Knit Perfect Afh
Embossed features add great texture to a garment as an all-over pattern such as the Popcorn pattern on page 102 or the Boxed bobble pattern on page 103. Popcorns and bobbles are often added to cables, for example the Medallion bobble cable on page 109 and the Nosegay pattern on page 115. Combined with other stitches they contrast well with lace or knit and purl fabrics. Here a single repeat of Norwegian fir lace from page 120 is used as a central panel between lines of popcorns on five stitches...
Looped Knitting
A border of looped knitting makes a mock fur fabric for the collar and cuffs on a garment. As an all-over fabric, it can be used to make soft toys or, with the loops cut, a pile rug. The base fabric is garter stitch a row of twisted knit stitches knitted through the back of the loop kl tbl is followed by a row of loop stitches. The pattern is a two row repeat with the loops made on the wrong side row and all the stitches are knitted through the back of the stitch on the right side row. Knitting...
Buttonholes
A knitting pattern will tell you to work the button band before the buttonhole band.This is because you can use the button band to work out how many buttons you need and how they will be spaced. Lie the piece flat and place a pin at the position of the top and bottom buttons.These should be lA n 1.5cm from the ends. Using a tape measure, place pins to mark the positions of the remaining buttons. Make sure they are spaced evenly by counting the rows or stitches between the pins.To decide on the...
Adding a cable panel
You can add a cable panel to the plain sweater pattern on page l44.To be in proportion, a cable panel should measure about one third of the width of the front. Any smaller than this and it will look lost and have no impact. Any bigger and it will dominate and become an all-over fabric instead of a panel. Designing the panel To design your panel choose cables from the Stitch library see pages 108-16 . Start with a central feature cable, something bold or intricate, and then add complimentary but...
Lace Knitting
The general term used to cover eyelets, faggoting and lace is lace knitting. These form categories on their own, but many stitch patterns overlap between two or even three of them. Eyelets are single holes worked in rows or in groups on a background of stockinette stocking stitch for example, a drawstring can be threaded through a row of eyelets with three or four stitches between them. Knitted faggoting is the same term as that used in embroideiy and describes a line of horizontal or vertical...
Cables
Cables are simply a way of twisting two sets of stitches or carrying stitches across the fabric. There are two ways of moving the stitches cabling and crossing. Stitches are cabled when all the stitches are knitted, but stitches are crossed when knit stitches are moved over a background of purl stitches. In patterns, cables are twisted to the back or front, while crossed stitches move right or left. The two techniques to learn are moving the stitches at the back and moving them at the front....
the result Niw
The more stitches there are in a cable the more rows are worked between twists. Crossed stitches can move every right side row or with more rows worked between them. Cr3L or Cr3R could be worked by moving the two knit stitches over one purl background stitch or by moving one knit stitch over two purl background stitches. Cr5L or Cr5R could be worked by moving two knit stitches over three purl background stitches or three knit stitches over two purl background stitches. In a pattern an...
Knit Perfect Nil
Beads should have a large enough hole to slide on to the yarn without being forced. If the fit is too tight, the yarn will wear and fray. y Match the beads to the yarn use small, light beads with a delicate yarn and larger beads with a harder wearing, thicker yarn. y The fabric should be knitted tightly enough so that the beads won't slip between the stitches to the wrong side. Always knit the stitches either side of the bead firmly. Add the beads on a right side row so they hang...
Bobbins
Each area of colour needs its own bobbin of yarn. You should never knit straight from the ball because with all the twisting, the yarn will become horribly tangled and the knitting becomes a chore. Working with bobbins you can pull out sufficient yarn to knit the stitches and then leave it hanging at the back of the work out of the way of the other yarns. You can buy plastic bobbins and wrap a small amount of yarn on to each one but it is easy to make your own and cheaper if the intarsia design...
Basic mitred square
Cast on 19 sts loosely using the knitting on method see page 24 . Row I and every foil WS row K to last St. si I purlwise with yarn in front of Row 2 RS K8. si I -k2tog-psso, k7, si I pwise wyif. 17 sts. Row 4 K7. si I -k2tog-psso. k6, si I pwise wyif. 15 sts. Row 6 K6. si I -k2tog-psso. k5. si I pwise wyif. I 3 sts. Row 8 K5. si I -k2tog-psso, k4, si I pwise wyif. I I sts. Row 10 K4, sl I -k2tog-psso, k3, sl I pwise wyif. 9 sts. Row 12 K3, sl I -k2tog-psso, k2, sl I pwise wyif. 7 sts. Row 14...
Mitred Knit Patchwork With No Sewing
The number of stitches to cast on equals the number of stitches in each square multiplied by the number of squares. Cast on more or less stitches to make the squares bigger or smaller. y Always start with the base row of triangles, then repeat the purl row of squares and the knit row of squares to form the main fabric, ending with a purl row to work the top triangles across. The woven effect of entrelac can be emphasised by working in two colours work the knit rows of squares in one colour and...
Short Rows
Short rows are partially knitted rows the work is turned before the row is completed and the same stitches are worked back across. This results in there being two more rows at one side of the fabric than at the other. Short row knitting is also called turning, or partial knitting. The technique is commonly used for shaping sock heels, known as turning a heel. On each turning row one less stitch is worked and then, to turn the heel, you work one more stitch each turning row until you are back to...
Square on two needles
An increase is worked before the first Continue in this way until the side of the square is the required length, ending with a WS row. A decrease is now worked at the start of every row see page 28-9 Next row Ssk, k to end. Next row P2tog, p to end. Continue to decrease until 3 sts remain, sk2po. Fasten off. Depending on the gauge tension , the square may be more of a diamond. Block it to shape or work in a pattern that has more rows to the 4in I Ocm . A traditional use of this square is called...
Single rib kipi
1 With the yarn at the back of the work, knit the first stitch. 2 Bring the yarn to the front of the work between the needles and purl the next stitch. 3 Take the yarn to the back of the work, and knit the next stitch. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to the end of the row. On the return row knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches. Double rib k2, p2 is worked the same, but cast on a multiple of four stitches plus two stitches and knit or purl two stitches each time. The number of stitches in a...
Crisp cool yarns
Pure 100 per cent cotton, cotton mixes and natural fibres such as linen and silk are perfect for summer but can look good all year round. Hardwearing. they also give a classic look to soft furnishings, knitted into throws and cushions. Worsted DK denim yarn fades and ages like jeans, tweed yarns with a touch of silk make relaxed holiday wear, and spaced-dyed yarns give a blended look. Worsted DK cotton comes in bright colours for crisp ribbed sweaters, worsted DK linen mixed with viscose has...
Twisting yarns together
Once you've joined in all the colours that you need across the row, on the return row the yarns should be twisted to join the blocks of colour together When you change colour always pick up the new colour from under the old yarn.This is particularly important when the colours are changed at the same place in two or more rows. A line of loops will be formed on the wrong side of the work these should not show through to the right side. Pull the yarns up firmly for the first stitch after twisting....
Mattress stitch
To get an invisible seam use mattress stitch.This is worked from the right side, making it easier to match patterns such as fair isle, and shaping details, like on a sleeve. Place the two pieces to be joined side by side on a flat surface. Secure the yarn by weaving it down the edge of one of the pieces, bringing it to the front on the first row between the corner stitch and the second stitch. On the opposite edge, insert the needle from back to front on the first row between the corner stitch...
Multiple yarn overs
Before a knit stitch bring the yarn forward as if to purl, knit the first stitch bringing the yarn over the right needle as you do so. Before a purl stitch take the yarn back as though to knit, purl the first stitch, bringing the yarn over the needle as you do so. These are used to make bigger holes. Wrap the yarn around the needle twice. On the return row, you must knit then purl into the double yarn over.
Knit Perfect Btu
y To uncoil circular needles, immerse them in hot water for a few minutes to straighten them out. y Circular needles are also useful for knitting backwards and forwards for flat knitting. It is easier to work a large number of stitches such as for a throw on circular needles because all the weight of the fabric is held in front of you, on your lap, rather than at the end of long straight needles. Cast on the required number of stitches on to one of the needle ends. Spread them evenly around the...
Smocking
Smocking can be worked veiy successfully on ribbed fabric. Like smocking on a woven fabric, it pulls in the knitted fabric in a decorative manner. The smocking stitches can be worked in the same yarn as the main fabric, in a contrasting colour or in embroidery threads which have a larger range of colours for coloured smocking patterns. Make sure the smocking thread is colourfast and washes to the same instructions as the knitted yarn. The rib should not be too wide or the resulting bunching of...
Intarsia
Intarsia is a technique of colour knitting suitable for large areas of colour where several blocks of different colours are worked in the same row. Unlike fair isle knitting where two colours are carried along the row to form a repeating pattern, intarsia knitting is characterized by single motifs, geometric patterns or pictures. Intarsia uses a separate ball of yarn for each block of colour. The yarns are twisted together to link the areas of colour and prevent a hole. Most colourwork designs...
Crossed stitches cross right CrR
1 Insert right-hand needle into second stitch on the left-hand needle and knit it. Don't slip this stitch off the needle. 2 Purl the first stitch on the left-hand needle and slip both stitches on to the right-hand needle. Crossed stitches - cross left Cr2L 2 Knit the first stitch on the left-hand needle and slip both stitches on to the right-hand needle. A coaster featuring twisted stitches in the shape of hearts. Knit it together with a place mat with a pocket for cutlery - an ideal pair for...
Knit Perfect Djt
y The first round is awkward the needles not being used dangle and get in the way. When you have worked a few rounds the fabric helps hold the needles in shape and knitting will become easier For maximum control, always use the correct length of needle for what you are knitting short needles for a small number of stitches such as for gloves, and longer needles for garments. To avoid a gap at the beginning of the first round, use the tail end of the yarn and the working yarn together to work the...
Joining a new ball
When you run out of yarn and need to start a new ball in the same colour or need to change to another colour, always start a new ball of yarn at the beginning of a row. at a seam edge where the ends can be woven in without showing on the front. Simply drop the old yarn, wrap the new yarn around the needle and work a few stitches. Tie the two ends securely together at the beginning of the row so neither one will work its way free and unravel your stitches. When you've finished the piece, undo...
Designing with mitred squares
The basic square forms a mitred corner, work two together and a rectangle is formed. Work three together and an L shape is made work four together and a complete mitred square is made. For a rectangle, cast on twice the number of stitches for the basic square 2 x 19 sts 38 sts , for an L shape cast on three times the stitches and for a complete square cast on four times the stitches. Place a slip marker every 19 stitches to show you where one square ends and the next begins. Work each 19...
Seam bind cast off
This is used to join two edges with the same number of stitches. It is often used for shoulder seams where the stitches have been left on stitch holders. You need three needles for this method. 1 Slip each set of stitches on to a needle, place together with right sides facing and hold in the left hand. 2 Insert the third right-hand needle through both sets of stitches and draw a loop through, knitting the stitches together Repeat for the next set of two stitches. Using the simple bind cast off...
Neckband
Using size 3 3.25mm UKI0 needles, pick up and k22 sts down left side of neck. 21 23 25 sts across front neck. 22 sts up right side of neck and 42 44 46 sts across back neck. 107 I I 1 1 15 sts. Work 5in 12.5cm rib as given for back. Bind cast off loosely in rib. To pick up stitches neatly see page 68. Join shoulder and neckband seam. Set in sleeves. Join side and sleeve seams. To set the sleeve into the armhole, pin the centre of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam and each end to the beginning...
Smocking Stitch on pkl rib
Work from left to right and in a zigzag manner.The smocking stitches should be equally spaced on every 4th row. Note the artwork shows the stitches not tightened so the path of the needle can clearly be seen. 1 Bring the needle with the smocking thread up at A. having secured it on the wrong side by running it through the edge of the knit rib with a few backstitches. Follow the row across and take it under the stitch at B from right to left. Take the needle across the front of the work between...
On a purl row
1 Purl to the turning point slip the next stitch purlwise on to the right-hand needle and then take the yarn back between the needles to the right side of the work. 2 Slip the slipped stitch back to the right-hand needle and take the yarn back to the knit position.Turn the work as though at the end of a row.The slipped stitch has been wrapped and it has a bar across it. Purl back across the row. Insert the tip of the right-hand needle into the back of the loop and place it on to the left-hand...
Twisted cables left twist lt
When following a pattern with twisted stitches, the designer will explain how to work the stitches under special abbreviations at the start of the pattern. 1 Insert right-hand needle into front of second stitch on left-hand needle, working behind the first stitch, and knit it. Don't slip this stitch off the needle. 1 Insert right-hand needle into second stitch on the left-hand needle and knit it. Don't slip this stitch off the needle. 2 Purl the first stitch on the left-hand needle and slip...
Machine fulling
Wash the samples with soap in a full load.They need friction to be fulled correctly so add towels to fill the machine. Run them through on the shortest hot wash cold rinse cycle but do not spin dry. Remove from the machine whenever possible during the cycle to check their progress. If they haven't fulled correctly, take one sample out and put the others through the same cycle again. Repeat until you have achieved the effect you want. By removing samples at each stage, you have a record of when...
Abbreviations
Abbreviations are used to shorten techniques and words to make written knitting instructions easier to read and a manageable length. There are some standard abbreviations but others can vary. Always read the abbreviations on your pattern's knitting instructions carefully. The following are the most common abbreviations used throughout this book. make one twisted to the right increase 1 stitch the back of the loops 1 stitch decreased round brackets the number of times indicated Throughout the...
Knit Perfect Twr
In fair isle, the unused colour is loosely carried along the back of the work between stitches. Carrying the yarn between stitches is called stranding and you can strand yarn across if the pattern is small and the colours are changed frequently. However, if the yarn is to be stranded over five stitches or more, the loop will be too long and it will get snagged and distort the fabric.You must catch the loop in on the centre stitch of a long strand to prevent this.This is called weaving in.
Medallion Knitting
Medallions are individually knitted patches, sewn together to form larger items like throws, cushions and bedspreads or garments. It is a form of patchwork knitting. Large single medallions can be used as the two sides of a bag, a small rug or the top of a beret. Most medallions, whether circles, ovals or squares, are knitted with five double-pointed needles from the centre out, with rows of increases arranged to form the shape. Circles have rows of at least eight increases evenly spaced,...
GAUGE Tension
At the beginning of any knitting pattern, the designer will state the gauge tension that you need to achieve and this is used to calculate the finished dimensions of the garment. It is a veiy important part of knitting and is the number of stitches and rows to lin 2.5cm . If you do not get the correct gauge tension the garment will not be the correct size. More stitches to lin 2.5cm and the garment will be smaller fewer stitches to lin 2.5cm and the garment will be bigger. A tight fitting...
Stranding
The loops formed by carrying the yarn between areas of colour are called floats. To get the floats to lie neatly and without lumps where the colours are changed and to prevent the yarns from becoming twisted together and tangled, one colour always lies above the other on the wrong side of the work. By keeping the back of the work neat in this way, the stitches on the front of the work will lie flat without puckering and without holes appearing between the colour changes. Never strand yarns over...
Texture
Most yarns are plain - simply plies twisted together but there are other yarns called novelty or specialist yarns. Chenille has a core of strong plies spun together to trap the short velvet pile threads. Boucle has two plies spun together at different speeds so one bunches up around the other creating a towelling look when knitted up. Slub yarns alternate between thick and thin creating a very textured fabric. Ribbon yarns are exactly what they sound like knitted up they form a loose fabric...
Fulling garments
Garments will not behave in exactly the same way as the samples.There is more fabric and there are seams, both factors will alter the fulling process. Use your sample results as a guide only and check at every stage of the process because fulling is irreversible. When the garment has fulled correctly, lay it out flat and pull it into shape, straightening the seams. Fulled garments are usually more figure hugging so try it on when it is almost dry. Gently pull the armhole seams so the sleeves...
Knit Perfect Kyo
y Block the medallions to shape see page 66 . y Use a multicoloured yarn to work medallions. In circular knitting, purl every alternate round for garter stitch. Mix garter stitch ridges with stockinette stocking stitch ridges. Use alternating ridges of stockinette stocking stitch and reverse stockinette stocking stitch or garter stitch for the square knitted on two needles. y Work the increases in another way as a yam over or use an invisible increase like MI. y Keep laying the medallion flat...
Twisted Stitches
Single stitches can be twisted over each other without using a cable needle. As in cables, two knit stitches can be cabled to the right or the left. Twisted stitches can also be crossed one knit stitch moving over a purl stitch to the right or left. Basic abbreviations for twisted stitches RT twisted cables - right twist LT twisted cables - left twist Cr2R crossed stitches - cross right Cr2L crossed stitches - cross left 2 Knit the first stitch on the left-hand needle and slip both stitches on...
Decorative decreasing one stitch knitwise
There are two ways to work the decrease that is the pair to k2tog.They both produce the same result and slope to the left. See page 32 for ways to slip stitches. Slip one, slip one, knit two together ssk or p2tog tbl 1 Slip two stitches knitwise one at a time from left-hand needle to right-hand needle. 2 Insert the left-hand needle from left to right through the fronts of these two stitches and knit together as one stitch. 4 v t f 4 V . v 4 , gt , , t S . gt
Knit Perfect Kdt
Cast on a multiple of 5 sts plus 4 sts. Row I P4, k I, p4 rep from to end. Row 2 K4, p I, k4 rep from to end. These 2 rows form the rib pattern and are repeated. When the knitted fabric is smocked it will loose some of its elasticity, so is not suitable for close-fitting cuffs and lower edge ribs on garments. There are also honeycomb stitches that are smocked while being knitted see Stitch library page 102-3 . A knitting pattern tells you how to knit and make up a knitted project. There are two...