Savvy Crafting » Knitting Patterns

Choosing and Reading Knitting Patterns

Author — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 01:31:53 +0000

Knitting is one of the most longstanding and popular hobbies in the world. Not only is it fun and enjoyable, but as well there are almost endless possibilities in terms of what you can create. Whether you want to make a sweater for your mother or grandmother, or even just knit something like a doily or blanket for yourself, there are some terrific knitting patterns that you can use.

It is going to be important not only that you choose the right knitting patterns but also that you are going to be able to read them. There are a lot of different terms and abbreviations that are going to be used in knitting patterns, and they will seem like code to you if you do not understand them.

Reading a Pattern

If you are a novice to knitting you are going to want to choose easier knitting patterns rather than ones that are complex and which are going to take a long time to complete.

Once you have chosen the pattern you will need to read the instructions at the very beginning, which will advise you as to which type of yarn and knitting needles you are going to need. Choosing knitting needles based on the pattern`s recommendations is very important, otherwise you will end up with something that looks nothing like the image on the pattern.

You will need to make a gauge before you start knitting to ensure the needle size and that the yarn you have chosen is going to result in producing the size and shape of garment you need. You need to follow the instructions row by row, and it may even be helpful for you to check off a row as you are finished, in case you lose your spot because then you may need to start over from the beginning.

Use the corresponding key to interpret chart instructions, and as you get going and start to get the hang of it you will find it very easy. You will then be able to choose more difficult knitting patterns as you are feeling more comfortable, and there are some amazing patterns available for experienced knitters.

This is a hobby that is great to know, because there are so many different things that you can create, and you can even come up with your own knitting patterns if you like. Knitting is a great option if you want to create something beautiful and give it as a gift.

Knitting Patterns

Author — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:14:19 +0000

Gone are the days when knitting was all about making monotonous patterns. Today is the age of vibrant and multifarious knit patterns. Knitting truly is conquering new heights with the rise in the number of knitting patterns. In fact, one can create his/her own knitting patterns by applying creativity and imagination.

One can combine knits and purls in an array of ways to form unique knitting patterns. In case of two stitches, the former stitch is called the knit stitch whereas the latter one is called the purl stitch. Both these stitches create a unique effect whereby a particular stitch appears to be a purl stitch from one side of the fabric and a knit stitch from its other side.

The different visual effects created by the knit and purl stitches help in creating several types of designs and patterns. Knit stitches generally look like ‘V’s stacked vertically. Purl stitches look like wavy horizontal lines running across the fabric. Rows of long and short stitches can be created to form interesting knitting patterns. They create an appealing visual effect.

Stockinettes are simple fabrics in which all the stitches are either the knit stitches or the purl stitches. Both these stitches are twisted to create unique design patterns. Right and left plaited stitches create beautiful visual effects. One can knit attractive patterns of jewelry from fine wires of metal by using plaited stitches.

The different types of purls and knits include box stitch, basket weave, garter stitch, moss diamonds, moss panels, rice stitch, seed stitch, parallelograms, windmill, mistake rib, twin rib, triangle squares, triangle ribs, single chevron, close checks, elongated chevron, pavilion, purled ladder, weave, pique triangles etc. All these create interesting 2D and 3D effects on the fabric.

Interesting knitting patterns can be created through several types of stitches. The various types of knitting used for creating beautiful types of patterns include shadow knitting, slip-stitch knitting, fair-isle knitting, drop-stitch knitting, cable knitting, lace knitting, bias knitting etc. All these types make use of purls, knits and wales to create a variety of design patterns.

Each pattern of stitch can be created keeping in mind the stitch multiples required for that particular pattern. A multiple of 7 means that one can cast on a certain number of stitches that are divisible by 7. A multiple of 9+2 stitches means that one can cast a certain number of stitches that are divisible by 9 along with two extra stitches.

Reversible stitch patterns are of two types. In the first reversible pattern, the stitches on the cloth look similar on both its sides. The stitches on the fabric look different when seen from its both sides in the second reversible pattern. These visual effects add interesting dimensions to the fabric. The different types of reversible stitch patterns include layette, diagonal rib, little pyramids, purled ladder, moss stitch, diamonds etc.

Several websites provide information about knitting patterns with beautiful illustrations and step-by-step guides. One can also avail the books and magazines on designs and patterns.

Be it a cute teddy bear or a chic shawl; cozy little mittens or smart cardigans, one can incorporate interesting knitting patterns to add that extra style to the stuff he knits.

Knitting Patterns For Beginners

Author — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:12:39 +0000

Knitting has become a rage amongst the young and the old throughout the world. This recreational activity not only releases your stress but lets your creativity flow. People, who are new to the world of knitting, can try knitting patterns for beginners. These patterns are easy, and entertaining, by practicing these basic patterns you will get a knack for knitting, which will help you churn out beautiful knitted products.

When it comes to knitting patterns for beginners, you have to learn the knit stitch. This is the basis of all knitting stitches. After you learn this stitch you can create basic things like wash cloths, scarves, and basic Afghans. The art of casting on and knitting are the two fundamental things necessary for the knit stitch.

Once you are acquainted with the number of cast on stitches for a project you can easily create fun objects like garter stitch scarves. This is one of the easiest knitting patterns for beginners as all you have to do is cast on, make a knit stitch and bind off. This pattern comes in handy when you have to create some last minute presents. You are required to use a size 13 straight needle, crochet hook and 100 yards of super bulky yarn.

To churn out a warm lap afghan during winters, you can use the moss stitch. This is a simple stitch, with four repeating rows. All you have to do is cast on 144 stitches, by using your method. Then work is repeating four rows, using the knit stitch and the purl stitch.

This is an easy pattern as all you have to do is knit one and purl across in the first two rows and purl one and knit across in the preceding two rows. This sequence is to be repeated to produce a long but narrow afghan. To help distribute the weight, a size 10 circular needle is used. Once you get familiar with the method you can easily produce beautiful Afghans using the knitting patterns for beginners.

By using knitting patterns for beginners, you can make simple party wraps, which add a touch of elegance to your party wear. These wraps are easy to make, as the only skill required apart from knitting and purling is the basic increasing and decreasing. You can also use the stockinet stitch to combine simplicity and fashion. The fuzzy yarn and the floppy style hides any mistake made during knitting, hence this pattern is best suited for all the beginners attempting knitting.

Once you get a nag of knitting, you will look forward to try out other knitting patterns for beginners, to prepare wash cloths and dish cloths. To prepare a hassle free, quick wash cloth you can use the broken rib stitch. This gives a great effect to your normal wash cloth. And you get a lot of practice by knitting such items. In method you have to cast on 61 stitches and use the knit and the purl stitch to complete your wash cloth. This method consists of repeating the two stitches alternately.

To produce a soft wash cloth use 100 percent cotton yarn and a pair of size 7 US needles. This pattern is suitable for beginner as it is quick and easy. After practice you can easily create variations in your object, to create different effects.

The knitting patterns for beginners, encourages the young knitters to try out different stitches to produce beautiful knitted articles. As these patterns are easy and quick, your knitting experience will be hassle free.

These patterns make knitting a quick and trouble-free process.