Monday 8 April 2024
The Weekly Swatch: The Yo-Yo Knit Stitch
Sunday 7 January 2024
The Weekly Swatch: Three-Colour Balloon Knit Stitch
After the Two-Colour Balloon Knit Stitch in my last post, this post showcases the Three-Colour Balloon Knit Stitch.
The Weekly Swatch: Two-Colour Balloon Knit Stitch
Having more fun with simple colourwork, next up we have the Two-Colour Balloon Knit Stitch. This stitch requires a multiple of 8 plus 4 stitches and is worked over a total of 16 rows. All stitches are slipped as if to purl.
Saturday 4 March 2023
The Weekly Swatch: Two-Colour Loop Knit Stitch
Saturday 25 February 2023
The Weekly Swatch: Trellis Knit Stitch
Tuesday 7 February 2023
The Weekly Swatch: Cell Knit Stitch
Sunday 24 July 2022
Tuesday 6 April 2021
How to block a knitted I-Cord or ...a new way to block an I-Cord
I am currently working on a new choker pattern, which will be up on the blog very soon. The new choker design (no name yet, and I am having a hard time finding one...) is a quick and simple lace project, which incorporates a cable stitch motif with some simple lace.
Sunday 21 February 2021
Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern: The Winter's End Scarf
This weekend I completed the final rows of my Winter's End scarf and proceeded to block the scarf right after it came off the needles. The Winter's End scarf is knitted with fine 3 ply lightweight mohair yarn. As the pattern is straightforward and simple, this was my in-between, go-to project for the past four months.
Simple Mohair Knitting Pattern with a Technical Twist
The stitch pattern for the scarf is a simple 1x1 rib and to keep things interesting and achieve a unique look, this mohair scarf pattern incorporates a technical twist. In order to achieve the long chain of stitches and airy texture of the scarf, the project is knitted on needles of two different sizes, radically different sizes to be precise: 2mm and 8mm.
Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern |
For this reason, and even though the project is perfectly suitable for beginner knitters, the challenge lies not so much in the stitch pattern, but in its execution; i.e. staying in charge of the fuzzy yarn, whilst working the pattern on odd needles and showing them who is boss.
Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern |
I enjoy working with superfine mohair and really appreciate the unique qualities of this type of yarn, but I am well aware that the fuzziness of the material can be a source of frustration. From my experience with mohair knits, the golden rule for working with this type of yarn is to cast on loosely and to ensure you do not knit tightly. (More information on this, is available here.) This advice holds true for all mohair knits, but is even more important when knitting with mohair on odd needles.
For the Winter's End Scarf I used Yeoman's 3 ply Elsa ( 30% mohair 40% acrylic 30% nylon), which is a budget option when it comes to Mohair yarn. The pattern is equally suitable for similar yarns or more upmarket choices with a higher mohair component (such as Drops Kid Silk) or, if you are preferring the luxury option, those with an added silk component, i.e. Rowan Kid Silk Haze or Debbie Bliss Angel.
Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern |
Gauge is not important for this project and my scarf is designed to be 35 cm wide and 135 cm long, thus producing a generous, versatile piece that can be worn in a variety of ways, either wrapped around the neck several times to keep chills away, as an accessory draped loosely around the shoulders to show off the knitting or as a protective layer for the head, shielding you from the elements, whilst simultaneously covering your entire head without destroying the hairstyle underneath.
For a narrower scarf, simply cast on fewer stitches, ensuring you cast-on an odd number of stitches. The length of the scarf can be adapted by measuring the scarf as you knit.
Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern |
Sunday 31 January 2021
The Simple Ruffled Edge - Without M1L / M1R Increases
The Simple Knitted Ruffled Edge (worked at the end of the knitting)
When I was knitting my Virga Shawl, I wanted to incorporate a ruffled edge detail, but didn't feel like working m1l / m1r increases, considering the overall stitch count at this stage of the project (over 500 stitches). And so the search began for a simpler way of working the ruffled edging without m1l / m1r increases.
Knitted Ruffled Edging - Virga Shawl Detail |
The Simple Ruffled Edge - With M1L / M1R Increases
The most common, simple ruffled edging is achieved by working m1l (make one left) and m1r (make one right) increases into the knitting. In the instructions below for a ruffled edge worked at the end of the knitting on a multiple of 6 plus 5 stitches, the m1l / m1r increases are placed just before and after the knit stitches on the right side rows. This results in an increase of purl stitches on the following row (wrong side row), whilst the amount of knit stitches on the wrong side rows remains constant throughout. In turn, as the stockinette part of the fabric grows, this creates the ruffle on the right side of the knitting.
The stitch pattern for a ruffled edging with M1L / M1R increases is as follows:
Row 1 (RS): P5, *k1, p5, rep from * end.
Row 2 (WS): K5, *p1, k5, rep from * end.
Row 3 (RS): P5, *M1R, k1, M1L, p5, rep from * end.
Row 4 (WS): K5, *p3, k5, rep from * end.
Row 5 (RS): P5, *M1R, k3, M1L, p5, rep from * end.
Row 6 (WS): K5, *p5, k5, rep from * end.
The m1l and m1r increases between the sections of purl and knit stitches are continued as shown above until the ruffled edging has reached the desired length.
Whilst the above technique produces a neat looking ruffled edge, it is time consuming as a result of the m1l / m1r increases.
The Simple Ruffled Edge - Without M1L / M1R Increases
The Simple Ruffled Edge - Without M1L / M1R Increases |
In my efforts to avoid m1l / M1r, I decided to try knitting the ruffled edge with kfb (knit one into front and back) increases initially. Yet, when I knitted my edge sample with kfb increases, I didn't feel that the symmetry of the edging looked quite right, as the kfb increases created large holes in the fabric. All in all, I felt that the kfb increases didn't look neat. To fix this and improve the appearance of the ruffled edge without working m1l and m1r increases, I proceeded to work the increases slightly differently and tried something new.
Instead of knitting in the front and back of the stitch that was to be increased, I decided to work p/ktbl and k/ptbl increases before and after the knit stitches on the right side row. (I am not sure whether the abbreviations k/ptbl and p/ktbl are correct, but as I was unable to find them referenced anywhere, I am for now just going along with these abbreviations to describe this type of increase.)
The p/ktbl and k/ptbl increases are achieved by purling (as normal) and then knitting through the back loop of the same stitch (p/ktbl) and by knitting (as normal) and then purling through the back loop of the next increase stitch (k/ptbl), thus maintaining the symmetry of knit and purl stitches.
Increasing in this way tightens the holes, that would appear if a simple kfb increase was used, and is also much faster than working the m1l / m1r increases, which are traditionally called for. By working the increases into the purl stitch immediately preceding and following the knit stitches I maintained the increases on the right side rows just before and after the knit stitches.
The P/ KTBL K/PTBL Ruffled Edge
The stitch pattern for a ruffled edging with a multiple of 6 plus 5 stitches worked with P/ KTBL and K/PTBL increases looks like this:
Row 1 (RS): P5, *k1, p5, rep from * end.
Row 2 (WS): K5, *p1, k5, rep from * end.
Row 3: P4, *(p/ktbl) into same stitch, k1, (k/ptbl) into same stitch, p3, rep from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 4: K5, *p3, k5, rep from * end.
Row 5: P4, *(p/ktbl) into same stitch, k3, (k/ptbl) into same stitch, p3, rep from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 6: K5, *p5, k5, rep from * end.
Row 7: P4, *(p/ktbl) into same stitch, k5, (k/ptbl) into same stitch, p3, rep from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 8: K5, *p7, k5, rep from * end.
Row 9: P4, *(p/ktbl) into same stitch, k7, (k/ptbl) into same stitch, p3, rep from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 10: K5, *p9, k5, rep from * end.
Row 11: P4, *(p/ktbl) into same stitch, k9, (k/ptbl) into same stitch, p3, rep from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 12: K5, *p11, k5, rep from * end.
Continue to increase as above until the edging has reached the desired length and proceed to bind off in pattern.
Simple Knitted Ruffled Edge |
For more knit stitch patterns, please follow this link to my knit stitch library.
Sunday 4 October 2020
Virga Choker (beaded version) - Free Lace Choker Knitting Pattern
- These are the pattern instructions for the beaded version of the Virga Choker, the pattern for the Virga Choker without beads is available here. -
Virga Lace Choker Free Knitting Pattern (beaded version) |
As an in-between project I finished another choker. I was inspired to design this choker when looking at in-progress project photos of my Virga shawl, an upcoming pattern for a semi-circular lace shawl, which will be published on the blog shortly. When I took the photos of the shawl, the dressmaker's dummy still had my Cascade choker wrapped around the neck and I got the idea to make a choker in the same lace motif as the Virga shawl.
The result of this endeavour is my Virga Choker.
Sunday 13 September 2020
Introducing the Virga Shawl
New Knitting Pattern: The Virga Lace Shawl
Monday 31 August 2020
Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - Part 9
Time for instalment number nine of my vintage 80s knitting patterns.
This post features numerous Alafoss and Wendy knitting patterns, plenty of batwing and dolman sweaters, pastel shades and headband accessories, with some entrelac and colourwork thrown in for good measure.
Enjoy.All my other vintage patterns can be viewed via this link.
Vintage 1980s Alafoss Lopi Traditional Sweater Knitting Pattern - Booklet No 2 |
Vintage 1980s Alafoss Lopi Traditional Sweater Knitting Pattern - Booklet No 2 |
Tuesday 14 July 2020
Saturday 4 July 2020
Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - Part 7
All my other vintage patterns are available via this link.
Enjoy.
Vintage 1980s Knitting Pattern - Patons Pattern 8065 Ladies' Raglan Sweater |
Vintage 1980s Knitting Pattern - Patons Pattern 1994 Ladies' Sweater Pattern |
Saturday 27 June 2020
Free Knitting Pattern: Cascade Lace Choker
Cascade Lace Choker |
Cascade Lace Knit Choker |
If you decide to substitute the mercerised cotton with another type of yarn, the number of lace repeats will obviously differ. As you can check the fit whilst knitting, this should not be a major issue, making this project ideally suited to using up all types of yarn leftovers.
Saturday 2 May 2020
Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - Part 6
Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - Sirdar Pattern c6798 (Odpins) Ladies' V-Neck and U Neck Top |
Vintage 1980s Knitting Patterns - King Cole Pattern 561 - Ladies Batwing Sweater |
Saturday 25 April 2020
Free Knitting Pattern: Brocade Lace Choker
Brocade Choker - Free Knitting Pattern |
Brocade Lace Choker Knitting Pattern - Lace Detail |
The size of the choker can be adjusted easily for different neck circumferences and I recommend you check the fit whilst knitting. Altogether, you should ensure that the body of the choker covers around 80% of the neck before the piece is blocked. The choker is secured with the help of two dainty i-cords, which each measure approximately 20 cm in length. These will be tied to a bow. Beads can be attached to the ends of the i-cords for a more sophisticated finish.
Brocade Lace Choker - I-Cord Detail |
The completed piece should be wet-blocked (to open the lace detail) and left to dry over night.
If you decide to substitute the mercerised cotton with another type of yarn, the number of lace repeats will obviously differ. As you can check the fit whilst knitting, this should not be a major issue, making this project ideally suited to using up all types of yarn leftovers, especially sock yarn.
Brocade Choker |
Brocade Lace Choker
Free Knitting Pattern
Measurements
Brocade Choker Knitting Pattern |
Materials and Tools
- 5g of Scheepjes Maxi Sugar Rush mercerised cotton yarn
- 2 mm double-pointed needles
- 1.5 mm crochet hook / fine darning needle (for sewing-in yarn ends and attaching bead)
- contrast yarn (for provisional cast-on)
- 2 beads for securing the ends of the i-cords (optional)
- Blocking utensils
- Cast-on 15 stitches, using the provisional cast-on for the three centre stitches (7,8,9) as shown in the photo below. The three live stitches are located, where the i-cord will be worked later.
Provisional cast-on for i-cord |
- Knit 4 rows (garter stitch)
- Row 1 (right side): k2, p2, k2tog, [k1, yo] twice, k1, sl1, k1 psso, p2, k2
- Row 2 (wrong side): k4, p7, k4
- Row 3: k2, p2, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, sl1, k1, psso, p2, k2
- Row 4: k4, p7, k4
- Row 5: k2, p2, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, p2, k2
- Row 6: k4, p7, k4
- Row 7: k2, p2, k2, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k2, p2, k2
- Row 8: k4, p7, k4
- For a choker body measuring 26.5 cm repeat the above lace sequence 16 times. Adjust the number of repeats according to your own requirements.
- Knit 3 rows in garter stitch, ensuring that the cast-off is started on the wrong side.
- Bind off all stitches up to the three centre stitches, knit the centre three stitches (7, 8, 9) and cast-off the remaining stitches.
- Start knitting a 20 cm i-cord with the three remaining live stitches, bind-off i-cord and attach bead (optional).
- Pick-up the three centre stitches from the provisional cast-on edge, attach yarn and proceed to knit the second i-cord. Ensure the i-cords are long enough to comfortably tie a bow.
Brocade Choker - I-Cord Detail |
- Weave-in all yarn ends and block piece to ensure the lace is opened up.
Should you require pattern support, please feel free to contact me via Ravelry, Twitter, Facebook, by e-mail or leave a comment below.
This pattern is for personal use only and may not be reproduced for commercial purposes without permission. Neither may you sell any items made from the directions in this pattern.
Nameless Choker |
Wednesday 22 April 2020
Knitted Chokers - Two New Designs
Tuesday 7 January 2020
Free Knitting Pattern - Monster High Doll Tights
Monster High Tights Knitting Pattern |
Monster High Doll Tights
Pattern Notes
Materials and Tools
- app 10 - 15g of 4 ply Sock Yarn
- 2 - 3mm Double-Pointed Needles
- 4 Stitch Markers
- Scissors
- Safety Pin (x 2) or Scrap Yarn (in contrasting colour)
- Darning Needle (for kitchener stitch), Crochet Hook (for sewing in ends and tidying up)
Monster High Tights Knitting Pattern |
Cast on 24 stitches.
Monster High Tights Knitting Pattern |
Calf Decreases
Row 58: k to last 4 sts before end of round, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog (12 stitches)
Row 59 - Row 63: k 4 rows in stockinette stitch
Row 64: k to last 4 sts before end of round, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog (10 stitches)
Row 65 - Row 68: knit 4 rows in stockinette stitch
Row 69: k to last 4 sts before end of round, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog (8 stitches)
Row 70 - Row 73: knit 4 rows in stockinette stitch
Row 74: k to last 4 sts before end of round, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog (6 stitches)
Row 75 to bind off: continue knitting in stockinette stitch until the knitted fabric almost entirely engulfs the doll's foot as shown in the picture below.
Ready for kitchener stitch bind off |
Monster High Tights Knitting Pattern |
Monster High Tights Knitting Pattern |