Tip of the week: Think of lace as the art of making holes

 

When we learn to knit, one of the big obstacles to progress is the appearance of random holes, so we put a lot of effort into not making holes.

Then, a lacy pattern catches the eye and it's suddenly about learning to make holes.

And that's what lace knitting is all about, making holes in particular places by putting the yarn over your needle as you work.

These yarn overs will either be matched with decreases keeping the number stitches the same in each row or used as increases.

In the two charts above don't think about the over all pattern  or the repeats but just count the number of circles (representing the yarnovers) and the number of stitches decreased (the various sloping symbols). In the top chart from the Shetland Summer Stole the two totals should be the same because it is rectangular pattern. In the second, from A Bench in the Clearing, there should be more yarnovers than decreases because the outmost yarnovers are used as increases to make a triangular shape.

If you think about your lace pattern as sets of yarnovers and decreases rather than worrying about the whole pattern all at once it can be easier to get your head around. This is true whether working from a chart or a written pattern. 

Checking sets of yarnovers and decreases is also a good way of working out if you have gone wrong with a lace pattern.

Tip of the week: Ladder free socks (and mitts, and gloves...)

 

One problem some knitters find with double pointed needles is that they get a "ladder" or column of stretch stitches between the needles. Fans of using the magic loop method of working in the round with a long circular can find the same thing where they divide their stitches.

 

The ladder is caused by there being a different amount of strain on the first and last stitches on each DPN causing stitches to distort and the gap between them stretch.

 

Thankfully there is a simple solution. Every few rows, move the gap between the needles. For example, work two more stitches at the end of each DPN for a round. Then after a few more rows, you could move the gap two round two more stitches by doing it again or move it back by working to two stitches before the end of the needle and slipping those on to the following DPN each time. For magic loop, shift the point where you divide your round.

 

Don't forget if you need any help with your knitting, my one-to-one knitting therapy service could the answer. Get in touch.

Off Kilter: A no pressure knit-along

At this time of year, I like to a have a relaxing knit in a beautiful yarn as one of my projects. For me this is to pick up to distract me when fireworks are going off outside. The noise of fireworks sends me a bit off kilter and the knitting something lovely brings me back again.

This year I’ve decided to dive into my tub of 4-ply #singleskeinsofloveliness and knit myself another Off Kilter shawl.

Then I thought: why don’t I invite other people to join me in a super-relaxed knit along.

Off Kilter is a free pattern I made available during the covid lockdowns as something to cheer people up. I think there are many reasons why people might want a lovely but straightforward project and one that they can join other people in making.

It may be you have been looking for a pattern for a skein of 4-ply you have treated yourself to, it could be you love comparing progress with others, or you might want an introduction to shawl knitting. Or like me you want a sport of distracting selfish knitting.

If you can knit, purl, decrease and make a yarnover you’ll be fine with this pattern – and even if you’re not completely sure, I’ll be on hand in my Facebook group to help with advice, lives and videos as needed. There’ll even be some info about making a DK version.

Taking part is really simple – download the pattern for free here, pick out 100g of 4-ply that makes you happy and join the Facebook group (where you can share your yarn choice).

I’m naming cast on day as Friday 29 October – but remember this is a super-relaxed knit along, so if you start a few days before or save it for mid November, that’s up to you.

I love helping people with their knits and seeing how they use my patterns so make my autumn and join in.

Tip of the week: Knitting with double pointed needles

"It looks like wrestling a hedgehog" - probably my favourite description of knitting with double-pointed needles from someone nervous of trying it.

There is a misconception that you have to hold all your DPNs all the time. In fact, once you get into your rhythm the needles will stay put unless your accidently pull out the wrong one. 

When I am teaching in person I wave my sock knitting round my head to demonstrate how secure the needles are - try it! If you were at the Knitting and Stitching Show last week, you may even have seen me do this.

This means there is no wrestling involved. Just concentrate on knitting across the stitches on the next needle, and only holding the two needles involved in that. Then when you free up a DPN, rotate your work and start across the next needle, ignoring the others. That way you are only ever holding on to and worrying about your active needles. The others will just sit in your work. If you look at the picture, I'm only holding two needles. 

The only way to get over that hedgehog wrestling feeling is to practice with your DPNs, after a few rounds it will feel much easier.

October magazine patterns - part one

My two patterns in  Knitting Magazine this month (issue 223) are all about comfort and as I am having a sofa day today, I'm delighted to have the samples on hand so I can try to replicated the pictures in my own home.

Duality is a chunky lace wrap/bedrunner with an unusual construction that I hope you will all enjoy. The lace is worked separately on either side on the central spine running along the full length. The yarn is Cascade Yarns 128 which gives a soft, cuddly finish.

 

The Slouchy Sofa Socks are intended to be indoor socks for relaxing in and feature cables and ribs as well as a ribbed short row feel. For extra squishyness, they're knitted in #SocksYeah DK.

 

 

Tip of the week: Casting on with double pointed needles

Hand knit sock season is definitely on the way so the next few tips are intended to help.

Your preference for what needles you use to work on on small items in the round, like socks, will depend on your knitting style. Some people like using magic loop with a long circular, some small circulars and some like me will be more comfortable with double pointed needles. 

However, the idea of having more than two needles on the go can be off-putting.

Casting on is no different to any other piece of knitting - you cast all your stitches on to a single needle. There is no need to try to hold extra needles before you're ready to start your first round. 

Next divide your stitches evenly between three (or four) needles by slipping the stitches from one to another.
 

 
Arrange your needles into a triangle (or square for four needles) so that your first cast on stitch is the first one on the left needle. The last cast on stitch is at the tip of the right needle. Slip the last cast on stitch to your left needle. Lift the first cast on stitch over the first one and slip to the right needle. Your stitches are now joined in the round. Now pick up your fourth (or fifth) needle and start knitting along the left needle from your join.

Then keep going in the round.