29.1.19

I-cord cast on

Happy knitting everyone! Today I’d like to share a useful technique – I-cord cast on.


"I-cord cast on" helps to start your knitting with beautiful cord along the edge of knitted piece and prevents it from rolling. I-cord cast on can be used for neat neck edge for top-down knitted sweaters, beautiful bottom edge for bottom up sweaters, for shawls and cowls, and etc.
This cast on takes a bit more time than long tail cast on and requires a bit of practice but as soon as you sharp this skill it shouldn’t be a problem.

"I-cord cast on" photo-tutorial:


For this type of cast on I recommend to use double-pointed knitting needles.

Step 1. Cast on 3 sts using long-tail cast on. Place the needle into left hand and slip all sts to the right end of needle (=left hand needle). The working yarn is on the left.
Step 2. Bring the working yarn across back of all stitches on the left hand needle to first stitch. With right-hand needle, knit into front and back of first stitch. Slip this stitch off the left needle. [=2 sts on right needle]
In order to avoid too-loose cast on row pull those stitches tightly as you knit.

Step 3. Knit the next two stitches on left hand needle. [= 4 stitches on right hand needle]

Step 4. Do not turn your knitting piece and slip 3 stitches back to left hand needle.

Step 5. Knit into front and back of first stitch on left hand needle. Knit two stitches. [=5 stitches]

Repeat steps 4 and 5 slipping 3 sts back to left hand needle all the time until you have the required number of stitches plus one extra stitch.


Step 6. Do not turn you knitting and slip two stitches back to left hand needle. Knit those two stitches together (k2tog). The last step helps to form a pretty neat end of your cast on.

Step 7. Start to knit your project as usual.

Note: If the first row after I-cord cast on looks too loose (elongated cast on row) then you need to pull your cast on stitches more tightly or use the smaller size of knitting needles.
  
Below is example of I-cord cast on for my newest cowl design. I used this cast on for the bottom corner of cowl front as well as for back. The edges of front are knitted with double edge stitches which form the I-cord edge too.




28.1.19

Funbow Hat

Hello fellow knitters! My latest knitting design is off the needle! :) 

Knitted in stockinette in the round, Funbow hat is a perfect addition for your little fashionista's wardrobe. It is decorated with three horizontal folds going around and pretty bow. The brim of hat and bow are knitted in twisted rib. The bow is also decorated with tiny pearl beads.
I have knitted this hat for my smaller daughter with Essentials soft merino yarn from Rico design. The yarn weight is Aran. It is beautiful wool yarn which doesn’t change after blocking and keeps the ribbing good and pretty.
Funbow Hat is a great project who loves quick knits with fancy details. 
The pattern is easy to follow and suitable for advanced beginners. It is available from Ravelry.

26.1.19

Checking your knitting gauge correctly

Happy knitting everyone! 
Recently I have written a post how important to knit a gauge swatch before starting of your knitting project. So today I’d like share a couple of useful tips for measuring a swatch and counting stitches.


1.    Knit a swatch with a yarn you plan to use for your project.
Note: These swatches are good for checking stitch counts ONLY!

2.    Knit a good size of swatch – minimum of 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) + 8-10 extra stitches and rows. Work these extra stitches/rows in garter stitch. It would make a nice border around so your swatch will stay flat for easy measuring.

Note: This swatch is knitted with two sizes of needles in order to choose the correct ones.

3.    Always block (wash and dry flat) your swatch because some yarns can change a lot after washing.

4.    Count number of stitches between two pins placed 10 cm/4 inches apart. 
Note: It is always useful to knit the swatch in a stitch you plan to knit your garment with.

5.    Count number of rows over 10 cm/4 inches the same way.

6.    If you need to count stitches for ribbing, stretch a fabric slightly exactly as you want it to look in your finished garment.

Happy Swatching!!!