Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Ways to Carry Yarn Up the Side While Knitting Stripes

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methods for carrying yarn up the side of a knitting projectOne of the problems that comes when knitting stripes is yarn management. Either you have to cut the yarn, leaving a tail to weave in, every time you change colors, or you have to do something to carry the yarn you aren’t using up the side of the work.

Most people do the carrying up simply by pulling the non-working yarn up and working the edge stitch so that the working yarn holds the non-working yarn up alongside the row you’re knitting.

But there are other ways to do it, it turns out.

10 Rows a Day has a look at five ways to carry yarn up the side of a work. They all have pros and cons but it’s really interesting to consider and try different methods for different projects.

Isn’t it cool that we can always learn new ways to do things? Have you ever tried any of these other methods?

[Photo: 10 Rows a Day.]

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Cute Little Backpack Knitting Patterns

While no one would likely use a knit backpack for school, knitting a backpack is a fun way to show off your knitting skills and carry around your project or everyday essentials instead of using a purse. Check out these cute backpack knitting patterns and stitch one up for your next project. 

I couldn’t resist sharing this adorable bunny backpack (you can also make it without the ears) that is made on a circular knitting machine. This pattern is from Orange Olive Road and you can use a 46 or 48 needle machine for the bag but will also need a 22 needle machine if you opt for the bunny version. 

If you prefer knitting by hand, check out the bucket bag pattern from WoolFans Knitting. This one calls for super bulky yarn in two or three colors (you could make it all in one color, too, if you’d rather) and it looks like the base is knit flat and then the sides are worked in the round. 

You know I love a stashbuster, and that’s what you get with the Whidbey Bag from Wool and Pine Designs. This one calls for DK weight yarn for the body of the bag, which is actually worked in a single color from the top down. The colorful bits are woven in after the knitting is done, allowing you to use up all sorts of odd balls quickly. 

Adding hardware to a knit bag makes it look that much more interesting, and the combination of leather accents and a sari silk yarn makes Le Backpack from Vanrey Knits a lot of fun. This pattern is on Ravelry and uses a super bulky yarn and seed stitch for a ton of texture. 

Mama in a Stitch has a great free pattern for a little backpack with a flap closure. This one is worked in worsted weight cotton yarn with two strands held together for extra stability. It starts with a flat base with the body worked in the round and a knit flap and I-cord straps.