Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

Knit a Mosaic Scarf

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I know I’ve said this before, but in case you missed it, I am a big cheerleader for mosaic knitting. I don’t feel like it’s ever had the popularity of some other knitting techniques, particularly other colorwork knitting options, but it’s such a great way to make simple geometric repeating patterns on the surface of a knitting project.

Mosaic knitting looks a lot more complicated than it is, but you’re only working with one color of yarn per row and the colorwork is achieved by strategically slipping stitches to make the pattern. Mosaic knitting patterns are worked from charts, but since the patterns are geometric and symmetrical, once you get the basics of reading and following the chart down it’s really easy to do.

If you’ve never tried mosaic knitting before, you should, and this scarf would be a good place to start.

The Rumi Scarf by Matthew Schrank uses two colors of worsted weight yarn and a simple diamond mosaic knitting pattern. This pattern makes a nice big scarf, measuring 17 inches, or 42.5 cm wide and 69 inches/ 172.5 cm long. You could adjust the size to make it smaller if you like, or use a lighter weight yarn to make it smaller with the same number of stitches the pattern calls for. Or just make a big scarf that will keep you cozy no matter what winter throws at you.

The pattern notes suggest carrying the yarn up the side consistently for a braid effect along the edge, which is a great idea since there’s not a border on the project. They also used stitch markers to keep track of the repeats, which you may find helpful, particularly if you are new to mosaic knitting.

You can find this pattern on Ravelry. I hope you’ll give it, or some other mosaic knitting project, a try. I think it’s a lot of fun and a cool effect.

[Photo: Matthew Schrank]

Mosaic Shawl Knitting Patterns

Knit a Cowl Using Simple Mosaic Designs

Mosaic Knitting Patterns

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Summer T-Shirt Knitting Patterns

Knitters are always looking for ways to continue to knit and to wear their knits even when it’s hot outside, so there are tots of great T0shirt knitting patterns to choose from. I love knitting short-sleeved shirts because they feel so much faster than sweaters, and you can wear them on top of dresses or even longer-sleeved items when it gets cooler.

There are lots of different styles of knit tops, from the basic to the more detailed. On the more basic side are things like the Perfect T-Shirt from Originally Lovely, a basic raglan tee with nine sizes and worked in worsted weight yarn; Paper Bloom by Yvonne Hugo (free on Ravelry), available in six sizes and worked with cotton and silk yarn for extra coolness; or Iris H’s Amelia Top, also on Ravelry, a slim fit, DK weight top with nine size.

Jazz it up with a bit of lace like on the Athens Lace Hem top by Sarah Hatton (Ravelry). This otherwise simple project has a bit of lace at the bottom, which is an easy way to make a project more interesting without a ton of work. This one uses fingering weight yarn and comes in nine sizes.

Another simple embellishment is to emphasize the lines of your top with different stitches. The Spring Lines top uses twisted ribbing at the center front and V-neck and along the raglan lines to give it a slimmer fit and more interest. This design from Turquoise Toque Designs has 11 size options and is available on Ravelry.

Silfurberg by Joji Locatelli uses both of these elements, with lace panels at the center front and back and purl ridges throughout to make it a little more fun to knit and to wear. The pattern uses fingering weight yarn and comes in 10 sizes. Learn more on Ravelry.

Keep it simple or add puffed sleeves (and/or long sleeves) to the slim fit Knitty Committee top by Lily Kate France. This one has two length options, waist shaping and optional bust darts to fulfill all your curvy top dreams, and it comes in nine sizes. You’ll find it on Ravelry.

Take it even more romantic with the Daphne Top from Friday Knits, which has puffed sleeves and applied I-cord to emphasize the bust and sweetheart neckline. It comes in eight sizes and uses DK weight yarn.

Or add some sweet flowers with the Gigio pattern from Emilie Luis. This pretty pattern found on Ravelry has cable panels running up the front with the option for adding sweet embroidered flowers. You can also add decorative buttons if you like. It comes in 11 sizes and calls for sport weight yarn.