Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Arm Knitting Revisited

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arm knit cowlsSince I last wrote about arm knitting it seems like it’s become an even bigger craze. Vickie Howell got kind of obsessed and has figured out how to arm knit and arm crochet and was featured on “The Today Show” teaching arm knitting at the Craft and Hobby Association trade show (it’s not a craft fair!).

I have always said that I couldn’t see doing a whole scarf because of my RSI, but she’s now got a really cute little arm knit necklace pattern that would take almost literally no time and is a perfect entry-level project.

Berroco’s also getting in on the trend, recently publishing a video how-to and a pattern that’s shown in a couple of different yarns. They say these only take half an hour to knit, and I could probably manage that.

Lion Brand has its own video tutorial as well as patterns using Wool-Ease, Homespun and  Unique, respectively. I really like the simplicity of the Wool Ease one.

I know Yarnspirations has more of Vickie’s patterns as well, but as of this writing their site was down.

Have you gotten bitten by the arm knitting bug? I’d love to hear about your experiences.

[Photo via Berroco.]

Arm knitting is a knitting technique where you use your arms as the needles to knit a project. Instead of traditional knitting needles, you use super chunky yarn and your arms to create a cozy and unique knit piece. Here are 5 tips for arm knitting:

  1. Use thick yarn: When arm knitting, it’s important to use a thick yarn that can easily slide over your arms. Super chunky yarn works best for arm knitting projects.
  2. Make sure your yarn is smooth: Avoid using yarn that has knots or tangles as it can make arm knitting difficult and frustrating.
  3. Use a slip knot: Start your project with a slip knot to make it easier to get started and to keep your stitches tight.
  4. Keep your stitches loose: Because you are using your arms as needles, it can be easy to knit your stitches too tightly. Make sure to keep them loose so that you can easily slide the yarn over your arms.
  5. Take your time: Arm knitting is a bit different from traditional knitting, so take your time and don’t get discouraged if it takes you a bit longer to complete your project.

Simple Arm Knitting Scarf Pattern:

  • Cast on 6 stitches using a slip knot
  • Knit all stitches for 30 inches or desired length
  • Bind off and weave in ends.

And there you have it, a cozy arm-knitted scarf! Remember to take your time, keep your stitches loose, and enjoy the process.

 

Comments

  1. The examples look beautiful – I haven’t wanted to knit in years, but a recent development (a seemingly always cold neck – Ha!) makes these quick scarves quite appealing.

    I work a lot with metal and clay – arthritis has forced me to choose carefully what I spend my hands on, but being able to use my whole arms sounds intriguing.

    Sorry for your affliction, but what is RSI?

  2. Repetitive stress injury. My hands and arms hurt quite a lot after too much knitting, and I fear the weight of a full scarf on my arms would be too much.

Have you read?

Adorable Ghost Knitting Patterns

Adding a bit of knitting to your fall decor is a lot of fun, whether it’s knit pumpkins or a bunch of adorable knit ghosts like these.

Knit ghosts can be super simple like this free ghost knitting pattern from Trixie Zynch on Ravelry. Using about 50 yards of worsted weight yarn, they’re worked from the bottom up and are super cute as a pair. 

This fuzzy little ghost from Forest Knitting Toys is holding a pumpkin and wearing a witch hat, though of course the accessories are optional, as is the fuzzy yarn. The main yarn is chunky and the ghost measures about 10 cm/4 inches tall. It’s worked in the round. 

Another fuzzy ghost in more of a Pacman style is this ghost plushie form South Stitch Girls. It’s worked in the round with bulky yarn and includes a sweet little bow you can make in whatever color you like. 

The ghost doll from Edith Grace Designs has little arms and a curl at the top of its head. The body is worked flat using DK weight yarn and you could also work it in glow in the dark yarn for extra fun. The body and head are worked in one piece with the arms knit separately. 

The Grim Grinning Ghosts from Susan Claudino are super cute and you can knit them in any yarn and gauge you like to make ghosts of different sizes. These are worked in the round with the body done in one piece and the arms are knit separately. The ghosts shown were knit in sock yarn, DK and worsted weight yarn. You can find the pattern on Ravelry.

Make a ghost with funny striped legs with this ghost shelf sitter design from Claire Fairall Designs. It’s worked in three colors of DK weight yarn, and the letters spelling out boo are made with strips of garter stitch sewn into shape.