The opportunities for knitting and crocheting for a wedding are almost endless and will bring a wonderful unique touch to a wedding. There are many excellent free knitting and crochet patterns available that will adapt well. Use classical cream or pastel yarns for a traditional look or explore some of the new funky yarns for something completely different!
Here are some tips knitting or crochet tips for a wedding:
The Wedding Dress
It is certainly possible to hand-knit or crochet a wedding dress. Before starting, however, remember not to get carried away with the dream of a wonderful hand-knitted dress! The reality will be many hundreds of hours spent knitting with small needles. The knitted fabric for a wedding dress needs to be light and floaty; therefore this will be best knitted with a lace-weight yarn on fine needles.
If the thought of all of this knitting is too daunting, then how about considering making part of the wedding dress on a knitting machine? This will be an ideal way to create the main body of the dress and the decoration and other design features could be knitted separately by hand. Knitting machines are widely available, and machine knitters are also often happy to take commissions from hand knitters.
Knitted Bridal Veil
Many lightweight lace patterns will make a lovely veil. Light silks or fine cottons are the best yarns to use as heavy woolen yarns will be too bulky and could be warm to wear. An alternative to knitting a whole veil is to add a knitted or crocheted lace edge to a shop-bought veil. There are many free knitting and crochet patterns available on the Internet for edgings that would look lovely as a veil.
Knitted Bouquets
There are lots of patterns available for making hand-knitted flowers. These are simple to do and are great fun as there are many variations that can be made. Flowers look effective when felted or when beads are added. Flowers could also be knitted in an undyed yarn and later dyed to match other parts of the wedding color scheme.
Knitted Buttonholes and Corsages
The flowers from the knitted bouquet could also be adapted to make buttonholes and corsages for the guests. As well as being an unusual alternative to traditional fresh flowers, these make a lovely keepsake and memento of the day. Either make a range of different flowers, or keep the look classical and elegant by creating a number of flowers in a color to complement the bride's bouquet.
Ring Cushion
A ring cushion is a special way to present the wedding rings during the service. Special wedding ring cushion patterns are available; however many small cushion or pillow patterns can be adapted. These cushions are typically small and therefore are a great way to show off fancy stitches and designs. A few beads and lace also add glamor to a knitted cushion.
Wedding Favors
Knitting and crochet is an ideal way to make lovely wedding favors. Small bags do not take long to make and are great for adding a few special gifts, which make a lovely wedding keepsake. Simple wedding favor bags can be created from two squares of knitting or crochet. Adorn these with ribbons, beads and even a few knitted or crocheted flowers for a stunning effect.
Tips for Wedding Knitting and Crochet
- Don't scrimp on the yarn! Beautiful silks and fine yarns may be slightly more expensive; however their natural sheen and quality will give stunning results.
- Add sparkle with crystal beads. A few small crystal beads will catch and reflect the light through the knitted or crocheted fabric and give an added dimension to the finished results. Knitters and crocheters not confident to work with beads may find it easier to sew a few into place after finishing the project.
- Inspiration from the past! Vintage crochet and knitting patterns are a great source of inspiration for wedding knitting and crochet.
There are lots of great ways that knitters can combine their passion for knitting and crochet with the most special day of their lives! Do you have any ideas for wedding knitting or crochet? Why not leave a comment below and share your ideas with other knitters?
Kate Pullen - Kate Pullen is a freelance writer specializing in arts and crafts , and is an accomplished craftsperson. As well as being a designer / ...
