Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

Stitch a Scarf that Looks Like Chains

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The other day I was talking about how much I love scarves because there are so many different things you can do with them. Even if you limit yourself to the “regular” rectangular shape, you can make a scarf in just about any stitch pattern and using most of the techniques of knitting you can think of.

Have you seen how easy it is to knit a Fisherman’s Rib Super Scarf (on our sister site)

Because of that, I’m always seeing new scarf patterns that interest and intrigue me. (Or maybe I’m just a boring person…don’t tell me if you think so!)

For instance, Chained Up by Szymon Jergas. This DK weight scarf is worked with cables that are turned such that they look like chains running down the scarf. 

The pattern is charted and probably wouldn’t be the best choice for someone totally new to cable knitting, but it’s a gorgeous finished project that’s great for anyone in your life to wear. It might even be fun for people who do historical re-enactments or go to Renaissance faires or similar events (do those things even happen in winter?) to add a cool and warming touch to their outfit.

From the look of the projects in progress page for this pattern, which you can download for free on Ravelry, it looks like blocking is pretty essential to straighten everything out and give the cables that nice chained look.

And if you’re looking for more fun cable knitting patterns, check out my roundup of fun cable knitting patterns to help boost your skills. Here you’ll find blankets, hats, sweaters and more to get you started or keep you going on your cable knitting journey. If you’re totally new to knitting cables, check out this cute hat pattern that’s a great option for your first cable knitting project. Or you can find a bunch of fun cable knitting patterns for all skill levels on Etsy.

[Photo: Szymon Jergas]

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Add a Little Lace to Your Knitting Patterns

If you’re new to lace knitting or just aren’t sure how to incorporate the technique into garments, check out these tops and sweaters that use lace as a decorative element.

The easiest lace out there is eyelets, and you can practice them plenty with this eyelet covered sweater from Knitcro Addict. It uses light/DK weight yarn and is worked in four pieces knit flat. It’s intended to be a little cropped and a little oversized, and includes sizes XS to XXL in the pattern.

If you’re in parts of the world where it’s getting colder as you read this, the Nora sweater from Bummbul might be a good choice. This is actually a great one for learning lace because it’s worked in super bulky yarn, which makes it easier to see what you’re doing and makes the lace super graphic. This one just comes in one size, with a 42 inch (106) cm bust, but that could fit a variety of people depending on how much ease you like.

Minimi Knit Design has a cute allover lace cardigan worked in one piece from the bottom up. It’s worked in lace weight mohair held double, which maybe isn’t the best for those new to lace (because it can be hard to rip out) but it sure is pretty. Sizes range to fit from 30 to 66 inches/76 to 168 cm bust measurements.

If you’d rather not have lace all over your sweater, you can knit the Lumi sweater from Originally Lovely, which has a chevron lace pattern on the yoke and is otherwise worked in reverse stockinette stitch. (It’s worked inside out so you don’t have to purl every stitch.) The pattern has 9 sizes from XS to 5XL and uses worsted weight yarn.

Or try the super romantic sookie blouse from Trust the mojo (available on Ravelry). This sweet top is started working flat from the bottom up and has a V-neck and I-cord edgings. The sleeves are worked separately in the round, and the pieces are all joined together to work in one piece to finish off the top. It comes in eight sizes and is available in English and French.

You can also pair lacy sleeves with an otherwise plain top, like on the Starflower Wrap from Annelise Driscoll Gingrow. This intermediate pattern makes a wrap sweater with generous lacy sleeves and a double wrap belt. The pattern has nine sizes, from XS to 5XL, and is available for free from Hobbi.