VAN DYKE CHECK STITCH

Stitch of the Month - February 2017
Van Dyke Check is a reversible stitch pattern that is worked over a combination of knit and purl stitches.

Van Dyke Check Stitch
(Multiples of 8 sts)
Row 1  (RS) Knit
Row 2  *K4, p4; repeat from * to end.
Row 3  P1, *k4, p4; repeat from * to last 7 sts, end k4, p3.
Row 4  K2, *p4, k4; repeat from * to last 6 sts, end p4, k2.
Row 5  P3, *k4, p4; repeat from * to last 5 sts, end k4, p1.
Row 6  *P4, k4; repeat from * to end.
Row 7  Knit
Rows 8 thru 11  *K4, p4; repeat from * to end.
Row 12  Purl
Row 13  *P4, k4; repeat from * to end.
Row 14  K1, *p4, k4; repeat from * to last 7 sts, end p4, k3.
Row 15  P2, *k4, p4; repeat from * to last 6 sts, end k4, p2.
Row 16  K3, *p4, k4; repeat from * to last 5 sts, end p4, k1.
Row 17  *K4, p4; repeat from * to end.
Row 18  Purl
Rows 19 thru 22  *P4, k4; repeat from * to end.
These 22 rows form the Van Dyke Check Stitch.

ELONGATED DROP STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - March 2016

The Elongated Drop Stitch is a light and airy stitch pattern that is produced by wrapping the yarn around the needle a few times and then dropping the extra wraps from the needle on the following row. The more times the yarn is wrapped around the needle the longer the elongated stitches.

I found that by gently pulling the fabric lengthwise after knitting the row dropping the wraps will take up the slack and even the stitches. Avoid having a single edge stitch because it will cause the edges to become distorted since there will be less length in the edge stitch than the others in the row. Careful blocking is recommended to even the stitches.

A textured or variegated yarn would create added drama and interest. Also experiment with additional wraps around the needle creating longer dropped stitches but as you increase the number of wraps you may want to increase the number of garter stitch rows to maintain the stability of the fabric.

This is a reversible and decorative stitch that also drapes well making it a good choice for scarves and shawls.

Elongated Drop Stitch
(Any number of stitches)
Row 1 through 5  Knit
Row 6  *K1 wrapping yarn around needle 3 times; repeat from * to end of row.
Note: When working the next "knit" row, knit each stitch allowing the wraps to drop off the needle.
These 6 rows form the Elongated Drop Stitch

DOUBLE BASKET STITCH PATTERN

Stitch of the Month – August 2015

The Double Basket stitch pattern creates a lot of texture. The pattern is worked using only knit and purl stitches but the textured effect is quite dramatic. The pattern is reversible making it a good choice for scarves and shawls.

The fabric tends to pull in slightly through the width so it’s a good idea to do a swatch particularly when combining the Double Basket stitch with another stitch pattern.

Double Basket Stitch

(Multiples of 18 stitches + 10)

Row 1 (RS) *K11, p2, k2, p2, k1; repeat from * to last 10 sts; k10

Row 2  P1, k8, p1, *p1, [k2, p2] twice, k8, p1; repeat from * to end

Row 3  *K1, p8, [k2, p2] twice, k1; rep from * to last 10 sts; k1, p8, k1

Row 4  p10, *p1, k2, p2, k2, p11; repeat from * to end

Rows 5 to 8  Repeat rows 1 through 4

Row 9  Knit

Row 10  [p2, k2] twice, p2, *p10, [k2, p2] twice; rep from * to end

Row 11  *[k2, p2] twice, k2, p8; rep from *, repeat fro * to last 10 sts; [k2, p2] twice, k2

Row 12  [p2, k2] twice, p2, *k8, [p2, k2] twice, p2; rep from * to end

Row 13  *[k2, p2] twice, k10; rep from *, repeat from * to last 10 sts; [k2, p2] twice, k2

Rows 14 to 17  Repeat rows 10 through 13

Row 18  Purl

These 18 rows form the Double Basket stitch pattern.

BRIOCHE STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH – August 2014

The Brioche stitch is a reversible ribbed stitch pattern that creates a warm and rich fabric. It originally became popular in Europe in the 1800s and is also known as English Ribbing. The brioche stitch resembles a 1 x 1 rib but has a lot more loftiness and stretch. The natural stretch of the stitch is great for loose-fitting items that require ease.

The brioche stitch uses more yarn than usual to make an item. Every other stitch is a double stitch on every row, and working two rows is equivalent to one row because every other stitch is slipped on every row.

Avoid using yarn is slippery such as alpaca, silk or bamboo as the tendency to 'grow' in length is pronounced. Opt for a yarn that has a more grip such as 100% wool (not a super-wash).

If you choose to have selvedge stitches, it important that the first stitch at the start of the row is slipped or a ripple will appear along the edges.

Brioche Stitch 
(Even number of stitches)
Foundation Row       *yo-sl1, k1; repeat from * to end

Pattern Row              *yo-sl1, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Repeat the Pattern Row to form the Brioche stitch.

Casting On                Use a cast on method that has a lot of give to accommodate for the stretchiness of the brioche stitch pattern. The long-tail cast-on method works well for the brioche stitch.

Foundation Row       To work the yo-sl1, bring the yarn forward and slip the next stitch purlwise. Knit the next stitch. A ‘yarn over’ stitch will be created as you take the yarn from the front to work the knit stitch.

Pattern Row              Work the yo-sl1 as worked in the foundation row. Knit the next 2 stitches together (this will be the slip stitch and yarn over of the previous row).

Binding Off                When binding off, do not create the yarn over. You can slip 1 stitch (or purl the stitch to keep the ribbing pattern) and then k2tog. Bind off very loosely to maintain the stretchiness of the fabric. A conventional bind off will require using a needle a couple sizes larger. The Italian bind off works well with this stitch pattern or Elizabeth Zimmerman’s sewn bind off.

Counting Stitches    Do not count the yarn overs when counting stitches.

K2tog                         Some patterns reference the K2tog as brk (brioche knit).

CAT'S EYE STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - July 2014
The Cat's Eye Stitch is a reversible openwork pattern. The beauty of the stitch is the textured mesh that is created produced through a simple three row pattern repeat. 

The stitch pattern creates a durable mesh that has a lot of lengthwise stretch.  It would work well for shawls, scarves, afghans, baby blankets or beach bags. It can also be worked as a complimentary openwork design together with an intricate lace pattern.

Cat's Eye Stitch
(Multiples of 4 stitches)
Row 1   P2, *yo, p4tog; repeat from * to last 2 sts, p2
Row 2   K2, *k1, (k1, p1, k1) into the yo of the previous row; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2
Row 3   Knit
These 3 rows form the Cat's Eye Stitch.