Here at South Seas Knitting we’ve been having our end-of-year prize giving. We’re happy to announce that our customers’ most popular yarn is Habu’s Silk Stainless Steel. This seemingly anonymous little yarn has hidden charms. It helps fine knitting keep its shape and when run with another yarn, it can contrast or complement it’s partner. For those who are not familiar with the charms of Habu, or don’t understand the appeal of this cone of very thin silk-wrapped wire, you might want to take a peek at the Habu Textiles website, and their kits in particular. Although there are too many for us to stock all the kits, we’re happy to order them for customers who love the Habu style. You can choose your own colours, too. For other beautiful Habu yarns, we stock an extensive selection , including plant dyes, cashmere, linen, cotton, and silk.

 

In Amanda’s Summer Necklace (below) we used Silk Stainless Steel together with Habu Bamboo, to help the lengths of I-cord retain their shape. If you’re looking for an easy holiday project you don’t have to think about, and you love buckles and buttons, try making this piece that’s as fun to wear as it is to make. 

 

So, as the year closes, we thank our valued customers for supporting us, and wish everyone a very peaceful and prosperous 2009.

Happy knitting!

 

 

 

I made these little bird ornaments because it’s bird season.They’re everywhere in the garden, skipping and chattering from one tree to another. Each year I buy one new ornament for each of my children, so in keeping with my home made theme, these are the new additions to our family stash.

 

Make one from yarn leftovers and embroider and embellish it if you wish. Here’s the pattern.

 

Enjoy!

 

–Mel 

 

LITTLE BIRD ORNAMENT 

 

MATERIALS

15 g suitable yarn (shown in Blue Sly Alpaca Skinny Organic Cotton and Manos Del Uruguay Silk Blend)

Size 3.5mm[US4] double pointed needles or size appropriate for yarn choice

5 stitch markers, one in contrasting colour to mark end of round

Organic wool fibre for stuffing

20 cm length of ribbon

 

TAIL

Cast on 26 sts.

Join in rnd, taking care not to twist the stitches. Place contrasting marker.

Rnd 1: K6, pm, k1, pm, k12, pm, k1, pm, k6.

Note: slip the marked stitches on alternate rnds.

Rnd 2: K 1 rnd.

Rnd 3: *Ssk, k to 2 sts before marker, ssk, sm, k1, sm, k2tog; repeat from * once, k to end–22sts

Work 6 rnds straight.

**Work Rnd 3–18sts

Work 6 rnds straight.

Repeat from **–14sts

Work Rnd 3–10sts

 

BODY 

Note: knit the marked stitches on all rounds from this point.

Rnd 1: M1, k to 2^nd marker, sm, k1, m1, k2, m1, k1, sm, work to last marker, m1–14sts

Work 1 rnd.

Rnd 3: work to 2^nd marker, k1, m1, k4, m1, k1, work to end–16sts

Work 1 rnd.

Rnd 5: Work to 2^nd marker, k1, m1, k6, m1, work to end–18sts

Work 1 rnd.

Rnd 7: Work to 2^nd marker, k1, m1, k8, m1, work to end–20sts

Work 1 rnd.

Rnd 9: Work to 2^nd marker, k1, m1, k10, m1, work to end–22sts

Work 1 rnd.

Rnd 11:Work to 2^nd marker, k1, m1, k12, m1, work to end–24sts

Work 4 rnds.

Fold tail at slipped stitches, and sew tail at cast on edge. Insert fibre filling.

Rnd 16:Work to 2^nd marker, ssk, work to 2 sts before next marker, k2tog, work to end–22sts

Work 1 rnd.

Rnd 18-20: Repeat Rnd 16 three times–16sts

Rnd 21: Ssk, work to last 2 sts, k2tog–14sts

Rnd 22: Repeat Rnd 16–12sts

Rnd 23: *K2tog; repeat from * to end–6sts

Insert fibre filling

Remove all markers except one marking end of rnd.

 

 

HEAD

Rnd 1: *Kfb; repeat from * to end–12sts

Rnd 2: K3, m1, k6, m1, k to end–14sts

Rnd 3:K3, m1, k8, m1, k to end–16sts

Work 2 rnds straight.

Rnd 6: K3, ssk, k6, k2tog, k3–14sts

Work 1 rnd

Rnd 8:K3, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3–12sts

Rnd 9: K3, ssk, k2, k2tog, k3–10sts

Rnd 10: K3, ssk, k2tog, k3–8sts

Insert last of fibre filling.

Rnd 11: [Ssk] twice, [k2tog] twice–4sts

Rnd 12: Ssk, k2tog–2sts

Slip 1^st over second st. Fasten off.

Weave in ends.

 

WING [make 2]

Cast on 1^st.

Row 1: Kfbf (knit front, back, front of stitch)–3sts

Row 2: Kfb, p1, k1–4sts

Row 3: [k1, p1] twice

Row 4: Pfb, k1, p1, k1–5sts

Row 5: [K1, p1] twice, k1.

Row 6:Kfb, [p1, k1] twice–6sts

Row 7: [K1, p1] 3 times.

Row 8:Pfb, [k1, p1] twice, k1–7sts

Row 9: [K1, p1] 3 times, k1.

Row 10:Kfb, [p1, k1] 3 times–8sts

Row 11: [K1, p1] 4 times

Row 12: [P1, k1] 4 times

Repeat rows 11 & 12.

Row 15: Dec 1 st each end of row–6sts

Row 16: Work 1 row straight.

Repeat rows 15 & 16 twice–2sts

Skp. Fasten off.

 

Sew short edge of wing along side of bird following curve of the shaping stitches.

 

Sew upper surface of the tail to the bird’s Back to set the tail at an angle [see photo below].

 

Sew 3 lines of running stitch along the length of the tail.

 

Sew ends of ribbon to Back of bird to form a loop.

note: pin the ribbon first to see how it hangs and make adjustments to the position. 

 

 

 

 

 

Is it because I’m a grown-up that I can never come up with a Christmas wish list? I usually settle on “some nice soap, please”, much to the frustration of my family. But I mean it, really, I love soap….. 

Being asked the question is a bit like going to the video store unprepared. Faced with a wall of choices I can never think of anything I actually want.

You can never go wrong with knitting supplies. In a way you’re giving twice, first the lovely gift, and then the hours of enjoyment for the knitter.This year I’ve made a list of knitterly things I would be very happy to receive, in budget order. 

 

Under $20

 

A cute little set of heart shaped stitch markers($7.50)

or 

A crocheted cake tape measure ($14)

 

 

Under $50

 

A lovely set of hand crafted rosewood Lantern Moon circular needles ($34). 

 

 

 

Also from Lantern Moon, Sox Stix($30.50), a set of rosewood double pointed needles in its own little bag for safe keeping.

 

 

Under $75

 

The delightful book Toys To Knit($28) is full of adorable toy patterns including this sultry lass who can be made with 2 balls of Forever Green Elan, an organic naturally dyed merino($12.50ea) 

 

 

Under $100

 

Two hanks of Manos Del Uruguay Hand Dyed Wool ($18.50 ea)and a set of exquisite leather handles($45), for the knitter who likes to thumb her nose at designer labels and make her own hand bag. 

 

 

 

Boutique Knits ($42) and a hank of Jade Sapphire Mongolian cashmere($55) to make this stylish lacy hat.

 

 

 

 

Two skeins of Koigu Kersti ($20ea) to make this beautiful design from Scarf Style($43) an inspiring book packed with gorgeous patterns.

 

 

One skein of Tanglewood Fibers’ Superwash Merino ($90), hand dyed in stunning colours, hand spun and machine washable.

 

 

Under $125

 

Two hanks of Koigu KPPPM ($20ea) and a set of Sox Stix($30.50) to make a pair of socks from our most popular sock book, Favorite Socks($44).

 

 

Finally, for the knitter who has everything……

 

One skein of Tanglewood Fibers’ hand spun hand dyed 100% cashmere($175). It’s irresistible and splurge-worthy.

 

 

 

One skein of Tanglewood Fibers Hand Spun Natural Cashmere($90) to make this

sumptuous neck warmer, pattern included.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that I’ve almost finished my hand made gifts (can’t disclose what, or for whom since they might take a peek here) the time has come to whip up a few new ornaments for my tree. I don’t know why I’ve never made these before. They’re so quick and easy, unbreakable, and they have their own hanging loop. No more scrounging in the bottom of the Christmas box to find the metal hooks that might be left over from last year but always disappear, causing a dash to the hardware store just when you really don’t want to be out in the Holiday traffic.
You can use scrap yarn and really go to town on the embellishments for these. I used Koigu KPM for the main colour except for the white one, which is Blue Sky Skinny Organic Cotton. A few bits and pieces of novelty yarns and leftovers make the embroidery, stripes, Fair Isle and petals.

The pattern here is for the basic shape. Choose double pointed needles of a size to suit your yarn.

 

Happy knitting!

–Mel

 

CHRISTMAS BAUBLES

 

YOU’LL NEED:

Small amounts of cheerful yarns, fibre filling ,double pointed needles, and a stitch marker.

 

MEASUREMENTS

The largest of these ornaments is 15cm long x 20 cm diameter,using 2 strands of Koigu KPM and size 4mm dpns. 

 

Cast on 6 sts.

Join in rnd, placing marker for beginning of round.

 

Rnd 1: Knit into back of all sts.

Rnd 2: Kfb 6 times–12sts

Rnd 3: K

Rnd 4: [K1, kfb] 6 times–18sts

Rnd 5: K

Rnd 6: [K2, kfb] 6 times–24sts

Rnd 7: K

Rnd 8: [K3, kfb] 6 times–30 sts

Rnd 9: K

Rnd 10: [K4, kfb] 6 times–36sts

Rnd 11: K

Rnd 12: [K5, kfb] 6 times–42sts

 

For round ornament, work straight for 3 rnds

[For oval, work straight for 5 or 7 rnds]

 

Rnd 16: [K 5,k2tog] 6 times–36sts

Rnd 17: K

Rnd 18: [K4, k2tog] 6 times–30sts

Rnd 19: K

Rnd 20: [K3, k2tog] 6 times–24sts

Rnd 21: K

Rnd 22: [K2, k 2tog] 6 times–18sts

 

Begin to fill ornament with fibre filling.

 

 

 

Rnd 23: K

Rnd 24: [K1, k2tog] 6 times–12sts

Rnd 25: K

Rnd 26: [K2tog] 6 times–6 sts

Insert last of fibre filling to make ornament puffy and firm.

Rnd 27[30]: [K2tog] 3 times–3sts

 

 

 

Work an I-cord for desired length on remaining 3 sts and 2 dpns. Bind off all sts. Sew end of I-cord to base. Weave in ends.

 

 

In working my way down the Christmas list, I’m determined not to repeat the time I wearily put the finishing touches to the last of my gifts at 2am Christmas morning. My advice to anyone contemplating homemade gifts is to keep it simple and for those whose gifts you don’t get around to, buy a book!

 

With simplicity in mind, this knit-in-the-round loofah mitt is easy to make and could be accompanied by a bar of soap just in case the recipient has any doubts as to its purpose.

 

 

The yarn I used is Habu Textiles Gear Linen, which has a crinkled appearance and a texture best described as crunchy.The resulting stiffness of the knitting makes it perfect for scrubbing the skin. It can be used for exfoliating, scrubbing or as a wash cloth and is best hung to dry between uses. After some time you might want to throw it in the washing machine for a refresh, in which case I’d recommend hanging it to dry to retain its stiffness.

 

 

I don’t know the name of the stitch I used. Perhaps someone reading this might know it? It’s like a rib on one side, and looks like purl stitch on the other. The best thing about it is that it creates a double thickness, and has a spongy quality. See photos below.

 

Happy knitting!

 

–Mel

 

 

Here’s the pattern.

 

Loofah Mitt

 

YARN

Habu Textiles Gear Linen; 125 meters/140 yds/28gm; 100% linen; 1 ball colour 1-white.

Scrap yarn for cast on

 

NEEDLES

Size 3.25mm double pointed needles

 

NOTIONS

3 stitch markers, 1 in contrasting colour.

 

MITT

Cast on 54 sts. Join in rnd, taking care not to twist sts. Place marker.

Rnd 1: *P1, slip 1 purlwise; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 2: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

 

Work for 4cm, ending with Rnd 1.

Continuing in pattern, place thumb markers as follows:

Work 26, pm, work 2, pm, work to end.

Increase rnd: Work to marker, sm, pfb twice, sm, work to end.

Next rnd: Work to marker, sm, p4, sm, work to end.

Work as set, increasing one stitch after first thumb marker and before 2nd thumb marker on alternate rnds. Work thumb stitches as purl stitches on every rnd.

Work until there are 16 thumb sts, ending with Rnd 2.

Next rnd: Work to thumb markers, bind off 16, remove thumb markers, work to end.

Next rnd: Work to gap, cast on 2 sts, work to end.

Continue in pattern for 10cm. Bind off loosely. Weave in ends.

 

MAKE LOOP

Cast on 60 sts.

Knit one row.

Bind off.

Sew both ends of loop to cast on edge.

 

Abbreviations

Pm place marker

Sm slip marker

Pfb purl into the front and back of stitch to increase.

Rnd round

 

 

 

 

 

My friend Alison has been hard at work knitting her gifts this year. Here’s the tutu tea cozy she made with one hank of Koigu Kersti 1193 and 1 ball of GGH Soft Kid Mohair 82-tangerine. It’s almost edible. 

Pattern is in Knit 2 Together. 

 

While rummaging in my photo files the other day I came across this tea cozy which was made three years ago when I was putting together projects for my book, Knit 2 Together.  It didn’t make the final cut, replaced at the last minute by the little upstart, tongue- in- cheek Tutu cozy (below). 

  

But I still love this colourful cozy even though I was for a brief time unfaithful, something I’m NEVER with my tea. I love Tea India, hands down the best I’ve ever tasted. I discovered it at India Sweets and Spices on Venice Blvd, Culver City, when I lived in California. So enamoured was I with the red and yellow boxes that I saved every one, with good intentions of making a collage box for my lovely daughter, also named India. As usual, knitting elbowed out other craft ideas and when we left California the boxes were cast, with much regret, into the recycling. I thought I had lost my favourite tea forever. Even though my friends back in California offered to send me supplies, I suspected that a carton of tea might be stretching their generosity. 

 

You can imagine my joy when David spotted Tea India on the shelves of Bhana Brothers, the wonderful Ponsonby Road fruit and vegetable shop. We’re told they make their chai with it. Now I’m on a mission to get others addicted to Tea India so that Bhana Bros will continue to stock it. Please, tea drinkers, loose-leaf tastes so much better than tea bags. Once you try you’ll never go back, and there are other advantages: you can collect teapots and tea cozies, like these.

 

Because of the number of colours used in this Cozy, some of them small amounts, we are offering for sale a kit, which includes one hank each of the two main colours and just enough of the others to make your stripes. The kit can be found here.

 

Tea India Cozy has two layers, for extra insulation to keep your tea hot. The embroidery I added to the lining (below) is optional but makes for a nice surprise when you reverse it.

 

 

 

Here’s the pattern. 

 

Happy knitting!

 

–Mel

 

 

TEA INDIA COZY 

 

YARN

6 complementary colors of 4 ply wool, 2 hanks of 2 main colours (A & B) and small amounts of C, D, E, & F. Shown in Koigu Wool Designs KPM; 2120[A], 2300[B], 2132[C], 1013[D], 2232[E], 1193[F]

Scrap yarn for provisional cast on.

 

NEEDLES

Size 2.75mm[US2] 40cm circular needle

Size 3.25mm[US3] 40cm circular needle

One extra size 2.75mm[US2] needle (straight or DPN)

2 stitch holders

Stitch markers

 

NOTIONS

60cm [24”] length of ribbon for tie [optional]

 

SIZE

Fits a teapot circumference 40(46)cm [16(18)ins]

 

GAUGE

26sts = 10cm/4”

 

LINING

With smaller needle cast on 104(120) sts in a scrap yarn. Cut scrap yarn.

With A, knit 1 row. Join in round taking care not to twist sts. Place marker for beginning of round.

Mark mid point of round(rnd) after (52) 60sts with a stitch marker, work 8 rounds in stst (all rounds knit). The stitch markers will indicate the “sides” of tea cozy, or position of the handle and spout gaps.

Purl 1 round.

Work 12 rnds stst, changing to larger needle after 8 rnds.

 

SHAPE OPENINGS

 *Row 1: Bind off 2 sts, knit to marker, turn, place remaining (52) 60 sts on a holder.

Row 2: Bind off 2 sts purlwise, purl to end –48 (56) sts 

Put markers aside for later use when work is joined in the round.

Work in stst on these 48(56) sts for 26 rows.**

Leave stitches on a holder.

 

With RS facing, join yarn to 52(60) sts on first holder.

Repeat from * to **.

Join all sts in round, replacing the Openings sts as follows:

Knit 48(56), cast on 4, pm, knit 48 (56), cast on 4, pm. 

Work 11 rounds stst. Change to color B and work 2 rounds.

Transfer sts to smaller circular needle and hold for later. 

 

OUTER LAYER

Remove scrap yarn from 104(120) sts at cast on edge and place live sts on larger circular needle. Place marker at beginning of rnd and after 52(60) sts.

With C, work 4 rounds stst.

*Change to D and Shape Openings as for Lining.

–48(56) sts

Beginning with a knit row, work 2 more rows stst with D.

Work 4 rows B, and 4 rows E. Work a further 4 rows each on F, A, C, & D.

Repeat from *on held 52(60)sts.

Join all sts in round, and with E, work as follows: Knit 48(56), cast on 4, pm, knit 48(56), cast on 4, pm. 

Work a further 3 rounds in E. Work 4 rounds in F and A.

Change to B and work 2 rounds.

Weave in the ends.

 

JOIN LINING AND OUTER LAYER

 

Fold the lining up into the inside of cozy. Line up the sts on the 2 circular needles, the beginning markers of each round adjacent.

With color B and one size 3 needle, and with the Outer Layer of the tea cozy on the outside (facing you), knit together the two layers as follows: 

Knit into the back of the first st (Outer) and the front of the back st (Lining). As you form each combination stitch, pass it back onto one of the circular needles. When all 104(120) sts from both needles have been knit together, place marker for beginning of the round.

Work 2+2 rib as follows:

*K2, P2; repeat from * to end of round.

Work in rib for 5(9) more rounds.

Make eyelets: 

*K2, yo, p2tog, repeat from * to end of round.

Continue in K2, P2 rib for 12 rounds.

Work Picot bind off as follows:

Knit 2, bind the first st off, *slip remaining st on right needle back onto left needle, cast on 2 sts, cast off 6, repeat from * to end of round, ending by casting off 5.

 

Work optional embroidery on solid color side of tea cozy, before you sew around the openings.

Stitch around the spout and handle openings.

Make a twisted cord, or cut a ribbon 60cm[24”] long for a tie.

Thread through eyelets.

 

 

The daily headlines are, as usual, inspiring fear in everyone. While I hope that the current predictions are going to be about as accurate as those for Y2K (remember the world was going to fall apart, airplanes from the sky, etc?) I have lately found myself in conversations about what we can do to get through the potential crisis. When my accountant, ever the wiseguy, gleefully suggested that we might all be on the street wearing rags, I reminded him that in such a scenario I for one would be wearing smart hand knit sweaters. I might even pay his fee in Koigu socks. The fact is that all of us who make things as a hobby can easily turn to survival mode in tough times, just as my mother’s and grandmother’s generation did. Crafts will continue, because they are practical, productive and they make us feel happy and grounded. Well that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.  

In the spirit of re-cycling and using what I already have, I thought I’d retrieve a scarf pattern that’s been languishing

in the archives of this blog since before it went live. A deconstructed lace pattern I made up during experiments with ruching, it reminds me of the deliberate patterns of holes Commes Des Garcons used in their designs circa 1983. 

I’ve been wearing my bright orange version all winter to quite a few compliments. But no one I know wanted to make it until my fellow Californian transplantee, Alison (with whom I have bonded over the fact that we both understand the special meaning of the word “Anthropologie“), decided to make it in a recent knitting class. She chose a beautiful blue that matched her eyes (and her jacket). It’s lightweight and airy and the Soft-Kid is the softest mohair I’ve ever encountered. The pattern can be found here.

Another pattern I love is our One Skein Cashmere Ruff. To all those who hate bows, I’m with you. But a nice bow in a strategic spot can cover a multitude of sins and I’ve noticed that lately they have been making a subtle re-entrance on the fashion runways. You can wear this one a number of different ways. Like this…

 

  

 

or this…

 

 

 

or this…

 

 

 

the pattern is available here.

And since I’m on the subject, I’d like to thank all those who have bought yarn from South Seas Knitting to make projects on this blog. I love to share things I’ve been making, including patterns, and I really appreciate it when readers order the materials from us. 

 

Happy knitting!

Mel 

 

 

 
Another South Seas Christmas gift idea and another use for I-cord. This necklace is made of Habu Textiles Bamboo, and a thread of Silk Stainless Steel to help keep its shape. I chose bamboo because of its silken sheen. It seemed like a natural for a necklace. It’s ideal for summer projects. Think of this necklace as a substitute for a decorative winter scarf, and an excuse to show off some of your button stash. 

–Mel 

 

 

 

You’ll need:

MATERIALS

1 hank of Habu bamboo; 139 meters, 5-red

1 cone of Habu silk stainless steel; 277 meters; 21-violet

[This amount of yarn should make a least 2 necklaces, possibly more, depending on how many drops you make]

Size 4mm[US6] double pointed needles

Size 5mm crochet hook

2 buckles

15 1-1.5cm buttons

Tapestry needle

Sewing needle

 

I-CORD DROPS

Note: See our Lessons menu to learn how to make I-cord with double pointed needles.

 

With 1 strand each of bamboo and silk stainless steel, make:

2 x 3-stitch cords length 44cm

1 x 2-stitch cord length 51cm

1 x 3-stitch cord length 53cm

1 x 4-stitch cord length 55cm.

Leave the cast on and bind off ends of yarn to use for attaching the cords to the buckles.

Thread the yarn from one end of a cord; wrap it tightly around the post of the buckle several times. Sew it in place.

Repeat for the remaining cords. Sew them to the second buckle.

 

NECK CHAIN

With crochet hook, ch 40, dc 40, turn, sc 40.

Sew ends of chain to buckle. To attach the buttons, split a length of bamboo yarn and use 2 ply for sewing.

 

Why, when conversing with a stranger, do I so often find myself listening good-naturedly to a list of things their grandmother knitted? It happened this morning, during my monthly visit to see what mid-century pearls might be lurking in Zeitgeist, on Great North Road. It’s the best place to have coffee; the fabulous Benjamin is a gracious host, he has delicious pastries, and while you’re there you can drool over his stock of vintage house wares that you might not be able to resist. This morning my fellow coffee drinker was a TV producer, who, when told that I’m a knitter, insisted on telling me that his grandmother used to knit 2 sweaters a year ………. yeah? C’mon, give me more here………. and once knitted a blanket from thick carpet wool (now that IS heroic) and turned it into a rug by washing it. I wish he’d stopped there, but he did not. “Why would you do that”, he asked, when you could buy one for less than the cost of the wool?” Fortunately I was not carrying a gun. “That’s not really the point”, I replied, and left it there. I asked him what kind of tv he produces. It was a safer topic. 

On the drive home I realized that I am in this situation more often than I would like to be. If someone tells me he’s a builder I would not dream of regaling him with a list of my grandfather’s carpentry projects. 

There are two reactions to knitting, it seems. One is “I’ve heard that’s trendy now”, another conversation stopper, or  “my mother used to knit”. Let’s just move on, folks. Knitting has always been popular amongst knitters!

 

So, spring has arrived. Freesias are in bloom and I actually did a bit of outdoor knitting yesterday.

I know it seems bizarre to those on the northern half of our planet, but yes, we do have Christmas in summer. We do not postpone it until mid-year just so we can pretend we’re in England. We fully embrace our summer “Holiday Season”, and many of us go to the beach on Christmas day.

 

I’ve decided to make this a hand-made Christmas, and I’m starting early. Those who do not inspire a knitted or sewn item will be receiving a book, probably Michael Pollen’s “In Defense of Food” or Jared Diamond’s “Collapse”. Both are a fascinating and essential read for all of us in privileged western societies.

 

With gifts in mind, then, I began to go through all the yarns that I love to knit in summer. The list begins with practical and unassuming Hemp. Much like linen, it is a little crunchy to knit, as opposed to scratchy, which it definitely is not. It can be machine washed and dried and comes up really soft with a lovely drape.  It’s hardier and lasts longer than cotton.

This table runner is perfect for the top of a tansu chest, dressing table or on a breakfast tray. I love the wave pattern lace because it’s easy to memorize and has an elegant simplicity. It’s also reversible.

Here’s the pattern.

–Mel 

 

 

 

JENNY’S TABLE RUNNER

 

YARN

Hemp For Knitting Allhemp3; 50g/150m/165yds; 1 hank 012-Classic Hemp

 

NEEDLES

Size 3.25mm [US3]

Size 2.75mm crochet hook

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENT

66cm [26”] x 26cm [10.25”] (after blocking)

 

The repeat for this stitch pattern is 10 + 6

If you would like to make your runner longer than mine, cast on more multiples of 10 sts. You will need 2 hanks of yarn if you do this.

 

Cast on 86 sts.

Knit 2 rows.

Row 3: *K6, *[yo] twice, k1, [yo] three times, k1, [yo] four times, k1, [yo] three times, k1, [yo] twice, k6; repeat from * to end of row.

Row 4: Knit, dropping all yarn overs.

Rows 5 & 6: Knit

Row 7: K1, *[yo] twice, k1, [yo] three times, k1, [yo] four times, k1, [yo] three times, k1, [yo] twice, k6; repeat from * 7 times, [yo] twice, k1, [yo] three times, k1, [yo] four times, k1, [yo] three times, k1, [yo] twice, k1.

Row 8: As row 4.

Repeat rows 1-8 six times.

Repeat rows 1-6.

Bind off using the elastic bind off method which can be found in the menu to the right.

 

Finishing: Sc 42 across one short end of piece. Turn, dc 42. 

Repeat for other end. Weave in ends and block lightly.

If you don’t know how to crochet, with a 2.75mm needle, pu and knit 40 sts across each end of the runner, knit 1 row, then bind off loosely.