knitting Archives - Page 27 of 28

choosing circular knitting needles

There are many types of projects where knitting in the round may be easier than knitting flat back and forth followed by sewing the pieces together. Think of socks, hats, sleeves of sweaters, round shawls etc. There are roughly two different ways to knit in the round: Double pointed needles (dpn’s) or circular needles (circs for short). Most people have a strict preference for one variant or the other.

My preference is for circulars; I once worked with dpn’s, but it felt like I was wrestling a hedgehog! For me using circs also saves the number of different knitting needles I need, because I use my circulars also to just knit back and forth.

Note that some knitting techniques are less suitable for knitting with circular needles. Think for example of those who are used to clamping the needle under the arm.

But how to go about choosing circular knitting needles?

In this post, I want to give you some background information about the different types of circulars. This because, as you can see in the picture above, there are really a lot of different types! Choosing circular knitting needles that are the right ones for you and your projects can, therefore, be a bit of a challenge. I will of course also talk about what to look for when you are going to try knitting with circular needles. Indeed, there is nothing as personal as a circular needle: If your knitting needle is not the right one for you, the experience can be less pleasant than knitting should be.

What to pay attention to

Material
Point
Connection to the cable
Material of the cable
Length of the cable

Below I will elaborate on each of these points as they are very much of importance when choosing circular knitting needles.

1. Material

Circular needles can be made from various materials. Commonly found are needles made from wood, bamboo, nickel plated, copper finish, plastic, and aluminum. Wood and bamboo have more drag when knitting than the other materials. Because of this, it is not my preference: For me personally, the smoother the better! The picture above shows two favorites from my personal collection: The silver with gold cable is a regular Addi circular needle, the copper-colored circular needle with the red cable is an Addi Lace needle. The latter has a special coating to make it a tad less smooth than regular Addi’s to make it easier to work with very thin yarn.

2. Point

In the picture above you can see the difference in points between the two types of circular needles very well. The lace needle is significantly sharper than the other. Which variant is preferred is again very personal and depends both on the type of project you want to knit, and your knitting style.

3. Connection to the cable

In the picture above you can see the difference between the connection of the more expensive Addi needles compared to the much cheaper Wibra circular needle: the connection on the Wibra needle is clearly less smooth. Moreover, I have no problem with Wibra needles: They are nice and pointy, have a good flexible cable and are excellent value for money.

However, depending on the type of project and your personal knitting style, the connection of the needle to the cable can be a problem. With very thin yarn, or if you knit very tight, the yarn can snag behind the edge, which can be very annoying when knitting.

4. Material of the cable

The various cables that you see in these photos are all made of different materials. As a result, there are also differences in how supple and flexible the cables are. This, in turn, has an effect on how easy and enjoyable different types of circular knitting can be done with them. I myself have not yet come across a cable too flexible for my tastes. More the opposite, with the cable being too stiff. This of course again depends on your own preferences.

Update December 13th, 2017: I have found circular needles with a (to my taste) too flexible cable, my 3.75 mm Kollage square needles. I like the needles themselves, but the cable is the limpest noodle I have ever encountered!

5. Length of the cable

Circular knitting needles come with different cable lengths: From very short 10 cm (4 inches) with extra short needles to knit socks, to cables with a length of 150 cm 60 inches) for very large projects. Most commonly, however, are cable lengths of 60, 80 and 100 cm (24, 32 and 40 inches). In my experience, the 80 cm (32 inches) length is sufficient for most needs.

When you have the need for multiple cable lengths, an interchangeable needle set with loose points and cables like the one below could be just the thing for you. I know this Addi Click set was for me the best investment in knitting tools in years!

In summary

If you have no experience with knitting in the round with circular needles and don’t know yet what you prefer: If possible, go and visit a friend who already has several and try them out before you invest yourself. Choosing circular knitting needles this way is a lot more budget friendly than buying them all!

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zeeglas cowl

Reminiscent of the soft colors of sea glass on a sunny beach, the Zeeglas Cowl warms the neck and shoulders like a soft cloud. The simple to work lace pattern is provided both charted and written out.

The various colors from the Adele’s Mohair Brushed Self Stripe Yarn used in the sample give this design added visual interest. When substituting yarns, choose either a sport weight brushed mohair type yarn or lace weight kid-silk type yarn held double for a similar result. This design is very well suited for stash busting odds and ends of mohair type yarn.

Pay what you want: (minimum €5.50)

€

Difficulty level

The Zeeglas cowl is knit in the round. Stitches used include knit, purl, sl1, k2tog, psso and yo. The pattern is suitable for the intermediate knitter.

Sizes and finished measurements

S (L), shown in the larger size. Finished dimensions: 37 cm (14 ½ inches) wide and 55 (110) cm (21 ½ (43) inches) circumference, measured after blocking.

Pattern details

Written for a gauge of approx. 13.3 sts / 17.7 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) over lace pattern, measured after blocking. Gauge is however not critical in this design.
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 2 pages (A4 size)

Materials

112 (223) m (122 (244) yds) / 28 (55) g Adele’s Mohair Brushed Self Stripe Yarn [78% mohair, 13% wool, 9% nylon; 203 m (222 yds) / 50 g ball]. Substitute any sport weight brushed mohair type yarn, or lace weight kid-silk type yarn held double for a similar result.
5 mm (US 8) 60 cm (16 inches) circular needle. Use needles appropriate for the yarn chosen.
Yarn needle
1 “end-of-round” stitch marker
8 (17) regular stitch markers (optional)

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ijskristal convertible cowl/scarf

A lovely scarf in a simple and elegant lace repeat pattern, easily transformed into a cowl. Worked flat, the IJskristal Convertible Cowl/Scarf is available in one size, that can easily be made wider or longer, or both. With both written and charted directions for the lace, this convertible scarf knits up like a dream. Pair it with the IJskristal Slouchy Hat for a lovely coordinating set.

Pay what you want: (minimum €5.50)

€

Difficulty level

The IJskristal Convertible Cowl/Scarf is worked flat. Stitches used include knit, purl, skp, k2tog, yo and the centered double decrease sl2-k1-p2sso. The pattern is suitable for the intermediate knitter.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

One size – finished dimensions: 23 cm (9 inches) wide and 130 cm (51 inches) long, measured after blocking.

Pattern details

Worked flat
Written for a gauge of approx. 19 sts / 21 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) over lace pattern, after blocking.
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 3 pages (A4 size)

Materials

100 g / 320 m (350 yds) of DK weight alpaca yarn. The sample cowl/scarf features Ice Yarns Pure Alpaca (100% Alpaca; 160 m (175 yds) / 50 g). Substitute for an alpaca yarn of comparable weight for a similar result.
Needles in your preferred style in the following sizes (or to match gauge): Size 3.5 mm (US 4) and size 4.5 mm (US 7).
Yarn needle.
8 stitch markers.
6 size 21 mm (0.83 inch) buttons.

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zoel scarf

The Zoel Scarf is a very soft and delicate scarf knit using laceweight mohair yarn. It is a great pattern to learn some basics of lace knitting or to get familiar with using this type of yarn. Because of the simple two-row lace, this pattern not only lets the yarn shine but also makes for a wonderful portable project.

Pair it with the Zoel Hat to warm up a cold day in autumn or winter.

Pay what you want: (minimum €5.50)

€

Skills required

Stitches used include knit, purl, yo, k2tog and the double decrease sl1-k2tog-psso. The pattern is suitable for the beginning lace knitter.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

As written, the finished measurements of this scarf are 20 cm (7 ¾ inches) wide and 130 cm (51 ¼ inches) long.

The Zoel scarf can easily be made larger by using heavier yarn and/or working more repeats of the lace pattern. This will, of course, increase the amount of yarn needed.

Pattern details

Worked flat
Written for gauge of approx. 16 sts / 20 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) over lace pattern
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 2 pages (A4 size)

Materials

Yarn: 35 g / 192 m (209) yards) of Lana Grossa Lace Pearls [40% wool, 26% polyamide, 18% alpaca, 18% mohair, 8% glass; 137 m (149 yds) per 25 g skein]. Substitute any lace weight kid mohair/silk type yarn for a similar result.
Needles in your preferred style in size 4.5 mm (US 7)
Yarn needle
6 stitch markers

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zoel hat

The Zoel Hat is a very soft and delicate hat knit using lace weight mohair yarn. It is a great pattern to get familiar with using this type of yarn. Because of the simple two-row lace, this pattern not only lets the yarn shine but also makes for a wonderful portable project.

Pair it with the Zoel Scarf to warm up a cold day in autumn or winter.

Pay what you want: (minimum €4.90)

€

Skills required

This hat is knit in the round. Stitches used include knit, purl, yo, k2tog and the double decrease sl1-k2tog-psso. The pattern is suitable for the intermediate knitter.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The Zoel hat is available in 3 sizes: S (M, L). In the pictures, the M sized hat is worn with 7.5 cm (3 inches) of positive ease.
Finished size at brim: 55 (60, 65) cm, 21 1⁄2 (23 1⁄2, 25 1⁄2) inches.
Length from brim to crown: 20 cm, 7 3⁄4 inches.

Pattern details

Bottom-up
Written for gauge of approx. 14 sts / 24 rounds = 10 cm (4 inches) over lace pattern
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 2 pages (A4 size)

Materials

15 (16,17) g / 83 (89, 95) m (91 (98, 105) yards) of Lana Grossa Lace Pearls [40% wool, 26% polyamide, 18% alpaca, 18% mohair, 8% glass; 137 m (149 yds) per 25 g skein].
Substitute any lace weight kid mohair/silk type yarn for a similar result.
Needles in your preferred style for small circumference knitting in the round in the following sizes (or to match gauge): Size 4 mm (US #6) and size 4.5 mm (US #7)
Yarn needle
12 (13, 14) plain stitch markers
1 differently colored end-of-round stitch marker

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ijskristal slouchy hat

The IJskristal Slouchy Hat is a shapely tam which combines a simple and elegant lace repeat pattern with a wonderful amount of slouch.

Worked in the round from the bottom up, this pattern is available in two sizes. With both written and charted directions for the lace, this hat knits up like a dream. Pair it with the IJskristal Convertible Cowl/Scarf for a lovely coordinating set.

Pay what you want: (minimum €4.90)

€

Skills required

The IJskristal Slouchy Hat is worked in the round starting at the rolled edge brim. Stitches used include knit, skp, k2tog, yo, M1 and the centered double decrease sl2-k1-p2sso. The pattern is suitable for the intermediate knitter.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

To fit size: 51-53.5 (56-58.5) cm, 20-21 (22-23) inches.
Finished size at brim: 45 (49.5) cm, 17.75 (19.5) inches.
Length from brim to crown: 27.5 cm, 11 inches.

Pattern details

Bottom-up
Written for gauge of approx. 24 sts / 29 rounds = 10 cm (4 inches) over stockinette
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 3 pages (A4 size)

Materials

50 (60) g / 160 (192) m (175 (210) yards of DK weight alpaca yarn. The sample hat features Ice Yarns Pure Alpaca (100% Alpaca; 160 m (175 yds) / 50 g). Substitute for an alpaca yarn of comparable weight for a similar result.
Needles in your preferred style for small circumference knitting in the round in the following sizes (or to match gauge): Size 3 mm (US #2 ½) and size 3.5 mm (US #4)
Yarn needle
17 (19) stitch markers
1 differently colored end-of-round stitch marker

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garter tab cast on tutorial

Many top-down shawl patterns start with a garter tab cast on. Why? Because it creates a lovely seamless start of any shawl. See for example the start of my Zomer Zilt shawl, pictured above, you almost can’t see where the cast on is! Yes, it can be a bit fiddly to work, especially when working with very skinny yarn. However, don’t let that deter you from knitting patterns that use this cast on: with the below step-by-step instructions and tips you are sure to master this technique.

In this example I used the garter tab instructions as used in Zomer Zilt:

Cast on 2 sts and knit 12 rows. Turn work 90 degrees, then pick up and knit 6 sts from the garter stitch ridges along the long edge. Pick up and knit 2 sts along the cast on edge. (10 sts).

The garter tab cast on step by step

1. Cast on two stitches using your preferred cast-on method. In this example, I’m using the knitted on cast-on.

2. Place markers in each of every CO stitch, this will make it easier to pick them up later on.

3. Work twelve rows in garter stitch (knit every row). This will give you 6 ridges to work into in the following steps. Then turn your work – still on the right-hand needle – 90 degrees clockwise.

4. Using your left-hand needle pick up one stitch in each of the garter ridges along the edge, for a total of 6 stitches. In the picture the purl bumps are picked up, but you could also pick up from the legs of the knit stitches instead. You now have 8 stitches on your right hand needle.

5. Turn your work 90 degrees clockwise again and pick up the two marked stitches along the cast-on edge. These stitches can be a tad hard to see, but because we marked them in step 2 this really isn’t an issue.

There you have it: a garter tab cast on! There are now 10 stitches: 2 stitches on either end which will become the garter edge stitches, and 6 stitches in the middle which will become the body of your shawl. You are now ready to start the rest of your pattern!

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moerbei

Inspired by the lovely texture and color of almost-ripe moerbei or mulberry fruit, the Moerbei shawl is juicy and sweet and exactly what you need.

Knitted sideways from tip to tip with only 100 g or 420 m (460 yds) of fingering weight yarn, it’s the perfect project for that special skein of yarn. This shawl features both an appealing textured body achieved by working bobbles, as well as a delicate looking and easy to work border. Once the body of the shawl is complete, stitches are picked up for the border and dropped to create the ruffle effect.

Pay what you want: (minimum €6.50)

€

Skills required

This pattern features bobbles, a slipped stitch edge, as well as picking up and knitting stitches for the drop-stitch border. Stitches used include knit, purl, k2tog, kfb, M1 and yo. This pattern is suitable for the intermediate knitter.

Pattern details

Top-down
One size – easily adjustable
Written for gauge of approx. 17 sts / 25 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) over stockinette
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 3 pages (A4 size)

Materials for Moerbei

420 m (460 yds) / 100 g fingering weight yarn
A circular needle size 4 mm (US #6), 80 cm (32 inches) long.
Yarn needle
1 stitch marker

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zomer zilt

Sometimes when I think of summer, I get this picture of a turquoise sea, rolling gently over a white sandy beach. Imagine the heat of the sun and the cool breeze carrying the scent of salt. This image of summer bliss is what inspired me to design the Zomer Zilt shawl, which is just right to throw on when the sun goes down and the air becomes a tad chilly. Knitted from the top down, with only 100 g of fingering weight yarn, it’s the perfect summer project.

This design features broomstick lace, so called because it is similar to lace created with a broomstick and crochet hook. It is worked over two rows: on the first row, the yarn is wrapped twice around the needle between each knit stitch. On the next row, the wraps are dropped to create elongated stitches, which are worked in groups of four.

Pay what you want: (minimum €6.50)

€

Skills required

Zomer Zilt features knitted broomstick lace as well as various increases and decreases. Stitches used include knit, purl, k2tog tbl, kfb, M1R, M1L, yo and double yo. This pattern is suitable for the intermediate knitter.

Pattern details

Top-down
No sewing
One size – easily adjustable
Pattern languages included: English, German and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse, Duitse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 4 pages (letter size) for the English version (updated pattern format per August 2023), and 3 pages (A4 size) for the other versions.

Materials

100 g fingering (sock) weight yarn. Yarn used in sample: Hand dyed sock yarn by “Atelier Kleurrijk Vilt” [75% wool, 25% polyamide; 333 m (364 yds) / 100 g skein]. Substitute any fingering weight yarn for a similar result.
Circular needle size 4 mm (US 6), 80 cm (32 inches)
Yarn needle
4 stitch markers

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stormy seas shawl

Stormy Seas is a half circle shawl, featuring Sea Foam lace. It shows off variegated and self striping yarns with long to medium lengths of color wonderfully. Combined with the all-over garter stitch, it gives an airy, textured, reversible fabric. While my version is in a hand spun yarn, it can, of course, also be knit with a commercial yarn. Make the shawl as small or large as you like, just knit until your yarn runs out!

The instructions for the lace are, of course, both charted and fully written out.

Pay what you want: (minimum €6.50)

€

Difficulty level

This pattern features the Sea Foam stitch, which requires multiple yarn overs, that are dropped on the following row. This takes some getting used to, but is quite easy to execute. Stitches used include knit, kfb, k2tog tbl, yo and multiple yo’s. This pattern is suitable for the beginning to intermediate lace knitter

The Sea Foam lace pattern is both charted and written out
One size (wingspan of 148 cm (58 inches) measured from tip to tip)– easily adjustable
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 4 pages (letter size)

Materials

420 – 630 m (460 – 690 yds) of fingering or sport weight yarn. The sample shawl features a hand spun yarn.
Size 4.5 mm (US 7) / 100 cm (40 inches) circular needles were used for the sample shawl. Use needles appropriate for the yarn chosen.
Yarn needle.
32 stitch markers (optional)

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