Showing posts with label Easy Lace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easy Lace. Show all posts
Tuesday 5 May 2020
The Weekly Swatch: Scallop Lace Knit Stitch
Labels:
classic lace,
Easy Lace,
easy lace knit stitch,
feather and wave,
lace knitting,
laceknitting,
Stitch Library,
Swatch,
The Weekly Swatch
Saturday 25 April 2020
Free Knitting Pattern: Brocade Lace Choker
As promised, here is my latest free pattern for a knitted lace choker - a project ideally suited for beginner lace knitters looking for a sense of accomplishment in a quick and easy lace project, which can be completed in a day or two.
The lace motif, which is knitted over eight rows, is simple, consisting mainly of a combination of standard in- and decreases across fifteen stitches. All wrong side rows are a combination of knit and purl stitches.
Brocade Choker - Free Knitting Pattern |
Brocade Lace Choker Knitting Pattern - Lace Detail |
For this project I used just 5g of Scheepjes Maxi Sugar Rush mercerised cotton yarn and 2mm double-pointed needles (dpns). Though it is possible to knit this project on wood or bamboo needles, I recommend the use of pointy, metallic dpns, especially if you are opting for the use of mercerised cotton yarn with this pattern. This will make the knitting experience much more enjoyable.
The size of the choker can be adjusted easily for different neck circumferences and I recommend you check the fit whilst knitting. Altogether, you should ensure that the body of the choker covers around 80% of the neck before the piece is blocked. The choker is secured with the help of two dainty i-cords, which each measure approximately 20 cm in length. These will be tied to a bow. Beads can be attached to the ends of the i-cords for a more sophisticated finish.
The completed piece should be wet-blocked (to open the lace detail) and left to dry over night.
If you decide to substitute the mercerised cotton with another type of yarn, the number of lace repeats will obviously differ. As you can check the fit whilst knitting, this should not be a major issue, making this project ideally suited to using up all types of yarn leftovers, especially sock yarn.
The size of the choker can be adjusted easily for different neck circumferences and I recommend you check the fit whilst knitting. Altogether, you should ensure that the body of the choker covers around 80% of the neck before the piece is blocked. The choker is secured with the help of two dainty i-cords, which each measure approximately 20 cm in length. These will be tied to a bow. Beads can be attached to the ends of the i-cords for a more sophisticated finish.
Brocade Lace Choker - I-Cord Detail |
The completed piece should be wet-blocked (to open the lace detail) and left to dry over night.
If you decide to substitute the mercerised cotton with another type of yarn, the number of lace repeats will obviously differ. As you can check the fit whilst knitting, this should not be a major issue, making this project ideally suited to using up all types of yarn leftovers, especially sock yarn.
Brocade Choker |
Brocade Lace Choker
Free Knitting Pattern
Measurements
Before starting this project, measure your neck circumference. The lace body of your choker should cover around 80% of your neck and it will be secured with two i-cords, which should be long enough to tie a bow comfortably
The knitting instructions for the Brocade choker below will produce a piece which measures 26.5 cm (body of the choker after blocking) and the i-cords each measure 20 cm in length. For a choker measuring 26.5 cm, you will work 16 repeats of the lace sequence for the body of the choker. One repeat measures approximately 2 cm. Adjust the number of lace repeats for a shorter or longer choker.
Brocade Choker Knitting Pattern |
Materials and Tools
- 5g of Scheepjes Maxi Sugar Rush mercerised cotton yarn
- 2 mm double-pointed needles
- 1.5 mm crochet hook / fine darning needle (for sewing-in yarn ends and attaching bead)
- contrast yarn (for provisional cast-on)
- 2 beads for securing the ends of the i-cords (optional)
- Blocking utensils
Instructions
- Cast-on 15 stitches, using the provisional cast-on for the three centre stitches (7,8,9) as shown in the photo below. The three live stitches are located, where the i-cord will be worked later.
Provisional cast-on for i-cord |
- Knit 4 rows (garter stitch)
Start of lace pattern:
- Row 1 (right side): k2, p2, k2tog, [k1, yo] twice, k1, sl1, k1 psso, p2, k2
- Row 2 (wrong side): k4, p7, k4
- Row 3: k2, p2, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, sl1, k1, psso, p2, k2
- Row 4: k4, p7, k4
- Row 5: k2, p2, k1, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, p2, k2
- Row 6: k4, p7, k4
- Row 7: k2, p2, k2, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k2, p2, k2
- Row 8: k4, p7, k4
- For a choker body measuring 26.5 cm repeat the above lace sequence 16 times. Adjust the number of repeats according to your own requirements.
- Knit 3 rows in garter stitch, ensuring that the cast-off is started on the wrong side.
- Bind off all stitches up to the three centre stitches, knit the centre three stitches (7, 8, 9) and cast-off the remaining stitches.
I-cords:
- Start knitting a 20 cm i-cord with the three remaining live stitches, bind-off i-cord and attach bead (optional).
- Pick-up the three centre stitches from the provisional cast-on edge, attach yarn and proceed to knit the second i-cord. Ensure the i-cords are long enough to comfortably tie a bow.
Brocade Choker - I-Cord Detail |
Finishing:
- Weave-in all yarn ends and block piece to ensure the lace is opened up.
Should you require pattern support, please feel free to contact me via Ravelry, Twitter, Facebook, by e-mail or leave a comment below.
This pattern is for personal use only and may not be reproduced for commercial purposes without permission. Neither may you sell any items made from the directions in this pattern.
Should you wish to knit another choker (and, let's face it, one can never have enough chokers), the pattern for my Nameless Choker (pictured below) is available here and the pattern for the Cascade Choker (last image in this post) is available here.
Nameless Choker |
Labels:
Choker,
Easy Lace,
Free Patterns;,
Free Patterns; Original Designs,
I-cord,
Invisible Cast - On,
knitting,
Knitting Projects - Easy,
lace knitting,
laceknitting,
Original Designs,
Provisional Cast - On
Wednesday 22 April 2020
Knitted Chokers - Two New Designs
Update: The knitting pattern for the Brocade Choker is now available here.
After completing a huge circular throw I was in need of a smaller knitting project and ended up designing two new lace chokers, the Brocade and the Cascade Choker, which are currently being finished.
Whilst waiting for the Brocade Choker to complete its time on the blocking board, here are some in-progress images of the designs.
Labels:
Choker,
Easy Lace,
I-cord,
knitting,
lace knitting,
laceknitting,
Provisional Cast - On,
Seamless
Monday 4 November 2019
The Weekly Swatch: Diamond Rib Knit Stitch
Against a background of reverse stockinette stitch, the Diamond Rib stitch creates vertical columns featuring framed, diamond-shaped motifs. The stitch requires multiples of nine plus two stitches and is worked over eight rows. Due to the intricate details of the stitch motif, it's probably best suited to lace-weight and sock yarns.
Diamond Rib Knit Stitch (Yarn: Araucania Botany Lace, Needle Size 3mm) |
Labels:
Araucania Botany Lace,
classic lace,
diamond motif,
Easy Lace,
easy lace knit stitch,
lace knitting,
laceknitting,
Stitch Library,
The Weekly Swatch
Sunday 3 November 2019
The Weekly Swatch: Pucker Cable Knit Stitch
This week I have prepared swatches showcasing the Pucker Cable Stitch. Despite its name, to knit the pattern you will not require a cable needle. The delicate texture is achieved through simple in- and decreases, the remainder of the stitches are either knitted or purled.
This uncomplicated stitch works well with all types of yarns, even fuzzier, fingering-weight Mohair blends, as can be seen in the pictures below.
Pucker Cable Stitch |
Labels:
Easy Lace,
Fingering Weight,
mock cable,
Patons UK Misty,
Stitch Library,
Swatch,
Textured Knit Stitches,
The Weekly Swatch,
Three-Row-Repeat-Knitstitch
Sunday 20 October 2019
The Weekly Swatch: Diamond Trellis and Garter Triangle Stitch
The Diamond Trellis and Garter Triangle Stitch
For this week's stitch, I have been knitting up two swatches, one for the Diamond Trellis stitch and for one of its (many!) variations, featuring a garter stitch effect in the upper part of the diamond motif.
Both require a multiple of ten plus three stitches and repeats are worked over sixteen rows.
Labels:
diamond motif,
Easy Lace,
Kon - Tiki,
lace knitting,
laceknitting,
Stitch Library,
Swatch,
The Weekly Swatch
The Weekly Swatch: Waterfall Lace Knit Stitch Pattern
The Waterfall Lace Knit Stitch
For this week's stitch, I have been knitting up two swatches in the so-called Waterfall lace pattern.
This stitch motif requires a multiple of six plus three stitches and repeats are worked over six rows.
An uncomplicated stitch, which you will be able to remember after a few pattern repeats, this pattern creates vertical columns and the positioning of the yo-increases results in the effect of cascading water. This stitch is ideal for throws, blankets and scarfs.
An uncomplicated stitch, which you will be able to remember after a few pattern repeats, this pattern creates vertical columns and the positioning of the yo-increases results in the effect of cascading water. This stitch is ideal for throws, blankets and scarfs.
Labels:
Alpaca,
classic lace,
Easy Lace,
knitting,
lace knitting,
laceknitting,
Rowan,
Rowan Kid Classic,
Stitch Library,
The Weekly Swatch,
Wendy Zena
Saturday 17 August 2019
The Weekly Swatch: Trellis Lace Knit Stitch
Trellis Lace Knit Stitch |
For this week's swatch I have chosen the Trellis Lace Knit Stitch, a simple stitch motif that results in an open mesh fabric, ideal for summer garments, scarfs and throws. There is nothing complicated about this stitch. The pattern is knitted over four rows, all even rows are purled throughout and the lace pattern can be memorised easily.
The stitch motif is suitable for yarns of all weights and I chose to showcase my swatch sample utilising Stylecraft Kontiki (grey) and Patons UK Vintage (pink).
Trellis Lace Knit Stitch (Yarns: Stylecraft Kontiki - grey and Patons UK Vintage - pink) |
Labels:
classic lace,
Easy Lace,
four-row- repeat-knit-stitch,
knitting,
Kon - Tiki,
lace knitting,
laceknitting,
openwork,
Patons UK Vintage,
Stitch Library,
stylecraft,
The Weekly Swatch
Saturday 10 August 2019
The Weekly Swatch: Another Zig Zag Lace Knit Stitch
As mentioned in my last weekly swatch post, in which I was showcasing a 'zig zag lace stitch pattern', there are many variations of the so-called 'zig zag stitch' motif in lace knitting. That's why I have decided to knit up another zig zag swatch for this week's not-so-weekly, weekly swatch.
Here, we have another zig zag stitch motif. It requires a multiple of 9 stitches and is knitted over 16 rows. Stitches on all even rows are purled throughout, all in- and decreases are a combination of yos, k2togs and pssos.
Labels:
classic lace,
Easy Lace,
knitting,
lace knitting,
laceknitting,
Madelinetosh,
Stitch Library,
Swatch,
The Weekly Swatch
Saturday 27 July 2019
The Weekly Swatch: Lace Zig Zag Stitch Pattern
My blog post directory tells me that I published my last 'weekly' knitted swatch (the lace rib knit stitch) in September 2018. This is unacceptable and shows how busy life has been over the past year.
After Pickle's passing at the onset of 2019, I finally seem to have regained my mojo for knitting, crafting and blogging somewhat. So, without further ado, here is my latest swatch project, showcasing a lace 'zig zag' pattern.
There are many variations of 'zig zag' lace stitches out there. This one is extremely simple, utilising k2togs and pssos for the decreases and yos for the increases.
After a few rows practising, you won't have any trouble memorising the pattern. The stitch is knitted with a stitch count of 6 plus 1 stitches over a multiple over 12 rows. All even rows are purled throughout.
There are many variations of 'zig zag' lace stitches out there. This one is extremely simple, utilising k2togs and pssos for the decreases and yos for the increases.
After a few rows practising, you won't have any trouble memorising the pattern. The stitch is knitted with a stitch count of 6 plus 1 stitches over a multiple over 12 rows. All even rows are purled throughout.
Zig Zag Lace Stitch Knitting Pattern |
Labels:
Bamboo Soft,
Easy Lace,
lace knitting,
laceknitting,
Rowan,
Stitch Library,
The Weekly Swatch
Saturday 29 September 2018
Sunday 5 August 2018
The Weekly Swatch: Horseshoe Lace Stitch Pattern
Labels:
classic lace,
Easy Lace,
knitting,
Knitting Techniques,
lace knitting,
laceknitting,
Madelinetosh,
Stitch Library,
The Weekly Swatch
Sunday 18 March 2018
The Weekly Swatch: Lace Mesh Stitch
Labels:
classic lace,
Easy Lace,
easy lace knit stitch,
four-row- repeat-knit-stitch,
lace knitting,
laceknitting,
openwork,
Stitch Library,
Swatch,
The Weekly Swatch
Wednesday 2 September 2015
OMG it's huge: The Picot Pi is finally blocking
A long overdue update on the Picot Pi
It's finally blocking. And, as expected, it's huge.
Bed vs Picot Pi:
Picot Pi Blocking |
Detailed pattern notes will be up on the blog shortly. More information on the project is available here.
Picot Pi Lace Detail |
Labels:
Circular Shawl,
Easy Lace,
Elizabeth Zimmermann,
Free Patterns; Original Designs,
knitting,
laceknitting,
Picot Pi,
Regia 4ply silk,
Shawl
Sunday 30 August 2015
Winter Stole Update: Test Knit Completed ✔
The Winter Stole pattern was developed to encourage knitters (and myself) to diversify the choice of materials when knitting lace. Depending, of course, on the complexity of the lace stitch sequence and the overall design, I was aiming to showcase that it is possible to produce knitted lace with chunkier yarns.
Winter Stole (yarn: Wendy Zena, pattern available here. |
Winter Stole (yarn: Wendy Zena, pattern available here. |
Thanks to Tara (tara53aus on Ravelry) I am now pleased to announce that the pattern has undergone its first 'independent' test knit and Tara's completed stole is pictured below:
Tara's Completed Winter Stole |
Regular readers of this blog will know that I am always thankful for the feedback I receive from the knitters of my designs, especially from those, who put their trust in a pattern that has so far only been completed by the pattern's very own designer. This was the case with the Winter Stole pattern.
This time round and following the feedback I received from Tara, I am particularly pleased to announce that my original Winter Stole pattern is free of mistakes, slips and no modifications are necessary.
Tara's Stole Blocking |
I was also delighted to see that Tara not only used a natural, undyed alpaca yarn to complete her stole, she also chose a very special handspun yarn from an independent producer in Western Australia.
Sadly, I was not able to retrieve more information on the producer over the web, but the ball band details can be seen in the picture below. So, if you are located in Western Australia, I suggest you get your hands on a delightful skein (or two) of Greg's and Wendy's handspun.
A remark on the pattern from my side: I have decided to update the pattern notes of the Winter Stole slightly with optional variations, to take those knitters into consideration, who are opting to use handspun yarn (Alpaca or otherwise) and may thus only have a finite amount of yarn to complete the project. The stole was designed to be rather wide and fewer cast-on stitches (resulting in fewer lace motif repeats in the body of the piece) will ensure that the piece will turn out long enough to be classed a 'stole'. These notes on modifications of the original pattern will be published shortly. In the meantime, the original Winter Stole pattern is available here.
Finally and once again, a very big 'THANK YOU!' to Tara for her feedback, for being the first to test the pattern and for choosing a delicious, independently produced, handspun yarn to complete her project.
For any interested knitters, wishing to complete a Winter Stole and requiring pattern support, please feel free to contact me via Ravelry (ClariceAsquith), Twitter (@Slipstitched), leave a comment below or by e-mail: clarice.asquith@googlemail.com.
For a link collection to all original designs on the blog, please visit this link.
For a link collection to all original designs on the blog, please visit this link.
Labels:
Alpaca,
Design Digest,
Easy Lace,
Free Patterns; Original Designs,
handspun,
knitting,
lace knitting,
Original Designs,
Stole,
VIPs of the Fiber World,
Yarn
Thursday 27 August 2015
Knitting with Non-Traditional Materials: The Nameless Choker meets the Nameless Cuff
Roughly one year ago I released project notes for a simple knitted lace choker, the Nameless Choker. The pattern notes for the 'Nameless Choker' are available here.
Specifically designed to use up the last remnants of sock yarn after the completion of a larger project, Nameless is an ideal project for a very small quantity of yarn (approximately 10 - 20 grams).
Nameless Choker, Knitting Pattern available here |
One year on, I decided to explore the choice of material for this project in more detail. Whilst certain types of sock and cotton yarn (especially the sturdier varieties) work very well with the design, the pattern provides an ideal starting point for venturing into new territory, i.e. the cross-over point where knitting and jewellery-making techniques meet and blend into one another.
For my revision of the pattern, I am planning to adapt the original design with the help of a number of non-traditional materials such as waxed cotton thong cord (1mm), leather cord (1mm) and, potentially, jewellery wires.
Having completed an initial experiment with waxed cotton cord (shown below), it is clear that certain design elements of the original pattern (stitch count, lace repeats, needle size and quantities etc.) will obviously have to be revised and modified to take the properties of cotton thread into consideration, but I am quite happy with the initial outcome.
The first insight derived from yesterday's cotton cord knitting session is that 10 metres of waxed cotton thong are not sufficient to produce a fully fledged knitted choker on the basis of the original Nameless pattern, but they will be enough to make a knitted wrist cuff.
Nameless Cuff (knitted with 1mm waxed cotton cord) |
Nameless Cuff (knitted with 1mm waxed cotton cord) |
Nameless Cuff (knitted with 1mm waxed cotton cord) |
Nameless Cuff Prototype |
Nameless Cuff - Prototype |
Further updates and finalised project notes on the Nameless Cuff and the modified Nameless Choker will be up on the blog shortly.
In the meantime, stay tuned...
Labels:
Choker,
Cuff,
Design Digest,
Easy Lace,
Free Patterns; Original Designs,
knitting,
Knitting Techniques,
lace knitting,
Madelinetosh,
non-traditional materials,
Original Designs,
Techniques
Saturday 22 August 2015
Cast-on loosely and don't knit tight - knitting lace with fingering weight mohair yarn
Wisp: Pattern by Cheryl Niamath (published in Knitty, Summer 2007), Yarn: Patons UK Misty |
The Wisp Shawl pattern by Cheryl Niamath has somewhat turned into a classic lace knitting pattern and due to its simplicity it tends to attract many beginner lace knitters, who may never have used cobweb or fingering weight yarn in any of their projects before.
Though not my first lace project, I, too, opted for the pattern as I wanted to gain experience knitting lace with fingering weight yarn, whilst completing a relatively simple pattern. Niamath's Wisp fulfils these requirements and due to its straightforward stitch sequence, it allows you to concentrate on your manual ability and, above all, to get a feel for working with extremely fine yarn.
Labels:
blocking,
Easy Lace,
Fingering Weight,
Free Patterns; Knitwear Designer,
Knitting Techniques,
lace knitting,
laceknitting,
Mohair,
Patons UK Misty,
Shawl,
Substituting Yarn,
VIPs of the Fiber World,
Yarn
Sunday 26 July 2015
Going Full Circle: The Picot Pi Shawl is OFF THE NEEDLES
According to Elizabeth Zimmermann, we should be knitting circular shawls during the summer months, and that's exactly what I have done. Below is a first glimpse of my Pi Shawl variation, based on Zimmermann's timeless Pi Shawl pattern.
I haven't counted the picot bobbles of my Pi and keeping track of the exact stitch count in the final stages of my pattern is not essential, but I estimate that the Picot Pi's final bind-off row consisted of over three thousand stitches, when including the additional cast-on stitches. More on the Picot bind-off technique is available here.
The completion of the knit was further delayed by having to find a more or less suitable yarn substitute for Regia (4 ply silk), as I was running out shortly after starting the last row. And although my knitting cupboard is home to many treasures, it may at times take a while to retrieve these. It appears somewhat crammed in there at the moment.
Pickle invading the cupboard and getting comfy...as usual |
Labels:
Circular Shawl,
Design Digest,
Easy Lace,
Elizabeth Zimmermann,
Free Patterns; Original Designs,
knitting,
Knitting Techniques,
laceknitting,
Original Designs,
Picot Pi,
Regia 4ply silk,
Shawl,
Sock Yarn
Monday 8 June 2015
The Picot Pi in Progress
In line with my latest obsession with Elizabeth Zimmermann's knitwear designs, I find myself knitting my own variation of her Pi Shawl pattern / knit recipe.
Labels:
Commuter Knit,
Design Digest,
Easy Lace,
Elizabeth Zimmermann,
Increases,
knitting,
Knitting Projects - Easy,
Knitting Techniques,
Picot Pi,
Shawl,
Sock Yarn,
Vintage Knitting Patterns
Sunday 31 May 2015
The Weekly Swatch: Fern Stitch Variation
Many lace stitch motifs are referred to as 'Fern Stitches' and the below swatch sample showcases one of the many variations of the Fern Stitch.
Knitted with a cotton / acrylic yarn (Stylecraft Kontiki), the texture and look of the sample reminded me somewhat of Entrelac knitting. The stitch motif requires a multiple of 8 plus 4 stitches.
Fern Stitch Swatch, Yarn: Stylecraft Kontiki |
Labels:
classic lace,
Easy Lace,
Knitting Techniques,
lace knitting,
Stitch Library,
Swatch,
The Weekly Swatch
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