No Heel Turn Sock Knitting Pattern

If you are looking for a sock knitting pattern that allows you to create seamless, uninterrupted stripes when using self-striping sock yarn, you have come to the right place. 

Meet the No-Heel-Turn-Sock.

Please excuse the makeshift cardboard sock blockers in the images. (I still haven't invested in a pair of blockers...) 

Yes, you heard that right, this sock knitting pattern does not require to work a heel-flap and there is no need to pick up stitches - probably one of the most off-putting aspects for beginner knitters wishing to venture into sock knitting. 

The heel in this pattern is created simply by working increases, followed by an equal number of decreases. 

This sounds incredibly simple and it is, believe me. 

So, if you are able to knit on double-pointed needles in the round, you are confident to work k2tog and ssk decreases, and you have toyed with the idea of getting into sock knitting, this pattern will be a beginner-friendly entry into the wonderful world of top-down vanilla socks. 

Monster High: Knee Highs

Free Monster High Knee High Stocking Knitting Pattern

After a pair of Monster High doll leggings and tights, it was high time to knit a pair of knee high stockings for the Monsters Highs.

Monster High Doll Knee High Stocking Knitting Pattern

The knee high stockings are knitted seamlessly from the top-down and finished off at the toes with kitchener stitch.

Monster High Doll - Knee High Stocking Knitting Pattern

Knitted Chokers - Two New Designs

Update: The knitting pattern for the Brocade Choker is now available here.

Brocade Choker

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. 

Knitted Tights for Monster High Dolls

After the release of my leggings knitting pattern for Monster High dolls, I decided to adapt my pattern for a pair of closed-up, snug-fitting knitted Monster High tights. 

These are knitted on tiny needles and there is quite a bit of shaping happening before the piece is finished with a kitchener stitch bind-off. 

I am really pleased with the result so far and will be releasing my pattern notes on the blog very soon. In the mean time, here are some in-progress photos of the project, which were taken whilst I was completing the first leg of the tights: 

Monster High Doll - Tights Knitting in Progress

My Monster High tights knitting pattern is now available here.

Monster High Doll Picot Maxi Dress

My new Monster High Picot Maxi Dress (designed for a 25cm Monster High Doll), has finished blocking. 

Time for a little outing and a few initial shots. 

Monster High Doll Picot Maxi Dress (Yarn: Yeoman's Elsa)

Another Monster High Doll Clothes Pattern

Work has commenced on another Monster High doll clothes pattern. This time, it's a simple jumper, which can be easily modified into a mini or maxi dress. 

Whilst my Monster High I-cord dress pattern is worked from the bottom up, this pattern is initially worked flat, before it's finished seamlessly in the round from the waist down. 

Monster High - Knitted Jumper Dress

When refining the design, I was playing around with yarns and needle sizes and ended up favouring the fine mohair blends (Patons UK Misty, Yeoman's Elsa) to give the piece a fluffier look.

Free Monster High I-Cord Dress Knitting Pattern

After a long period of absence, I'm finally back attending to my many craft projects and I thought it would be a good idea to make a start with the release of my long overdue Monster High doll dress pattern. 

Free Monster High Doll Dress Pattern (Yarn: Araucania Botany Lace, 4 ply sock yarn)

The mini pencil dress, which will fit a Monster High doll measuring approximately 25cm, required less than 5 grams of yarn. For the pink Monster High dress I used Araucania Botany Lace, which is a 4 ply fingering weight sock yarn. For the other dress, I utilised leftover scraps of 4 ply Knitglobal sock yarn (shade: plum). Any sock yarn with similar attributes will be suitable for this pattern. 

Free Monster High Doll Dress Pattern (Yarn: Knitglobal 4 ply Sock Yarn) 

Monster High Knitted I-Cord Dress Pattern - Sneak Peek of the new Pattern

-Update: The Monster High I-Cord Dress Pattern is now up on the blog and available here.-


Following on from knitting a small pencil dress for a Takara Dollcena / Petite Blythe and Little Pullip doll (photos below) a few months ago, I have adapted my pattern to fit a Monster High doll.   

Knitted Mini Pencil Dress for Takara Petite Blythe / Dollcena Doll

The pattern for the knitted I-Cord dress for Petite Blythes (above) is available here.

My knitting pattern for the Monster High dress (below) will be on the blog soon. In the mean time, I couldn't resist releasing a sneak peek of the new Monster High dress.

I-Cord Dress Knitting Pattern for Monster High Doll

Unravelling Old Projects: Musings on Reckless Beginner Knitting and Body Image

In the interest of frugality, I will be unravelling a project from the very early stages of my 'knitting career'. This was a time when knitting a gauge swatch was such a bore, adequate measuring (of myself and the swatch) appeared mysterious and incredibly complicated, blocking didn't exist and, due to a lack of familiarity with materials, I habitually chose the most unsuitable yarns for my projects. 

Hopelessly Oversized Asymmetrical Cardigan (completed circa 2010 / 2011)

I'm sure many other beginner knitters will be familiar with this cavalier attitude: You feel excited by the very fact that you mastered the basics of knitting and you just want to get on with it. Every project therefore turns into a test, attempting new techniques and more challenging pieces, rather than paying attention to the necessary groundwork, i.e. jumping through the hoops of all the preparatory steps before casting-on in earnest.  

I adopted this rather nonchalant attitude in two of my earliest projects: a jumper and an asymmetrical cardigan. And even though every seasoned knitter drew my attention to the importance of gauge, selecting suitable materials or the necessity of blocking, I chose to ignore all of this well-intentioned advice, knowing in the back of my mind that I was en route to Disappointment Central.

New Free Pattern: The Commuter Cowl

Evening Rush Hour London Victoria

Another experiment in simple lace knitting. This project was conceived of and completed during the daily commute and that's how it came to its name, the Commuter Cowl. 

The cowl's lace pattern gives the impression of vertical ribbing, which is achieved by a simple lace sequence, ideal for beginner lace knitters.

The project is extremely portable and the pattern's lace rows are followed by simple knit rows, making this an ideal beginner project. The cowl is knitted entirely in the round.