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The easy way to wrap floats (Fair Isle knitting)
Today, I’ll show you a quick and easy way to wrap floats when knitting Fair Isle. Actually, before explaining myself further, I’d like to explain what floats are, especially, for those knitters who aren’t familiar with the term yet: Floats are the strands that show at the back of the fabric (the wrong side of the work) in any Fair Isle pattern. And why should we trap or wrap the floats? First, after my tutorial “How to Knit Your First Fair Isle Pattern”, I was asked by many little Woollies the best method for dealing with floats. Second, because it’s necessary! When we work several stitches in one color, we…
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How to Knit the Knot Stitch Pattern (for extra texture!)
In this tutorial, I’m sharing how to knit the Knot Stitch, a cute, floral pattern, easy and fun to do. I think it’s also one of what I like to call 3D patterns, because the knots definitely stand out, no matter if you’re working with a fine yarn! Moreover, the beauty of it, is that you can decide where to place the knots because the space between them can be easily adjusted 😉 Therefore, the Knot Stitch is a pretty versatile pattern; use it for a sweater, a hat, a cushion, or for example, make a blanket, a scarf, or a cowl. However, if you choose to knit a piece…
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How to Knit Your First Fair Isle Pattern (Fleur-De-Lys)
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to knit The Fleur-De-Lys stitch, a gorgeous yet easy pattern; a classic of the knitting world, even though it’s French 🙂 I think it’s a perfect introduction to the Fair Isle (also known as stranded colorwork or Jacquard), a technique used to create repetitive, continuous, big or small designs using two or more colors. Furthermore, the real Fair Isle technique, named in honor of a Scottish island (part of the Shetland Islands), consists of working with up to five colors, using two of them on each round. However, the Fair Isle technique must not be confused with Intarsia; another technique, used to knit solid…
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How to Knit the Little Flowers stitch (4 rows only!)
Today, I’m sharing how to knit, the Little Flowers stitch, an amazing four-row repeat pattern! Its texture is simply spectacular; to me, this one is another pretty 3D knitting pattern, full of volume and texture. Besides, the so-called “wrong side” features an interesting design too, completely different, but also pretty. In other words, you can classify the Little Flowers stitch as a reversible pattern. Actually, I’d like to use it, not only for scarves, cowls, or blankets, but also for the sleeves of an oversized sweater or cardigan (just like the one I shared a couple of weeks ago). Nevertheless, I have to say that the sides tend to bend…
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How to Knit Pretty Quilted Diamonds (A 3D Pattern)
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to knit quilted diamonds, another eye-catching pattern 🙂 It’s pretty similar, yet easier than the 3D Honeycomb we practiced a while ago. The Quilted Diamonds is a versatile stitch; it’s a nice option not only for accessories but also for big projects (sweaters, cardigans, blankets, etc.). However, if you choose to knit a garment that should stay flat, such as a scarf, or an infinite cowl, think of adding a nice edge on each side of the piece. Why? Because it tends to curl at the bottom, and the sides look a bit irregular. So, if we add some rows at the beginning and…
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How to Knit a Reversible Variant of the Trellis Stitch
Today, I’m sharing how to knit a variant of the Trellis stitch (it reminds me of the Seersucker stitch we practiced years ago, but this one includes fewer rows). Why did I choose it? Well, because it has a lot of advantages for us knitters… First, it’s reversible (identical on both sides), which makes it a great pattern for dishcloths, blankets, scarves, etc. Second, it lays flat no matter what, so there’s no need to add edges or borders. Third, it’s a knit-and-purl pattern (we don’t have to increase, decrease, cross stitches, etc.). If you are a newbie, I’m sure you can master this one! Last, but not least, it…
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How to Knit Your First Comfy Cardigan
Today, you’ll learn how to knit your first Cardigan: It’s comfy, super easy to do, and oversized, perfect for beginners! It’s a 5-piece dropped shoulder cardigan, (bottom-up construction), and the only techniques required are knit + purl stitches, pick up and knit, and bind off knitwise. The back and the fronts of the Cardigan are simple rectangles knitted in Stockinette stitch, with a 1 x 1 ribbing for the hems and cuffs. Nevertheless, if you prefer to knit rather than purl, you can change the Stockinette (Stocking) parts for the Garter stitch. By way of contrast, for the sleeves, I used the Hurdle Stitch we practiced a couple of months…
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How to knit the Horizontal Double Chain stitch pattern
Today, I’m sharing how to knit the Horizontal Double Chain stitch, a lovely pattern. It has a rich texture to it; the design forms embossed horizontal chains throughout the fabric, divided by sections of Stockinette stitch. The fact is that it’s fun and quick to knit because it has a short repeat, so you’ll memorize it pretty quickly. In addition, it’s a six-row repeat pattern, three of which are plain knit and purl rows (“resting rows”). Actually, the “real action” takes place in three rows, but not to worry, there are only 2 steps to be done. Although the wrong side of the work forms sections of Reverse Stockinette and…
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How to Knit Teardrops: Texture + Volume in One Stitch Pattern!
Today, I’m teaching you how to knit teardrops, to create an eye-catching fabric. Honestly, it looks complicated, I know, but the truth is that is fun to knit, and pretty intuitive… On the one hand, most of the rows are knit and purl rows and this is why the so-called “wrong side” of the work resembles a beehive, also rich in texture and volume. So I’d say it’s a reversible stitch. Moreover, it doesn’t curl! On the other hand, we have practiced the other techniques required several times, as we did when I shared how to knit The 14 Stitches Scarf, so there’s really nothing scary here 😉 Last but…
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How to Knit a Gorgeous Chevron Stitch (2 rows!)
In this tutorial, I’m sharing how to knit the easiest Chevron Lace stitch I’ve seen so far. So, I’m happy to say that it’s totally beginner-friendly! Many Chevron Lace patterns include double and more elaborate simple decreases, which makes the patterns more suitable for experienced knitters. On the contrary, this one is not only a gorgeous two-row repeat pattern, but the only stitches you need to know are knit, purl, yarn over, and knit two together. It’s pretty versatile and ideal for blankets (not only for baby blankets), throws, wraps, etc. In fact, you can knit a single-color piece, or combine several colors; make the stripes as thin or wide…
