One-Stitch Baby Knits E-Book

Val Pierce

• Herausgeber: IMM Lifestyle Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Seitenzahl: 99

Beschreibung

Welcome your new baby to the world with lovingly knitted garments and accessories! This book is filled with easy-to-knit projects you'll want to make for the baby in your life. Top knitwear designer and author Val Pierce presents 25 simple patterns for practical but adorable baby knits, from bootees to hats to blankets. Whether it's a kimono-style jacket that you don't have to pull over a newborn's head or drawstring mittens that keep your little one from pulling them off, One-Stitch Baby Knits is full of thoughtful details that parents will love. Each and every one of these irresistible garments is made entirely with the garter stitch—the easiest stitch in knitting—making them accessible to beginners and quick and simple for more experienced knitters. Designed with small babies in mind, Val's patterns can be readily customized to get exactly what you want in a garment that's cheaper and sturdier than anything you'll find in stores.

Leseprobe

Published 2019—IMM Lifestyle Books

www.IMMLifestyleBooks.com

IMM Lifestyle Books are distributed in the UK by Grantham Book Service, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 7XQ.

In North America, IMM Lifestyle Books are distributed by Fox Chapel Publishing, 903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552, www.FoxChapelPublishing.com.

© 2019 by Val Pierce and IMM Lifestyle Books

Produced under license.

The patterns contained herein are copyrighted by the author. Readers may make copies of these patterns for personal use. The patterns themselves, however, are not to be duplicated for resale or distribution under any circumstances. Any such copying is a violation of copyright law.

Print ISBN 978-1-5048-0110-2eISBN 978-1-6076-5662-3

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Pierce, Val, author.

Title: One-stitch baby knits / Val Pierce.

Description: Mount Joy : IMM Lifestyle Books, 2019. | Includes index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2019006106 (print) | LCCN 2019010676 (ebook) | ISBN 9781607656623 (ebook) | ISBN 9781504801102

Subjects: LCSH: Knitting--Patterns. | Infants' clothing.

Classification: LCC TT825 (ebook) | LCC TT825.P4918 2019 (print) | DDC 746.43/2--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019006106

We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry to [email protected].

This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein.

Contents

Introduction

Hints, Tips, and Techniques

PROJECTS

Beginner

Geometric Blanket

Easy Burp Cloth

Tickled Pink Bootie and Headband Set

Bunny Earflap Hat

T-Shaped Sweater and Simple Shoes

Simple Pom-Pom Hat

Intermediate

Color-Block Hooded Scarf

Navy and Speckle Striped Booties

Pink Ombré Baby Bib

Sleepy Babies Blanket

Pinafore Dress

Sailboat Bib

Christmas Shoes

Ducky Snuggle Blankie

Toasty Mittens on a Rope

Navy Striped Bib

Sleepy Cow Hat and Drawstring Mittens

Experienced

Striped Yoke Cardigan

Newborn Diaper Cover, Hat, and Booties

Teddy Bear Romper

Under-the-Sea Hooded Jacket

Little Rosebud Wrap Set

Suppliers

Acknowledgments

Photo Credits

About the Author

Beginner

Geometric Blanket

Easy Burp Cloth

Tickled Pink Bootie and Headband Set

Bunny Earflap Hat

T-Shaped Sweater and Simple Shoes

Simple Pom-Pom Hat

Intermediate

Color-Block Hooded Scarf

Navy and Speckle Striped Booties

Pink Ombré Baby Bib

Sleepy Babies Blanket

Pinafore Dress

Sailboat Bib

Christmas Shoes

Ducky Snuggle Blankie

Toasty Mittens on a Rope

Navy Striped Bib

Sleepy Cow Hat and Drawstring Mittens

Experienced

Striped Yoke Cardigan

Newborn Diaper Cover, Hat, and Booties

Teddy Bear Romper

Under-the-Sea Hooded Jacket

Little Rosebud Wrap Set

Introduction

Knitting is a fun and relaxing craft that has increased in popularity over the years. Once deemed a craft for older folks, it has now become a big favorite with the younger community. Even schools are introducing the craft into their curriculum.

The yarns available to knitters in stores and online are many and varied, and the array of sumptuous colors and textures to choose from makes creating your own knitted projects a sheer delight.

Once you have mastered the very basics of casting on and off, the knit stitch, and making a simple square, you will be keen to start knitting your very own projects. With this in mind, I have designed 22 easy projects to knit for babies. Using different yarn changes, yarn textures, and the odd slipstitch, you will be able to create blankets, hats, sweaters, and mittens that will look anything but simple.

The majority of projects in this book have little or no shaping. They have no neckbands to pick up and no front bands to sew on, which means they can be attempted by even the novice knitter. That said, it must be stated that there are also some designs included in this book that are better attempted by more experienced knitters. A star rating will show you which projects you should attempt first. As you progress with your knitting skills, you can move on to the more complex designs. Whatever your knitting skills are now, I feel sure that you will find something among the designs that you will love!

Hints, Tips, and Techniques

Here are some helpful hints, tips, and techniques to get you started—including a quick rundown of basic materials, accessories, and techniques such as stitches, casting on, binding off, and completing your project.

Materials and Accessories

YARNS

It can be quite daunting for a new knitter to decide which yarns to use for a project. The choice available these days is quite stunning and ranges from naturals to synthetics, alpaca, metallic, cashmere, silk, acrylic, and blends of wool, to name but a few.

Yarns come in different thicknesses or weights. Fine yarns—such as two- and three-ply, for instance—are normally used for baby garments and shawls. Probably the most widely used yarns are four-ply and double-knitting weight. Then we come to Aran and chunky weight yarns that knit up quickly and produce heavyweight garments. All the projects in this book have specified yarns, but you can substitute these for different yarns as long as you check your gauge before beginning the work and you keep to the same ply or weight recommended in the pattern. If you do decide to change yarns, then it is possible that you will achieve a different look in your finished garment than that of the design shown.

What Yarn Should You Use?

Throughout this book, I’ve noted the yarns that I used to make the samples, but don’t feel wedded to those exact yarns unless you want to recreate the knits exactly as they appear in the photos. Here are a few things to take into account:

•Superwash. Eventually, the lucky baby who receives your handmade gift is going to spit up on it—or worse. I can’t stress this enough: make sure to choose a yarn that can be put through the washing machine. Extra points if it can go through the dryer, too. After all, new parents may spend more time doing laundry than they do sleeping.

•Softness. Feel the yarn before you buy it. Babies have sensitive skin!

•Baby Friendliness. Some major yarn brands make lines specifically for babies. You don’t have to go with one of these, but if you’re feeling nervous, these are a safe bet—and there are some lovely options available.

•Color. Pastels are sweet and neutrals are in, but did you know that very tiny babies prefer high-contrast patterns? That’s why they’re so attracted to black-and-white toys and bright primary colors: their brains are learning to distinguish colors. So if you feel like going bold, go bold!

ACCESSORIES

Before embarking on your first garment, you need to acquire a few basic tools. There are a ton of knitting accessories available, so here are some of the basics to get you started.

Needles

There are many brands of knitting needles available these days, and the price range is varied. It is wise to invest in some good-quality needles, since these will give you many years of service, but sometimes price might be a big deciding factor for you. The type of material you choose is really up to your personal preference and budget.

WOOD

Wooden needles are a very popular, high-quality choice. Wooden needles offer knitters more flexibility while working. They will more readily conform to the movements of your hands than other materials, like metal. Because of this, knitters with hands that need a more forgiving material should take this into consideration.

Keep in mind that since wood is a natural material, you will also need to factor in the maintenance they require. From time to time, you will need to wax or oil your needles to keep them in good condition. They should also be stored in any area with low-moisture since wood tends to expand in high humidity.

Price should also be a factor in deciding the type of wood you choose. Depending on the species of wood, wood needles can get fairly pricey. If you still want the warmth and smoothness that wood offers—but don’t want to spend as much—bamboo is a great alternative.

Another thing to consider is for those that want to show off their finished products online. Wooden needles photograph beautifully and will add warmth to photos when used as props. You’ll easily enhance your work and have your friends and family crooning over its beauty for sure.

Wooden needles

METAL

Metal needles are widely available online and at local craft retailers. They come in many different material types: aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, brass, etc. Though not as flexible as wooden needles—and not as easy on the hands—metal needles are guaranteed to offer knitters smooth surfaces. This will allow you to knit with speed, and you’ll find your stitches gliding easily from needle to needle quicker than thought possible.

When compared to wood, metal also offers less maintenance and more strength. Strength is a feature that comes in handy when creating larger, heavier pieces. Though most of the projects in this book are rather small, it’s something to consider for future projects you might do.

Metal needles

PLASTIC

Plastic needles are almost like a combination of wood and metal when considering the pros and cons. If you want the flexibility and warmth of wooden needles without the required upkeep, plastic is an excellent option. This type is a favorite among those with joint pain in their hands.

When considering smoothness, plastic needles are generally less grabby than most wood needles. When compared to metal, however, plastic doesn’t offer as much smoothness or speed, but they are much lighter. Plastic also isn’t as durable as metal, so would not be a good choice when working with larger projects or heavier yarns.

Beginner knitters might want to consider purchasing plastic first since they are the cheapest option available.

Plastic needles

Additional Essential Accessories

A tape measure, stitch holders, crochet hooks, row markers, a cable needle, a good, sharp pair of needlework scissors, and a range of sewing needles are recommended, too. A knitting bag is also a very handy thing in which to store your work in progress; not only does it keep your work clean while you are knitting, but you can also store the patterns and yarns you are using all in one place, ready to begin work at a moment’s notice.

Techniques

CASTING ON AND BINDING OFF

There are several methods for casting on and binding off. Some knitting patterns will stipulate a particular method, depending on the effect required within the pattern—it is common to bind off in pattern, for instance. Make sure that your cast on and bind off stitches remain elastic by either working them reasonably loosely or using a larger size needle than stated if you think you work very tightly. Most patterns will tell you which side of the knitting to finish your work on, but as a general rule, most binding off is done with the right side of the work facing.

Creating a Slip Knot

Before starting any knitting project, you’ll need to create a slip knot. To start, unwind some yarn to cast on (ideally, as much yarn as the pattern requires for casting on). Make a slip knot by creating a loop about 4 in. (10cm) from the end of your yarn, then twist the loop once in a clockwise direction. Reach through with your fingers, pull the right-hand strand up through the loop, and tighten. Proceed with one of the two following casting methods.

Casting On—Two-Needle Method

This method involves creating a row of loops cast on to a needle. The second needle is used to build a series of inter-joining loops in a row. Hold the needle with the stitches in your left hand and the needle to make the stitches in your right hand. (If you are left-handed, do the reverse.)

1.