FREE PATTERN – KNIT

Today’s pattern stitch is called Whelk Pattern.  Once again, as a sampler, I knitted up a dishcloth (or face cloth).  This one is smaller than the others, measuring approx. 8.5” x 8.5.”

If you prefer a larger cloth simply add stitches in multiples of 4. For each set of 4 stitches you will increase the width by about 1 inch. You will then want to increase your repeats as well.  You will need to add approx. 6 rows for each additional inch in length. (I hope that makes sense. If you have any questions please comment or send me an email.)

Whelk Pattern Dishcloth

Size: approx. 8.5” x 8.5”

Materials:

1 ball cotton yarn (2 – 2.5 oz)

Size 8 knitting needles

Stitch Markers

Note: Pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches

Note: When slipping stitches do not pull the yarn tight when you work the next stitch; doing so will cause your work to “gather” or to “pucker.”

Note: Slip all stitches as if to purl.

Abbreviations:

K   knit                              P   purl                                     sl  st   slip stitch

wyib    with yarn in back (as when knitting)

wyif     with yarn in front  (as when purling)

pm  place marker

(close-up of stitch)

Cast on 35 stitches.

Row 1: K2 tog, K across to last 2 stitches; K2 tog. (33 sts)

Rows 2 – 3: Knit.

Begin pattern:

Row 1 (right side): K3, pm; K3, * sl 1 wyib, K3; rep from * to last 3 stitches; pm, K to end.

Row 2: K to marker; K3, * sl 1 wyif, K3; rep from * to marker; K to end.

Row 3: K to marker; K1, * sl 1 wyib, K3; rep from * to 2 stitches before marker, sl 1 wyib, K1;  K to end.

Row 4: K to marker; P1, sl 1 wyif, * P3, sl 1 wyif; rep from * to last stitch before marker, P1; K to end.

Repeat these 4 rows 11 times more. Then repeat row 1 once more dropping markers on the last row. 
(Please note that if you are adding rows to make the cloth larger you will need to end with a right side row.)

Rows 1 – 3: Knit.

Row 4: Bind off all stitches knitwise.

Weave in ends and you're done! 

Happy Knitting!

FREE PATTERN – KNIT

It's Friday! Time for another knit pattern stitch.  This one is called Flower Buds.

I worked this pattern up but decided when it was finished that it is a bit larger than I typically like my dishcloths; so … I decided to try again! I have included patterns and measurements for both cloths for those of you who prefer a larger size. 

FLOWER BUDS DISHCLOTH

Size: approx 9” x 9” (approx 10” x 10”)

Materials:

1 skein (2.5 oz) 100% cotton – worsted weight [4]

Size 8 knitting needles              stitch makers

Pattern is worked over a multiple of 8 + 5 stitches

Abbreviations:

     k  knit                 p  purl             st(s)  stitch(es)

     yo  yarn over          pm  place marker 

     sl  slip                  psso  pass slip stitch over

Note: all stitches are slipped as if to knit

Note:  Pattern is written for smaller cloth. Instructions for larger cloth are in parentheses. When only one set of directions is written it applies to both sizes.

Bottom Border:

Cast on 37 (45) stitches.

Row 1: K2 tog, p1, * k1, p1; rep from * across to last 2 stitches, k2 tog. (35/43 sts)

Rows 2& 3:  K1, * p1, k1; rep from * across row.

Pattern:

Row 1 (right side): K1, p1, k1, pm; k3, * yo, k2, p3 tog, k2, yo, k1; rep from * to last 5 sts, k2; pm, k1, p1, k1.

Note: slip stitch markers from left-hand needle to right-hand needle as you come to them.

Row 2: K1, p1, k1; p across to marker; k1, p1, k1.

Rows 3 – 6: Repeat rows 1 & 2 twice more. (Omit pm in rows3 & 5 as they are already in place J!)

Row 7: K1, p1, k1; k2, p2 tog, * k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, p3 tog; rep from * to last 9 sts before marker; k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, p2 tog, k2; k1, p1, k1.

Row 8: K1, p1, k1; purl across to marker; k1, p1, k1.

Rows 9 – 12: Rep rows 7 & 8 twice more.

Rep these 12 rows twice (three times) more, then repeat rows 1 – 6 once more.  Drop markers on last row.

Top Border:

Rows 1 & 2: K1, * p1, k1; rep from * across row.

Row 3: Bind off in pattern (k1, p1).

Weave in ends.

(close-up of pattern stitch)

Happy Knitting!

JAKE THE SNAKE – Crochet

In reality I have an absolute fear of snakes – small, large, poisonous, non poisonous – doesn’t matter; I simply don’t like them. However, these little charmers are a different story.  When I started my first one I thought I was making this cute little snake but it kept growing...and growing...and growing. ( I probably should have paid attention to the size given on the pattern! ) No harm done though, I think he’s pretty friendly looking.  He does eat up a lot of poly fil so you will want to have plenty on hand.  This is a great project for using up your yarn scraps! 

The pattern is from the 2014 Crochet World presents issue: Best Crochet Animals, Toys, and Dolls. The snakes measure approximately 52" from end to end and are about 2 1/2" in diameter. They were worked using Red Heart Super Saver yarn and a size G hook.

This little guy has a twin who stole the heart of a 5 year old in Zephyrhills, FL and they became fast friends.  He decided to stay with his new buddy!

Somehow “Jake” just doesn’t seem like a good fit for this lovely lady. How about  “Jayce the Snake?” (I know...it'doesn't rhyme, sorry.)

Thanks for stopping by!  Don’t forget – tomorrow is another knit pattern.  I’ll be featuring the FLOWER BUDS pattern.

Happy Crocheting!

FREE PATTERN – KNIT

BASKET RIB DISHCLOTH

Size: approx 9.5” square

This pattern is denser than the previous ones I have posted.  I think this would be a great pattern to work up for a bath mat or a rug.

Materials:

     100% cotton yarn

     Size 8 knitting needles

Pattern is worked over a multiple of 2 + 1 stitches

Abbreviations:

     k   knit       p  purl         rep   repeat        sl   slip   

     tog   together                   pm   place marker                    wyif   with yarn in front       wyib   with yarn in back

                

Cast on 47 stitches

Border:

Row 1: K2 tog, p1, *k1, p1; rep from * to last 2 stitches; k2 tog.

Rows 2 & 3: K1, *p1, k1; rep from * across row.

Pattern:

Row 1 (right side): K1, p1, k1, pm; knit across to last 3 sts; pm, k1, p1, k1.

Note: markers are slipped from left-hand needle to right –hand needle on each row of pattern.

Note: All stitches are slipped as if to purl.

Row 2: K1, p1, k1; purl across to marker; k1, p1, k1.

Row 3: K1, p1, k1; k1, *sl 1 wyib, k1; rep from * to marker; k1, p1, k1.

Row 4: K1, p1, k1; k1, *sl 1 wyif, k1; rep from * to marker; k1, p1, k1.

Repeat these 4 rows 16 times more.  Drop markers on row 4 of last repeat.

Top Border:

Rows 1 & 2: K1, *p 1, k1; rep from * across row.

Row 3: Bind off in  established pattern.

(close-up of pattern stitch)

HAPPY KNITTING!

TEMPERATURE BLANKET 2016

Here’s a photo of my Temperature Blanket I started on January 1^st of this year.  I decided to record the temperature at noon each day instead of the high for the day (I didn’t want to have to wait until the next day to work my row - L). I realized about three weeks into it that was the wrong choice; wish I would have gone with the high temp for the day. So I went back to see if by some small miracle there wouldn’t be that much of a difference between the temp at noon and the high temp – but of course there was and I would have had to rework too many rows so I decided to leave it as is…live and learn!

I’m working the afghan with a 4.5 crochet hook and Red Heart yarn.  I chose the linen stitch for the pattern; very pleased with that choice. Yea! The blanket is going to be quite large when finished. The width of it fits across my king size bed with about an inch or so overhang on both sides – also pleased with that; winters get quite cold in this neck of the woods. I’m up-to-date with the rows, hoping to be able to say that in August!  I haven’t decided what colors I am going to use yet to represent the 80, and with any luck, 90 degree temps I’m looking forward to this summer.  So far all of the colors have been left to chance, aka: whatever I had on hand.  

(close-up of pattern stitch)

Thanks for stopping by! Have a blessed day!!

FREE PATTERN – KNIT

I have another dishcloth pattern for you (and several more on the way!).  As I mentioned in an earlier post I love making dishcloths for many reasons.  Another great reason to make dishcloths (which could be face cloths if you prefer) is the opportunity they afford to try out, or learn, a variety of patterns.  Quite often a stitch does not work up as you expect.  By working the pattern I get to see if 1) I even like the stitch and 2) how much drape it has to it, how dense it is, is it lacy, etc.  From there I can decide what type of patterns I think the stitch would work best for.  For example: one might make a nice baby sweater, another a nice absorbent bath mat, perhaps it would be great for an afghan, or an afghan sampler.  By working the pattern up into a dish/face cloth I have not wasted my time or my materials – it’s a win-win situation!

As I said, I have several more dishcloth patterns coming up so if you would like to learn some new stitches please check back.  My goal is to post a new pattern every Tuesday and Friday.  However I can’t promise anything…as most of you know sometimes life gets in the way and things don’t work out quite as planned; I’ll do my best. If you find a pattern you really like perhaps you’ll turn it into an afghan or a sweater!

All of my dish cloth patterns are worked in 100% cotton and a pair of size 8 knitting needles unless otherwise noted. Any cotton yarn (4- worsted weight) will work.  I know A C Moore carries a cotton yarn by Premier that is 85% cotton – 15% polyester.  I have worked with it (it’s very soft) but have not laundered it yet.  Besides being softer it is generally less expensive so it may be worth a try!  Another option (the one I prefer) is to buy the cones of cotton.  If you are making your purchase at a local craft store you may want to have a coupon in hand.   You could use size 7 needles which will result in a slightly smaller cloth or a size 9 (slightly larger) if you already have either of these on hand as gauge is not crucial for a dishcloth.  I do not rate any of my patterns as to difficulty. I truly believe anyone can work any pattern given the determination and desire.  I will however give you some tips if the pattern has any little quirks that may give you problems.

Okay! So let’s get to today’s pattern.  I hope you have fun working this up and if you haven’t made the ZIGZAG OPENWORK dishcloth yet you will find it below, posted Feb. 13, 2016.

PILLAR STITCH DISH CLOTH

Ø  Stitch Key:       tog   together                yo  yarn over          pm place marker

        st   stitch                       rep   repeat

Ø  On right side rows take care to not add a yo before working the border

Ø  Pattern is worked in a multiple of 2.  If you want to make a larger cloth add stitches in increments of 2; smaller, subtract stitches in multiples of 2.

Ø  Slip markers to working needle on each row when working pattern

Ø  To pass yo over k2 stitches insert the needle in your left hand, from left to right in front of work, into the base of the yo and lift it up and over the 2 stitches just knit, taking care not to drop any stitches

Cast on 50 stitches.

Border:

Row 1: K2 tog, *p1, k1; rep from * to last 2 stitches, p2 tog.

Row 2: *P1, k1; repeat from * across row.

Row 3: *K1, p1: repeat from * across row.

Row 4: Repeat row 2

Begin Pattern:

Row 1: (K1, p1) twice {border}, pm; purl across to last 4 sts, pm; (k1, p1) twice. {border}

Row 2 (right side): (P1, k1) twice; K1, *yo, k2, pass yo over k2; rep from * to last st before marker, k1; (p1, k1) twice.

 Repeat these 2 pattern rows 19 times more then rep row 1 once more.

Border:

Row 1: *P 1, k1; rep from * across row.

Row 2: *K1, p1; rep from * across row.

Row 3: Rep row 1.

Row 4: Bind off working row 2.  Cut yarn. Weave in ends!

(close-up of pattern stitch)

HAPPY KNITTING!

Photo and pattern belong to me and are protected under copyright. Please do not post the pattern or the photo as your own. Thank you.