklin Habit; and a set of super-sweet gifts using granny squares, if you happen to crochet as well.

The Dr. Quackers toy really just cannot be resisted (he’s a duck worked in textured stripes and designed by Elizabeth Collins), but I also love Becky Collins’ awesome striped dress Folie à deux. And while I say it’s a dress you can really go your own way with it, making it a sweater or a short-sleeved top, with stripes that vary or are consistent in width, worked flat or in the round. It’s all up to you!

Other great projects include the Winter Doldrums pullover by Carla Pletzer, which is a great bold circular yoke sweater sure to entertain in the knitting and keep you warm in the wearing; Laurie Osborne’s Kayak Cowl, worked in pretty double basket stitch (such a great idea for a cowl!); the double knit Giga Cowl worked in gray and bright green in a cool chain-like pattern by Kalliopi Aronis; and the Comber Shawl by Joyce Fassbender, a reversible lace triangle worked from the center out (I particularly love the self-striping version).

There’s probably something for everyone here, so I’d love to hear what you like, too.

[Photo via Knitty.com.]

Looking for knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking for pullover and sweater patterns? Check these books out.

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.