Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Wrap Cardigan Knitting Pattern

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I’ve knit a lot of different kinds of sweaters in my years as a knitter (and am actually crocheting my first sweater right now!) but I have never made a wrap cardigan before.

This style of sweater is typically made with triangular fronts that overlap each other. The fronts can be tied together at the bottom of one side, or you could probably use a button on the bottom layer and put a buttonhole in the top layer to close it. It gives a sort of V-neck look that’s easy and cozy to wear.

The style is often associated with ballerinas, but of course it’s something anyone can wear.

The Clairlea Cardigan by Laura Chau is worked from the top down in one piece using a twisted stitch pattern on the body. It has drop sleeves that are worked in the round after the body is knit, and an I-cord edging that becomes the ties at the waist.

It’s worked in worsted weight yarn and available in 10 sizes, ranging from a chest measurement of 32.75 to 67.75 inches. The pattern includes charts as well as row by row written directions, so you can make it either way (or use the pattern to practice your chart reading.

The pattern is available on Ravelry.

[Photo: Laura Chau.]

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.