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Knitted Cardigans: Buttonholes 101

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The cardigan sweater is a classic for all seasons. You can throw it on over a T-shirt in the fall and spring, keep a light-weight cardigan on hand for chilly summer evenings, and wear one as a top in the winter. I have several cardigans in my closet and I wear them all year.

There are so many ways to knit cardigans, too—in the round, top down, or in pieces. I like the top down raglan method the best—it's a lot of knitting (LOOONG rows), but when it's done, it's done. And if you're brave you can just knit in the round and cut your sweater up the front to make it a cardigan! (This technique is called "steeking" and it works best with wool; I wouldn't try it with a slippery yarn.)

We recently published a free ebook, Knit Cardigan Patterns From Knitting Daily: 7 FREE Knitting Patterns. (If you haven't downloaded your copy, please click on the link and get yours today!) One of these seven patterns is sure to strike your fancy: from lacey and feminine to bulky and casual, there are a variety of styles to choose from.

Whichever cardigan you choose to knit, and whichever technique you prefer, one thing almost all cardigan sweaters have in common is buttonholes. Today I'm going to show you how to make two different kinds of buttonholes, the one-row buttonhole and the eyelet buttonhole.

One-Row Buttonholes

This buttonhole is a good one to have in your arsenal because it works really well with medium to extra-large buttons; I normally use this buttonhole with 3/4-inch or larger buttons.

To decide how many stitches to use while working this buttonhole, simply place your button on your fabric and see how many stitches it covers. Subtract one stitch, and that's how many stitches you should use. This example, from The Knitter's Companion by Vicki Square, uses five stitches.



Step 1	Step 2	Step 3

Work to where you want the buttonhole to be, bring the yarn to the front, slip the next stitch purlwise, then return the yarn to the back.

Step 1. *Slip the next stitch to the right needle, then pass the second stitch over the end stitch and drop it off the needle. Repeat from *.

Step 2. Slip the last stitch on the right needle to the left needle and turn the work. Move the yarn to the back and use the cable method to cast on 5 stitches as follows: *Insert the right needle between the first and second stitches on the left needle, draw up a loop, and place it on the left needle. Repeat from * 4 more times. Turn the work.

Step 3. With the yarn in back, slip the first stitch from the left needle and pass the extra cast-on stitch over it and off the needle to close the buttonhole. Then work to the end of the row as usual.

Since some of us find videos easier to learn from, here's Interweave Knits editor Eunny Jang with a video tutorial on the one-row buttonhole. (She demos the cable cast-on here, too!)

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Eyelet Buttonhole

The eyelet buttonhole is self-sizing—bulky yarns make large holes that accommodate large buttons; fine yarns make small holes that accommodate small buttons.

Work the eyelet buttonhole on the right side of the work as follows: yarnover, then work the next two stitches together. That's all there is to it!

You can use an overcast stitch to reinforce the buttonhole if you think your yarn might wear or if your yarn is really flexible and you want to stabilize the size of the buttonhole.

I hope these buttonhole techniques will be a welcome addition to your finishing skills.

Cheers,

Kathleen
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NEW KAL ANNOUNCEMENT

I'm thrilled to announce the next knit-a-long: Fresco Fair Isle Mitts. More than 4000 of you voted, and the mitts won by a small margin. (The Freyja Hat and the Snowflake Scarf tied for second.) Our new KAL starts today, so click on the link to download your pattern for $5.50, run to your stash or your LYS for yarn, and cast on! Here's the link to the official KAL forum. Knit on!

I Need a Hat: The Knitted Slouch

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

I am NOT one of those people who looks great in hats, especially the beanie-type hat. I wear those hats in the winter when I have too, but I much prefer the beret style hat or the slouch hat.

It was in the 30s this weekend in Spokane—it's getting hard to remember those 95-degree days when all I wanted for Christmas was a fan. I need a hat now, and I can't wait for the holidays to get one as a gift.

So, I was trolling through the free patterns on Knitting Daily, and I decided to try the Barrymore Slouch Hat by Lisa Shroyer from our recent free eBook, 6 Free Easy Knitting Patterns. This hat is really easy and quick-to-knit, and it's also stylish and warm. Some slouchy hats don't cover the ears, which isn't an option for this climate. The Barrymore Hat actually has built-in ear flaps tucked under the band for extra coziness.

This hat has a lot of design features, such as the garter rows every so often and the buttons on the side. I have quite a collection of buttons from my great gramma, my gramma, and my mom (not to mention my own OCD button-shopping tendencies). I keep them in a vintage Crisco jar, which just adds to the charm of the collection.

I usually find just the right button in that jar, and it gets replenished regularly from various sources (tell people you have a button collection, and you never know what you'll get).

Building Skills: No Slouching!

This project uses several basic skills and some more intermediate techniques that add just a bit of a challenge. You'll do your basic knitting in the round plus a slip stitch row and a purl row each time you switch colors. You'll also pick up stitches with a crochet hook

If you're new to knitting in the round, here's a quick tutorial from Knitting Daily TV that shows how to join in the round when using both circular needles and double-pointed needles. You'll learn a couple of tips in this video clip, too, including how to keep a round marker on the needles when you're using double-points.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

I have two black coats and one silver down vest, so I think I'll knit this hat out of a dark gray and a silver gray merino wool. Should be beautiful. (Or maybe some red and silver?)

Get the Barrymore Slouch Hat pattern and five more easy knitting pattern when you download your free eBook!

Cheers,

Kathleen

7 FREE Knitting Patterns for Men

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Our newest free eBook is all about men!

Knitting for men is a popular topic here at Knitting Daily, and because we live to serve, we thought we'd gather our favorite men's sweater patterns and package them up into a lovely collection: Knitting Daily Presents: 7 FREE Knitting Patterns for Men.

Editor Sandi Wiseheart has chosen five men's knit sweater patterns and a couple of essential accessories, all picked with warmth, wearability, and great style in mind. So whether you're a man knitting for yourself or a woman knitting for men, there's something here for everyone.

The Old Way Gansey by Ann Budd is a comfortable, drop-shoulder pullover designed with traditional motifs. This sweater blends the best of old and new styling.

Kate Kuckro's Charcoal Ribbed Cardigan incorporates saddle shoulders, vertical ribs, and a narrow shawl collar to make this men's knit sweater a perennial reader favorite.

If a men's knit scarf pattern is all you need, try Ann Budd's Basketweave Scarf: It's perfect to knit for yourself or for a gift. Comfy and stylish, it's a wonderful addition to any guy's wardrobe.

Rhapsody in Tweed is a mock turtleneck by Kathy Zimmerman. It's a fabulous design full of Kathy's trademark cables—this one will be a favorite for men who knit and the women who borrow sweaters from them!

If you're looking for a little colorwork in your sweater knitting, try Norah Gaughan's Striped Pullover. Its simple, slip-stitch pattern knits up so quickly. And every man likes a bit of color, right?

Sandi Wiseheart's Nicholas's Fingerless Gloves will keep your fingers warm while you go about your business—whether knitting, texting, raking leaves, or walking the dog. The cable-stockinette pattern is sure to please all wearers.

The Woven Band Pullover by Hana Jason is the perfect man's sweater: simple and stylish. This is truly one for the ages—a linen stitch background and a crew neck all in a one-piece, cuff-to-cuff construction.

So here's to you, men! Let's get knitting!

Cheers,

Kathleen

Toe-Up Socks: The Middle Eastern Cast-On

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

I haven't had much experience writing patterns, but I had a ball of Schoppel-Wolle Zauberball Crazy Sock Yarn that I was itching to knit into a pair of socks, and I couldn't settle on a pattern. So I decided to write one myself!

The yarn lent itself better to a plain or cable pattern than to a lace pattern, so I decided on cables. I looked through the amazing Harmony Guide, 101 Stitches to Knit, a card deck edited by Erika Knight, and I found an easy and attractive cable: the Simple Cable.

With the stitch pattern decided upon, I plotted out my stitch count and started swatching. My gauge worked, so I cast on.

I also wanted a toe-up experience, so I tried the Middle Eastern Cast-On for the first time, and I really like it. I've seen this method referred to as the Turkish Cast-On, too, but whatever the name, I found it quick and easy.

At left you can see my progress—I like it a lot. (When it's finished, maybe I'll debut the design on KnittingDaily.com!)

How to Work the Middle Eastern Cast-On

You can use this method with two circular needles or with the Magic Loop method. I don't recommend using it on double pointed needles (DPNs), but you can cast on with two circulars or the Magic Loop, work a couple of rounds, and then transfer your stitches to DPNs.

Step 1. Snugly wrap the working yarn around two needles, starting with the tail and ending with the working yarn hanging off the tips of the needles (Figure 1). Wrap the yarn half as many times as the total amount of stitches the pattern requires you to cast on. (Need sixteen stitches? Wrap the yarn eight times around the needles). Bring the yarn forward between needles, back to front .

Step 2. Knit across stitches on upper needle (Figure 2). (Or, if you're holding your needles parallel to each other, knit across the stitches on the front needle.)

Step 3. Rotate the work and knit across the same number of stitches on the other needle (Figure 3).

After you've knit one round all of your stitches will be secure. Knit one or two more rounds, and then begin your increases as directed in the pattern.

It's as simple as that.

If you'd like to get started with this cast-on technique right away, check out Ann Budd's toe-up pattern, On-Your-Toes-Socks. I'm sure you'll enjoy this easy, classic look.

Cheers,

Kathleen

Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Need a new sock knitting pattern? Want a great free sock pattern? Here are five of our top sock knitting downloads together in one FREE ebook for you.

So what kind of sock patterns are in this eBook? Let's see. There's a knitted lace sock pattern, a cabled sock pattern, a colorwork sock pattern, a men's sock pattern, and an easy beginner sock pattern. Something for everyone!!

Download Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

The Magical Magic Loop

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

I started knitting circular objects—socks, gloves, mittens, hats, and so on—on double-pointed needles (DPNs). While I enjoyed knitting the pattern, I didn't particularly like the finished object because I always ended up with ladders where I switched from one needle to the next. I guess I wasn't knitting those stitches tight enough, but as much as I tried to tighten them, the ladders remained. And who likes to think about tightening stitches all the time, anyway?

Because of this problem, I simply didn't do as many "tube projects" as I wanted to.

Enter the Magic Loop! I was at my LYS one Saturday afternoon and I saw a gal knitting a sock on the oddest looking contraption with loops sticking out of each end of the knitted sock. I asked her about it and she said she was using the Magic Loop method—which uses just one, long circular needle. I quickly found a class on this technique, thinking that I might enjoy it more than DPNs. I was right—the Magic Loop brought me back to sock knitting!

Now I use this method for almost all of my small, circular knitting projects. I also teach it when I teach sock classes. The students get two classes, really: sock knitting and the Magic Loop technique!

And Now, a Lesson for You

Most people really take to the Magic Loop method, so I thought I'd share a lesson with you, too. It just takes a few rounds to become familiar with the process and by the time you're halfway through the leg of a sock, you'll be a pro.

I recommend at least a 32-inch circular needle for socks and a 40-inch needle for hats, baby sweaters, and other larger-circumference projects. (The neat thing about using the Magic Loop for hats is that you don't need to change to DPNs to finish the crown.)

A Note About Circular Needles: Your knitting life will be so much easier if you relax the cable of your circular needle before you begin knitting. I do this by microwaving a large mug of water for a couple minutes, dipping the cable into the hot water for about 30 seconds, and then straightening it out and running it under cold water for a few seconds until it's cool. You can also steam the cable, or if you're using a metal needle, you can boil a little water in a skillet and put the whole thing in. It's amazing to watch it loosen up! Be sure and use hot pads or tongs, though, because that metal gets hot!

Here we go, step by step!

Step 1
On a circular needle at least 32 inches long, cast on the required number of stitches (I've cast on 40 stitches). Slide the stitches onto the cable part of the needle.

Step 2
Hold the needle so that your working yarn (and tail) is to your right. Bend the left part of the needle toward you slightly (but don't put a crimp in it!), making sure the bend is halfway through the total number of stitches—so, if you've cast on 40, bend the cable between the 20th and 21st stitches (photo 2a). Grasp the cable and pull it out of the stitches until your stitches are on the needle portions of the circlular needle; you'll have half your stitches on one needle and half on the other needle (photo 2b).

IMPORTANT TIP: Make sure that your working yarn is hanging off of the back needle. What's the back needle? If you hold your needles parallel to each other, the "front" needle is the one nearest you and the "back" needle is the one farthest from you. If your yarn is hanging off your front needle, slide your stitches back onto the cable and divide them again, this time making sure the working yarn ends up at the back. If you start with your working yarn and tail to your right and bend the left end of the cable needle towards you, your working yarn should end up on the correct needle.

Step 3
Make sure your stitches aren't twisted: all of the stitches should be "hanging" downward; the cast-on edge sits at the top of the needle. (Some people like to place a marker to mark the beginning of the round, but I just use the yarn tail as my marker.) Slide the stitches on the back needle to the cable part of the needle, thereby freeing up the back needle. This back needle is now your right-hand needle—you'll be knitting onto it just as if you were using straight needles (photo 3).

Step 4
Knit the stitches on your first needle (photo 4a). When you've knit to the end of the needle, you've knitted half a round (photo 4b, and in this photo the back needle is the needle showing on the bottom). Turn the needles so both tips are pointed to the right and slide the now-front needle into the stitches that are on the cable (photo 4c).

Step 5
Slide the now-back needle out of the stitches that you just knit so that those stitches end up on the cable. You're now ready to knit the second half of the round.

And that's it! You keep switching sides, pushing the stitches on the cable onto the front needle, and pulling the back needle out of the previously knit stitches. Remember that you need to knit both sides of the work to complete one round.

Some Pattern Ideas

I'm recommending three sock patterns here and one sock and mitt pattern. These are lovely patterns in general, but also good patterns for practicing your Magic Loop technique. Once you're two to four inches into one of these projects, you'll be Magic Looping without even thinking about it.

His and Hers Socks by Ann Budd. This is a good advanced-beginner project, with options for men's and women's socks. Ann Budd is a sock pro, so you'll be happy with any pattern by her, but because of the two versions this one is particularly valuable.

Knotty or Knice Socks by Chrissy Gardiner. This is an intermediate, toe-up sock pattern. I love the twisted stitch pattern on these socks—it's a Bavarian pattern but it almost looks Celtic to me. The Magic Loop works equally well with top-down socks and toe-up socks.

Rustic Ruffled Socks and Mitts by Ann Budd. This is also a toe-up pattern, with the added challenge of short-row heels (these heels are easy, really, and fun to work). You'll get a nice, simple sock pattern with a touch of romance in the ruffle, as well as a simple but useful mitt pattern. Who wouldn't like a set of these?

Comfy Socks by the Knitscene Design Team. This is an easy, free pattern knit from bulky-weight yarn (it's also one of 5 free patterns in our free downloadable eBook, 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns). These socks are perfect for fall lounge-around-the-house-days. And they knit up really quickly, too!

Have fun practicing your Magic Loop technique!

Cheers,

Kathleen

P.S. Special thanks to Sarah Hauschka, who invented the Magic Loop method, and to Bev Galeskas and Fiber Trends, who published the first book on the subject.

Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Need a new sock knitting pattern? Want a great free sock pattern? Here are five of our top sock knitting downloads together in one FREE ebook for you.

Download Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Cabling without a Needle (Plus a free pattern!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

LOSE THAT CABLE NEEDLE!

My current project in Kathleen's Knit-a-Long—the Central Park Hoodie—is a cable pattern, and I'm saving tons of time doing the cables without a needle. In the fall 2009 issue of Interweave Knits there's a Beyond the Basics lesson on this technique, and I thought I'd present it here, too. I don't recommend this method for use with slippery yarn or with big cable crossings (crossing more than four or five stitches over each other), but for most of your cabling needs, it's magic!

Step 1
On a cable crossing row, work to just before the full cable group. With the yarn in back, slip all the stitches from the group purlwise to the right-hand needle to loosen them.

Step 2
For a cable crossing left (standard instructions: hold the cable needle to the front of the work), bring the left-hand needle to the front of the work and insert it into the fronts of all stitches that need to be held (Figure 1).

For a cable crossing right (standard instructions: hold the cable needle to the back of the work), bring the left-hand needle to the back of the work and insert it into the backs of all stitches that need to be held (Figure 2).

Step 3
Between the left thumb and forefinger, pinch the base of the slipped stitches firmly. Pull the right-hand needle completely free of all the slipped stitches (Figure 3; half will be on the left-hand needle; half will be free for a moment) and maintaining front/back position as established, quickly reinsert it into the free stitches. Make sure all the stitches are seated correctly on the needle; if they’re held firmly, the stitches won’t have twisted or moved at all during the time that they were dropped.

Step 4
Slip stitches on the right-hand needle back to the left-hand needle. The stitches are now out of order and will be crossed when they’re worked (Figure 4). Work as directed.

AND FOR EVEN MORE CABLING TIPS. . .

Check out our new DVD workshop, Classic to Creative Knit Cables with Kathy Zimmerman (whose friends call her the Cable Queen). I wish I would have previewed Knit Cables last week. I was watching TV while knitting on the Central Park Hoodie, and I did two complete cable chart repeats with the cable crossings going the wrong way. In the last segment of the workshop, Kathy demonstrates fixing miss-crossed cables without ripping back rows! I ripped back about twenty rows, but next time (and I'm sure there will be a next time!) I'll be able to avoid the frog.

KATHARINE HEPBURN CARDIGAN

Today's free pattern is Kathy Zimmerman's Katharine Hepburn Cardigan (photo at left), which first appeared in Lace Style. Made up of tiny rope cables and lace, this pattern harkens back to the 1950s and one of the icons of that era, Katharine Hepburn. This sweater begs to be worn with a skirt and a scarf around the neck, but it's equally at home over a fitted tee-shirt and some nice jeans. It's a true classic. Plus, the pattern gives directions for a bolero version for even more variety. This pattern is available in our recent free eBook, Knit Cardigan Patterns From Knitting Daily:7 FREE Knitting Patterns. So click on the link and get the free pattern, plus six more cardigans to keep you busy this fall!

Kathy Zimmerman says cabling can be hazadous to your stash, and I couldn't agree more.

Cable on!

—Kathleen

Knit Cardigan Patterns From Knitting Daily: 7 FREE Knitting Patterns

Every knitter has dreamed of the perfect cardigan pattern that he or she might knit some day. From a cozy cable knit to luminous lace, this free ebook will be your dream come true. This is a wonderful and varied collection of cardigans-which is one of the most important pieces in your wardrobe. You'll want to make every one of these knit cardigan patterns, so download your free eBook now and get started (and don’t forget to tell a friend so they can enjoy their own copy!).

Download Your Free eBook Today

For the Love of the Small Project: Knitting Miniatures

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:27:00 GMT

A note from Kathleen: I think I can safely say that we all love a small project once in a while—something we can get done in a short time with a small amount of yarn. What comes to mind is a hat or a one-skein scarf, a dishcloth or a coffee cozy. But PieceWork magazine has taken the small project and given it that quintessential PieceWork spin: knitted miniature accessories for dollhouses and knitted heirloom pinballs in the tradition of 1800s Quaker schoolgirls.

Here's PieceWork editor Jeane Hutchins to tell you more about these special projects, coming up in the September/October 2009 issue of PieceWork magazine.

Knitting in Miniature

Just seeing the word "miniatures" makes me smile. Suddenly, I'm transported back in time; memories of my dollhouse and its minute furnishings are so vivid. I wasn't lucky enough, however, to have an exquisite handknitted-lace tablecloth for its dining room table—darn!

So when we started to work on PieceWork's September/October 2009 Miniatures issue, I knew an elegant dollhouse-size knitted-lace tablecloth would have to be part of the mix. I love the result; if I still had my dollhouse, this tablecloth would definitely be front and center.

Using one strand of seven-strand silk thread and size 6-0 needles, Mary Frances Wogec created the tablecloth, which is 5½ inches in diameter (top tablecloth in photo at left).

To provide perspective on its diminutive size, we placed one skein of the silk thread on one of the dollhouse chairs in the photograph at left.

Also, to provide perspective, Mary Frances duplicated the tablecloth in size 100 crochet cotton; it's 6¼ inches in diameter (bottom tablecloth in photo above left).

Check out the in-process photo of the tablecloth (above right). Mary Frances, avid lace knitter that she is, discovered that fine-gauge soldered jump rings and rubber nuts for pierced earrings, both sold at bead stores, work perfectly as stitch markers and point protectors, respectively, in lace knitting. Ingenuity at work!

The Knitted Pinball

Another small-scale project is the knitted pinball. I absolutely love the story behind these tiny (2 inches in diameter) accessories: A Quaker boarding school in England has several eighteenth- and nineteenth-century examples in its collection; schoolgirls often knitted them as "tokens of love" for their classmates. I don't know if I could bring myself to actually keep my straight-pins in this little work of art!

The pinball, like the tablecloth, is knitted with one strand of silk thread on size 6-0 needles. These will make absolutely lovely gifts for family and friends.

I just can't help smiling every time I look at the miniatures in this issue. I hope they make you smile, too!

—Jeane
Editor, PieceWork

P.S. If you are intrigued by miniatures, the 2010 PieceWork contest—Heart-Shaped Ornaments—will be perfect, and you could win $500 in cash or $200 in product from our sponsors! The ornaments, for any occasion, cannot be larger than 4 inches. We would love to be inundated with knitted ornaments. Be sure to check our website on October 16 or see the ad in the November/December issue for all the details.

Knitting Lace: Knitting Daily Presents 7 Free Knitted Lace Patterns

Are you addicted to lace knitting? Or maybe you've admired some of the gorgeous knitted lace patterns out there and want to give lace knitting a try? Here are seven of Interweave's top knitted lace patterns, gathered together in one FREE ebook for you.

Whether you are a first time lace knitter, or a seasoned expert, you'll enjoy the timeless beauty of knitting lace. Get these stunning projects that will continue to inspire, and be loved for generations to come. You'll want to make every one of these lace patterns, so download your free eBook now and get started (and don't forget to tell a friend so they can enjoy their own copy!)

Download Your Free Lace Patterns Today

7 Free Knit Cardigan Patterns!

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:00:00 GMT

I can already feel a chill in the air at night—a sure sign that fall is approaching. And what could be better to ward off that chill than a cardigan sweater? It can be thrown on over a tee shirt and worn open or it can be buttoned up under a blazer if it's a little chillier. In fact, its versatility is one of the best parts of a knit cardigan—you can wear it any way you need to, under or over, open or closed, dressed up or dressed down.

In our new free eBook, Knit Cardigan Patterns from Knitting Daily: 7 Free Knitting Patterns, Knitting Daily contributing editor Sandi Wiseheart has pulled together seven classic knit cardigan patterns from Interweave resources like Knitscene, Interweave Knits, and the Interweave Store.

We think each of the cardigans in this eBook are stand-outs in their class. Here's what Sandi has to say about her choices for the patterns in this free eBook:

The Katharine Hepburn Jacket by Kathy Zimmerman combines classy 1950s styling with a year-round blend of lace and tiny cables. The Amber Beaded Cardigan by Michele Rose Orne offers deceptively simple lace knitting in a flattering silhouette. (The beads are optional and sewn on after the knitting is done-clever!)

Then there's the Aran Duffle Coat by Judith L. Swartz, which from its cabled hood and lovely Aran cables to its big front pockets and deep ribbed cuffs, is a joy to snuggle into on a blustery winter's day. The Refined Aran Jacket by Pam Allen, a knitter's favorite since it first came out, is equally at home over a skirt in the office or over jeans out shopping.

In the Sienna Cardigan by Ann E. Smith, a classic V-neck cardigan shape is set off by a band of cabled lace down each front and an unusual picot-edged collar. The Side-Way Ribs Cardigan by Norah Gaughan is a quick, easy knit with thick yarn and big needles. Each piece starts at the cuff and ends at the center for a fun (and fashionable!) sideways project.

Finally, the Curry Cabled Cardigan by Cathy Payson shows off rivers of wide and narrow cables in graceful, flattering vertical "stripes" in a cozy classic sweater.

This is a wonderful and varied collection of cardigans—which is one of the most important pieces in your wardrobe. You'll want to make every one of these knit cardigan patterns, so download your free eBook now and get started!

Cheers,

Kathleen

Another Technique for Finishing: Crochet Edging

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:30:00 GMT

A Note from Kathleen: My main craft is knitting, but several years ago I took a crochet class because I expected that I might like that craft, too. And I do enjoy crocheting, especially for items like baby blankets--it's simply so much faster than knitting. What I didn't expect was that knowing how to crochet could bring so much to my knitting. I use crochet skills all the time; the crab stitch (sometimes called the "shrimp stitch" or "backwards single crochet") is a lovely finishing stitch for necklines and the front edges of cardigan sweaters. The edging options are endless, really--just check out the array of crocheted edging resources out there!

Here's Marcy Smith, editor of Interweave Crochet, to share a perfect crochet-ending to a knitting story.

Rescuing a UFO with Crochet

Maybe you're not like me. Maybe your gauge is always spot on and the vision you have for your garment works perfectly.

Maybe you don't have a box of false starts and “Good golly, what was I thinking?” portions of garments. Maybe you don't have things that are too big / too small / just plain unwearable.

Well, I've got them. And when I finally admit that the thing just isn't working, sometimes I rip it back to a ball right away. And sometimes I stuff it in the Denial Drawer. Deep inside. And the balance is again tipped between unfinished objects (UFOs) and finished objects (FOs).

A recent Feng Shui unearthed a vast expanse of knitted purple fabric that I recalled, after a moment, wanted to be a guernsey back in the day. It was HUGE. But the texture is intriguing and I can see why I didn't rip it back to its essence. It would make a good kid-size blanket, if it were jazzed up a bit. It was time to remedy the balance: this UFO could become an FO, with a little help.

Now, I like knitting as much as the next fiber gal, but I Do. Not. Like. To. Pick. Up. Stitches. Especially a gazillion stitches around the edge of a thing that I don't like all that much anymore. Given that option, I'd just as soon stuff it back in the Denial Drawer. But there's a better solution, one that is accessible to anyone who loves all things yarny: crochet.

That's right. Crochet. With crochet, you work with just one stitch at a time, creating the edge as you work around. And it doesn't really matter how many stitches you make, so long as they look pretty even when you're done. And when you're done, you're done. You don't have to bind off a gazillion stitches. Just one.

To finish my blanket, I used the Simple Shell Edging from The Harmony Guides: Crochet Edgings and Trims, hot off the press. This book will guide even the most novice crocheter through the process. The Simple Shell Edging is a two-row edging, with the first being a base row of single crochet.

Because the edges of my knitted swath are pretty even and stable, I was able to make it even simpler: I eliminated the base row. So I just commenced crocheting green shells around the purple swath until my UFO became an FO—just a different FO. (To see the specifics of where I decided to put my hook when making the edge, check out the blog on CrochetMe.)

And now all is harmonious: I have one less item in my stash of “good gollies” and Project Linus has one more item in its stash of blankets.

While many of you already subscribe to Interweave Knits, now is a great time to add Interweave Crochet to your tool box. Get a free trial issue of Interweave Crochet and discover more fabulous edging ideas, amazing sweater patterns, expert tips, and more. We're on the front lines of the crochet revolution and we'd love to have you join in!

Best,

Marcy
Editor, Interweave Crochet

Knit Cardigan Patterns From Knitting Daily: 7 FREE Knitting Patterns

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Inca Knits: Translating Incan Imagery into Beautiful Knits

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:23:00 GMT

With her designs inspired by Africa (Knitting Out of Africa) and Japan (Japanese Inspired Knits), Marianne Isager has taken us on quite a trip. Now she gives us Inca Knits, a book of beautiful designs that were conceived while Marianne travelled through Central America.

According to Marianne, "Latin America is a paradise of patterns and colors. Woven ponchos worn as outer garments, lovely old pottery, colors in the landscape, vegetables in the marketplaces, boats on the beach--all of these images from the Incan empire contributed to the garments in this book."

"Circles" of Beauty

I'm particularly taken with Circles, a reversible, double-knit sweater jacket. It's really beautiful and the technique is intriguing. Here's Marianne's description of this method:

"Double knitting produces two layers of fabric with a single pair of needles. The stitches are always worked in pairs, forming two separate stockinette-stitch layers that are worked with separate balls of yarn. One stitch of the pair is worked on the right side; the other stitch is worked on the wrong side. The right side of each layer faces outward and the wrong sides face together and therefore do not show. Reversible patterns form when the yarns for the two layers are interchanged."

There's a wonderful tutorial on double knitting in Inca Knits, which includes special increases, decreases, and bind offs used especially for double knitting.

Marianne says the Circle sweater was inspired by the circles design on the side of an ancient Peruvian pot. I'd love to see that pot, because this sweater is simply beautiful. The colorway is in rich earth tones, but I think this sweater would be equally stunning in cool water tones as well; I can imagine it in soothing blues and greens.

I love jacket-type sweaters, too, and because of the two layers this sweater could be worn as a winter coat in some warmer climates.

Bolivia: A Free Incan-Inspired Pattern from Marianne

While in Bolivia, Marianne experienced a vibrant marketplace in the capital, La Paz. This sweater was inspired by the "explosions of color" she saw there, especially in a beautiful woven belt. The labyrinth motif is interesting without being overwhelming, and the color choices are endless. Click here to download Bolivia.

This pattern is classified as an intermediate pattern because it requires steeking and stranded two-color knitting. Marianne provides a section on stranded knitting in Inca Knits, which will help you perfect your technique.

I find my biggest challenge is keeping my tension even so that the strand that's carried across the back of the knitting doesn't pull too tight and make the work pucker. That's something that takes practice, I've found; I have a tendency to zone out when I'm knitting and I have to make sure to stay focused on what I'm doing so I don't pull too tight. Like anything in knitting, stranded colorwork is an art and a skill, and practice makes perfect!

With all of the color options, this sweater will be as much fun to plan as it is to knit!

Cheers,
Kathleen

P.S. Check out our new Tuned in to Knitting Daily TV blog post. You'll be fascinated by the blanket project that's demonstrated this week.

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The Knit-a-Long Post (Plus the Kitchener Stitch and a Free Pattern!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Monkey Socks: Wrap-Up

Our first knit-a-long was a great success! When I started this knit-a-long back on July 1, I wasn't sure how it would go. I'm thrilled that Monkey Socks by Cookie A. were knit by about 20 people and to date there are 241 thoughts shared on the forum.

I'm so happy that so many of you knit the sock with me and took the time to share your tips and tricks along the way. We really created a nice community, didn't we? I'm especially glad this knit-a-long filled a knitting group need many of you have--sometimes it's hard to find knitting groups for a variety of reasons, and I'm glad you all found us! We learned about Judy and her RVing lifestyle, and we admired Terry's beautiful Jitterbug blue colorway, and we shared tips about knitting different heels and some lace tricks, too. I had a fabulous time with you all, and since I've only knit one sock so far, the fun will continue.

Here are a few photos of finished socks:

Free Slipper Pattern and a How-to Video about the Kitchener Stitch

For those of you still working on your socks, I thought you'd like a video tutorial on the Kitchener Stitch (also known as grafting). This is one of those things that I have to look up every time I do it, so here's a reference for you, too! (If you're more of a picture person than a video person, get yourself a copy of The Knitter's Companion by Vicki Square. This little book has lots of technique help, including the Kitchener stitch.)

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This segment is from Knitting Daily TV episode #208. If you missed any of season 2, order the DVD here!

And Now . . . the New Knit-a-Long!

Yep, it's a landslide victory for the Central Park Hoodie (1838 votes, 49.2% of total votes). YAHOO!!

I hope I didn't unduly influence you, but if I did, THANKS FOR VOTING FOR THE HOODIE! My beautiful pink Tahki Donegal Tweed thanks you, too. The Every Way Wrap came in second, followed by the Falling Leaves Scarf, the Diagonal Rib Socks, and the Feminine Mittens.

The original Hoodie is in the fall 2006 issue with sizing up to 48" bust. For those who need the plus-size version, purchase the pattern with the complete size range exclusively at the Interweave Store. Here's a quick summary of the project:

Finished Size: Sizes 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)" bust.
Yarn: Tahki Donegal Tweed (100% wool; 183 yd (167 m)/110 g): #803 yellow-green OR #869 dark-taupe (brown): 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 18, 20) skeins.
Yarn weight: #4 - Medium
Gauge: 17 sts and 24 rows = 4" in St st on larger needles.
Needles: Sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm) needles, or size to achieve gauge, Size 6 (4 mm): 32-40" circular needle
Notions: Cable needle (cn), Stitch markers, Stitch holders, Yarn needle, Buttons (optional), Crochet hook (optional)
Originally Published: Knitscene, Fall 2006

Since this is a big sweater, the KAL will last until the end of October, so check in to the new Knit-a-Long forum and let's start swatching together (yes, swatching, not knitting the actual pieces until we all get gauge!).

Get Your Free Ribby Slipper Pattern!

To celebrate the end (for some of us) of the Monkey Sock KAL, here's a free sock pattern: Ribby Slipper Socks by Cathy Carron. These are on my list for Christmas for my nephew, and I might add a doggie face or something like that because nephew Henry loves animal slippers! (You'll also find five other patterns when you download the Ribby Slipper Socks because it's part of our free ebook Easy Knits: 6 Free Easy Knitting Patterns from Knitting Daily.) Download your free eBook today and don't forget to forward this email on to friends who could also use some free easy knitting patterns!

Cheers!

Kathleen

By the way, I had the honor of meeting Cookie A. at the Sock Summit. See how thrilled I am to see her? She was gracious and so glad to hear about our KAL with the Monkey Sock. Hers was one of the longest lines in the book signing area, and I was happy to stand and knit my way to the end of it.

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Sock Summit Report (plus a sock cast-on lesson)

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:39:00 GMT

"Sock it to me" is such a cliché, but it's true this time--I've been socked with sock goodness! Yes, I was lucky enough to attend the Sock Summit in Portland, Oregon, this weekend. Actually, I was only there on Thursday and Friday because I had to come home and teach a sock class at my LYS on Saturday--the irony.

The party started at the opening night kick-off on Thursday night, when Stephanie Pearl McPhee and Tina Newton talked about how they fantasized about, conceptualized, and organized the summit. The speech was hilarious, of course, and at times very moving. They thanked all of the teachers and people who helped them on their journey, and as those people stood up, I realized the magnitude of this event. They thanked people like Meg Swanson, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Barbara Walker, Cookie A., Nancy Bush, Lucy Neatby, Cat Bordhi, and on and on and ON! It was a true meeting of the "knitteratti."

After the final standing ovation, we got to meet these folks, which was wonderful. Everyone was graceful and lovely; obviously they were as happy to be there as I was. (On a side note, I got to meet our own Sandi Wiseheart in person--finally--and she's just as sweet and welcoming as you would think she would be.) As I shook hands with Meg Swanson and then Barbara Walker, I realized how lucky I am to be working in knitting--meeting some of my idols and teachers (I've learned so much through these gals' books) as part of my job. Wow!

I got to knit a few stitches on the World's Largest Sock (photo at right), a traveling art piece that's truly incredible. There were probably eight of us seated comfortably around a table knitting on the same sock. So much fun to be a part of that.

The Sock Museum was also a highlight. There were sock examples for each decade, starting with the dawn of time. My favorites were the Confederate and Union socks sitting right next to each other--the North and South of sock knitting. There was also a fabulous stocking from the late 1800s. It was a really neat collection.

At right are the fab rainbow stockings that were the show-stopper of the Thursday night party. This gal sat on the stage and posed for photo after photo. Wonderful work here!

I met Brian (photo at left) from Skacel, who's in the process of knitting seven pairs of socks at once on a 100-inch number 1 needle.--one pair for each day of the week! The seven balls of yarn are held in a shoe caddy. Brilliant.

When I was driving in from the airport, I tuned in the local PBS station and who should I hear but Cat Bordhi! A local program was doing a special on the Sock Summit and sock knitting in general, and Cat was talking about the culture of knitting. She said something that really hit me in the heart when she was talking about how knitters form communities. She said that when knitters get together and knit, they become the best versions of themselves. I saw that over and over at the Sock Summit.

The overall feeling at the summit was one of friendship and kinship. I didn't really know anyone there very well, but I was welcomed by all and I felt like I was walking into a family reunion of sorts--I was welcomed as a longtime friend.

Perfect Sock Cast-On

In the spirit of the teaching and learning that took place at the summit, here's a lesson from Nancy Bush, Sock Summit teacher, about an Estonian cast-on that's perfect to use for socks because it's so stretchy. I like this cast-on because the space from my heel to where the top of my foot meets my leg is a little bigger than average, and if I'm going to have trouble with a sock fitting, it's going to be there. I always cast-on loosely, but I don't like the look of a really loose cast-on because it can be messy and "loopy." This cast-on is naturally stretchy without looking loose. Try it on your next pair of socks!

Speaking of your next pair, Nancy has written several classic sock knitting books, including Knitting on the Road, Knitting Vintage Socks, Folk Socks, and the wildly popular lace book, Knitted Lace of Estonia. If you don't have at least one of these sock books, you are missing out on some amazing sock-knitting opportunities!

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It's been such a pleasure to write this post--I hope some of the inspiration I got at Sock Summit rubs off on you and your knitting.

Cheers!

Kathleen

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Knitted Edging: The Perfect Match (and voting for a new KAL!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:16:00 GMT

A Happy Edging

A friend of mine just finished a garter stitch baby blanket and when my knitting group saw the finished product we decided it needed a border of some sort.

My friend didn't want a plain garter border, so I pulled out the new Harmony Guide, Knit Edgings and Trims: 150 Stitches, and we looked through it and found the perfect border: Garter Stitch Points. (When the blanket is finished, I'll post a photo.)

Here's the pattern in case you have a garter stitch blanket that's lonley for its perfect border.

Worked from bottom edge upwards.
Ends with multiple of 13 sts.
Note: Each point is worked separately and then joined on one row.

Cast on 2 sts.
1st row: K2.
2nd row: Yo, k2. (3sts)
3rd row: Yo, k3. (4sts)
4th row: Yo, k4. (5sts)
5th row: Yo, k5. (6sts)
6th row: Yo, k6. (7sts)
7th row: Yo, k7. (8sts)
8th row: Yo, k8. (9sts)
9th row: Yo, k9. (10sts)
10th row: Yo, k10. (11 sts)
11th row: Yo, k11. (12 sts)
12th row: Yo, k12. (13 sts)

1st to 12th rows form one point. Cut yarn and leave finished point on needle. On the same needle, cast on 2 sts and work 2nd point.
Cont this way until there are as many points as required.
Do not cut yarn after completing the last point, but turn and knit across all points on needle.
Work 9 rows in garter stitch.
These 21 rows form the edging.
Bind off or cont as required.
Weave in loose ends.

I really like this border because it's simple but interesting, and since it's in garter stitch it'll go perfectly with the blanket. A lot of edgings are so ornate (and beautiful!) that they don't go with simple stitch patterns, but with this book you'll find an edging or trim that'll work for anything from simple garter stitch to fancy lace.

In fact, as my friend and I were looking through Knit Edgings and Trims, we found so many lovely borders it got me thinking about other projects to add borders to. I think mittens would be a great project to add a border to--just make a pair of plain stockinette mittens with a very short cuff, and add one of the fabulous borders to the cuffs instead of knitting the cuffs from the mitten pattern. How easy is that? Or add one of the borders to the waist of a cardigan instead of doing the ribbing or whatever waist treatment is called for in your pattern. There's lots of ways to use these borders--just looking through the book will inspire you.

All of the Harmony Guides are fantastic, and this one is no exception. You should also check out Crochet Edgings and Trims. Sometimes a crocheted border is just the ticket to finish a knitted project.

The first knit-a-long in the Kathleen's Knit-a-long forum has been a smashing success. Working through the Monkey Sock pattern together has been a blast: and we've all gotten great tips and inspiration, and we've made some new friends, too! Our next KAL will start on Monday, August 17. If you haven't finished your Monkey Socks, don't panic--the forum will stay alive as long as you need it to.

Here are some options for the next project in Kathleen's Knit-a-long. Please take the survey and tell me which project you want to knit.

Central Park Hoodie (please, please. . .)

Diagonal Rib Socks

Every Way Wrap

Feminine Mittens

Leaves on the Path Scarf

I'm off to the Sock Summit in Portland, Oregon--so tune in next week for some photos and stories from the Summit!

Have a great weekend,

Kathleen

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Knitting Tip: Counting Cable Rows (and the Heather Hoodie Vest)

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:00 GMT

I think we might have an instant classic on our hands, folks! The response to the Heather Hoodie Vest from the fall 2009 Knitscene is causing a stir all over the web and in LYSs--and basically anywhere knitters and Knitscene meet!

People are comparing the vest to the venerable Central Park Hoodie, which so many of you have knit and loved, and I think the Heather Hoodie Vest deserves the comparison.

With its lovely cable detailing amid swaths of clean stockinette, the Heather Hoodie Vest will be flattering on many bodies. I really love how the hood grows organically out of the stockinette section on the back of the vest, with that wide ribbing all around the edges to the button band. I really like the tone-on-tone buttons, too, but I know there are people out there who are going to jazz it up with some fab button choices, or maybe even a zipper instead of buttons.

And Lamb's Pride Bulky is so nice to work with--that slight mohair aura is really beautiful, and at 3.5 stitches to the inch, the vest is a fast knit, too. The Lamb's Pride Bulky color choices are almost endless--good luck deciding on a colorway!

This kind of casual styling is perfect for fall; I can imagine wearing this vest to a football game in early October, for instance, or to the last of the farmers' markets before they close for the winter.

The cable work on this project isn't difficult, but there is a technique from this issue of Knitscene that I want to share with you.

Counting rows is something that we come across all the time in knitting, and it's usually an easy task. In stockinette stitch, you simply count a column of knit stitches and each stitch in the column counts as one row.

In reverse stockinette stitch, you count each purl bump in a column, and each bump counts as one row.

In garter stitch, each garter ridge equals two rows, so you count each ridge and multiply by two.

I always knit the first and last stitch of any garment piece, which makes for easy seaming because it gives you a nice garter column at each edge, and I can count the rows easily since each of the bumps at the edge equals two rows just like each garter ridge in a garter stitch project equals two rows.

So I'll bet you're thinking "Counting rows--why is she talking about this, it's so easy!" Well, I'm talking about it because I want to pass on some tricks from Kristin Roach about counting your rows in a cable, which, if you've done cable work, you know isn't as easy as it sounds.

All patterns call for cable crossings to be done every such-and-such number of rows, but it's difficult to count rows from a crossing because the stitches are distorted when they're pulled across each other. I never used to be sure exactly which row was the crossed row, but I'm confident in my counting after reading these tips in Kristin's Knitscene article.

Place the tip of your needle at the hole in your cable (where it twists). That is your cable row. From there you can count rows up or down (see the illustration at left). Count each V from the row after the crossing row (where the point of your needle is) including the stitches on your needle-here there are 5 rows after the cable row. You don't want to count the cross row itself if you are trying to determine how many rows have been worked since the cross.

You can also place a stitch marker in the last stitch of the cable when you work your cable cross row. Count the Vs worked since the marked stitch to check which row you're on. Just remember to place a new marker each time you work a cross row. If you're working multiple traveling cables, this is very helpful. Place a stitch marker in each cable.

Thanks, Kristin, I know we'll use this tip a lot.

Happy counting!

--Kathleen

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Knitting Tech: Reversible Cables and the Rivulet Scarf

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:23:00 GMT

When I see an Aran sweater my heart skips a beat. Oh, how I want to knit one of those beautiful, heavily cabled and patterned beauties. I've seen so many variations of the Aran sweater, but one of my favorites is this lovely cardigan jobbie--the Pewter Coat. I'm thinking of making this in the fall, but the Central Park Hoodie is next on the list, so the Pewter Coat will be second (or maybe third after a scarf that I just bought yarn for. . .). I guess the Central Park Hoodie is sort of an Aran project, though, with all of those cable sections.

And Another Thing About Cables . . .

I've been bombarding you with info on how to knit cables, and this post is no exception! In the new issue of Knits, there's a fab scarf by Rebecca Daniels, the Rivulet Scarf (click here for the free pattern) which is a wonderful cabled piece that looks great on both sides--something you don't see often in a cabled scarf. In fact, I once knit a cabled scarf project and did one end frontwards and one end backwards so that when I wrapped the scarf around my neck both of the cable fronts showed. I knit half of the scarf and then reversed the pattern so I was knitting the right side rows on the wrong side. I'm nothing if not determined!

I think you'll agree with me that most knitters love a well-placed cable, and with the reversible Rivulet Scarf, you don't have to go to drastic lengths like I did to get a cabled scarf to look good on both sides. (If you're new to cabling, see this Knitting Daily post for a basic cable video tutorial).

In most cabled projects, the cables are placed next to sections of stockinette stitch, reverse stockinette stitch, seed stitch, or some other background. This is necessary to make the cables stand out; if your cables are in stockinette and the background of the project is also stockinette, the cables blend a bit. (Some patterns call for this, but it's usually not the norm in cabled projects.) Because of this patterning, cabled projects are NOT reversible. In fact, the wrong side looks just plain weird--the cable crossings look like lumps in the fabric and it's obvious that you're looking at the back of the patterned panels (unless they're seed stitch or some other reversible pattern).

Making cables reversible uses one of those techniques that when you see what it is, you say, "Of course! Why didn't I think of that?" All you do is knit the cable in 1 X 1rib--there's no right or wrong side, just like in any 1 X 1 rib project: a waistband, cuffs, a collar, or even a whole ribbed sweater. You can't really see the rib on a reversible cable--you have to stretch it out to see the purls--but it makes a really dense, warm fabric. The 1 X 1 rib naturally pulls in on itself, hiding the purls, (which are actually the knitted stitches that show on the back of the scarf) and that's the magic of the reversible cable.

This scarf is a great knit for many reasons, but one of them is that the gauge--worsted weight on size 9 needles--makes it a really fast and rewarding project. Use the called-for yarn or try something with a little sheen--maybe a silk if you want a "cooler" scarf, or even a sock yarn for a finer guage. You can use any gauge for this pattern, you'll just have to cast on more stitches if you use a finer yarn.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

We feature the Rivulet Scarf on Knitting Daily TV this season, as an example of how to knit reversible cables. Here's that segment, with Eunny Jang, editor of Interweave Knits, showing you how to knit a reversible cable.

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This clip is from Knitting Daily TV episode 301, which airs on your public television station. Click here to order the DVDs, or here to get a programming schedule. And click here to see more than 30 new free patterns from series 300 of KDTV!

Happy cabling!

--Kathleen

P.S. Check out the new Inside Knits and Inside Knitscene blogs!