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How to knit the Witch’s Ladder stitch (one-row repeat)
Today, you’ll learn how to knit the Witch’s Ladder stitch: A one-row repeat pattern, super easy to knit. If you’re still intimidated by lace stitches, I suggest you try this one, because it only takes two simple steps. Actually, the only two techniques used are: yarn over, and knit two stitches together (the easiest decrease there is). As I have mentioned in other tutorials, there is a difference between openwork patterns and lace stitches. In the first case, the even rows are purled, and the decreases and increases that form the pattern are made on the odd rows. However, when we knit the so-called Lace Stitches, we work decreases and…
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How to knit the Alternating Dot stitch
In today’s post I’m sharing how to knit the Alternating Dot stitch, the cousin of another adorable pattern we practiced a while ago: The Dot stitch. The Alternating Dot stitch creates a fabric with rich texture on both sides; it’s super easy to do, ideal for beginners. Why? Well, there are several reasons: First of all, it’s a four-row repeat pattern, two of which are plain knit rows… YAY! The other two rows involve a short repeat of knits and purls. Secondly, because of the frequency of knit and purl stitches on the even rows, your piece will remain flat. It won’t curl nor bend, so there’s no need of…
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How to knit an Easy Lace Ladder in only two rows
Today, you’ll learn how to knit an Easy Lace Ladder in just two rows; a great pattern for a sweater, cardigan, or vest, amongst other projects. In fact, I’m using it for the bottom of a cardigan I’m knitting at the moment. One of the things that I like the most about this pattern is that is really easy to knit… Actually, the real “work” will be made on every odd row, the even rows are “resting” rows (plain purl rows). In the end, you have to memorize a couple of steps made for the odd rows only. Besides, the decreases used to create this design are the easiest: Knit…
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How to knit the Granite stitch: Reversible, and it doesn’t curl!
The Granite stitch is one of those patterns we knitters love because it has it all… First and foremost, I’d like to say that it’s beautiful, like me 😉 Although both sides aren’t identical, they look adorable, so you can choose which one is going to be your “right side”. Actually, the so-called “wrong side” reminds me of the Grid stitch we learned a while ago (another stunner). Additionally, the Granite stitch is pretty easy to do; it combines knits and purls only, so it’s totally suitable for both, newbies and veterans 😉 Furthermore, it doesn’t curl, so it’s a great option for blankets, scarves, infinite cowls, but also hats,…
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How to knit Subtle Stripes in Garter stitch (one row only)
Today, I’m sharing how to knit Subtle Stripes in Garter stitch, a super easy knitting pattern, perfect for beginners. Why? The reasons vary: First of all, it’s a one-row repeat pattern. It involves only two steps that will be repeated throughout the project, so it’s pretty easy to memorize. Secondly, it lays flat no matter what (as we knitters like). Thirdly, it’s reversible (identical on both sides); ideal for scarves, rectangular shawls, infinite cowls, blankets, and a wide range of projects. Although it looks like the Ribbed Garter stitch we practiced a while ago, I have to say that these stripes are more tenuous, more delicate. Last but not least,…
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How to knit an Easy Lace Triangular Shawl
In this post, you’ll learn how to knit an Easy Lace Triangular Shawl, a project for expert knitters as well as for beginners, because it is easy to do, fun to knit, and pretty flexible. Actually, you can make it with the fiber you have on hand, for Winter or for Summer, the size you want, you can combine the sections to your liking, and even combine colors. The one you see in the pictures was made with an Extra Fine hand-painted Merino wool because I wanted a lacy light shawl #ad However, you can make it using thicker wool, cotton, Alpaca, a cotton-wool blend, or wool and silk-blend…even in…
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How to knit the English Mesh Lace stitch pattern
In this post, I’m sharing how to knit the English Mesh Lace stitch, step by step (It’s terribly, awfully, good, old bean 😉 Although it looks complicated at first sight, it only requires two types of simple decreases, a central double decrease, and yarn over. The reason why two different decreases are needed is that each of them has a different slope; this is how this rich texture can be achieved (as we’ve learned when practicing the Thorn stitch). Honestly, the English Mesh Lace stitch is the perfect option for a shawl or a scarf, but also, it will work for a nice cardigan or vest! It has a vintage…
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How to knit the Drizzle stitch pattern (English & Continental style)
In today’s tutorial I’m sharing how to knit the Drizzle Stitch, step by step. Honestly, I have to confess that when I saw it, I fell in love (among other things, because it forms a tiny pattern, a lovely design that will show up even in the smallest garments. It’s an adorable four-row repeat pattern, two of which are plain purl rows. In fact, one of the things that I like the most about the Drizzle stitch is that despite having slip stitches, the fabric does not tighten or shrink, as sometimes happens. Probably, it’s because of those alternating purl rows; they make the fabric “rest and relax”, let’s say.…
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How to knit the Diamond Brocade stitch pattern
In this post, you’ll learn how to knit the Diamond Brocade stitch, another classic of the knitting world. I think it’s an elegant knitting pattern, the diamonds show slightly raised, due to the combination of knit and purl stitches. However, it’s pretty easy to do, and although it’s not reversible, the so-called “wrong” side of the work, looks special too… Furthermore, the Diamond Brocade stitch lays flat, so I’d choose it for a blanket, without a doubt. Having said that, in case you are thinking about knitting a blanket, I’d add a nice edge in Seed stitch, on each side of the project (to match the diamonds ;). The good…
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Tips for knitters 2: How to know if you have enough yarn to finish that row?
In this tutorial, you’ll learn two ways of knowing if you have enough yarn to finish that row you’re working in, even if you’re binding off (or casting off). I’m sure you know the feeling of not having enough yarn to complete one row or one round… … Especially if you don’t want to join the new ball in the middle of the back of your sweater, for example… But it could be worse! How do you feel if you are unsure whether your project can be finished or not?!!! (Maybe you don’t know yet, but a while ago, I shared my step by step process to calculate in advance…
