SQUARE MEDALLION with SWIRLING INCREASES

Stitch of the Month -  May 2017

Medallions are knit using a set of double-pointed (5) needles. They can be created by increasing as you work from the centre out or by decreasing from the outer circumference inwards to the centre. They can also be knit in a number of different shapes including square, round, pentagon, hexagon and octagon. 

Medallions can be used as mats or as doilies but they can also be sewn together to create blankets, bedspreads or cushion covers. 

The square medallion shape would work well for items were you want to create a patchwork effect of squares by sewing a number of medallions together using different colours or fibres. The increases are created using yarn overs.

Square Medallion with Swirling Increases

Cast on 8 sts (2 sts on each of the 4 dpn using 5th dpn to work sts)

Set up Round  Knit into back of each st

Round 1  yo at the beginning of each of the 4 needles 

Repeat Round 1 until square is required size ensuring each needles has the same number of sts for uniformity of each square.

Bind off loosely.

Note: To make the swirls increase counter-clockwise, do the yarn overs before the last stitch on each of the 4 needles instead of placing the yarn overs at the beginning.

PUFFED STITCH

Stitch of the Month - March 2017

The Puffed Stitch is all about texture. It's a style of the bobble stitch where a cluster of five stitches are worked back and forth over a number of rows creating a three-dimensional texture or a 'puff' in the knit fabric. It also uses more yarn than a stockinette or lace stitch because of the extra rows that are knit to create the puffs.

Puffed Stitch
(Multiples of 10 stitches + 2)
Row 1 and 3 (WS) Purl
Row 2  Knit
Row 4  K1, *(K5, turn, p5, turn) 3 times, k10; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 5  and 7  Purl
Row 6  Knit
Row 8  K6, *(K5, turn, p5, turn) 3 times, k10, repeat from * to last 6 sts, (k5, turn, p5, turn) 2 times, K6.
These 8 rows form the Puffed Stitch pattern.

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.

GRANITE STITCH

Stitch of the Month - January 2017

The Granite Stitch is worked over an even number of stitches and four row repeat. The decrease row followed by an increase row creates a dense fabric that looks similar to a row of purl against stockinette but the effect creates a more interesting look and feel. There is less drape to the fabric due to the denseness of the stitch but that's also very appealing attribute of this stitch pattern.

Granite Stitch
(Even number of sts)
Row 1 (RS)  Knit
Row 2 *k2tog; repeat to end
Row 3 *kfb; repeat to end
Row 4 Purl

Abbreviations
kfb - knit into the front and back of the stitch

SEAFOAM STITCH

Stitch of the Month - December 2016

The Seafoam stitch has a unique and interesting texture. It’s a reversible stitch pattern that resembles waves. The stitch pattern is created by making yarn overs and then dropping them on the following row. It an easy way to create a pattern that looks like lace but is worked using only knit stitches and yarn overs.

There are numerous stitch pattern books that have the pattern as *[yo] twice, k1, [yo] 3 times, k1, [yo] 4 times, k1, [yo] 3 times, k1, [yo] twice, k6*. You may want to experiment with it in place of the stitch pattern below in rows 3 and 7 but I found that the elongated yarns from the dropped stitches looked a bit too loose.

The stitch works well for scarves, shawls and summer sweaters. I particularly like the Seafoam pattern when it’s knit with a variegated yarn.

Seafoam Stitch
(Multiples of 10 stitches + 6)
Row 1 (RS) Knit
Row 2  Knit
Row 3  K6, *yo, k1, [yo] twice, k1, [yo] 3 times, k1, [yo] twice, k1, yo, k6; repeat from * to end
Row 4  Knit while dropping all yarn overs from needle
Row 5  Knit
Row 6  Knit
Row 7  K1, *yo, k1, [yo] twice, k1, [yo] 3 times, k1, [yo] twice, k1, yo, k6; repeat from * to last 5 sts, yo, k1, [yo] twice, k1, [yo] 3 times, k1 [yo] twice, k1, yo, k1. 
Row 8  Knit while dropping all yarn overs from needle
These 8 rows form the Seafoam stitch pattern

Abbreviations

RS  right side

yo   yarn over

VINE LACE

Stitch of the Month - November 2016

The vine lace is a lovely stitch that is worked over a four-row pattern repeat. There is only one nine-stitch pattern repeat to memorize and which is staggered over two rows of lace pattern.

The edging also has a scalloped edge. I found that the edge still curled slightly but not as dramatically as stockinette stitch and laid flat after blocking.

Vine Lace
(Multiples of 9 stitches + 4)
Row 1  Purl
Row 2 - (RS) - K3, *yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 3 - Purl
Row 4 - K2, *yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
(These 4 rows form the Vine Lace stitch pattern)

CANDLE FLAMES

Stitch of the Month - October 2016

The Candle Flame stitch pattern is worked against a reverse stockinette background where the candle flames seems to be raised from the fabric much like a cable stitch. The pattern is worked over a multiple of 12 stitches that are increased and decreased over 24 rows; only count stitches on 12th and 24th rows.

This is an absolutely beautiful stitch pattern that looks wonderful in a scarf or shawl.

Candle Flames
(Multiples of 12 stitches + 2)
Row 1 - *P2, yo, k1, yo, p2, k2, k2tog, k3; end p2.
Row 2 - *K2, p6, k2, p3; end k2.
Row 3 - *P2, k1, (yo, k1) twice, p2, k2, k2tog, k2; end p2.
Row 4 - *(K2, p5) twice; k2.
Row 5 - *p2, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, p2, k2, k2tog, k1; end p2.
Row 6 - *K2, p4, k2, p7; end k2.
Row 7 - *P2, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, p2, k2, k2tog; end p2.
Row 8 - *k2, p3, k2, p9; end k2.
Row 9 - *P2, k2, k2tog, k5, p2, k1, k2tog; end p2.
Row 10 -*K2, p2, k2, p8; end k2.
Row 11 - *P2, k2, k2tog, k4, p2, k2tog; end p2.
Row 12 - *k2, p1, k2, p7; end k2.
Row 13 - *P2, k2, k2tog, k3, p2, yo, k1, yo; end p2.
Row 14 - *K2, p3, k2 p6; end k2.
Row 15 - *P2, k2, k2tog, k2, p2, (k1, yo) twice, k1; end p2.
Row 16 - *(K2, p5) twice, end k2.
Row 17 - *P2, k2, k2tog, k1, p2, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2; end p2.
Row 18 - *K2, p7, k2, p4; end k2 .
Row 19 - *P2, k2, k2tog, p2, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3; end p2.
Row 20 - *K2, p9, k2, p3; end k2.
Row 21 - *P2, k1, k2tog, p2, k2, k2tog, k5; end p2.
Row 22 - *K2, p8, k2, p2; end k2.
Row 23 - *P2, k2tog, p2, k2, k2tog, k4; end p2.
Row 24 - *K2, p7, k2, p1; end k2.
(These 24 rows form the Candle Flames Stitch Pattern)

GRANDMOTHER'S EDGING

STITCH OF THE MONTH – September 2016
Grandmother’s Edging stitch pattern is a lovely lace edging pattern stitch that features a slight waving curve at the edge best added to straight edges.

The pattern was published in 1891 in a book entitled Home Work: A Choice Collection of Useful Designs for the Crochet and Knitting Needle.

Grandmother’s Edging

CO 15sts
Row 1 – K2, yo, p2tog, k7, yo, k2tog, k2.
Row 2 – P11, yo, p2tog, k2.
Row 3 – K2, yo, p2tog, k3, k2tog, k2, (yo, k2tog) twice.
Row 4 – P10, yo, p2tog, k2.
Row 5 – K2, yo, p2tog, k2, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, k2.
Row 6 – P9, yo, p2tog, k2.
Row 7 – K2, yo, p2tog, k1, k2tog, k2, (yo, k2tog) twice.
Row 8 – P8, yo, p2tog, k2.
Row 9 – K2, yo, p2tog, k2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k3.
Row 10 – P9, yo, p2tog, k2.
Row 11 – K2, yo, p2tog, k2tog, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1, yo, k2tog.
Row 12 – P10, yo, p2tog, k2.
Row 13 – k2, yo, p2tog, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, k3.
Row 14 – P11, yo, p2tog, k2.
These 14 rows form the Grandmother's Edging stitch pattern.

INDIAN CROSS STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - August 2016

The Indian Cross Stitch features elongated stitches that are then crossed creating a unique, open and airy stitch pattern. The garter stitch between the crossed stitches makes this a reversible stitch.

The elongated stitches can be a bit awkward to knit. Slip the stitches purlwise so that the stitches are on the needle sitting in the correct position to knit the stitch. Give a little tug once you've slipped the stitches when dropping the yarn over just to make sure that all the stitches are in the right order.

While this stitch works well for scarves and blankets, I would avoid using it for baby garments or baby blankets because their little fingers or toes can get caught in the strands of yarn.

Indian Cross Stitch

(Multiples of 8 stitches)

Rows 1 thru 4  Knit

Row 5  K1, *insert needle into next st wrapping yarn around needle 4 times, then knit that stitch drawing the 4 wraps through the st; rep from * to last st, k1. 

Row 6  *Cross 8 sts; repeat from * to end.

Rows 7 thru 10  Knit

Row 11  K1, *insert needle into next st wrapping yarn around needle 4 times, then knit that stitch drawing the 4 wraps through the st; rep from * to last st, k1. 

Row 12  Cross 4 sts, *Cross 8 sts; repeat from * to last for sts; end Cross 4 sts

These 12 rows form the Indian Cross Stitch Pattern

Abbreviations

Cross 4 sts - Slip 4 sts wyib, dropping all extra wraps creating 4 long sts on RH needle. Insert LH needle into the first 2 of these long sts and pass them over the second 2 long sts. 

Cross 8 sts - Slip 8 sts wyib, dropping all extra wraps creating 8 long sts on right-hand needle. Insert left-hand needle into the first 4 of these long sts and pass them over the second 4 long sts. Return all sts to left-hand needle and knit the sts in the new order (knit the second 4 long sts first and then the original 4 sts).

wyib - with yarn in back

ZIGZAG EYELETS

STITCH OF THE MONTH - July 2016

A pretty zigzag of left-slanting and right-slanting eyelets make up this stitch pattern created with a combination of yarn overs and decreases.

This stitch is produced on a background of stockinette so the knit fabric will naturally curl at the edges. This can be avoided by creating a garter stitch, stitch stitch or ribbed border or edging.

Zigzag Eyelet Stitch

(Multiples of 9 stitches)

Row 1 (RS) - K4, *yo, skp, k7; repeat from * to last 5 sts, yo, skp, k3.

Row 2 and every even row - Purl

Row 3 - K5, *yo, skp, k7; repeat from * to last 4 sts, yo, skp, k2.

Row 5 - K6, *yo, skp, k7; repeat from * to last 3 sts, yo, skp, k1.

Row 7 - K7, *yo, skp, k7; repeat from * to last 2 sts, yo, skp.

Row 9 - K3, *k2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to last 6 sts, k2tog, yo, k4.

Row 11 - K2, *K2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to last 7 sts, k2tog, yo, k5.

Row 13 - K1, *K2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to last 8 sts, k2tog, yo, k6.

Row 15 - *K2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to end.

Row 16 - Purl

These 16 rows make up the Zizag Eyelet stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

k2tog - knit 2 stitches together

RS - right side

skp - slip 1, knit 1, passed slipped stitch over

BASKET CABLE

Stitch of the Month – June 2016

The Basket Cable stitch is an all-over cable pattern that produces a thick and highly-textured fabric. It resembles an intricate basket weave and looks more complicated than it actually is to knit.

The dense texture of this stitch pattern will:

1. significantly narrow the gauge because the stitches are twisting throughout the row so it will be really important to check the gauge (and critical when combining the Basket Cable pattern with another stitch pattern)
2. will use more yarn vs a knit/purl stitch pattern
3. require additional ease in garments because of the thickness of the fabric

This dense fabric is best knit with a yarn that has elasticity so that the weight of the cables doesn't cause the garment to 'grow' in length so avoid using yarns such as cotton, silk or linen that are inelastic.

Basket Cable

(Multiples of 8 sts + 4)

Row 1, 3 (RS) - Knit

Row 2 and all even rows - Purl

Row 5 - K4, *C8B; repeat from * to end of row

Row 7, 9 - Knit

Row 11 - *C8F; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k4

Row 12 - Purl

These 12 rows form the Basket Cable Pattern.

Abbreviations
C8B - Cable 8 back. This is worked by sliding 4 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle to behind the left needle. Knit the next 4 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 4 stitches from the cable needle.

C8F - Cable 8 front. This is worked by sliding 4 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle in front of the left needle. Knit the next 4 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 4 stitches from the cable needle.

HUGS & KISSES CABLE STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - May 2016

The Hugs and Kisses Cable Stitch is a pretty cable pattern that features columns of 'x's and 'o's representing hugs and kisses. The cable pattern is worked over 8 stitches with a 16 row repeat.

The stitch creates a dense pattern that is great for sweaters, blankets and pillows. It's particularly lovely when worked with larger or more complicated cable patterns. How cute to include hugs and kisses into a child's garment!

Cable stitches are worked over a background of reverse stockinette stitches so that the cables "pop" and show well against the background. 

Hugs & Kisses Cable Stitch
(Multiples of 8 stitches)
Row 1 - Knit
Row 2 - Purl
Row 3 - C4F, C4B
Row 4 - Purl
Row 5 - Knit
Row 6 - Purl
Row 7 - C4F, C4B
Rows 8 - 10 -  Repeat rows 4 thru 6
Row 11 - C4B, C4F
Rows 12 - 14 - Repeat rows 4 thru 6
Row 15 - C4B, C4F
Row 16 - Purl
(These 16 rows form the Hugs and Kisses Cable stitch)

Abbreviations

C4B  Cable 4 Back  

C4F  Cable 4 Front

Abbreviations
C4B - Cable over 4 stitches to the back. This is worked by sliding 2 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle to behind the left needle. Knit the next 2 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.
C4F - Cable over 4 stitches to the front. This is worked by sliding 2 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle in front of the left needle. Knit the next 2 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

GOOSEBERRY STITCH

Stitch of the Month – April 2016

The Gooseberry Stitch is a bobble stitch that is formed by working increases in one stitch which is then decreased back to one stitch over four rows. The resulting effect is a heavily textured, three-dimensional design resembling gooseberries.

It is good to note that you will need more yarn than you typically would when knitting straight stockinette stitch. 

Gooseberry Stitch

(Uneven number of stitches)

Row 1 (RS)  Knit

Row 2  K1, *(p1, yo, p1, yo, p1) in next st, k1; repeat from * to end.

Row 3  Purl

Row 4  K1, *sl2 wyif, p3tog, p2sso, k1; repeat from * to end.

Row 5  Knit

Row 6  k2, *(p1, yo, p1, yo, p1) in next st, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 7  Purl

Row 8  K2, *sl2 wyif, p3tog, p2sso, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

These 8 rows form the Gooseberry Stitch Pattern

Abbreviations

sl2 - slip 2 stitches 

p3tog - purl 3 stitches together

p2sso - pass 2 slipped stitches over

wyif - with yarn in front

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

SPINE STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH – February 2016

The Spine stitch is worked as an all over cable pattern creating an appealing 'spine' texture. Each stitch on the right side row is cabled resulting in a dense fabric that has less drape.

Working a one-over-one cable is the simplest of cable stitches and can be worked without a cable needle. This technique is referred to as a cable-type crossed stitch.

Spine Stitch

(Multiple of 4 stitches)

Row 1 (RS)  *C2B, C2F; repeat from * to end

Row 2          Purl

These 2 rows form the Spine Stitch

Abbreviations

C2B  Cable 2 Back  

C2F  Cable 2 Front

Directions

Cable 2 Back: Knit second stitch on left needle through the back loop, then knit first stitch through the back loop. Drop both stitches from left needle. 

Cable 2 Front: Knit second stitch on left needle through the front loop, then knit first stitch through the front loop. Drop both stitches from left needle.

LACY ZIGZAG STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - January 2016
The Lacy Zigzag is a feminine stitch pattern that combines a zigzagging wave of stockinette stitch eyelet stitches. This pretty pattern would be lovely worked in a scarf, accessories or as a lace inset panel.  

Lacy Zig Zag
(Multiples of 6 sts + 3)

Row 1 (RS)   K1, *skp, k2, yo, k2; repeat from * to last st, k2

Row 2           Purl

Repeat rows 1 and 2 twice.

Row 7           K4, *yo, k2, k2tog; k2; repeat from * to last 5 sts; yo, k2, k2tog, k1.
Row 8           Purl

Repeat rows 7 and 8 twice.

These 12 rows form the Lazy Zigzag stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

K2tog - knit 2 together

RS - right side

Skp - slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over

Yo - yarn over

TRAVELLING VINE LACE

Stitch of the Month - December 2015
The Travelling Vine Lace stitch is a lovely stitch with lovely waves of lace travelling up the fabric.

After working an odd row (RS), there are multiples of 9 stitches. Therefore, only count your stitches after working an even (WS) row.

Travelling Vine Stitch
(Multiples of 8 sts + 2)

Row 1 (RS)	K1, *yf, K1tbl, yf, k2tog tbl, k5; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 2	P5, *p2tog tbl, p7; rep from * to last 6 sts, p2tog tbl, p4.
Row 3	K1, *yf, K1tbl, yf, k2, k2tog tbl, k3; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 4	P3, *p2tog tbl, p7; rep from * to last 8 sts, p2tog tbl, p6.
Row 5	K1, *K1tbl, yf, k4, k2tog tbl, k1, yf; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 6	P2, *p2tog tbl, p7; rep to end.
Row 7	K6, *k2tog, yf, k1tbl, yf, k5; rep from * to last 4 sts, k2tog, yf, k1tbl, yf, k1.
Row 8	P4, *p2tog, p7; rep to last 7 sts, p2tog, p5.
Row 9	K4, *k2tog, k2, yf, k1tbl, yf, k3; rep from * to last 6 sts, k2tog, k2, yf, k1tbl, yf, k1.
Row 10	P6, *p2tog, p7; rep to last 5 sts, p2tog, p3.

Abbreviations
k1tbl - knit 1 through back loop
k2tog - knit 2 stitches together
k2tog tbl - knit 2 stitches together through back loops
p2tog - purl 2 stitches together
p2tog tbl - purl 2 stitch together through back loops
rep - repeat
rs - right side
st(s) - stitch(es)
ws - wrong side

SIMPLE LACE FAGGOTING

November Stitch of the Month

Simple Lace Faggoting is a basic lace stitch where every stitch is worked with either a yarn over or a decrease. The stitch pattern is worked over one row which results in a reversible stitch pattern.The faggoting stitch produces an elastic fabric that resembles netting. 

There are many variations to the faggoting stitch such as the Purse stitch, Turkish stitch and Feather faggot using the same principle of working a yarn over and a decrease.

Simple Faggoting Stitch

(Even number of stitches)

K1, *yo, ssk; repeat from * to last stitch, k1.

This row forms the Simple Faggoting Stitch.

Abbreviations

SSK - Slip, slip, knit.

GATHERED STITCH

October Stitch of the Month

The Gathered Stitch is a segment of ruched stitches worked in stockinette stitch against segments of garter stitches. The gathered or ruched effect is created by doubling the quantity of stitches at the start of the stockinette stitch section and then reducing the stitches in half before working the segment of garter stitch. 

The fabric tends to become a bit bulky where the stitches are doubled so swatching is a good idea to ensure that desired effect is achieved. Perhaps go up a needle size or two if the stockinette stitch is too bulky.

Gathered Stitch
(Any number of stitches)
Row 1 (RS)  Knit
Row 2 to 6  Knit
Row 7  *Make 1 in each stitch: repeat from * to end
Rows 8, 10, 12  Purl
Rows 9 & 11  Knit
Row 13  *K2tog; repeat from * to end
Repeat row 2 - 13 to form the Gathered Stitch

Abbreviations
K2tog  Knit 2 stitches together
M1  Make one (knit in front and back of stitch)
RS  Right side

RIDGED LACE STITCH

Stitch of the Month - September 2015

The Ridged Lace stitch pattern creates a vertical ribbed mesh design that has a lovely texture of mesh against textured raised ridges. It's worked in a simple two stitch and two row pattern repeat. 

The stitch pattern would look great used in hats and scarves or on edgings instead of ribbing.

Ridged Lace
(Multiples of 2 stitches)
Row 1 (RS)  K1, *yo, k2tog tbl; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 2  P1, *yo, p2tog,; repeat from * to last st, p1.
These 2 rows form the Ridged Lace stitch pattern.

Abbreviations
k2tog tbl - Knit 2 stitches together through back loops
p2tog - Purl 2 stitch together
RS - right side