Tag: knitting

Extraordinary Mandala Beanie – Knitting Pattern

Quick and Easy Hat Knitting Pattern

Beginner hat knitting pattern

Knit this versatile ribbed hat for a quick and easy project that really shows off the yarn. Wear the beanie slouchy or with the brim folded over for a fitted look.

*This post may contain affiliate links.  All opinions are my own. For more information on this, please see my policies page.

When designing, I usually follow an organic, yet predictable process.  I figure out a general idea of what I want to make, such as a beanie.  Then, I find the right yarn for the project, followed by the appropriately-sized needles or hook for the stitch pattern I’d like to use.  This is how the vast majority of my patterns are created. 

But, there is an exception to every rule.  So, sometimes, rather than starting with an idea for the “what” of the pattern, the yarn compels me to design.  You know how this works, right?  You find a gorgeous skein of yarn and you MUST HAVE IT!  You don’t know what you’re going to make with it, but you know it must be yours.  This happens to me more often than is good for my bank account, but I do love the spark that lights up my creativity when I see one of those gorgeous finds. Similarly, I sometimes stare at the unused skeins in my stash and think, “I really should use up some of this before I yarn shop again.” 

In either instance, it is the yarn that calls to me first, and the design idea comes from there. This is what happened to me when I started gathering up the fun colorways of Lion Brand’s Mandala yarn.  It started as the “Oh, fun colors! I must have them!” and ended with me looking at the skeins accumulated in my stash with the need to start making a dent in them. 

So, I knew I wanted to work with Mandala, and that was a solid jumping off point.  The thing with an ombre or variegated or otherwise funky yarn is that you don’t want to do too much and make the project too busy.  Sometimes, the beautiful colors of the yarn speak for themselves, and a simple pattern is best to show them off.  

That’s how I ended up with the Extraordinary Mandala Beanies.  I made both a knit version and a crochet version in a simple ribbed beanie style that can be worn slouchy or cuffed at the brim for a fitted look.  

Design Inspiration: The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune

Slouchy hat knitting pattern

As far as fandom inspiration, I designed the pattern without one in mind, but when I read The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune, I loved the cover art so much, and it reminded me of the colorway Chimera so much that I decided to work them up to coordinate with this cool book cover, and bam, now we have a fandom tie-in.  

If you haven’t read The Extraordinaries, it is a super fun read.  It follows the main character, Nick, through his trials and tribulations as a teenager with a major crush on the real-life superhero Shadow Star and navigating life as a 16-year-old and all of the challenges inherent in that alone. 

  • You can get the book right here.
  • Get the kindle version here.
  • Snag the audiobook here:

goodreads

You can read my review of the book right here and follow me on Goodreads.

Get a printer-friendly, low cost PDF file of this pattern at my Etsy shop: Download it here.

The Yarn

Lion Brand Mandala (I used the colorway Chimera), is a light weight (3) acrylic yarn. It is soft and cozy, while also being machine-washable.  There are SO MANY fun colorways from which to choose, and I honestly don’t know that I could choose a favorite. 

Get the yarn right here: Lion Brand Mandala

Patterns for mandala yarn
Get a printer-friendly, low cost PDF file of this pattern at my Etsy shop. Download it here.

The Pattern

  • Get the PDF file download, optimized for printing HERE
  • Pin it for later on Pinterest right HERE
  • Add it to your Ravelry faves HERE

Materials:

  • Mandala Yarn (less than one 590-yd skein)
  • Size 4 16-inch circular knitting needles
  • Set of size 4 double pointed knitting needles
  • Yarn needle
Slouchy knit beanie hat pattern

Abbreviations:

  • st – stitch
  • K – Knit
  • P – Purl
  • K2tog – Knit 2 stitches together
  • P2tog – Purl 2 stitches together

Gauge:

Approximately 28 stitches & 26 rows = 4″ in un-stretched ribbed stitch

Finished Size:

One size fits most adults.

Instructions:

Cast on 96 sts. Join to work in the round.

Round 1: (K1, P1) around.

Repeat Round 1 until the piece measures approximately 11” from the beginning.

Shape Crown

*Switch to dpns when needed.

Round 1: [(K1, P1) 4x, K2tog, P2tog] around. (80 sts)

Round 2: [(K1, P1) 3x, K2tog, P2tog] around. (64 sts)

Round 3: [(K1, P1) 2x, K2tog, P2tog] around. (48 sts)

Round 4: (K1, P1, K2tog, P2tog) around. (36 sts)

Round 5: (K2tog, P2tog) around. (20 sts)

Round 6: (K2tog) around. (10 sts).

Finishing

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Draw through remaining stitches and secure. Weave in all loose ends.

Get a printer-friendly, low cost PDF file of this pattern at my Etsy shop. Download it here.
Fitted beanie hat pattern

Want More Knitting Patterns?

Check out my other knitting patterns right here.

Let’s Connect!

If you have any questions about the pattern, or you just want to talk fandoms or share your project photos (or even to request a fandom themed project), join me in the free, private facebook group “Fandom Knitting & Crochet – Group.” I’d love to see you there!

If you make this project, share it with me on Instagram: @fandom.knitting.crochet and use #fandomknittingandcrochet

Project 8: Fandom GAL

Nov. 11-24: Lush Life Blanket & Hermione’s Everyday Socks

Photos: Bernat Design Studio, Dreamsinfiber

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

It’s Time for Project 8 of the Gift-Along!

November has been whipping by at warp speed, and we are already into Project 8 of the Gift-Along! This is meant to be a 2-week project, but, if you’re in the same boat as I am, you might have to play catch-up and try to squeeze it in to less than that, which can absolutely be done. The two projects are lovely and will make stunning gifts!

Project 8: Crochet: Lush Life Blanket by Bernat Design Studio (Yarnspirations)

This one is soooo soft and cozy, crocheters! This blanket may require a bit of an investment in yarn, but it makes a truly lovely, soft, show-stopper of a gift.

Lush Life Blanket by Bernat Design Studio (Yarnspirations) – Photo courtesy of Berant Design Studio

The super bulky, soft blanket yarn, combined with the large-hook crochet stitches make such a squishy, comfy blanket. This one is sure to put a smile on the face of the lucky gift recipient!

  • Get the free pattern HERE.
  • Share your project progress photos/questions/finished photos with the hashtag: #FandomGAL #GALProject8 #FKCGAL on Facebook, in our Facebook Group or on Instagram. Be sure to tag @fandom.knitting.crochet on Insta! I’d love to repost some projects.

Project 8: Knit: Hermione’s Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder

If you are a knitter and follow Fandom Knitting & Crochet, you’ll probably know that these are my go-to socks. I LOVE them. The texture is lovely, they fit like a dream, and they have the slight fandom inspiration that I always enjoy.

So, pick your favorite sock yarn and dive in to these lovelies! I like to knit them two at a time to avoid the dreaded “second sock syndrome.”

Photo: Dreamsinfiber
  • Get the free pattern on Ravelry HERE.
  • Share your project progress photos/questions/finished photos with the hashtag: #FandomGAL #GALProject8 #FKCGAL on Facebook, in our Facebook Group or on Instagram. Be sure to tag @fandom.knitting.crochet on Insta! I’d love to repost some projects.

I’m really looking forward to seeing all of your projects, so be sure to share, share, share in the Facebook group or on Instagram! Happy gifting!

Reflections on Our First Knit and Crochet-Along

After finishing the first ever Fandom Knitting and Crochet Knit/Crochet-Along, I share my finished projects, thoughts, and some plans for the future.

That’s a Wrap! (or, more aptly, a Shawl)

The very first Fandom Knit/Crochet-Along has come to an end, and man, did I have fun!  Not only did I complete two shawls I would never have finished otherwise, I got to work along with some awesome fellow knitters and crocheters.  What you’ll find here are some photos of my finished projects, a few comments and notes about the patterns and the kal/cal process, and some ideas for the future.  Spoiler: I learned a lot and can’t wait for the next one!

(This post contains affiliate links.  All opinions are my own.  I recommend things that I personally love.)

The Projects: Secret Paths Shawl and Reyna Shawl (and Power Wave Scarf)

For the knit/crochet-along, we (the members of the FKC Facebook Group – if you aren’t already a member, you should join!), decided to work on a shawl.  That said, we have some knitters, some crocheters, and plenty of folks not really wanting to commit to a “big” project.  So, the patterns we worked from were:

For me, it was go big or go home, so I went with both the Secret Paths and the Reyna Shawls.

My Secret Paths Shawl

The biggest surprise for me in the whole CAL was how much I loved the Secret Paths Shawl.  I am not a “shawl person,” per se, and I’ve only really made and wore one shawl.  So, much to my surprise and delight, I really loved making this shawl (it works up quickly!) and I am so happy with the result.

I used Lion Brand Mandala yarn in Centaur, which is a dk weight yarn, and a H-8 crochet hook.  This is a larger yarn and hook than specified in the pattern, but the result is a good-sized cozy (and really, really cute) shawl.  In other words…I strongly urge you to give this pattern and yarn a try.  There are so many gorgeous colors of Mandala, and it is really affordable.  So, go treat yo’ self to some and make this delightful shawl.  You can shop Mandala yarn here.

My Reyna Shawl

Ah…the Reyna Shawl.  I have some mixed feelings about how my Reyna turned out.  First off, it is really much more of a “shawlette” than a shawl when knitted with the recommended yarn and needles, which I did.  So, I used fingering-weight yarn in three solid colors: white, grey, and black.  My inspiration were the dire wolves from Game of Thrones, and I used white as my predominant color for my favorite of the dire wolves, Jon Snow’s “Ghost.”

While I do think it is a nice pattern and am overall happy with it, I would do a few things differently.  I would likely use a nice, hand-dyed, fancy yarn next time around.  The color changes were not fun on this because there is such a delicate edge for weaving in loose ends, and it adds bulk.  I’d probably also use a larger weight yarn and needles so the finished shawl would be bigger.  Just personal preference.

Oh, and I’d pay better attention as I was going so I wouldn’t have made mistakes in my mesh sections.  I love the mesh sections and feel like they really “make” the shawl what it is.  However, I Shruted it (Office fans, anyone?) and have some “character” in my mesh sections.  Such is life, I suppose.  I can live with it.

Reflections on the Process and Looking to the Future

Overall, the Fandom Knit/Crochet-Along was a huge success.  Not only did we have an overwhelming amount of participation from fellow stitchers, which made it so much fun, I personally completed two projects I might not have had the motivation to finish all on my own.

One thing I’d do differently is to shorten the overall amount of weeks on the schedule.  I didn’t want to rush or overwhelm people, so I really spread it out, but I think some people lost their momentum in the process.

So, would I do it again? You betcha!

I’m currently planning a Halloween-themed Knit/Crochet-Along.  So, if you have some ideas of what you’d like to make, comment and let me know!  Halloween is one of my favorite times of year and I have some fabulous yarns in mind to work with.  Who’s excited?!?

Let’s Connect!

I’d love for you to follow Fandom Knitting & Crochet.  I so appreciate any support, and I love the community of fellow knitters and crocheters!  Join our email list here: Sign up! I also have a Facebook Page and a Facebook Group, which you can join here: Fandom Knitting & Crochet – Group.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

What to Sell: Creating Products for your Knitting or Crochet Business

What products to make for your knitting or crochet business – finished items, patterns, and content.

What to Sell for Your Knitting or Crochet Business

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15 Fantastic Fandom Patterns to Knit & Crochet

Free pattern round-up of fandom-inspired projects to knit and crochet.

(This post contains affiliate links, which are just recommendations of things I love from Amazon.)

Here at Fandom Knitting and Crochet, we love all things Fandom.  I find so much inspiration in the work of the talented knitting and crochet designers that also embrace the fandom-life.  This is a round-up of 15 of my favorite fandom-inspired free patterns, both for knitting and crochet.  Some of them are intricate and take some intermediate skills, while some are super quick and simple to complete.

Some of these patterns are very literal fandom patterns, while others are more loosely inspired by the source.  Whichever interpretation you prefer, there’s something for your fandom-loving heart on this list.  (Personally, I’ll take a little of both!)

I’ve provided the designer info and a link to accessing the free pattern.  If you don’t already have a Ravelry account, you’ll want to sign up for one.  It’s free and it is amazing.  I have way more projects saved in Ravelry than I could knit and crochet in hundreds of lifetimes, but it is a wonderful place to find, share, discuss, and document your knitting and crochet.

So, here we go! I’ve divided into knitting patterns first, then crochet.  Continue reading “15 Fantastic Fandom Patterns to Knit & Crochet”

Wizard School Spirit Beanie – Knitting Pattern

Make these house pride beanies to show off your Wizard School Spirit.

Hogwarts-inspired Knit Hat Pattern

This post may contain affiliate links. 

Here, we are nothing if not proud representatives of our Hogwarts houses! I am a Ravenclaw, of course, while my husband is a Gryffindor.  I have two boys, and I would like to think they follow in our footsteps, but they are a Slytherin and a Hufflepuff.  It’s just undeniable.

So, Ravenclaw or not, I really like the Gryffindor house colors, so that is the one I started with for this pattern.  The maroon and gold look great together, and they are usually a pretty good indication of a Potterhead.  I decided to work up the Hufflepuff next, because that used the same gold from the Gryffindor.  So, those are the lovelies in the photos.

Of course, you can make any size in any color combo you’d like.  The pattern is a classic beanie – not too fitted, not too slouchy, worked in stockinette stitch as an homage to the Prisoner of Azkaban-era house scarves from the films.  (I am not in any way affiliated with the books or films.  I am just a fan.  So, these are not “official” in any capacity.) Officially awesome, though.  Haha.

So, these are a fun, quick knit with a little striping.  You can work them in the round (like I did) or flat and seam them.  Just be aware that if you work flat, you’ll need to knit the “right side” and purl the “wrong side,” as is the case with stockinette stitch (which is knitting each round if in the round).  

Also, because of the stripes, you’ll want to make sure your seaming game is strong if you are working flat because you’ll want the stripes to line up.  Seaming isn’t bad at all, though.  I like this method: Mattress Stitch.

Wizard School Spirit Hat Knitting Pattern
Beanies in house colors – knit.

Pattern: Wizard School Spirit Beanie – 5 Sizes

  • Download a print-optimized PDF of the pattern HERE.
  • Pin this pattern for later HERE.
  • Add to your Ravelry queue right HERE.
  • Read on for the free pattern below.

Materials:

Worsted Weight Yarn (Medium 4 Weight) in two colors.  I recommend these combinations of Vanna’s Choice Yarn:

  • Gryffindor-inspired: Cranberry + Mustard
  • Hufflepuff-inspired: Mustard + Black
  • Slytherin-inspired: Kelly Green + Silver Grey
  • Ravenclaw-inspired: Navy + Taupe

Circular 16-inch (41cm) Size US 8 Knitting Needles. *If you are making the smallest size beanie, you may want to use a longer circular needle to work the magic loop or work it flat.

Yarn Needle

Pattern Sizes:

To fit sizes 0-6 Months (6-12 Months, Toddler, Child, Adult)

Gauge:

Approximately 15 stitches and 18 rows = 4″ in stockinette stitch

Abbreviations:

K – knit

P – purl

st – stitch

R – round

tog – together

M1 – make 1 by knitting into the front and back of the stitch

Stripe Pattern:

Begin stripe pattern 4 (4, 6, 8, 10) rounds after the increase row after completing the ribbing.

With Contrast Color: Work 2 rounds

With Main Color: Work 2 rounds

With Contrast Color: Work 2 rounds

With Main Color: Work 4 (4, 6, 8, 10) rounds

With Contrast Color: Work 2 rounds

With Main Color: Work 2 rounds

With Contrast Color: Work 2 rounds

Work the rest with the Main Color

Striped house colors beanie knitting pattern.
Stripe pattern for house pride beanies.

Instructions:

Cast on 48 (52, 56, 60, 68) stitches.  Join to work in the round.

Work (K2, P2) ribbing for 1.5 (2, 2, 2.5, 3 inches).

Increase round: Increase to 52 (56, 64, 68, 76) stitches by adding 4 (4, 8, 8, 8) stitches evenly on this round.  Do this by completing a M1 every 12 (13, 7, 7-8, 8-9) stitches in the round.  (It doesn’t have to be perfectly evenly distributed, just try to space out the M1 stitches.)

Work the Stripe Pattern (given above) in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 5.75 (6, 6.5, 7, 9) inches.

Decrease to shape the crown:

Round 1: (K2, K2tog) around. 39 (42, 48, 51, 57) stitches.

Rounds 2-3: Knit.

Round 4: (K1, K2tog) around. 26 (28, 32, 34, 38) stitches.

Rounds 5-6: Knit.

Round 7: (K2tog) around. 13 (14, 16, 17, 19) stitches.

Finishing:

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.  Draw the yarn through the remaining stitches using your yarn needle.  Secure.

Weave in all loose ends.

That’s it! Now make another one in a different house color or size!

Knitting Pattern Harry Potter Hat

If you’d like to make more fandom-inspired knitted or crocheted items, check out my pattern round-up: 15 Fantastic Fandom Patterns to Knit and Crochet.

Looking for more patterns?

Check out my other knitting patterns right here.

Let’s Connect!

I hope you enjoy this pattern and have as much fun making these Wizard School Spirit Beanies as I did!  If you want to stay up-to-date on all the latest patterns, knitting, crochet, and fandom goodness, please sign up to follow the blog.  You can enter your email over on the sidebar. 🙂

I also have a Facebook page, which I’d love for your to follow, as well as a really fun group, which you can check out here.

On Instagram? Share any of your Fandom Knitting & Crochet makes with me: @fandom.knitting.crochet.

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Five websites to start your knitting or crochet business selling finished items, patterns, or blogging.

Start Your Knitting or Crochet Business – 5 Websites You Can Use

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