Finish That Quilt – Binding Tutorial

A thing that I love about knitting is that you can make just about anything you want out of the same basic stitches. You can make the most intricate lace shawl, complicated Aran sweater, amazing colorwork, fun toys, simple things, funny things, amazing things just with sticks and string.

I love having the opportunity to share as many of the options as I can with you all, which brings me to today’s post about a knit bowling set.

Take the Toddlers Bowling by Emily Ivey is exactly what it sounds like: a pattern for a bowling pin and ball. The pattern is worked with worsted weight yarn (black, white and red if you want to keep it traditional, but if you’re making it for kids rainbow colored pins are a great choice, too) and worked in the round. There’s a fair bit of shaping on the pins, but it’s not too difficult.

The designer used jar lids in the bases of the pins to help them stand up, and stuffing the ball with bits of old T-shirts gives it a bit of weight to help it knock down the pins. The yarn that was used was made with recycled polyester, which added eve more eco-friendliness, but that yarn has since been discontinued. Use something from your stash if you can and save yourself a trip to the store or your yarn a trip to you.

If I had known about this pattern when my daughter was younger I absolutely would have made it for her for a fun indoor playtime thing to do when it’s cold outside. I’m a little tempted to make one now anyway, even though she’s 15. We could all use some whimsical yarn projects in our life, right? I’m also thinking making them with thinner yarn might make them small enough to make a tabletop-sized bowling set. If you try it let me know if it works!

The pattern is available as a free Ravelry download.

[Photo: Emily Ivey]