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. 

Brocade Choker - Free Knitting Pattern

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 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. 

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

Brocade Choker Knitting Pattern 

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

Cascade Lace Choker

© 2020 Clarice Asquith. All rights reserved. http://makedoandmendnovice.blogspot.com

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. 

Free Knitting Pattern: The Picot Circle

Free Knitting Pattern - Monster High Doll Tights

Having recently released a Monster High doll leggings pattern, I wanted to develop this project further and adapt the leggings pattern into Monster High doll tights. The result of my experiment is this pattern.

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

For the tights in the images I used Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light sock yarn in Victorian Gothic, but the pattern should work with any 4 ply sock yarn. 

To achieve snug-fitting tights, I recommend checking the fit on the doll frequently to see whether it's necessary to insert additional knit rows between the calf-decreases.  

Monster High Tights Knitting Pattern

Monster High Doll Tights

Pattern Notes

Materials and Tools

• app 10 - 15g of 4 ply Sock Yarn 

• 2 - 3mm Double-Pointed Needles 

• 4 Stitch Markers

• Scissors

• Safety Pin (x 2) or Scrap Yarn (in contrasting colour)

• Darning Needle (for kitchener stitch), Crochet Hook (for sewing in ends and tidying up)

Monster High Tights Knitting Pattern

Cast on 24 stitches.

Row 1: k1, p1 to end of row.

Row 2 - 4: Divide stitches evenly on 3 double-pointed needles and join in the round, placing a stitch marker at the beginning of the round. Continue in k1, p1 ribbing for another 3 rounds.

Waist Increases: 

Row 5: SM (slip marker), k1, PM (place marker), kfb, k8, kfb, pm, k1, pm, kfb, k10 to last stitch, kfb (28 stitches)

Row 6 - 8: Repeat above increase row three times until stitch count totals 40 stitches.

Continue knitting 5 - 8 rounds in stockinette stitch until the piece has reached the desired length and fits comfortably around the dolls hips. 

Dividing for the legs

Removing markers, at the beginning of the next round place the first 20 stitches onto waste yarn. 

Join the remainder of the stitches in the round, placing a marker at the beginning of the round.

Row 11: sm (slip marker), kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb (22 stitches)

Row 12: k all stitches

Thigh Decreases

Row 13: sl1, k1, psso, k to last 2 stitches, k2tog (20 stitches)

Row 14: k all stitches

Row 15: sl1, k1, psso, k to last 2 stitches, k2tog (18 stitches)

Row 16: k all stitches

Row 17: sl1, k1, psso, k to last 2 stitches, k2tog (16 stitches)

Row 18: k all stitches

Row 19: sl1, k1, psso, k to last 2 stitches, k2tog (14 stitches)

Row 20 - Row 57: continue knitting in stockinette stitch for 38 rows (knitting throughout) until the piece has reached the dolls calf.

Monster High Tights Knitting Pattern

Calf Decreases 

During this section, it's advisable to keep checking the fit on the doll. If you notice that you require more rows for added length, insert these between the decrease rows after checking the fit.

Row 58: k to last 4 sts before end of round, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog (12 stitches)

Row 59 - Row 63: k 4 rows in stockinette stitch 

Row 64: k to last 4 sts before end of round, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog (10 stitches)

Row 65 - Row 68: knit 4 rows in stockinette stitch 

Row 69: k to last 4 sts before end of round, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog (8 stitches)

Row 70 - Row 73: knit 4 rows in stockinette stitch 

Row 74: k to last 4 sts before end of round, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog (6 stitches)

Row 75 to bind off: continue knitting in stockinette stitch until the knitted fabric almost entirely engulfs the doll's foot as shown in the picture below.

When the doll's foot is comfortably covered by the knitted fabric, switch to two double-pointed knitting needles and align them parallel to one another, preparing to bind the last remaining stitches off in kitchener stitch.   

Ready for kitchener stitch bind off 

More in-progress photos of the tights are available here. You may find them helpful to show the bind-off.

When the bind off is complete, insert the needle at the corner of the toes and pull the yarn through to the inside to achieve a bump-free finish. 

The Second Leg 

Proceed to knit the second leg, dividing stitches held on scrap yarn evenly on three double-pointed needles. Using the m1 increase method, pick up 1 stitch at the beginning and at the end of the round to ensure a closed up seam. 

Mark the beginning of the round and start knitting the second leg, following the instructions above. Ensure that the thigh decreases are positioned at the inside of the leg and the calf decreases are positioned at the back of the doll's leg.

When the tights are complete, block the finished object by leaving it fitted on the doll. This will ensure that the fabric is nicely stretched into shape.  

Monster High Tights Knitting Pattern

Monster High Tights Knitting Pattern

Should you require pattern support, please feel free to contact me via Ravelry, Twitter, 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.

© 2020 Clarice Asquith. All rights reserved. http://makedoandmendnovice.blogspot.com

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.

Big Jim Action Figures - Free Pants Knitting Pattern

Boxer Shorts for Big Jim Action Figures

Having crafted a lot for my collection of Monster High fashion dolls lately (more here), I decided it was time to branch out and design some pants / boxer shorts for Winnetou, a Big Jim Action figure and by far the oldest doll in my collection.

Big Jim Action Figure (Winnetou / Geronimo) by Mattel ca 1970s / 1980s

With boys being the obvious target market, Big Jim action figures were produced by Mattel during the 1970s up to the mid-1980s, when production of the line eventually seized. As you can see from the picture above, the dolls don't have a proper head, yet come with a variety of other features, including a bulging biceps and the legendary push button in their backs, enabling the characters to execute what is supposed to resemble 'a karate chop move'. For a demonstration, watch the video below.

Though I don't have any concrete proof, I assume that my figure is named Winnetou, the Native American chief, originally marketed as part of the German 'Karl May' movie edition of the toys. These were distributed in other countries as part of the regular Big Jim / Kid Acero line with a  generic wild west theme and Winnetou being renamed Geronimo. 

Unlike most of the other Big Jim figures, Winnetou was one of the few characters, who sported a head full of hair, which, given the age of the toy, is still in perfect condition.

At any rate, having recently designed a basic leggings pattern for the Monster Highs, I adapted the pattern for Big Jim action figures and knitted Winnetou (and friends) a few pairs of boxer shorts. Winnetou seems pleased and my boxer short pattern can be found below.

Big Jim Action figure (by Mattel) in hand knitted boxer shorts (by me)

Big Jim Action figure (by Mattel) in hand knitted boxer shorts (by me) 

Free Big Jim Action Figure Boxer Shorts Knitting Pattern

Knitted seamlessly from the waist down, this pattern gives you the chance to check whilst knitting to ensure a snug fit; and the length of the boxer shorts  can obviously be adjusted as you go. 

Big Jim Action figure Winnetou (by Mattel) wearing handknitted boxer shorts

Big Jim Action figure Winnetou (by Mattel) wearing handknitted boxer shorts

Knitted on 2.5mm to 3mm needles, the pattern is suitable for all types of sock yarn. For  the  boxer shorts in the images, I used Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (Victorian Gothic - for the dark purple pants) and Araucania Botany Lace for the pink and multi-coloured versions.

Materials and Tools

• app 5 - 10g of: 4 ply Sock Yarn 

• 2 - 3mm Double-Pointed Needles 

• 4 Stitch Markers

• Scissors

• Safety Pin x2 or Scrap Yarn (in contrasting colour)

• Darning Needle, Sewing Needle or Crochet Hook (for sewing in ends)

Big Jim Action figure Winnetou (by Mattel) wearing handknitted boxer shorts

Instructions

Cast on 30 stitches.

Row 1: k1, p1 to end of row.

Row 2 - 5: Divide stitches evenly on 3 double-pointed needles and join in the round, placing a stitch marker at the beginning of the round. Continue in k1, p1 ribbing for another 4 rounds.

Waist Increases: 

Row 6: SM (slip marker), k1, PM (place marker), kfb, k11, kfb, pm, k1, pm, kfb, k to last stitch, kfb (34 stitches)

Row 7 - 11: Repeat above increase row five times in stockinette stitch, knitting in the front and back of each stitch directly before and after each marker until the stitch count totals 54 stitches.

Dividing for the legs

Removing markers, at the beginning of the next round place the first 27 stitches onto waste yarn. 

Join the remainder of the stitches in the round, placing a marker at the beginning of the new round.

Row 12: sm, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb (29 stitches)

Continue knitting in stockinette stitch for 11 rounds and bind-off or continue knitting until piece has reached the desired length.

Proceed to knit the second leg, dividing stitches held on scrap yarn evenly on three double-pointed needles. Using the m1 increase method, pick up 1 stitch at the beginning and at the end of the round to ensure a closed up seam. Mark the beginning of the round and start knitting the second leg, following the instructions above. 

Weave in all ends, block and enjoy!

For my other doll knitting patterns, please visit this link.

Big Jim Action figure Winnetou (by Mattel) wearing handknitted boxer shorts

Big Jim Action figure Winnetou (by Mattel) wearing handknitted boxer shorts

Big Jim Action figure Winnetou (by Mattel) and his haul of hand-knitted boxer shorts

Should you require pattern support, please feel free to contact me via Ravelry, Twitter, 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.

© 2019 Clarice Asquith. All rights reserved. http://makedoandmendnovice.blogspot.com

Free Pattern: Knitted Leggings for Monster High Dolls

Free Monster High Leggings Pattern 

The Monsters were in need of some new clothes, and I decided it was time to make a few knitted leggings / pants.

This pattern is for  Monster High dolls, measuring approximately 26cm in height. Knitted seamlessly from the waist down, it gives you the chance to check whilst knitting to ensure a snug fit; and the length of the leggings can obviously be adjusted as you go. 

Monster High Doll Free Knit Leggings Pattern

Knitted on 2.5mm to 3mm needles, the pattern is suitable for all types of sock yarn. For the leggings below, I used Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (Victorian Gothic) and Araucania Botany Lace. 

Monster High Doll Free Knit Leggings Pattern

As you can see in the images, two of the Monsters are wearing a light green, fluffy jumper and OOAK wigs made from brushed acrylic yarn. The pattern for the jumper is available here, and instructions on how I make my doll yarn wigs can be found here and here. All of my other Monster High projects are available via this link.

Monster High Doll Free Knit Leggings Pattern

Without further ado, here is my knitting pattern for the knitted leggings: 

Monster High Doll Leggings

Pattern Notes

Materials and Tools

• app 5 - 10g of: 4 ply Sock Yarn 

• 2 - 3mm Double-Pointed Needles 

• 4 Stitch Markers

• Scissors

• Safety Pin x2 or Scrap Yarn (in contrasting colour)

• Darning Needle, Sewing Needle or Crochet Hook (for sewing in ends)

Knitted Leggings for Monster High Dolls - Preview of New Pattern

Monster High Knitted Leggings

New Free Monster High Knitting Pattern Preview

I have been busy knitting leggings for the Monster Highs dolls. The leggings are knitted seamlessly from the top down and the size can be adapted whilst knitting, ensuring a snug fit. I'm hoping to release the free pattern on the blog in the next few days. 

Until then, here is a little preview.

Finished Monster High Yarn Wig Projects

I have been busy creating yarn wigs from brushed acrylic yarn for Monster High Dolls and my instructions on how to make these are available here and here. 

As already mentioned in my previous posts, brushing out acrylic yarn creates a lot of waste. To minimise this waste, I wanted to experiment and make a wig, incorporating wefts made out of the waste acrylic.

When I recently completed another wig, I essentially followed the same steps, but utilised some of the brushed out waste acrylic yarn in the lower layers of the wig. Looking at the finished wig (photos below), I am quite pleased with the result. Whilst these 'waste wefts' are certainly not suitable for the top layers of the wig, they make for nice padding and add overall bulk to the appearance of the wig. 

Here are some images of my waste yarn wig: 

Monster High Wig (made from acrylic yarn, incorporating wefts made from waste acrylic yarn) 

Monster High Wig (made from acrylic yarn, incorporating wefts made from waste acrylic yarn) 

Monster High Wig (made from acrylic yarn, incorporating wefts made from waste acrylic yarn) 

Monster High Wig (made from acrylic yarn, incorporating wefts made from waste acrylic yarn)