Mitred Squares - idea

 

Mitred Square small blanket (or cushion cover)

Joining the squares may seem a little tricky at first – but you will get the hang of it!

Materials: Scraps of double knitting yarn – or colours of your choice.

Size needles for yarn used.

Crochet hook for edging (if required)

Even rows are Right Side

Uneven Rows are Wrong Side

I sew a small piece of thread on the right side just so I know easily which side I’m on,

and for putting them together.

Pattern for each square:

Cast on 21 stitches.

Row 1  (WS):  k

Row 2  (RS):   slip 1 kw, k8, slip 1, k2tog, psso., k 8, P1

Row 3: (WS) slip 1 kw, k to end (minus 1), P1.

Row4: slip 1 kw, k7, slip 1, K2tog, psso., k7, P1

Row 5:  (WS) slip 1 kw, k to end, minus 1, P1.

Row 6: slip 1 kw, K6, slip 1, K2tog, psso, K6, P1.

Row 7: (WS) slip 1 kw, k to end, minus 1, P1.

Row 8:  slip 1 kw, K5, slip 1, K2tog, psso, K5, P1.

Row 9: slip 1 kw, k to end, minus 1, P1.

Continue is this manner,  decreasing by 1 stitch on RS rows, until you have 1 stitch left – pull wool through to secure.

Joining:

Make 2 mitred squares with ‘seam’ pointing upwards, so you can join them.

Place them so you will see a ‘V’ shape in the middle of the two.

Pick up 10 stitches along the inside edge of right hand square,

k1 stitch in centre when joining in the next square,

pick up 10 stitches on 2^nd square – you should then have 21 sts, and can therefore begin knitting another mitre – thus joining them up. 

Note that the ‘seams’ should all be facing upwards straight.

You will have to turn the piece upside down to knit in the 4^th square. 

Knit more squares as necessary to make blanket larger.

Continue in this way, and make your piece the size you require by adding extra squares, and joining them as directions given.

As long as you keep the ‘seam’ upright in your view, you will understand where you have to knit the next square -  (hopefully)!

There will be lots of ends on the wrong side, to either sew in or - - use your crochet hook to pull through yarn and secure and cut off the ends to neaten.

SRI 31.7.23.

 

 

 

 

 

Little Crochet Birdie - crochet experience preferable

This is easy to crochet. Make 5 or 7 chains (or more, depending on how large or small you want this birdie to be) Single crochet 'all around' cast-on chain - increasing 1 single crochet, at each end - I'm afraid, you will need to judge the increases as you go. Continue building up the size until required size is achieved (folding it in half will show you). Sew up straight opening (top of birdie) - leave a small gap to push in stuffing. Sew up remaining gap. Decorate with a beak, an eye and wings. If you have any problems, please email me.

Granny Square Scarf and Bag - free crochet pattern

For the scarf:  
I have made one basic granny squares (size to your choice) and continued to crochet rows, back and forth,  on one side only.  Then make a second square and sew it into place at the other end.
You can use up all your leftover bits of double-knitting yarn. 
Use a crochet hook to comfortably fit the yarn you're using - sizing isn't really crucial.
Two granny squares (or more) will also make a lovely bag -

(it may need to be lined though.)

Basic Granny Square
First round:
1 – Make a slip knot
2 – Chain 5
3 – Insert hook into 1 chain to make a circle. Connect with a slip stitch.
4 – Chain 2

5 – Double crochet in circle 2 times (first chain 2 counts as a double crochet)

6 – Chain
7 – 3 double in circle
8 - Chain 2

9 – 3 double crochet in circle

10 – Chain 2
11 – 3 double crochet in circle
12 – Chain 2 connect to top of first chain 2 with a slip stitch.
(First round completed) (You can changed colors here if desired)

Second round:
1 – Chain 2 turn work
2 – 2 double crochet – chain 2 – 3 double crochet ((corner cluster made)
3 – Chain 1 (this is one side of square)
4 – 3 double crochet – chain 2 – 3 double crochet (next corner cluster made)
5 – Chain 1 (next side)
6 – 3 double crochet – chain 2 – 3 double crochet (3td corner cluster made)
7 – Chain 1 (side again)
8 – 3 double crochet – chain 2 – 3 double crochet (4 th corner cluster completed)
9 – Chain 1 – connect with slip stitch to the top of first chain 2 (Second round is completed)

Third round:  you can make as many rounds as you wish your square to be working the same stitches.Repeat second round adding a cluster in the middle of each side row, with every additional round you make.

Always remember corners take a chain 2 and sides take a chain 1 for each space.

I have taken these instructions from here - there are pictures too if you need them.
Another lovely link 

Fingerless Mittens - double knitting yarn - Free Pattern

This ribbing makes a very comfortable fit.

4.50 mm dpn needles (4 or 5)
Double Knitting Yarn
Gauge: approx. 6sts = 1" ....  slightly stretched ribbing.

I Cast On 41 stitches, onto one needle, (using the Thumb Method).
The first row divides the stitches on to your 3 needles, and I knit the last stitch and first stitch together to join - pulling gently but tightly for a couple of stitches.

Continue round in K2 tbl., P2 rib for 3.1/2" ( inches. )

Thumb:
K4 at beginning of row next row, and keep these stitches on a separate needle, so it's easy to see where the thumb stitches are.
Continue in rib as before for the main body of the mitt, but picking up a stitch* either side of the thumb on alternate rows, and Knit the thumb rows.   

Change colours when you fancy :)

*Pick up the loop before the 1st stitch on thumb needle, and pick up loop after the last stitch on thumb needle - increasing by 2sts on alternate rows.

Continue knitting Rib for main body and 'Plain' (st.st.) for Thumb, until you have 16 stitches for thumb. 
Thread these on to a longish spare piece of yarn - tie loosely, so you can undo the yarn when you try the mitt on.
Continue in rib until mitt reaches approx. 6.1/2" from the beginning -
Cast off in rib.
Go back to Thumb, picking up the stitches and rib for approx. 5 rows - cast off in rib.

You may need to knit the 1st and last stitches together to make a tighter join, or possibly add some stitches on if the thumb is too small.  
I tend to sew up the thumb seam with the glove on my hand, so it fits better and stitching cant really be seen.

If the cast on row has not joined neatly together, use the yarn tail to stitch and neaten off.

Shibui Sock Yarn (and basic sock pattern)

Shibui Sock Yarn - looks beautiful -

Basic Sock Pattern

Free Peyote Chart

 

landscape abstract stripes (peyote)

 

Colours:

Delicas 11s

DBM: 173, 287, 083, 321, 863, 243, 001, 878, 729, 058, 048, 141, 180, 107, 630

 



Granny Squares

work in progress - for cushion

Granny Squares Pattern



Granny Square Lap Blanket - easy peasy

In the evening, I love watching telly to relax, but love to do something at the same time.  Making a huge crochet Granny Square just fits the bill at the moment.  I had some oddments of yarn, but as it grew I had to buy some more! ....  Naturally, I found the extra yarn I needed while having a clear-out :(  ............  Anyway here is my basic Granny Square Pattern:

Basic Granny Square: -

I haven't changed colours in the instructions - you can do this however you choose.

Abbreviations:

ch = chain

dc = double crochet

tr = treble



Make 4 ch. and join, with a slip st., into a circle.

Ch. 3 (which counts as the first Treble), 2 more trebles then 2 ch.

3 trebles in the ring and 2 ch., 3 times more (see pic below) - join into 3rd chain of beginning 3 chains.

(check centre of square pic. below)

Slip stitch to the nearest 2 ch. space and in each space make

3 trebles, 2 ch and 3 trebles : 1 ch. 

On following rounds:

Slip stitch to each corner space and make 3 trs.,2ch.,3 trs.

The spaces between the corners are made up of  3 trebles and 1 chain.

By repeating the above, the Square will grow as big as you make it - change colours as you fancy.

I also found the shape became distorted, but I think when the whole thing is finished you can pull it into shape.





For the final edging you could make a row of double crochet. 

If you turn your work and make this final row from the back (going in the opposite direction from before) - it makes a pretty edging.

This probably sounds more complicated than it is! - but is very relaxing ----- and useful!

PS: If I've made any errors - please let me know.

Persian Tile - Peyote Beadwork Chart

 

This chart can be used for - amulet bag or bracelet/cuff

Free Knitting Pattern - Fingerless Mitts

 I'm into knitting Mitts at the mo - they're really similar to knitting socks - (almost!)
small bag pattern given here

FINGERLESS MITTS 
Instructions

Basic Pattern - - using sock yarn (fine)

Needle size: 3.25 mm (double pointed set + 1)

Size: small to medium sized hand 

Using the thumb method - cast on 56+1**sts. on 1 needle.

For the first row: knitting the correct amount of stitches on to each separate needle.  Join up into your 'round' using the extra stitch: (k2tog.) thus joining up the 'round'. (Using last stitch and first stitch.)


I find this a lot less faffing about, than trying to sort out twisted needles and which is the right side.  (The Purists wont like it - but hey .............. ! :) )

Stitches on needles as follows:

28 sts (1st needle) :  14sts. : 14sts.  

RIB/CUFF: (knit stitches through back of loop for cuff and thumb rib only).

K1 (tbl), P1, rib for 3.5 inches, then

K 10 rounds** (knitting through back of the loops) - *or to your own length.  

**You can also continue to knit in Rib - I find the gloves fit very nicely when all Rib'd.

Once your Rib and (10)* rows have been knitted, commence the 

Thumb Gusset increases:

1. K 27, make 1 (pick up loop - between stitches - from previous round, place on left needle and K thru back of the loop, replace on right needle),  k1, make 1, K to end of row.

I tend to keep my thumb gusset stitches on a separate needle, which is a little fiddly, but saves using stitch markers - which I find a bit annoying.  I think this also makes the increasing easier to see.

2. K 1 row.

3. Repeat these 2 rows, making 1 extra stitch (at beginning and end = 2 sts) on each alternate row until you have 17 stitches as your thumb gusset - thread these onto a spare bit of waste yarn - knot yarn so the stitches dont fall off !

4. Continue knitting in the round, carefully joining up again - (pull working yarn taught when joining up on thumb edge).  

Knit until the glove approx. reaches the base of your fingers.

Rib however many rows you fancy, and cast off in rib.

Thumb: 

Rejoin yarn to stitches on waste yarn, picking up  4 stitches in the 'thumb valley'.  
Again, pull thread slightly taught so as not to get too large a hole :).  (If you do get a hole, you can carefully stitch this up afterwards!) 
Knit a few rows then Rib for a few rows (of choice) and cast off in rib.

Sew all ends in neatly.

2nd Mitt - repeat as above.

The instructions always look more complicated than they are, but once you've got the hang of it, it's pretty straightforward.  If you're used to knitting socks ..... this will be a doddle.

(I dont think I've made any errors in the pattern instructions, but if you find anything - please let me know.)

Lace Patterns

  

 

Free Basic Hat Pattern from Purl Soho

  The Purl Bee

Purl Soho.com - everything you need! Gorgeous website - check it out.

• A US #11, 16-inch circular needle :  8 mm
• A set of US #11 double pointed needles :  8mm
• A jumbo stitch marker (optional)

Baby (Toddler, Kid, Women's, Men's)

12 (14, 16, 18, 20) inches in circumference

6 (6 3/4, 7 1/2, 8 1/4, 9) inches high           

Baby - about 36 yards

Toddler - about 47 yards

Kid - about 58 yards

Women's - about 69 yards

Men's - about 80 yards

Gauge: 3 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette stitch

Finished Sizes: Baby (Toddler, Kid, Women's, Men's)

12 (14, 16, 18, 20) inches in circumference

6 (6 3/4, 7 1/2, 8 1/4, 9) inches high

THE CUFF

Cast 36 (42, 48, 54, 60) stitches onto the circular needles.

Place a marker and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.

Round 1: *K3, p3, repeat from * to end of round.

Repeat Round 1 four (4, 5, 5, 6) more times.

THE BODY

Knit every round until piece measures 4 1/2 (5, 5 1/2, 6, 6 1/2) inches from the cast one edge.

THE CROWN :

Baby: start the crown with Round 9

Toddler: start with Round 7

Kid: start with Round 5

Women's: start with Round 3

Men's: start with Round 1

Round 1: *K8, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (54 stitches)

Round 2: Knit.

Round 3: *K7, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (48 stitches)

Round 4: Knit.

Round 5: *K6, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (42 stitches)

Round 6: Knit.

Round 7: *K5, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (36 stitches)

Round 8: Knit.

Changing to double pointed needles...

Round 9: *K4, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (30 stitches)

Round 10: *K3, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (24 stitches)

Round 11: *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (18 stitches)

Round 12: *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (12 stitches)

Round 13: *K2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (6 stitches)

Cut the tail and thread it through the remaining stitches.

Weave it into the inside of the hat. Weave in the other ends and you're done!

Free Basic Hat Pattern - link



FREE Knitting/Crochet Pattern - Cushions - very easy

 

close-up of back seams

These were really easy to make (while watching telly) - using up some odd balls of double knitting yarn and some old cushions.

Needles and Hook - according to yarn used.

The central squares on the fronts are knitted, then the rest of the cushion is crocheted around the square, using single crochets - - with 3 single crochets in each corner on each round.  

At the beginning of each round, slip st. into the centre of the first 3 single crochets to make the next three.

I made each cover large enough to fit my cushion pads, when folded into 1/4s (diagonally) - see above shape in pic.

The seam edges are on the outside and are just sewn together with a straight stitch, using matching yarn colour.

Stitch 3 seams, push the cushion inside then sew up the 4th seam. 

Centre Squares:

Cast on 3 stitches.

K. one row.

Knit all rows -  increasing in the last stitch on each row until you have half-triangle shape to the size you want.

Begin your decreases - again at the end of each row - K2tog. until  you have completed your square and have 3 stitches left.  Cast off 2 sts. and thread yarn through last loop, pull gently.  

You should then have a diagonally knitted square.

That's it really.

Free Beaded Bracelet Chart

Free Beadcharts (or Crossstitch) - Christmas Motifs

These little motifs can be made up in either Peyote or Brick Stitch 

or used as Cross stitch charts .......... enjoy making them :)

Free Beadwork Pattern - Abstract Bracelet/Cuff - (Peyote,Brickstitch,Cross stitch chart)

Free Peyote (or Brickstitch) Patterns

Big Hair Day!

Alphabet

Egyptian Scarab Motifs

Bracelet or Cuff Pattern

(Turn pattern charts on their side to make them in Brickstitch.)