Sample knit with Patons Grace Cotton Yarn on US 6 Knitter's Pride Nova Cubics
Multiple of 4 + 1
Row 1: (RS) k1 *p3tog, leaving sts on needle, k3tog, leaving sts on needle, then p3tog once more before slipping sts off needle, k1. Repeat from * to end
Sample knit with unknown yarn - Deborah Norville US 10 needles
Even number of stitches
Rows 1 and 3: (RS) knit
Row 2: *p2tog, leaving sts on needle, purl first stitch again, then slip both from needle
Row 4: p1 - then repeat from * as in Row 2, ending with p1
Sample knit with Sapphires-n-Purls Merino Silk Elegance on US Size 6 Knitters Pride Dreamz
I love stitch patterns that are short, easy to remember and create awesomeness all at the same time.
I used this along the bottom edge of a shawl I knit.
Multiple of 13 + 1
Row 1 (RS): *k1, yo, k4, k2tog, skpo, k4, yo. Repeat from *, end last repeat with k1
Row 2: Purl
Doesn't get much easier than that! Here is the video, and happy knitting!
Repeat these two rows for the pattern. Even though Row 1 is the 'right' side, this stitch creates a fabric that is equally nice on both sides. It is hard to see in the video, but there is a little bit of a wave to the fabric that is nice.
I recommend adding at least two extra stitches to your cast on count - one on each edge to make working the beginning of the row easier and for neatness.
Row 1: (RS) *yo, sl 1, k1, then pass both the yarn over and slipped stitch over the knit stitch* (this will reduce your stitch count by half)
Row 2: *Insert right needle from right to left behind the diagonal strand at the base of the first stitch on left needle, and place strand onto left needle. Purl strand, then purl the first stitch on left needle*
Sample was knit on bulky yarn, US Size 8 Knitters Pride Dreamz
Yes, yes, I know. I've done so many rib stitches, why am I doing another one? I love ribs :-) And this one is super easy. Nice texture, and the back side is not bad, either.
Multiple of 3 + 2
Row 1: (WS) knit
Row 2: p2 *kbl, p2
Repeat these two rows for the pattern. Happy Knitting!
Sample knit with US Siz 6 needles, fingering weight yarn (I dyed myself)
You will be working with two yarns here - the second yarn will never be on the needles. You will only be passing it back and forth between the needles, weaving it over and under the stitches that are being knit with the first yarn.
I think this would look fantastic with a self striping yarn as the main color, and a solid for the second color. Or the other way around. Try using more than one color for the weaving yarn. So many possibilities with this one!
This is just stocking stitch, so you only need to know how to knit and purl.
Some tips (shown in the video):
To join the second color, purl the last stitch of the set up row with both yarns.
When binding off, knit the first bind off stitch with both yarns to lock the second yarn in place.
Make sure the second yarn crosses over the top of the working yarn when turning the work to knit the next row, so that it is locked in place at the edge.
Keep the second yarn loose so that it has room to stretch with the rest of the fabric.
Worked on an odd number of stitches
With A, cast on and purl one row - joining color B as noted above
Row 1 (RS): k1 with A, passing B strand across front of work *pass B strand to back between needles and knit next st with A; pass B strand to front between needles and knit next st with A. Rep from *
Row 2: p1 with A and bring B strand around edge to pass in front of work *pass B strand to back between needles and purl next st with A; pass B strand to front between needles and purl next st with A. Rep from *
The cowl pattern I mention in the video is free on Ravelry, it is called Peppermint Candy Cowl by Hilary Smith Callis.
Repeat these two rows for pattern. Here is the video. Happy Knitting!
Row 1: (RS) k
Row 2: k1 *sl 2 wyif, move yarn to the back, sl same sts back to left needle and k* end k1
Row 3: k1 *p1, sl 1 wyib* end k1
Row 4: k1 *sl 1 wyif, k1* end k1
Repeat these four rows for pattern.
If you like the yarn used in this video, you can purchase it HERE. It is a 4 Ply, 100% Alpaca DK weight yarn available in two colors, Bluebell and Berries and Cream.
Sample knit with Plymouth Mushishi on US Size 8 Knitter's Pride Karbonz
I just love a stitch that gives you bang for your buck - this is one of those stitches. Using only knits and purls, you get a fabric that looks great on both sides. And only a two row repeat, so it is easy to memorize. (Yes, it is hard to tell from the picture. You can see better in the video!)
Sample knit with Butterfly Cotton, US Size 6 (Susan Bates Tipping Points)
Even though this stitch creates a wavy look, you don't have to do anything special - just alternate knits and purls! And, this stitch also have a great back side! It looks like basket weave - you can see in the picture above.
The yarn I use in this video is Butterfly Cotton Yarn. I purchased this several years ago at Paradise Fibers - since then the only place I have seen it is at Romni Wools in Canada. Cascade Pima Cotton yarn is a nice substitute if you can't locate the Butterfly brand. Butterfly/Cascade Pima Cotton is a smoother, shinier cotton than Lily Sugar n Cream or the cotton yarn you usually find in craft stores, much better suited to wearable items in my opinion.
Multiple of 6 + 2
Rows 1 and 3: (RS) P2 *K4, P2*
Rows 2 and 4: K2 *P4, K2*
Rows 5 and 7: K3, P2 *K4, P2* , end K3
Rows 6 and 8: P3, K2 *P4, K2* , end P3
Repeat these 8 rows for an awesome fabric that has two nice sides!
This is something I had never heard of until recently, when somebody asked me about it. I really like this stitch, or technique. It's a great way to add a little something impressive to your knitting. I tested it out on a crescent shawl and it looked great. Give it a try the next time you need a little something extra on a project.
I am showing this technique in the same color, but you can make the braid in a contrasting color. I recommend watching the DROPS video. If you have never seen one of their videos, there is no sound. You just watch and learn.
The first thing you'll need to do is cast on a new stitch at the beginning of the row where you want your braid. For my sample, I used the cable cast on. You can also use the knitted cast on. (The new stitch should be placed on the left needle.)
Next, *knit into the back of the loop of the second stitch on the left needle. Do not drop the stitch yet. Now, knit into the front of the first stitch as normal. Drop both stitches from the left needle.
Then, slip the first stitch from the right needle back to the left needle. Repeat from *
When you get to the last stitch, knit it, then pass the second stitch on the right needle over.
You now have a lateral braid running across your knitting. How cool is that?
Sample knit with Malabrigo Worsted, US Size 5 needles
As I mentioned last time, the stitch this week is Feather and Fan, which is different from Old Shale. They both create a wavy edge, and do look similar, but the two are different stitches.
This is a picture of a shawl I knit, using a pattern and yarn I got years ago at a little shop in Canada.
This stitch is often used interchangeably with Feather and Fan; however, Old Shale and Feather and Fan are two separate stitches. They are worked differently, and have a different look. Next week, we will do Feather and Fan.
When I was knitting my shawl in this stitch, I was a new knitter; I had no idea that there was any difference, and I even made a video for Feather and Fan or Old Shale Stitch. I then discovered there was a difference - who knew?!
This is a super easy stitch. You probably won't even need to look at the pattern! But do pay attention, because it is very easy to make a mistake along the way. I find that I neglect to make one of the k2tog, and so must work back and fix things.
Multiple of 18
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: *K2tog three times, (yo, k1) six times, K2tog three times*
Row 4: Purl
Sample knit with Malabrigo Worsted on US Size 8 needles
This stitch may present a bit of a challenge to a new knitter, and may even take a bit of practice if you aren't new to knitting.
Multiple of 4
Row 1: (WS) *Purl all stitches, wrapping yarn twice for each stitch*
Row 2: *Slip 4 sts to right needle, dropping extra wraps. Slip the same 4 sts back to left needle, then (k4tog, p4tog) twice in same 4 sts*
Row 3: P2 *Purl, wrapping yarn twice for each stitch* Repeat from * to last 2 sts, P2
Row 4: K2 *As Row 2* Repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2
Hi, Knitters! I have decided to send out a monthly newsletter! Nothing fancy, it will be sent at the end of each month, and show all stitches I have posted for that month. If I have also released free or paid patterns, I will link those as well. Perhaps a knitting tidbit or two on occasion. If you would like to sign up, you may do so using the sign up in the right column of the blog. The first one will be sent at the end of August 2013.
This is a super simple lacy stitch. The only thing you may find a little tricky is the double yarn over, but even that isn't really hard to get the hang of.
Multiple of 4
Row 1: (RS) *k2tog, yo twice, ssk*
Row 2: *k1, (k1, p1) into double yo, k1*
Sample knit with worsted weight yarn, US size 6 needles
Multiple of 2
Cast on using Color A
Row 1 (RS): Color A - *Sl 1 wyif, K1*
Row 2: Color B - *Sl 1 wyib, P1*
Row 3: Color C - Repeat Row 1
Row 4: Color A - Repeat Row 2
Row 5: Color B - Repeat Row 1
Row 6: Color C - Repeat Row 2
Sample knit with Mulberry and Merino on US #6 needles
Some notes on Brioche Knitting:
100% wool or wool blend yarn (not superwash) is the best choice, or mohair, or any yarn that has a 'sticky' quality.
This stitch creates a very stretchy, airy fabric so you can use a smaller needle than called for on the ball band.
Be sure the cast on and bind off are loose so the edges will stretch with the fabric. Try casting on and binding off with a larger needle than the one used for the main part of the fabric.
The yo-sl 1 are worked in one movement; you carry the yarn over the needle as you are slipping the stitch. The yo/slipped stitch are counted as one stitch, not a separate yarn over and a slipped stitch.
When working the slipped stitch and yo together, you are making the brioche knit stitch.
Cast on an even number of stitches
Set up row: *yo-sl 1, k1*
Pattern Row: *yo-sl 1, K2tog*
Repeat from Pattern Row
Below is the video. I of course show Continental, and also stumble through English style. If you like Brioche, you may want to check out Nancy Marchant's book, Knitting Brioche. She also has a class over on Craftsy, Explorations in Brioche Knitting.
Sample knit with worsted weight yarn on US Size 6 needles
This stitch makes a tight, dense fabric - on one side. The other side is like seed stitch. What a great scarf this stitch would make! You can use larger needles than called for on your ball band and still get a nice solid fabric.
This stitch is one of the first stitch patterns I made a video for, and I thought it was time to do a new, clear HD video.
I have also seen this stitch called Fabric Stitch or Sugarplum Stitch. However, this shouldn't be confused with another "Fabric Stitch" you may see, that is worked differently. Same name, different stitches - it happens often. Whatever you call it, have fun knitting something with it!
There isn't much difference between the circular and the flat version of this stitch - all you need to remember is to put the stitch marker back in the correct place, and twist the first stitch of each new round.
When you come to the end of each round, you will need to slip the last stitch before the marker off the left needle so you can temporarily remove the stitch marker (or, use one of the stitch markers that opens and closes like a safety pin). Once the stitch marker has been removed, slip the stitch back to the left needle, and either k2tog or k2tog tbl, depending on which round you are working on. If you do not do this with the stitch marker, you will be moving the beginning/end of your round each time you complete a round - I show this in the video.
Once the stitches have been worked, you need to put the marker back on. Slip the first stitch on the right needle off, place the marker, then slip the stitch back onto the right needle.
Now, you will need to twist the first stitch on the left needle before proceeding with the next round. This is shown in the video, and is really simple.
As with the flat version, this is worked on any number of stitches, and you will be repeating two rounds.
Round 1: *k2tog, slipping only the first stitch from the left needle
Round 2: *k2tog tbl, slipping on the first stitch from the left needle
This stitch may be a little tricky at first, but with practice it is really easy.
Worked on any odd number of stitches
Rows 1 and 3 (WS): Purl
Row 2: *K2, (YO, pull last stitch over the YO) four times. Repeat from *, end K1
Row 4: K1, then repeat from * as in Row 2 to last 2 stitches, K2
Repeat these four rows for the pattern. Happy Knitting!
Sample knit with Caron Simply Soft on US Size 6 needles
Multiple of 3
Cast on using whichever color you prefer
Row 1 (WS): With Color A - Purl
Row 2: With Color A - K2 *YO, K3, Pass the first of the 3 knits over the second and third* Repeat from *, end K1
Row 3: With Color B - Purl
Row 4: With Color B - K1 *K3, Pass the first of the 3 knits over the second and third, YO* Repeat from *, end K2
Repeat these four rows for the pattern. Happy Knitting!
Sample knit with Malabrigo worsted on US Size 10 Needles
Multiple of 6 + 2
Rows 1 and 3: (WS) K2 *P4, K2*
Row 2: P2 *(K2tog, leave sts on needle, K first st again and drop both from left needle) twice, P2*
Row 4: P2 *K1, K2tog - K first st again as above, K1, P2*
Sample knit with Caron Simply Soft on US Size 8 Needles
Multiple of 5 + 2
Row 1 (RS): P2 *insert needle from back to front between first and second stitches on left needle, knit second stitch, then knit first stitch and slip both from the left needle at the same time, P3*
Row 2: K2 *skip first stitch, purl second stitch, then purl first stitch and slip both from the left needle at the same time, K3*
Sample knit with Caron Simply Soft, US Size 9 Needles
This is a great "mindless knitting" stitch, good for TV watching. Not much to think about, and if you make a mistake, it is easy to spot and fix.
One thing I noticed about this stitch is that it has a bit of a wave to it. Blocking should help flatten it out some, or you could let the fabric go as is if it doesn't bother you.
Sample knit with #10 Crochet Cotton on US Size 0 Needles
K = Knit
YO = Yarn Over
P = Purl
K2tog = Knit 2 together
The double yarn over in Row 1 will be worked as separate loops on Row 2. The third stitch of the K3 is the first loop of the yarn over, and the purl stitch is the second loop of the yarn over.
Cast on 7 stitches
Row 1: K3, YO, K2tog, YO twice, K2
Row 2: K3, P1, K2, YO, K2tog, K1
Row 3: K3, YO, K2tog, K4
Row 4: BO 2, K3, YO, K2tog, K1
Repeat these 4 rows for the pattern
In the video, the sample is knit with worsted weight yarn on US Size 10 needles. I also show you the sample above to compare the two. Fine yarn and small needles can create very elegant lace.
Sample knit with Patons Classic Wool (hand dyed) on US Size 10 needles
Super simple stitch, and great for those who don't mind purling.
I found this in an old book. Old books sometimes referred to purl as pearl, and this was called "Pearl Stitch"; the instructions also stated to 'pearl' the stitches. But, I thought it confusing to label this Purl Stitch, so I just left it spelled as I found it.
These edges are awfully sloppy, even with the extra stitch on each side; I'd add a few more to neaten things up.
