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Showing posts from November, 2024

The Peace Ear Warmer: A Free and Simple Knit Ear Warmer Pattern

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If you’re looking for the perfect companion to the Peace Cowl or the Peace Beanie , the Peace Ear Warmer is just what you need! A Sister to the Peace Beanie and Peace Cowl As a knitter, I love when patterns complement each other beautifully, and the Peace Ear Warmer fits seamlessly into the Peace set. This knit ear warmer pattern is designed for days when you want to wear your hair up—whether it’s in a high bun or a ponytail—but still keep your ears warm and cozy. For those days when you want to let your hair down, the Peace Beanie is always a great option. The Peace Ear Warmer comes in three sizes: child, adult small, and adult large. This makes it versatile for gifting or creating matching sets for family and friends. The chunky bamboo blend yarn (affiliate link) adds a luxurious touch, providing softness and warmth without being bulky. Yarn and Needles For this project, I used Premier Anti-Pilling Bamboo Chunky yarn (affiliate link ). It’s quickly become one of my g...

The Ultimate Guide to How to Decrease Knitting Stitches

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Discover the art of decreasing knitting stitches with this guide! Explore techniques, practice with free patterns, and learn about the perfect tools for the job. Click here to find the free patterns mentioned in this post. Knitting is a creative journey, and learning how to decrease knitting stitches is a crucial skill that takes your projects to the next level. Whether you’re shaping the crown of a hat or adding dimension to a sweater, decreases are vital for crafting polished and well-fitted pieces. Let me walk you through the most common methods, explain when to use them, and give you five free patterns to practice on. As we dive in, I’ll also share why KnitPicks Reflections needles (affiliate link) are my go-to choice for decreases. These needles feature perfectly tapered tips, making it easy to work with all yarn weights. What Are Decreases in Knitting? Decreases reduce the number of stitches on your needle. This creates shaping for projects like sleeves, necklines,...

Learn the Italian Cast-On with This Step-by-Step Tutorial

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Looking for a smooth, stretchy cast-on for ribbing? Learn the Italian cast-on in this step-by-step guide! Check out my free knitting patterns like the Peace Cowl and Peace Beanie for perfect project ideas. What Is the Italian Cast-On? The Italian cast-on is a versatile, stretchy cast-on method perfect for 1×1 ribbing. Its seamless edge blends beautifully into your knits, creating a polished, professional look. This technique is particularly great for projects like the Peace Cowl and Peace Beanie , where a neat edge complements the overall design. If you’re planning to knit the Peace Ear Warmer , coming to the blog November 28th, the Italian cast-on will also work wonderfully. Why Choose the Italian Cast-On? If you’ve ever struggled with a tight or uneven cast-on edge, the Italian cast-on tutorial is here to help. Benefits include: Stretchiness : Ideal for ribbing and wearable knits. Seamless Finish : The edge flows naturally into the ribbing. Professional Look : ...

4 Cozy Free Fall Hat Patterns You’ll Love

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Get ready for cozy autumn knitting with these four must-make free fall hat patterns! Find all the free patterns here . Autumn is the perfect time to grab your needles and dive into seasonal knitting projects. Hats are always my go-to for fall because they’re quick, functional, and a great way to celebrate the season. I’m excited to share four free fall hat patterns with you: the Acorn Beanie , Cable Pumpkin Beanie , Apple Cider Beanie , and Pumpkin Spice Beanie . These free fall hat patterns are fun to knit, beginner-friendly, and perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself. Plus, they use yarns like KnitPicks Brava Worsted (affiliate link) and Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted (affiliate link) —great options for soft, durable knits. Pattern #1: Acorn Beanie – A Whimsical Free Fall Hat Pattern The Acorn Beanie is inspired by autumn oak trees and features a textured design that resembles an acorn cap. It’s a whimsical and cozy addition to your fall wardrobe. Ya...

Peace Cowl Free Knitting Pattern: Chunky & Warm

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Looking for a cozy, stylish project? This Peace Cowl Free Knitting Pattern is perfect for beginners and pros alike. It pairs beautifully with the Peace Beanie which you can find here ! Why I Love the Peace Cowl Free Knitting Pattern I designed the Peace Cowl Free Knitting Pattern with simplicity and elegance in mind. Using Premier Anti-Pilling Bamboo Chunky yarn (affiliate link), this cowl is soft, durable, and ideal for chilly weather. Its chunky texture makes it quick to knit, while the classic ribbed pattern ensures a timeless look. The Peace Cowl is a matching piece to the popular Peace Beanie (check it out here), making it a must-have set for anyone looking to knit handmade gifts or elevate their winter wardrobe. Materials for the Peace Cowl Free Knitting Pattern To complete this Free Cowl Knitting Pattern , you’ll need: Yarn : Premier Anti-Pilling Bamboo Chunky (affiliate link) Needles : US size 10 circular needles Notions : Stitch marker, tapestry needle I c...

How to Take Care of Your Knits: Washing, Storing, and Maintenance Tips

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Taking proper care of your hand-knitted items ensures they last for years. Today,I’m sharing my best tips for keeping your handmade treasures in excellent shape. Be sure to check out the Sweater Pattern page for some beautiful free sweaters to practice on. Washing Your Knitted Items Handwashing Tips When it comes to how to take care of your knits, handwashing is often the best method, especially for delicate fibers like wool or alpaca. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a gentle wool wash. I love using this wool wash (affiliate link) for its soothing scent and fabric-friendly ingredients. Submerge your knit in a sink or one of these handy wash bins (affiliate link), letting it soak for 10–15 minutes. Gently agitate the water to release dirt but avoid wringing or scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Machine Washing Some knits, like the Youth Michael Sweater , can be machine-washed if made with superwash wool or synthetic blends. Use a mesh laundry bag, like thi...