Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Grafting With Ms. Kitchener

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I know, I know, you don’t like to sew it together. That’s why you have a whole basket full of UFO’s. Like mine, they’re all just waiting for you to put down the pointy sticks and pick up a sewing needle. How about a stitch that will graft an invisible seam?

As Ms. Kitchener steps up to bat here lets say a few things about her.
She’s elegant (did I mention invisible?)
She’s easy
She’s all over the internet! Just google “kitchener stitch” and you’ll find diagrams and pictures galore guaranteed to have you sewing up those UFO’s in no time. Go to YouTube for videos on this versatile technique.

In most of Interweave’s books they have published a very simple diagram, along with tons of tips for other techniques too.

There, I’ve done it, I’ve officially inspired myself to finish another UFO, sometime today, but first….. gotta go stack some firewood. That should be good for some sore hands!

Comments

  1. For me, it’s all about perspective. I’d rather Kitchener than, say, do taxes. Send me all your ungrafted socks, and I’ll send you my receipts, deal?

    Love the graphix.

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Pencil Knitting Patterns

Getting ready for back to school makes me think about pencil crafts, so let’s take a look at some pencil themed knitting patterns! 

I recently made a pencil on a circular knitting machine, and it was a fun, quick, easy project that uses little bits of leftover yarn (and if you don’t have yellow you can make it a colored pencil using whatever color’s your favorite). And if you want to make a bigger version check out this pattern from Orange Olive Road on Etsy.

If you want to knit a pencil pillow by hand, check out Sketchy, available on Ravelry from Shana S. Cohen. This one uses worsted weight yarn and has two size options and the choice to make a pencil with an eraser or a colored pencil. 

Pencil scarves seem to be the most popular kind of pencil knitting pattern, and there are lot of cute ones. This one from Cosy Craft UK mostly uses garter stitch, with some welts to add texture and what looks like an I-cord edging. It calls for DK weight yarn. 

If you want to go all garter stitch try this version from Emsley Co Creations, which uses five colors of DK weight yarn and just a little shaping to make the point of the pencil.

There’s also this fun, mostly stockinette so it looks like it curls a bit, pencil pattern that looks like it’s worked in chunky yarn from Little Knits Studio. This one uses just a little garter stitch and easy shaping for the point. 

If you don’t want a pencil scarf, how about some pencil socks? The No. 2 Pencil Socks from The Yarn Enabler are available from Ravelry and use five colors of sock yarn. They feature wide ribs to mimic the texture of a pencil and have options to be worked from the top down or the toe up. 

Needs Sharpening by Alexander Walker is a free pattern on Ravelry that uses five colors of sock yarn to make a sort of shortie sock. The little bit of black at the tips of the toes inspired the name. These, too, can be worked in either direction and are available in three sizes.