Table of Contents
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………1
About This Book………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1
Conventions Used in This Book …………………………………………………………………………………..2
Foolish Assumptions …………………………………………………………………………………………………..2
How This Book Is Organized………………………………………………………………………………………..3
Part I: The Nuts and Bolts (or Sticks and String) of Knitting………………………………..3
Part II: A Primer on Stitches and Color………………………………………………………………..3
Part III: Patterns with Rectangles and Related Shapes…………………………………………4
Part IV: Patterns with Circles, Triangles, and More……………………………………………..4
Part V: The Part of Tens………………………………………………………………………………………5
Appendix ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Icons Used in This Book………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Where to Go from Here………………………………………………………………………………………………..5
Part I: The Nuts and Bolts (or Sticks and String) of Knitting………..7
Chapter 1: The Right Stuff: Knitting Supplies …………………………………………………………..9
Unraveling the Basics of Yarn………………………………………………………………………………………9
Checking out different types of packaging…………………………………………………………..9
Reading a yarn label………………………………………………………………………………………….10
Choosing the right yarn for the job …………………………………………………………………..11
Determining how much yarn you need ……………………………………………………………..13
Getting to the Point of Needles ………………………………………………………………………………….15
Looking at different kinds of needles…………………………………………………………………15
Understanding needle sizes ………………………………………………………………………………16
Filling Your Knitting Bag with Other Gadgets……………………………………………………………..17
Measuring tools ………………………………………………………………………………………………..18
Markers and holders…………………………………………………………………………………………18
Tools for keeping track of your knitting …………………………………………………………….19
Finishing tools…………………………………………………………………………………………………..20
Chapter 2: Gauge Your Success……………………………………………………………………………..21
Calculating Gauge for Any Project ……………………………………………………………………………..21
How Tense Are You? Tips for Knitting to the Right Gauge ………………………………………….22
Relaxing with your knitting ……………………………………………………………………………….23
Switching needles if your gauge is off………………………………………………………………..23
Swatching Before You Begin a New Project ………………………………………………………………..24
Making your swatch………………………………………………………………………………………….24
Measuring your swatch …………………………………………………………………………………….25
Practicing different gauges in a single swatch …………………………………………………..27
Checking Your Gauge throughout a Project ……………………………………………………………….28
When to check your gauge………………………………………………………………………………..28
How to check your gauge………………………………………………………………………………….28
Examining the Drapes of Different Gauges …………………………………………………………………29
Chapter 3: Do You Measure Up? Size Matters ……………………………………………………….31
Deciphering a Pattern’s Size Information……………………………………………………………………31
The kinds of size information in a pattern …………………………………………………………32
The sizing conventions in this book ………………………………………………………………….32
Measuring Yourself ……………………………………………………………………………………………………33
Knowing What Size You Should Knit ………………………………………………………………………….34
Focusing on essential fit considerations……………………………………………………………35
Factoring in ease ………………………………………………………………………………………………35
Trying the “favorite sweater” technique if you’re still unsure about size …………..35
Chapter 4: Break the Code: Reading Patterns ………………………………………………………..37
Deciphering Knitroglyphics……………………………………………………………………………………….37
Understanding common terms and abbreviations …………………………………………….37
Following a repeating pattern……………………………………………………………………………40
Reading charts and symbolcraft ……………………………………………………………………….40
Try Before You Buy! Spot-Checking Patterns ……………………………………………………………..44
Are all the parts there? ……………………………………………………………………………………..44
Do you understand the directions?……………………………………………………………………45
Does the pattern come in your size and style? ………………………………………………….45
Part II: A Primer on Stitches and Color …………………………………..47
Chapter 5: The Simplest Stitches……………………………………………………………………………49
Starting with Garter Stitch …………………………………………………………………………………………49
Knitting and Purling Stockinette Stitch ………………………………………………………………………50
Mixing It Up with Reverse Stockinette Stitch ……………………………………………………………..51
Staying Simple with Seed Stitch …………………………………………………………………………………52
Creating Box Stitch ……………………………………………………………………………………………………53
Working Half Linen Stitch…………………………………………………………………………………………..53
Chapter 6: Stitches that Look Tricky but Aren’t………………………………………………………55
Lining Up with Ribs……………………………………………………………………………………………………55
1 x 1 rib …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….57
2 x 2 rib …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….57
4 x 2 rib …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….58
Broken rib…………………………………………………………………………………………………………58
Two-stitch rib……………………………………………………………………………………………………59
Twisting Away with Cables ………………………………………………………………………………………..60
Two-stitch twist ………………………………………………………………………………………………..61
Four-stitch cables……………………………………………………………………………………………..62
Six-stitch cables………………………………………………………………………………………………..63
Horseshoe cable……………………………………………………………………………………………….64
Wave cable and chain cable………………………………………………………………………………65
Seeing Through Your Knitting with Lace ……………………………………………………………………67
Yarn overs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..67
Common decreases used in lace ……………………………………………………………………….68
Double decreases ……………………………………………………………………………………………..69
Other essential lace know-how………………………………………………………………………….70
Openwork…………………………………………………………………………………………………………70
Feather and fan…………………………………………………………………………………………………71
Climbing vine lace …………………………………………………………………………………………….72
Arrowhead lace…………………………………………………………………………………………………73
Chapter 7: Colorful Stitches……………………………………………………………………………………75
Combining Colors with a Careful Eye …………………………………………………………………………75
Get in Line: Stripes…………………………………………………………………………………………………….76
Two-row stripes………………………………………………………………………………………………..77
Regularly repeating stripes ……………………………………………………………………………….77
Random stripes…………………………………………………………………………………………………79
Classic Color: Fair Isle Patterns …………………………………………………………………………………79
Simple stranded pattern……………………………………………………………………………………80
Small Fair Isle motif…………………………………………………………………………………………..81
Fair Isle border …………………………………………………………………………………………………82
Slip in Some Color: Mosaics……………………………………………………………………………………….83
Puzzle piece mosaic ………………………………………………………………………………………….85
Woven cord mosaic…………………………………………………………………………………………..86
Little mosaic……………………………………………………………………………………………………..88
Little boxes mosaic …………………………………………………………………………………………..89
Miniature mosaic………………………………………………………………………………………………90
Color for Cheaters: Adding Details after You Finish Knitting………………………………………91
Duplicate stitch ………………………………………………………………………………………………..91
Surface crochet…………………………………………………………………………………………………93
Part III: Patterns with Rectangles and Related Shapes ………………95
Chapter 8: Rectangles to Wear……………………………………………………………………………….97
Garter Stitch Scarf……………………………………………………………………………………………………..97
New skill: The double wrap (and beyond)…………………………………………………………98
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………..99
Directions …………………………………………………………………………………………………………99
Variation: Using beautiful yarns ………………………………………………………………………100
Variation: Creating a seafoam stitch scarf………………………………………………………..100
Ribbed Scarf…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….101
New skill: Switching from knit to purl and back again ……………………………………..101
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………102
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….102
Variation: Ribbed scarves with any yarn …………………………………………………………103
Box Stitch Scarf ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….103
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………104
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….104
Variation: Twins scarf ……………………………………………………………………………………..105
Variation: Two-yarns scarf……………………………………………………………………………….105
Flat Hat ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………106
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………107
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….107
Variation: Knitting a garter stitch flat hat ………………………………………………………..108
Retro Slippers for Baby ……………………………………………………………………………………………108
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………109
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….109
Variation: Using different yarns ……………………………………………………………………….110
Variation: Sizing up………………………………………………………………………………………….110
Longways Multiyarn Stole………………………………………………………………………………………..111
New skill: Changing colors ………………………………………………………………………………111
New skill: Making fringe…………………………………………………………………………………..112
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………113
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….113
Variation: Changing yarns ……………………………………………………………………………….114
Loose Rib Wrap ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….114
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………114
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….115
Variation: Make your wrap a poncho……………………………………………………………….115
Variation: Make your wrap a shrug ………………………………………………………………….116
Box Top …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..116
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………117
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….118
Variation: Short and simple……………………………………………………………………………..119
Chapter 9: Rectangles for the Home……………………………………………………………………..121
Felted Potholders…………………………………………………………………………………………………….121
New skill: Making miters………………………………………………………………………………….122
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………122
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….123
Variation: Single-color potholders……………………………………………………………………123
Variation: Striped potholders ………………………………………………………………………….124
Variation: Coasters ………………………………………………………………………………………….124
Variation: Mitered square afghan …………………………………………………………………….124
Throw Pillows………………………………………………………………………………………………………….125
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………126
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….126
Variation: Retro check pillow…………………………………………………………………………..126
Variation: Bean sprout pillow ………………………………………………………………………….128
Journal Cover ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….129
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………129
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….130
Variation: Small journal cover in half linen stitch …………………………………………….130
Nested Squares Baby Blanket…………………………………………………………………………………..131
New skill: Picking up stitches along a garter stitch edge………………………………….131
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………133
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….133
Variation: Substituting yarns …………………………………………………………………………..134
Chapter 10: Almost Rectangles …………………………………………………………………………….135
Felted Messenger Bag………………………………………………………………………………………………135
New skill: The cable cast-on…………………………………………………………………………….136
New skill: Working linen stitch by slipping stitches …………………………………………137
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………138
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….138
One-Piece Baby Sweater…………………………………………………………………………………………..141
New skill: Making a buttonhole ……………………………………………………………………….141
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………142
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….143
Deceptively Simple Shell ………………………………………………………………………………………….145
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………145
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….146
Shawl-Collared Coat…………………………………………………………………………………………………147
New skill: The three-needle bind-off ………………………………………………………………..148
New skill: Pick up and knit vertically……………………………………………………………….149
New skill: Pick up and knit horizontally …………………………………………………………..151
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………151
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….152
Variation: A beautiful border …………………………………………………………………………..155
Hooded Coat……………………………………………………………………………………………………………156
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………156
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….157
Part IV: Patterns with Circles, Triangles, and More………………….161
Chapter 11: Knitting in Circles………………………………………………………………………………163
Ruffled Cowl…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….163
New skill: Joining your knitting in the round……………………………………………………164
New skill: Increasing with kfb ………………………………………………………………………….165
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………166
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….166
Variation: Turning your cowl into a poncho …………………………………………………….167
Wrist Warmers…………………………………………………………………………………………………………168
New skill: Working with double-pointed needles ……………………………………………..168
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………170
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….170
Ruffled Muffatees …………………………………………………………………………………………………….171
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………171
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….172
Basic Beanies…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..172
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………173
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….173
Variation: Creating a cabled beanie …………………………………………………………………174
Storybook Hats………………………………………………………………………………………………………..175
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………175
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….176
Variation: Changing yarns ……………………………………………………………………………….177
Mosaic Bags …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….177
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………178
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….179
Variation: Keeping your bag plain and simple………………………………………………….182
Variation: Striping your bag …………………………………………………………………………….182
Chapter 12: Shaping Triangles ……………………………………………………………………………..183
The Most Basic Kerchief Ever ………………………………………………………………………………….183
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………184
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….184
The Most Basic Shawl Ever………………………………………………………………………………………185
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………185
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….186
Variation: Changing up your yarn ……………………………………………………………………186
Variation: Making a poncho …………………………………………………………………………….186
Fully Fashioned Kerchief………………………………………………………………………………………….187
New skill: Additional left-slanting decreases ……………………………………………………187
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………189
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….189
Lacy Shawl ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………190
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………191
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….191
Variation: Knitting through thick and thin ……………………………………………………….192
Stretchy Halter Top………………………………………………………………………………………………….192
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………193
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….193
Short Row Scarf……………………………………………………………………………………………………….195
New skill: Working short rows…………………………………………………………………………196
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………197
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….198
Harlequin Blanket ……………………………………………………………………………………………………199
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………199
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….200
Chapter 13: Putting Together Rectangles and Triangles ………………………………………201
V-Neck T-Shirt………………………………………………………………………………………………………….201
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………202
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….203
Variation: Crew neck T-shirt with garter stitch edging……………………………………..205
Kid’s Top………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….207
New skill: Picking up neckline stitches…………………………………………………………….208
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………210
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….211
Variation: Short sleeves…………………………………………………………………………………..213
Variation: Cables……………………………………………………………………………………………..214
Men’s Rollneck Pullover…………………………………………………………………………………………..215
New skill: Setting in sleeves in a new way………………………………………………………..215
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………217
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….218
Variation: Showing your man’s true colors ………………………………………………………221
Manly Sweater …………………………………………………………………………………………………………222
New skill: Binding off in rib ……………………………………………………………………………..222
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………223
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….224
Variation: Crafting a crew neck………………………………………………………………………..227
Chapter 14: Knitting Beyond Geometry Class……………………………………………………….229
Bulky Zipped Cardigan …………………………………………………………………………………………….229
New skill: Trying the make 1 increase ……………………………………………………………..230
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………231
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….232
Half-Ribbed Raglan Cardigan ……………………………………………………………………………………234
New skill: Fashioning self-facing buttonbands …………………………………………………235
New skill: Decreasing in rib……………………………………………………………………………..236
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………237
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….238
Variation: Using the perfect buttons………………………………………………………………..241
Women’s Scoop-Neck Pullover …………………………………………………………………………………242
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………242
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….243
Variation: Making a mosaic border ………………………………………………………………….247
Lacy V-Neck Top………………………………………………………………………………………………………247
Materials and vital statistics……………………………………………………………………………248
Directions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….249
Variation: Lengthening your top………………………………………………………………………253
Part V: The Part of Tens…………………………………………………….255
Chapter 15: Ten Things You Can Knit with that Aren’t Yarn or Needles ……………….257
Chapter 16: Almost Ten Things You Can Do with Your Swatches ………………………..259
Chapter 17: Ten Ways to MacGyver Your Knitting ………………………………………………..261
Chapter 18: Ten Smart Ways to Care for Your Knits………………………………………………265
Appendix: Basic Knitting Skills…………………………………………..271
Binding Off ……………………………………………………………………………………………271
Blocking………………………………………………………………………………………………271
Light blocking …………………………………………………………………………………………………272
Wet blocking……………………………………………………………………………………………………273
Casting On……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….274
Crocheted Edging…………………………………………………………………………………………………….275
Crocheting a Chain…………………………………………………………………………………………………..276
Felting …………………………………………………………………………………………..277
Knit Stitch ……………………………………………………………………………….277
Knitting into the Back of a Stitch ……………………………………………………………………………..278
Making Stitches Knitwise and Purlwise…………………………………………………………………….279
Mattress Stitch ……………………………………………………………………………279
Stockinette stitch, side to side ………………………………………………………………………..279
Garter stitch, side to side………………………………………………………………………………..281
End to end ………………………………………………………………………………………………………282
End to side………………………………………………………………………………………………………282
Purl Stitch ………………………………………………………………………………..283
Ripping Back Stitches………………………………………………………………………………………………284
Slipping Stitches………………………………………………………………………………………………………285
Weaving in Ends ……………………………………………………………………………………286
Index ……………………………………………………………………………287