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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 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 the Heart stitch pattern (2 rows only!)
Today, I’m sharing how to knit the Heart stitch, a two-row repeat pattern, super easy to do, and great for beginners. Actually, it’s made out of two steps, and the only techniques required are the knit stitch (regular and through the back loop), and the purl stitch. Besides, the right side of the Heart stitch looks like the Stockinette stitch, but it lays flat… YAY! On the contrary, the wrong side looks like the 1×1 Rib stitch, so I’d say it’s a reversible pattern, perfect for scarves and infinite cowls, among other projects. However, there’s a peculiarity about this stitch you need to know before we start: In order to…
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How to knit the Bubble Rib stitch (4 rows only!)
Today, I’m sharing how to knit the Bubblelicious Rib stitch, step by step. It’s a four-row repeat pattern, easy and fun to knit (because if you can knit and purl, I’m sure you can do it :). In fact, the other techniques required are the yarn over (before a knit stitch and a purl stitch, which are different, so I’m explaining how to do both of them in the video tutorial). And how to purl three stitches together. That’s it! Besides, the Bubble Rib stitch has a lovely texture to it, adding a little more volume to the fabric. I think it’s the perfect pattern for baby stuff, yet it…
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How to knit Mitered Squares for beginners
Today, I’m sharing how to knit mitered squares, a great technique for blankets, cushions, table runners, placemats, rugs, and many other square or rectangular projects. The good news is that squares are easy and fun to do, this is why they’re ideal for beginners 🙂 Actually, they work best in Garter stitch, using a double decrease through the center, to create a pleasing 3D texture. Moreover, they are pretty flexible: Any yarn, any needles, any colors (or combination of colors) in any size, for Summer or Winter… you decide! Besides that, you can cast on the number of stitches you want, and just knit across the rows, except for the…
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How to knit a very special Rib stitch pattern (two rows only)
In this post, I’m sharing how to knit a very special Rib stitch, ideal for beginners. Actually, it’s a two-row repeat pattern, easy to do and easy to memorize, and pretty stretchy. Although both sides are not identical, I’d say it’s a reversible stitch, because both sides look pretty. In addition, the only techniques required are knit stitch and purl stitch… And from time to time, we’ll slip one stitch, which helps us create those gorgeous embossed columns of “v’s”. That’s the touch of elegance that makes this Ribbing so unusual 🙂 Finally, this is a great pattern for hems, cuffs, socks, gloves, hats, etc. Enough chatting! Grab your needles,…
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How to knit the Checkered Rib stitch pattern
In this post you’ll learn how to knit the Checkered Rib stitch; a lovely knit and purl pattern. It reminds me of the Tweed stitch with knits and purls only that we practiced sometime ago. Actually it has the look of tartan fabric in a single color, and it will work with both, wool or cotton yarn (or their blends). Although both sides look a little bit different, they are practically the same (very pretty indeed) so to me, this is a reversible stitch. Honestly, I like the “wrong side” more 😉 In addition, the Checkered Rib is a four-row repeat pattern, easy to do, and easy to memorize (there…
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How to knit a Sweater made to measure
In this tutorial, you will learn how to knit a Sweater, with straight needles, and tailored exactly to your measurements. However, it’s a very easy and flexible pattern: You can do it in a single color, with a sleeve length that you prefer, and using a stitch pattern that you love (my sweater has 3/4 length sleeves, but in the video tutorial I’ll show you how to do long sleeves too). It’s an à la carte basic sweater that’s also suitable for beginners. If you haven’t made a sweater yet, this project is ideal for you. Actually, the only techniques required are Knit and Purl stitches, and how to bind…
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How to do a Stretchy Bind Off (Knitting Technique)
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to do a stretchy bind-off, step by step. It’s a useful knitting technique, for several reasons: First of all, it will help you with the tension of the stitches. I’m aware that for some knitters, binding off when using the knitting needles is a real pain in the backside. In fact, there are many ways of finishing your knit work, including the 3 needles bind-off technique, but it’s also true that some knitters don’t get the results they’re looking for 😉 Either they end up having a too tight finish, or just the opposite, it’s too loose. Honestly, with this technique, you’ll have total…
