Knitting in No Time E-Book

Melody Griffiths

• Herausgeber: CICO Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Beschreibung

Knitting in No Time is a modern collection of 50 projects that offers new and established knitters the know-how they need to create a quick-to-knit range of garments and accessories using simple stitches. Created by knitwear designer Melody Griffiths, the projects include both traditional and new knitted garments, from bright skinny scarves to fingerless mittens and deliciously enveloping shrugs, shawls and ponchos, as well as more substantial outerwear and a range of matching accessories. Projects can be extremely fast to knit; for instance, choose a triple-twist wool and even a beginner can create a roomy knitted tote in just half a day, while a soft pull-on hat can be made in three hours. Extra-large knitting needles and super-thick yarns produce great results in no time, and there are also tips on knitting in the round and other techniques that will speed up the knitting process. Each project comes complete with an estimated making time and its own series of tips, including how best to handle the yarn, the right type of cast-on and speed-knitting hints.

Leseprobe

KNITTING

in no time

KNITTING

in no time

A Fast, Fun Collection of 50 Quick-Knit Projects

Melody Griffiths

First published in 2006 by

Cico Books Ltd

32 Great Sutton Street

London EC1V 0NB

Copyright © Cico Books 2005

Text copyright © Melody Griffiths 2006

The right of Melody Griffiths to be identified as author of this text has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder and publisher.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

eISBN: 978 1 782493 01 3

ISBN: 1-904991-22-X

Editing: Eleanor van Zandt, Katie Hardwicke

Design: Alison Shackleton

Photography: Tino Tedaldi

Artwork: Melody Griffiths and Stephen Dew

Printed in China

CONTENTS

THE PROJECTS

SCARVES, HATS, and GLOVES

Lacy scarf

Diagonal scarf

Beaded-rib scarf

Scrap-yarn scarf

Wavy scarf

Quick-to-knit earflap hat

Pull-on hat and handwarmers

Floppy-brim hat

Fair Isle earflap hat and fingerless gloves

Skinny scarf

Rainbow scarf

Braid scarf

Pompom scarf

Scattered-sequin scarf

Legwarmers

Leopard-spots headband

WRAPS, PONCHOS, and SHRUGS

Tassel wrap

Cream cowl rib

Fizz wrap

Comfort blanket

Ribbon-yarn wrap

Striped afghan

Fluffy shrug

Slouchy shrug

Summer shawl

Chevron poncho

JACKETS and TOPS

Loop-edge jacket

Ripped fabric top

Fun-fur vest

Wrap jacket

Sparkle vest

Sheepskin-look vest

Ripped-fabric vest

Shaded jacket

Circular yoke sweater

Blanket jacket

BAGS

Denim bag

Chunky-knit tote

Weekend bag

Gold sequin bag

Moss-stitch bag

String bag

Knitting bag

Woven-look bag

Beaded phone-pouch

Tweed handbag

Black velvet bag

Scrap mini bag

TECHNIQUES

The Basics

Holding the yarn and needles

Making a slip knot

Casting on

Casting off

Making a knit stitch

Making a purl stitch

Simple stitch patterns

Garter stitch

Stockinette stitch

Reverse stockinette stitch

Moss stitch

Rib and Cable

Shaping and patterning

Making garments

Understanding patterns

Abbreviations

Checking tension

Troubleshooting

Sewing up

Ten tips for faster knitting

Care of garments

Stockists and distributors

Index and acknowledgments

Introduction

I’ve been totally fascinated by knitting ever since I was a teenager. The thing I love most is when that magic combination of tradition and innovation happens, and the technique, shape, yarn, and stitch pattern lock together to create something unique. As a designer, I’m meticulous about the decisions I need to make to get the shape and style I want, but when I start to knit, the rhythm takes over and time disappears.

This collection of 50 designs shows you how to create stylish, unusual accessories, and stunning garments using the simplest and quickest of stitches and techniques. There are designs for complete beginners, there are designs worked in the round, and there are designs for more adventurous or experienced knitters. The skills needed range from making a garter-stitch square mini-bag or working simple lengths of knitting for sumptuous scarves and wraps through to subtly shaped, fully fashioned jackets. But each design is planned to be as easy as possible for the techniques involved. Edgings are knitted in, row-by-row instructions are given wherever there is shaping, and there are hints and tips to help you get the best out of each design.

One of the joys of knitting is handling the yarn. There’s such a huge choice available on the market now, so for the knits in this book, I’ve experimented with a range of wool and other natural fibers. Enjoy choosing from a variety of weights, or using scraps of left-over yarn mixed and matched for very different effects, or knitting up a soft, super-chunky yarn at speed. The patterns show you how to create simple knits in richly textured fashion yarns, and even how to improvise yarn with designs knitted in string or from ripped fabric strips.

With so many ideas to choose from, I hope that there is something right for you and that you are inspired to take pleasure in knitting for yourself, your family, and your friends. As a guide, each project has the time it took to make. Depending on your experience and enthusiasm, you may take more or less time than given. But however long it takes, remember that knitting isn’t a speed competition—relaxation, enjoyment, and confidence, in your creativity are far more important.

Scarves, hats, and gloves

Start with something simple like a scarf; then try knitting in the round to make hand and leg warmers or progress to shaping with fast, funky hats. A scarf is not only the traditional learn-to-knit project but also a vital fashion accessory. This section has 16 designs for you to choose from, including skinny scarves, scrap-yarn scarves, patterned scarves, and scarves with trims. Going around in circles creates tubes of knitting that can be used as hand, arm, or leg warmers. They’re in a multicolored yarn that gives you instant stripes with no extra work. Super-chunky yarn and big needles make the simple earflap hat one of the fastest projects in this book.

Lacy scarf

Diagonal scarf

Beaded-rib scarf

Scrap-yarn scarf

Wavy scarf

Quick-to-knit earflap hat

Pull-on hat and hand warmers

Skinny scarf

Fair Isle earflap hat and fingerless gloves

Floppy-brim hat

Rainbow scarf

Braid scarf

Pom-pom scarf

Scattered-sequin scarf

Leg warmers

Leopard-spotted headband

Lacyscarf

The center of the scarf is knitted first; then the pointed edging is worked separately and sewn on. The lacy stitch for the center of the scarf is really very easy. The little motifs are placed at regular intervals. Every wrong-side row is just purl, and the stitch count remains the same throughout, so your fingers quickly learn what to do. Every wrong-side row of the edging is a knit row. The stitch count for the edging varies, but it’s not hard to keep track of where you are in the pattern, and a stitch check is given each time the number of stitches changes.

SCARF CENTER

Cast on 32 sts.

Row 1 (RS) K.

Row 2 (and every WS row) P.

Row 3 K3, [yo, skpo, k6] 3 times, yo, skpo, k3.

Row 5 K1, [k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skpo, k3] 3 times, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skpo, k2.

Row 7 As Row 3.

Row 9 K.

Row 11 K7, [yo, skpo, k6] 3 times, k1.

Row 13 K5, [k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skpo, k3] 3 times, k3.

Row 15 As Row 11.

Row 16 P.

These 16 rows form the lace patt. Work 15 more repeats, then work 9 more rows. Bind off knitwise.

EDGING

Cast on 5 sts.

Row 1 (and every WS row) K.

Row 2 Sl 1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2. 6 sts.

Row 4 Sl 1, [yo, k2tog] twice, yo, k1. 7 sts.

Row 6 Sl 1, [yo, k2tog] twice, yo, k2. 8 sts.

Row 8 Sl 1, [yo, k2tog] 3 times, yo, k1. 9 sts.

Row 10 Sl 1, [yo, k2tog] 3 times, yo, k2. 10 sts.

Row 12 Sl 1, [yo, k2tog] 4 times, yo, k1. 11 sts.

Row 14 Sl 1, [yo, k2tog] 4 times, yo, k2. 12 sts.

Row 16 Bind off 8 sts loosely knitwise, 1 st on right needle, yo, k2tog, yo, k1. 5 sts.

These 16 rows form the edging patt. Work until edging fits around all four edges of the center of the scarf, allowing for easing around corners and ending with a complete repeat. Bind off.

TO FINISH

Join ends of edging. Placing seam in the middle of one long edge of the center of the scarf and overlapping edging, slip stich in place. Press the scarf according to yarn label, using a cloth to protect the knitting.

TIPS

• Instead of working a separate gauge swatch, you could just cast on the 32 sts for the center of the scarf and get started. The scarf, when pressed, should measure approximately 6¼ in. (16 cm) across.

• For a really neat join in the edging, cast on with a smooth, contrasting yarn. When the edging is long enough, don’t bind off. Just undo the contrasting cast-on stitches, slipping loops onto a spare needle, then graft the ends together.

• When you join the ends of the edging, make sure first that it isn’t twisted (see page 154).

Get the vintage effect with this pretty lacy scarf.

Diagonalscarf

The joy of working with this random-dyed yarn is that you get the effect of crazy stripes without having to change colors and deal with a lot of ends. An increase at the beginning and a decrease at the end on every right-side row make the stockinette stitch slant, emphasizing the stripes by tipping them at an angle.

TO KNIT

Cast on 27 sts. K 2 rows.

Work in diagonal st-st.

Row 1 (RS) K4, m1 k17, skpo, k4.

Row 2 K4, p19, k4.

These 2 rows form diagonal st-st. Cont in diagonal st-st, work until scarf measures 67 in. (170 cm), ending with a RS row.

K 2 rows. Bind off knitwise.

TO FINISH

Weave in ends. Press according to yarn label.

TIPS

• Don’t tie a big knot when joining in the new yarn. Just leave about 4 in. (10 cm) of the new yarn, cross the ends over each other, and carry on knitting. If the end left from the first ball is quite long, fold it over a couple of times and tie it in a slip knot to keep it out of the way.

• To weave in the yarn ends neatly, thread a tapestry needle with one end, check that the ends cross over, then— working vertically up the row ends and following the structure of the stitches—weave the end in around six or eight stitches. Stretch the knitting slightly to make sure the stitching doesn’t pull the work in and that the end is secure, then cut off any excess yarn. Do the same with the other end, but taking it down the row ends.

This brightly-colored striped scarf can be wrapped, tied like a necktie, knotted, or even worn as a belt.

Beaded-ribscarf

This kind of beaded knitting is easy to do. You just knit in the usual way, bringing a bead up close to the work where indicated in the instructions. The beads hang between two purl stitches and show through on both sides of the scarf.

Jewel-bright silk-blend yarn and matte golden beads combine to make a scarf that will add instant glamour to any outfit.

SCARF

Start with a ball of yarn with approximately 200 beads threaded onto it. Beaded cast-on. Leaving a long end, make a slip knot on the single, smaller needle. Using the knitting-off-the-thumb method on page 144, [B1, cast on 1 st] 33 times. 34 sts. Change to larger needles.

Row 1 (RS) K4, [p1, B1, p1, k2] to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 2 K2, [p2, k2] to end.

These 2 rows form a beaded rib with k2 at each end for edging.

Work in beaded rib for 138 more rows.

Using yarn without beads, cont for another 151 rows.

Change to beaded yarn and work 140 rows in beaded rib.

Bind off loosely in rib, bringing a bead up close between stitches each time.

TO FINISH

Weave in yarn ends. Using a cloth to protect the beads, press according to yarn label.

TIPS

• It’s easier to hide the darned-in ends if you join a new ball of yarn inside the k2 edging.

• Sliding the beads along the yarn as you knit does take time. You may find it quicker to thread fewer beads onto the yarn—maybe around 200 at a time—then cut the yarn, add more beads, and join in again.

• Cathay would make a lovely scarf without the beads. You’ll still need 3 x 50 g (approx. 5¼ oz.) balls of yarn. Simply work in rib with k2 edgings as given for 431 rows and bind off. Your scarf will be about 71 in. (180 cm) long.

• For the beaded edging you must cast on by the knitting-off-the-thumb method. Any other type of cast-on will hide the beads.

• You can use any type of bead, either matching or contrasting with the color you choose for your scarf. Just make sure that the beads have a center hole that’s large enough to thread onto the yarn.

Design your own yarn mixture to create a sumptuously textured garter-stitch scarf.

Scrap-yarnscarf

Have some fun: Get out all those spare balls of yarn, pile them up, and sort them out. The idea is to combine between three and six strands of yarn to make a super-thick yarn that’ll knit up quickly on big needles. If you don’t have enough of a particular shade or texture, swap yarns with a friend or buy a ball or two of anything you fancy. The scarf pictured uses cream and other neutral shades with pale and bright pinks, and the yarns range from smooth and silky DK and Aran to textured mohair and chenille.

SCARF

Cast on 20 sts. Work in gst (every row k) changing colors and textures as desired until scarf measures approx. 53 in. (135 cm). Bind off.

TO FINISH

Weave in ends, if necessary (see Tips). Fringe. You need 7 tassels for each end. For each tassel, cut 8-in. (20-cm) lengths, varying the number of strands according to the yarn thickness so that the tassels are all the same size. Fold the strands in half, slip the loop through the cast-on/bound-off edge, and pull the strands through. Trim ends evenly.

TIPS

• You can use almost any mixture of yarns for your scarf, but unless you know they are all machine-washable, it’s best to hand-wash your scarf.

• If you change one strand of your mix at a time, anywhere along a row, you can knit the ends in as you go; this is stronger, neater, and faster than cutting all the yarns and joining at the beginning of a row.

• If you like, you could add more texture by joining in new yarns with a firm knot, then trimming the ends to 1–1½ in. (3–4cm) and leaving them to stick out decoratively.

• Of course, you could make the scarf longer or shorter, depending on the amount of yarn you have.

• If you’d like a wider or narrower scarf, cast on 4 stitches more or fewer for each 2-in. (5-cm) difference.

Wavyscarf

This easy-to-knit traditional Shetland stitch pattern is given a modern look by being worked in really thick, stranded cotton-mix yarn. There are only four rows to the pattern, and two of those are just knit! And on the lace row, each of the stitches made with a yarnover has a corresponding decrease, so the stitch count remains the same.

SCARF

Using A, cast on 61 sts.

Rows 1, 2, and 3 K.

Row 4 K3, p to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 5 (RS) K4, * [yo, k1] twice, yo, [skpo] 3 times, k1, [k2tog] 3 times, [yo, k1] 3 times, rep from * two more times, k3.

Row 6 K.