The Weekly Stitch

Turkish Stitch

2012-02-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

Sample knit with Royal Bamboo from Plymouth Yarn on US Size 7 square needles

This weeks stitch pattern is short, sweet and to the point. This would make a great spring or summer scarf, or even a shawl or wrap, maybe a beach coverup.

The pattern suggests an extra stitch on each edge for "continuity". My sample was knit with the suggested extra stitch on each edge; the edges were very sloppy for my taste. Depending on what you are knitting, you will probably want to add a more substantial border.

Abbreviations:

YO = Yarn over

K-wise = Insert right needle into next stitch as if to knit, but don't work the stitch, just slip off left needle

PSSO = Pass the slipped stitch over the one just knit

Cast on any even number (plus desired number of edge stitches, which are not included in the instructions below)

*YO, Slip 1 K-wise, K1, PSSO*

That's it. You will repeat this for both sides of the fabric.

And here is the video. Happy Knitting and Enjoy!

Shell Lace Edging - Fifth in the Vintage Stitch Series

2012-02-10T15:50:00.000-08:00

This sample knit with Butterfly Cotton on US Size 6 needles

There was no picture accompanying this stitch pattern, so I was very pleasantly surprised after I had finished the first repeat of it! This is one of the prettiest stitches I think I have ever seen! And it is easy to remember too even though it is a 12 Row repeat. I found this gem of an edging in the NY Daily Tribune for February 29, 1880. It was submitted by a Mrs. T. H. Corbett.

Notes:

The first stitch of every row is slipped as if to purl, with the yarn held at the front of the work. (The pattern does not state to slip the first stitch on the plain knitted rows, and did not indicate how the stitch is to be slipped. I decided to slip the first stitch on all of the rows pwise wyif, so that I would have nice, neat edges.)
You will be making a double yarn over on several of the rows; on the following row, you will be working both of these yarn overs - the first is knit, and the second is always purled.

Cast on 9 stitches

Row 1: Slip 1, K1 [(YO twice, K2tog) 3 times] K1

Row 2: Slip 1, K2, P1, K2, P1, K2, P1, K2

Row 3: Slip 1, Knit

Row 4: Slip 1, Knit

Row 5: Slip 1, K1, YO twice, K2tog, K8

Row 6: Slip 1, K9, P1, K2

Row 7: Slip 1, Knit

Row 8: Slip 1, Knit

Row 9: Slip 1, K1, [(YO twice, K2tog) 2 times] K7

Row 10: Slip 1, K8, P1, K2, P1, K2

Row 11: Slip 1, Knit

Row 12: Slip 1, K6 - Pass the first 6 stitches over the stitch just knit, K8

Repeat these twelve Rows for the pattern

Here is a sample I knit on Size 10 Crochet thread with US Size 0 needles. It is hard to tell in the picture, but obviously the stitches are much smaller with the lighter cotton thread and smaller needles. It makes a more dainty piece of fabric. You will see the difference in the video.

And here is a video of the Shell Lace Edging. Happy Knitting, and Enjoy!

Cobweb Frill

2012-02-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

Araucania Ruca yarn

I have been a long time fan of the Cobweb Frill, however have been too scared to even test it out, let alone use it on a project. Until now. I suppose I've been afraid because dropping stitches is involved. As a knitter, most of the time we do everything we can to keep from dropping stitches. Panic normally ensues when a stitch is dropped, and even worse if that stitch should start to unravel! It is hard to convince ourselves it is ok to intentionally drop stitches, and let them unravel clear back to the cast on edge. But fear no more! This is a beautiful thing, so go ahead and drop those stitches!

Patons Angora Bamboo yarn

Work on a multiple of 3 +1

Ktbl = Knit through the back loop

Part One
Row 1: Ktbl *P2, Ktbl*
Row 2: P1 *Ktbl, K1, P1*

Repeat the above two rows until frill is the desired length. Be sure to end on Row 2.

Next Row: Ktbl *Drop next stitch from left needle without working it, P1, Ktbl*

Part Two
Row 1: P1 *Ktbl, P1*
Row 2: Ktbl *P1, Ktbl*

Repeat these two rows twice more. Unravel the dropped stitches do the cast on edge.

If you plan to sew the frill onto an already completed piece, then bind off at this point. Or, you may simply continue on to knitting your main pattern. Do keep in mind that 1/3 of the stitches are going to be dropped, so you will need to make sure you account for those stitches when casting on, if you are going to go straight into your main pattern.

If you are comfortable with dropping stitches, you may want to check out Clapotis, by Kate Gilbert. This fabulous scarf appeared in the Fall 2004 issue of Knitty.

Here is the video. Happy Knitting and Enjoy!

Sandstorm Cable

2012-02-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

I usually don't do cable stitches, because they tend to be more involved than other stitch patterns. However, this particular stitch pattern was requested by someone who saw it in my blanket in the "Oops" video. So, here it is!

Work on a multiple of 12 stitches + 6 (You will need to have extra stitches on each edge to neaten them up keep the fabric in shape. (Cables tend to pull fabric inward - you can see this in the sample in the video.)

Notes:

To Cable Front: Slip next 3 stitches to cable needle, and hold in front of the work. Knit 3 from left needle, then knit the 3 from cable needle.
To Cable Back, slip next 3 stitches to cable needle, and hold in back of the work. Knit 3 from left needle, then knit the 3 from cable needle.

Row 1: Knit all stitches

Row 2 and every alternate Row: Purl all stitches

Row 3: *Cable 6 front, K6*. Repeat from * to last 6 stitches, Cable 6 front

Row 5: Knit all stitches

Row 7: *K6, Cable 6 back*. Repeat from * to last 6 stitches, K6

*Don't forget Row 8 - a purl row

Repeat these 8 Rows for pattern.

Here is a video - I only show Row 3 and Row 7 where the cables are worked, to save time. Happy Knitting!

Sheaves of Wheat

2012-01-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Sample knit with Auracania Azapa on US Size 10 needles

This stitch was requested by one of my YouTube Knit Friends

This stitch definitely looks much better with a border - I used a Seed Stitch border on the sample, but I think a Garter Stitch border may look better. Maybe an eyelet border would be nice. Whatever suits your taste.

Work on a multiple of 6 +1

To make the Wrap: Insert right needle between the 4th and 5th stitches on left needle. Pull yarn through between stitches. Knit 4, then pick up the loop from right needle with left needle and pass it over the 4 stitches just knit. It may take some practice to get the tension on the loop just right. Too long, and the wrap will be loose. Not long enough, and the wrap will be too tight. It isn't as hard as it sounds - the video below shows how the wrap is made.

Row 1: *K4, P2*, Repeat from * to last stitch, K1

Row 2: P1, *K2, P4*
Row 3: *Make Wrap, P2*, Repeat from * to last stitch, K1
Row 4: P1, *K2, P4*
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: Purl
Row 7: K1, *P2, K4*
Row 8: *P4, K2*, Repeat from * to last stitch, P1
Row 9: K1, *P2, Make Wrap*
Row 10: *P4, K2*, Repeat from * to last stitch, P1
Row 11: Knit
Row 12: Purl

Repeat these 12 rows for pattern

Here is the video. I just show how to make the wraps - the entire pattern is not demonstrated

Happy Knitting and Enjoy!

Double Andalusian Stitch

2012-01-27T07:01:00.000-08:00

Sample knit with Caron Simply Soft on US Size 6 needles

Also try the Andalusian Stitch

Cast on a multiple of 3 +1

Row 1: (Right Side) Knit all stitches

Row 2: Purl all stitches

Row 3: Knit all stitches

Row 4: P1 *K2, P1*

Repeat these four rows for the pattern

Here is the video. Happy Knitting and Enjoy!

Grass Stitch

2012-01-20T06:21:00.000-08:00

Sample knit with Patons Silk Bamboo on US Size 9 needles

I recommend a border for this stitch, it makes a pretty sloppy edge and curls a bit

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches

Row 1: (Right side) *K1, Slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, K1, YO, Pass slipped stitch over both the knit stitch and the YO, K1*

Row 2: Purl all stitches

Repeat these two rows for the pattern

Here is the video. Happy Knitting and Enjoy!

Wisteria Stitch

2012-01-13T14:44:00.000-08:00

Sample knit on worsted weight yarn, US Size 6 needles

This stitch pattern makes very sloppy edges - I would definitely add a border of some sort to neaten it up

Notes:

On Row 2, the first slipped stitch is slipped with the yarn in the back. The second slipped stitch is done with the yarn held in the front
On Row 3, you will be working the slipped stitch and the yarn over from Row 2 at the same time, making 3 new stitches

Cast on any multiple of 5

Row 1: Purl all stitches (Right side)

Row 2: *Slip 1 knitwise, K1, Pass the slipped stitch over, YO, Slip one purlwise, K2tog*

Row 3: *P1, (Knit, Purl, Knit) into the Slipped stitch and the YO from previous row, P1*

Repeat from Row 2 for pattern

As always, here is a video of the stitch. Happy Knitting and Enjoy!

Grid Stitch

2012-01-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

This stitch pattern is short and sweet, and produces a nice textured fabric.

The edges are pretty sloppy, so I recommend adding an extra stitch (at the minimum) on each side to neaten it up. Personally, I would add a seed stitch border, about 3-4 stitches on each side in addition to a few seed stitch rows at the top and bottom, which is my go-to method of preventing sloppy edges. Depends on your taste and what you plan to use the stitch for, of course!

Cast on a multiple of 2 +1

Row 1: K1, P1 across row
Row 2: Work each stitch as it appears - knit the knits, purl the purls
Rows 3 and 4: Knit all stitches

Repeat these 4 Rows for pattern

Here is the video. Happy Knitting, and Enjoy!

Herringbone Stitch

2011-12-31T15:23:00.000-08:00

Sample knit with Araucania Azapa on US Size 11 needles

This weeks stitch was requested by one of my YouTube friends.

There are a number of stitches named herringbone. Some look like the one above, some do not.

I used the Twice Knit Knitting method to do this weeks stitch, and the instructions below are also in Barbara Walker's Second Treasury as I have them below. She calls it Double Stockinette or Little Herringbone stitch.

This particular method creates a very dense fabric, so you should use a larger needle than called for on your ball band. Even a lighter weight yarn will yield a fairly dense fabric when knit with larger needles.

Cast on any number of stitches

Row 1: K2tog through the back loop - drop only the first stitch from the left needle, the second stitch should remain on left needle. Knit next two stitches through the back loop, dropping only the first stitch from left needle as before. Continue working in this manner to last stitch, Knit one as normal.

Row 2: P2tog, dropping only the first stitch from left needle. Purl next two stitches together, dropping only first stitch as before. Continue working in this manner to last stitch, Purl one as normal.

Repeat these two rows.

And here is the video:

Zig Zag or Chevron Stitch

2011-12-26T14:04:00.000-08:00

This sample knit as per pattern below, in Lily Sugar n Cream Cotton Yarn on US Size 6 needles

This sample was knit in Lily Sugar n Cream on US Size 9 needles, all in garter sitch

This sample was knit in Lily Sugar n Cream on US Size 10 needles, and I used a YO instead of KFB to increase

This stitch pattern was requested by one of my YouTube friends! Before I get into the details, I want to share a short story about this stitch pattern with you. Back when I first began knitting, I came across this particular stitch, I think on a website. The picture of the stitch did not show the points at the bottom of the fabric, just the middle of the sample. I did not know the stitch would cause the fabric to come to points, and so as I was knitting my scarf, and the points were forming, I was a little concerned but not much. I figured that I could block it into shape! (I don't know why I thought the fabric was not supposed to do this, but I did.) I was using a cheap acrylic yarn, and of course blocking did not help. So I decided to iron it instead. No matter how hard I tried, I could not get rid of those points! I did do a pretty good job of completely flattening the yarn though. I never wore the scarf, and am not even sure what ever happened to it. At some later time, I came across this stitch pattern again, where someone did show the points in their picture, and I felt like a complete idiot. So, just incase you, dear knitter, are not aware that this stitch pattern will produce lovely points on your fabric, I have made sure that the points are included in the sample pictures above.

Now. Here are the details. The instructions below will give you fabric that looks like the first picture, with the black and white yarn. You certainly are not limited to only two colors, or to switching colors after Row 4. Feel free to use as many or few colors as you like, and switch them as often as you like.

You may also see this stitch pattern named Afghan Stitch - there are a number of variations on this stitch pattern. Whatever you call it, or whatever particular method you use, you will end up with something that looks like the pictures above.

And I always assume that you will be watching the video, in which I usually tell you what the abbreviations are for, but if not:

KFB = Knit into the front and back of the next stitch

SSK = Slip the next two stitches knitwise, one at a time, and then knit them together through the back loop. I actually like to slip the second stitch purlwise, but most of the time patterns will instruct you to slip both knitwise. Either way will work, but I find that by slipping the second stitch purlwise, it makes the stitches a bit neater

K2tog = Knit the next two stitches together as if they were one

Cast on a multiple of 14 + 2

Rows 1 and 3: Purl all stitches

Rows 2 and 4: K1, KFB, K4, SSK, K2tog, K4 *KFB, KFB, K4, SSK, K2tog, K4* Repeat from * to last 2 stitches, KFB, K1

Repeat these 4 rows for the pattern.

And here is the video. Enjoy!

Knotted Open Work and Open Star Stitch

2011-12-17T12:01:00.000-08:00

Open Star Stitch, Lily Sugar n Cream, US Size 6 needles

Knotted Open Work, Lily Sugar n Cream, US Size 6 needles

Knotted Open Work was a requested stitch, and when I was looking through my stitch books to see if it was known by another name, I found Open Star Stitch. They are almost identical, except that Open Star Stitch is more knotty and textured.

Both are worked on a multiple of 3 stitches, plus 3

Open Star Stitch:

Row 1: (Wrong Side) K2, *YO, K3 - then pass the first stitch over the second and third sts* Repeat from * to last stitch, K1

Row 2: Knit all stitches

Row 3: K1, *K3 - then pass the first stitch over the second and third sts, YO* Repeat from * to last two stitches, K2

Row 4: Knit all stitches

Repeat these 4 Rows for pattern

Knotted Open Work:

Row 1: (Right Side) K2, *YO, K3 - then pass the first stitch over the second and third sts* Repeat from * to last stitch, K1

Row 2: Purl all stitches

Row 3: K1, *K3 - then pass the first stitch over the second and third sts, YO* Repeat from * to last two stitches, K2

Row 4: Purl all stitches

Repeat these 4 Rows for pattern

Here is a video with both stitches. Enjoy!

Trellis Lace, Vertical Version

2011-12-12T12:15:00.000-08:00

Sample knit with Lily Sugar n Cream cotton on US Size 6 needles

A couple of weeks or so ago, I posted this stitch pattern for either left or right slanting fabric, and noted that I would be posting the vertical version at some point in the future, or sooner if requested. It was requested, so here is the pattern for the vertical version of Trellis Lace!

Work on an odd number of stitches

Rows 1 and 3: Purl all stitches

Row 2: K1, *YO, K2tog* Repeat from * to end of row

Row 4: *SSK, YO* Repeat from * to last stitch, K1

Repeat these four rows for the pattern

Here is the video. Enjoy!

Waterfall Stitch

2011-12-09T06:10:00.001-08:00

Sample knit with Lily Sugar n Cream Cotton on US Size 6 needles

Cast on a multiple of 6 plus 3

Row 1: K3, *P3, K3* (This is the wrong side of the fabric)

Row 2: P3, *K3, YO, P3*

Row 3: K3, *P4, K3*

Row 4: P3, *K1, K2tog, YO, K1, P3*

Row 5: K3, *P2, P2tog, K3*

Row 6: P3, K1, YO, K2tog, P3*

Repeat these 6 Rows for the pattern

And here is the video. Enjoy!

Rickrack Rib

2011-12-04T12:40:00.001-08:00

Sample knit with Araucania Ruca on US Size 6 needles

I think this is my new favorite rib stitch! How cool is that zig zag effect?! The look is achieved by working stitches out of order on each side of the fabric. Looks like you did a lot of work, but this is really an easy stitch to master. The first couple rows or so were a little tight for me, but once I got going I didn't have any problems. It is also a tiny bit tricky working the stitches, but you will be zipping along once your hands get used to the motion.

Work on a multiple of 3 stitches, plus 1

Row 1: P1, *Knit through the back loop of the second stitch on the left needle, then knit through the front of the first stitch, and drop them both from the needle at the same time, P1*

Row 2: K1, *Purl the second stitch on the left needle, then purl the first stitch, and drop them both from the needle at the same time, K1*

Repeat these two rows for the pattern.

Here is the video. Enjoy!

Trellis Lace

2011-12-01T11:02:00.001-08:00

Sample knit with Butterfly Cotton on US Size 6 needles

This beautiful lace stitch is very easy to do, and only a two row repeat. As you can see from the picture, this can be knit to slant either to the left or the right. (There is also a pattern for vertical trellis lace, which I will probably post at some point in the future - or sooner if asked!)

Abbreviations used in the pattern:

YO - yarn over

K2tog - knit two together

SSK - slip, slip, knit -- typically you will see instructions tell you to slip the two sts knitwise, which is fine. Myself, I slip the first knitwise and the second purlwise, which I think makes the decrease a bit neater. But it is up to you how you slip the stitches.

Work on an even number of stitches

Right Slant:

Row 1: K1, *YO, K2tog* Repeat from * to last stitch, K1

Row 2: Purl all stitches

Left Slant:

Row 1: K1, *SSK, YO* Repeat from * to last stitch, K1

Row 2: Purl all stitches

See, I told you it was easy!

Here is the video. Enjoy!

Ribbon Stitch

2011-11-27T12:22:00.001-08:00

Ribbon Stitch Sample knit with Caron Simply Soft on US size 9 needles

How pretty is this? I thought it was time for a little color work. I don't often knit with more than one color, but this stitch makes me want to! It is much easier than it looks too.

This pattern begins with 10 rows, then after the initial 10 rows you will only be repeating 3-10. Row 1 is a knit row, and Row 2 is a purl row, which gives you a stockinette base. Despite being all knit/purl rows, this fabric lays flat; there is no curling. I think the edges are pretty darn sloppy, even though the pattern suggests an extra stitch on each edge for neatness. I would probably add a few more stitches to the edges for a more significant border.

Work on a multiple of 4 stitches, plus 3 - plus 2 more, one for each edge (My sample was worked on 13 stitches. Multiple of 4 is 8, plus 3 = 11 stitches for the pattern, plus the 2 edge stitches = 13 stitches total)

You will need two different colors of yarn. Choose any colors you like - they can be complimentary, or contrasting colors. If it looks good to you, then you've chosen the right colors! (For the record, I like pink and red together, even though they "clash". Remember, there are no rules.)

Pattern notes:

Pwise = purlwise - as if to purl

wyib = with the yarn held in back of the work

wyif = with the yarn held in front of the work

With Color A

Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches

Row 2 : Purl all stitches

With Color B

Row 3: K1 (edge st) *K3, Sl 1 pwise wyib* Repeat from * to last 4 stitches - K3, then K1 (edge st)

Row 4: K1, K3, *Sl 1 pwise wyif, K3* Repeat from * to last stitch, K1

With Color A

Row 5: Knit all stitches

Row 6: Purl all stitches

With Color B

Row 7: K1, *K1, Sl 1 pwise wyib, K2* Repeat from * to last 4 stitches, K1, Sl 1 pwise wyib, K1, then K1 (edge st)

Row 8: K1 (edge st) K1, Sl 1 pwise wyif, K1, *K2, Sl 1 pwise wyif, K1* Repeat from * to last stitch, K1 (edge st)

With Color A

Row 9: Knit all stitches

Row 10: Purl all stitches

Repeat from ROW 3 for pattern.

And here is the video. Enjoy!

Veil Stitch

2011-11-20T14:26:00.001-08:00

Sample knit with Araucania Ruca on US Size 9 needles

I have been wanting to learn this stitch for ages! However, the written instructions stumped me to no end. It just didn't make sense to me. Recently my sister was here for a visit, so I asked her to see if she could figure it out. Of course, she did! She has a knack for being good at all things crafty and creative. I think it took her all of 10 minutes to master Veil Stitch!

Not so much a stitch as it is a technique, Veil Stitch elongates and twists the stitches and produces a mesh-like fabric that is beautiful. I debated whether or not to even post written instructions or not, since it is hard to describe - and I decided that along with a few pictures, it might make a little sense. There is a video of course, so if the pictures and words don't make sense, give the video a try. You probably won't get it the first (or second, or third) time you try, but don't give up!! Once your hands get used to the movements, it's a piece of cake! I promise. And you will be glad once you get the hang of it.

First, in words and pictures:

Work on any number of stitches you like.

1: Insert the right needle into the next stitch on your left needle, as if to knit. Do not make a knit stitch though!

2: Bring the working yarn between the needles to the front of the work

3: Take the yarn over the top of the left needle, and over the top of the right needle

4: Take the yarn under the right needle, and then over again

5: Pull the yarn through the front leg of your original stitch from the left needle - just as you would for a normal knit stitch and let the yarn drop from the left needle.

Repeat steps 1-5. Both sides of the fabric are worked in the same manner

Confused?? I was. Here are a few pictures that may help

Insert the right needle into the next stitch on your left needle, as you would for a normal knit stitch

Bring the working yarn between the needles - the yarn should be going over the top of the left needle

Now, take the yarn over the top of the right needle. Do you see how the yarns form an 'X'? The strand that is slanting from left to right, is the front leg of the stitch on the left needle.

Next, take the yarn under the right needle, and over the top again

Pull the yarn through the front leg of the original stitch on the left needle - just as you would when making a normal knit stitch. Your needle is already through the front leg of that stitch, all you are doing now is pulling the wrap from the step above back through that original stitch. Remember the 'X' your yarn made? You are pulling the yarn through the bottom of the 'X'.

Finally, here is the video, which along with the pictures I hope will help you to get the hang of Veil Stitch. Good luck and Enjoy!

Lorne Pattern - Fourth in the Vintage Stitch Series

2011-11-11T13:10:00.001-08:00

Sample knit with Caron Simply Soft on US size 7 needles

This is the next stitch in the Vintage Series that I love. This one comes from The Lady's Knitting Book, Second Series published in 1881 by E. M. C.

The pattern calls for "plus 2" stitches - one to be knit on each edge. If using this stitch alone in your pattern, I would add a few more to make a wider border, because the edges look a little sloppy to me. If you are a tight knitter, try to loosen up a bit, or use a larger needle so the 'knit 3 together' will be a bit easier on you.

Cast on a multiple of 5 stitches plus 2

Row 1: K1, *K2, YO, K3tog, YO*, repeat from * to end, Knit last stitch

Row 2: K1, *P3, K2*, repeat from * to end, Knit last stitch

Row 3: K1, *P2, K3*, repeat from * to end, Knit last stitch

Repeat these three rows for pattern.

And here is the video. Enjoy!

Ripple Stitch

2011-11-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

Sample knit with Patons Silk Bamboo on US 7 needles

I've decided to post an additional stitch for this week, since "A Pretty Stitch" is a duplicate :0) Also, this stitch was used in one of the scarves I showed you in my How to Knit a Scarf video, and someone had asked about the pattern. There is no pattern for the scarf itself, I made it up and didn't bother to write it down. I just added a simple garter/yarn over border to the Ripple Stitch pattern to make the scarf.

Work on a multiple of 5 stitches, plus 2

Pattern Note: All slipped stitches are to be slipped purl-wise, with the yarn held in the front of the work (wyif)

Row 1: K1, *P1, Sl2 wyif, P2tog, YO*, K last stitch

Row 2 and all even numbered Rows: Purl all stitches

Row 3: K1, *Sl2, P2tog, YO, P1*, Knit last stitch

Row 5: K1, Sl1, *P2tog, YO, P1, Sl2*, end last repeat with Sl1, and Knit last stitch

Row 7: K1, *P2tog, YO, P1, Sl2*, Knit last stitch

Row 9: K1, P2, *Sl2, P2tog, YO, P1*, end last repeat with Sl2, P1, and Knit last stitch

Repeat these 10 Rows for pattern.

And here is the video. Enjoy!

A Pretty Stitch: Third in the Vintage Stitch Series

2011-11-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

Sample knit with Patons Angora Bamboo on US 7 needles

This weeks stitch comes from My Knitting Book, by Miss Lambert, which was published in 1845. There is no real name for this stitch. The book simply calls it "A pretty stitch for a purse". Good enough for me! This stitch does look awfully familiar to me though. I briefly went through a few of my stitch books and posts on this blog, but couldn't find it. It's possible I am wrong, but I could swear I know this stitch! Perhaps there is a similar stitch I am thinking of, not this particular one. If anyone recognizes this stitch, please let me know. I am curious to see if this has a name in some other book.

UPDATE 11/5: jessontube1 has found the stitch! It is pebble stitch, which I posted back on May 4, 2011. Sorry for the duplicate, all. I will try to get another one up tomorrow - one that I haven't posted already! **Second Update 11/6: I happened to come across a very similar stitch in The Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns, but called Knotted Stitch.

This is a very simple and pretty stitch, useful for many other items besides a purse :0)

Cast on an even number of stitches

Row 1: Knit (You will only work Row 1 once, it is not included in the repeat)

Row 2: Knit 1 *K2tog* Knit last stitch

Row 3: *Knit 1, Make one by knitting into the bar between the stitch you just knit and the next stitch on your left needle* Knit two. (When you come to the last two stitches, you will not knit the bar between them. If you do, this will give you an unnecessary extra stitch)

Row 4: Knit

Row 5: Purl

Repeat from Row 2 for pattern.

And of course, here is the video. Enjoy!

Wheat Ear Cable

2011-10-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Sample knit with Lighthouse Waves Yarn on US size 6 needles

Looking through the stitches I have covered so far, I realized that I haven't paid much attention to cables. Not because I don't like them, but mostly because the cable patterns I lean towards are too long to video, and I like to have a corresponding video for the stitch patterns I post. Then I found this one, which is only a 4 row repeat on 10+2 stitches.

Multiple of 10 stitches, plus 2

Pattern note: C4B = Slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold at back of work, knit 2 sts from left needle then knit the 2 sts from cable needle. C4F = Slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold at front of work, knit 2 sts from left needle then knit the 2 sts from cable needle

Row 1: P2, *K8, P2*
Rows 2 and 4: K2, *P8, K2*
Row 3: P2, *C4B,C4F, P2*

Repeat these four rows for pattern

And here is the video. Enjoy!

Lacy Ribbing

2011-10-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Lacy Ribbing sample knit with Patons Silk Bamboo on US size 6 neeldes

I was a bit unsure of which stitch to sample for this week; as I was looking back through the stitches already posted, I decided it was time for another type of rib stitch. So here is a lovely, lace ribbing. Very easy to do and with only two rows, easy to remember also.

Depending on what you are using this stitch for, I would recommend adding at least one more stitch on each side for a border; the 'plus 2' in the instructions is for edge stitches, but in my opinion would look better with a wider border, particularly if you plan to use this stitch alone for a scarf. If you just want to use this in a project where it will be surrounded by another pattern, then don't worry about the edge stitches.

Cast on a multiple of 3 stitches plus 2

Row 1: K1, *P1, K2tog, YO*. Repeat from * to last stitch, K1

Row 2: P3, *K1, P2*. Repeat from * to last two stitches, K1, P1

Repeat these two rows for the pattern.

And here is the video. Enjoy!

Alencon Lace: Second in the Vintage Stitch Series

2011-10-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

Sample knit with Butterfly Super 10 Mercerized Cotton yarn from Mouzakis on US size 8 needles

Another beautiful vintage stitch - Alencon Lace. This makes a narrow lace edging, good to use on whatever you like.

Pattern notes:

YO(2) - make a yarn over twice - wrap the yarn around your needle two times, instead of once as for a regular yarn over. Both of these wraps will be worked in the next row.

In Row 2, the P1 is to be worked on the second wrap of the double yarn over from Row 1.

To make a yarn over at the beginning as in Row 2, just place your right needle under the yarn, hold it in place with your index finger, and then begin knitting as normal.

Cast on 10 stitches

Row 1: K3, YO, K2tog, YO(2), K2tog, YO(2), K2tog, K1

Row 2: YO, K3, P1, K2, P1, K2, YO, K2tog, K1

Row 3: K3, YO, K2tog, K8

Row 4: Bind off 3 stitches, K6, YO, K2tog, K1

Repeat these four rows until the piece is as long as you like.

And here is the video - don't mind the cat. Sorry for the funky lighting on this one; it is extremely windy today, so I filmed inside in front of a window. The sun was behind a tree outside of the window, so you can sometimes see shadows moving around - that is the branches of the tree blowing around.

Lemon Seed Lace: First in the Vintage Stitch Series

2011-10-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

Lemon Seed Lace sample knit in Peaches and Creme

I am in love with this stitch! How pretty is this?!

This was published in the NY Tribune on May 29, 1881. The paper does not specify how one would use this - it looks to me like an edging. In my video for this stitch, I say it is worked on a multiple of 23 stitches, however, after looking at the pattern again, I believe it is just the 23 stitches - if there is a way to widen the fabric, I cannot find instructions on how to do so. So, yes, I would say this is to be used as an edging - maybe use a nice lace weight yarn and then sew it on to the top of a curtain is what is on my mind right now. I have been itching to knit a curtain for my back door; but as I don't have time to knit a whole curtain, this would probably scratch my itch were I to just get a plain white piece of fabric to use as the curtain, and add this to the top.

This is not a stitch pattern you can sit down and knit while watching TV - it requires a bit of attention. At least for me it does.

Special Notes:

In Row 1, YO[4] means you will make a yarn over 4 times - wrap your yarn 4 times around the needle to make 4 new stitches (this part is in the video).
In the second row, when you come to those extra yarn overs, you will be working each of them as a separate stitch - you will not work the first wrap and then drop the rest as you would for a drop stitch pattern. You need the extra stitches to make the pattern work. Row 2 begins by knitting 5 stitches - the 5th stitch will be knit into the first wrap (This is in the video too, so if you can't picture it in your head, don't worry!)
Row 5, K2TOG[2] - Knit two together twice
Row 7 - K3TOG is not a typo - knit three stitches together. This can be a little tricky - put your needle into each stitch separately and give it a little wiggle to help loosen the stitches; this should help you work all of them at the same time.
In Row 11, PSSO means you will pass the slipped stitch over the K2TOG

Cast on 23 stitches

Row 1: K3, YO, K2TOG, K3, YO, K1, YO, K5, YO, K2TOG, YO, K2TOG, YO [4], K2TOG, YO, K2TOG, K1

Row 2: K5, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K13, YO, K2TOG, K1

Row 3: K3, YO, K2TOG, K1, K2TOG, YO, K3, YO, K2TOG, K3, YO, K2TOG, K1, YO, K2TOG, K4, YO, K2TOG, K1

Row 4: K8, P1, K2, P1, K13, YO, K2TOG, K1

Row 5: K3, YO, K2TOG [2], YO, K5, YO, K2TOG, K2, YO, K2TOG, K2, YO, K2TOG, K3, YO, K2TOG, K1

Row 6: K7, P1, K3, P1, K13, YO, K2TOG, K1

Row 7: K3, YO, K3TOG, YO, K2TOG, K3, K2TOG, YO, K2TOG, K1, YO, K2TOG, K3, YO, K2TOG, K2, YO, K2TOG, K1

Row 8: K6, P1, K4, P1, K11, YO, K2TOG, K1

Row 9: K3, YO, K2TOG, K1, YO, K2TOG, K1, K2TOG, YO, K3, YO, K2TOG, K4, YO, K2TOG, K1, YO, K2TOG, K1

Row 10: K5, P1, K5, P1, K11, YO, K2TOG, K1

Row 11: K3, YO, K2TOG, K2, YO, SL 1, K2TOG, PSSO, YO, K4, YO, K2TOG, K5, YO, K2TOG, YO, K2TOG, K1

Row 12: BIND OFF 3 STS, K7, P1, K11, YO, K2TOG, K1

Repeat these 12 rows for desired length.

Now, here is the video. This is far too long a stitch pattern to do the whole thing, so I have shown only how to do the quadruple yarn over in Row 1, and then how to work those extra stitches in Row 2. I also show how to bind off the first 3 stitches in the last row, just in case you have never done this before.