You are here: Home / Archives for Knitting Patterns

Reading a Knitting pattern

October 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

2k5.jpgThere are plenty of knitting patterns online and in magazines. All knitting patterns contain abbreviations and numbers. At first glance, this may seem difficult but once you understand it, you will complete a knitted pattern.

All patterns start out with the materials that you will need. The needle size, the amount of yarn and the gauge. The gauge is the measure of stitches to inch. For example, eight stitches per 4 inches.
Begin with the Cast On, abbreviated as ‘CO’ is the beggining of a knitted piece. There are various ways that you can cast on, find the one that is most comfortable.
Make sure you know some abbreviated terms such as ‘P’ for Purl stitch and ‘K’ for knit stitch. You do not need to know all the terms because once you know how to do basic stitching, it is all about knitting.
A Knitting abbreviation key is essential, you can look it up online. A good website for this is knittinghelp.com, they have a wonderful chart with all the knitting terms and abbreviations. They also have videos attatched in which you can learn right away. A good idea can be to print out the terms and keep it for refrence.
Do not get confused with all the abbreviations. If you cannot read it, write the meaning or short description to help you remember.
Once you understand a bit, you can certainly finish a pattern and successfully knit a piece.
Keep on knitting.

You can find more information in the websites below:

http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knitting-glossary

http://www.ehow.com/how_5861586_follow-knitting-pattern.html

http://knitting.about.com/

http://www.knittinghelp.com

Filed Under: Knitting Patterns Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Converting Needle Knit Patterns to Loom Knitting

October 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

1k3.jpgNeedle knitting alternates between the right side and the wrong side of the pattern facing the knitter. Circular knitting is the exception to this rule, therefore circular knitting patterns can be used just as they are for the round loom. Change nothing!  All other needle  knitting patterns will be converted. Please remember that we are converting for the loom, not the knitting board.  2
In needle knitting, the first row is usually a RS (right side) row, and the second row is the WS (wrong side) row. This leads to converting your patterns in the following manner.If the first row is a RS row, convert as follows:  Leave all the odd rows as they are.   Change all the even number rows to the opposite stitch.   In other words, if they are knit, change them to purls; if they are purls, change them to knit. 3 If the first row is a WS row, convert as follows:Change the odd rows.   Leave all even rows as they are. For patterns with charts, use the following instructions:
Flat panel patterns:Read the chart starting at the bottom right of the first row.   Second row starts at the bottom left.
All odd rows start right to left.  All even rows start left to right.
Circular Knitting Patterns:
Read the chart starting at the bottom right and continue through pattern reading right to left for all rows. 5 To sum up, the first thing you need to do whenever converting a pattern is determine which row is RS and which is WS. Remember in needle knitting, unlike loom knitting, the piece is flipped after each row and the knitter switches back and forth between knitting on the RS and the WS of the piece.
Since loom knitting is always done on the RS of the piece, WS rows in a needle knitting pattern need to be converted. Converted meaning to use the opposite stitch from the way the needle pattern is written.
Usually, the even rows are WS but it is not always the case. When reading a pattern, the first row is usually marked as either RS or WS. So whichever way it is marked, the odd rows will all be one way and the even rows will all be the opposite.
Happy Loom Knitting!

Filed Under: Knitting Patterns Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How To Find Free Crochet Toddler Patterns

October 5, 2011 By 2 Comments

0k12.jpgThere are certain things to look for when searching for free crochet toddler patterns that makes them attractive as project ideas, and probably the most important is the ease of putting items on a toddler and removing them. Toddlers don’t have a great deal of patience, and free crochet toddler patterns without buttons or zippers are the best in terms of everyday use. This is not to say that a crochet toddler pattern with buttons is a bad idea, but when in a hurry the pullover concept will seem as a wise choice on the part of a crafter making these crochet patterns.

Most of the following free crochet toddler patterns can be completed in only a few sittings, and the pattern designs are fairly straightforward in concept. Remember to use the softest crochet yarn or thread you can find for toddlers sensitive skin – the most beautiful item in the World will be hated by a child if it is not comfortable to wear. Here are some really beautiful free crochet toddler patterns:Lacy Dress – This is a cute throwback dress that reminds one of the days of Shirley Temple. This crochet pattern can be converted easily to a knitting pattern also, available at http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/lacdre.htmlFun Fur Cardigan With Hood – This is a furry jacket with a drawstring and 3 front buttons for a one year old, available at http://extrastellar.net/cjs_crochetedfunfurjacket.htmlQuicj and Easy Helmets – These are unique and pretty children’s hat with ear flaps. These free toddler patterns are available at http://serendipitygpvm.com/helmet.htmlChilds Poncho – This is a festive poncho for a toddler with knot fringe edging. These are great because there is no zipper or buttons to fuss with. This toddler pattern is available at http://www.craftown.com/baby/pat4.htmBev’s Bear Beanie – This is a funny and cute beanie pattern that is made of brown, tan, white and black yarn and fits ages 4 to 8. This beanie pattern is available at http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/bevs-bear-beanie.htmlChild Top And Cap – This is a colorful toddler crochet pattern that is a flashback to the 1960′s, available at http://web.archive.org/web/20000303190822/http://www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/56-ktop-cap.htmlCrocheted Slip On And Cardigan – This is another neat toddler pattern that can be put on and taken off a child easily, that can be converted to a knitting pattern. This is available at http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/yelsli.htmlChilds Pullover Sweater – This is a very simple but attractive toddler crochet pattern that can be easily modified to fit different size. This toddler crochet pattern is available at http://members.tripod.com/~kpup/html/oxfam_photo.html

Filed Under: Knitting Patterns Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,