Picot Triangle Shawl Pattern

Picot Triangle Shawl 

by Kristen Mangus
GoodKnit Kisses

June 27, 2013

Triangle design shawl using wedge technique inspired by Hexagon blanket by Charity Windham. Charity and I talked about combining her wedge and my picots for a frilly garter ridge reversible shawl.  This shawl is a generous size for larger sizes up to 76" wide from end to end! Cast on Edge is 53" and can be made smaller for smaller sizing needs.

Stitch gauge: 4 sts per inch x 8 rows per inch in garter stitch

Loom: 7/16" gauge loom to be single knit with at least 168 pegs. Loom used in sample Knitting Board 28" with peg extenders.

Alternate loom(s): Kiss Looms can adjust to appropriate guage. Be sure to swatch. Use Kiss Fine Gauge Fixed 2; set up with two 83 peg long sides and two 7 peg ends. Use 165 pegs (loom will be 180 pegs). For Martha Stewart (MS loom) use two kits; set up with four 36 peg straights, two 12 peg medium straights, and four 6 peg corners with pegs in all holes for 3/8" gauge. Cast on 189 pegs (192 pegs on loom).

Yarn: 800 yards medium weight (4) Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable color Petunia.  3 balls used in sample. 9.85 oz/280 grams finished weight.

Loom Along Video: http://youtu.be/xicPyxHNVmQ

Abbreviations:

EW - Ewrap

P - Purl

HS - Half Stitch

SL - Slip (skip first stitch)

st - Stitch

CO - Cast On

BO - Bind Off

Cast on: Picot CO 165 pegs. (starting on left working to right if right handed, Place removable Stich Marker on peg 1) http://youtu.be/MdtQZm9wUE0

Row 1: SL 1, P to marker (all odd rows will repeat this way.)

Row 2: HS 1 at marked peg & move marker 1 peg to right (do NOT work HS st), EW to peg 165, Cable CO 3, BO 3 to form picot (See notes below on details for Cable CO and BO). I like to have 3 st markers on pegs 166-168 to show where picots need to be added on even numbered rows. For less picots on edging only, add picots every 4th row. As the pattern reads, this edge will be fuller than the cast on picots to give it a ruffled look when draped.

Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until last HS is at peg 164 & ending on row Row 2. This row will be HS 1, EW 1.

Begin Picot Bind Off*.

*This is an alternate to my standard picot bind off just for this pattern.

**Cable CO 3, BO 4 (** rep between **,** til one st left on loom, EW 1 cut tail and pull through) See video at minute 21:14; it should start there. http://youtu.be/xicPyxHNVmQ?t=21m14s

Weave in both tails into project.  If using color changing yarn be sure to weave like colored tails to closest color.

Blocking may be needed due to tension and eveness of such a large project. Do NOT steam block acrylic or it will "kill" it! Block with a light washing and let dry pinned on blocking board if needed. See bottom of pattern on Mitered Square Lovey for wet blocking instructions. http://goodknitkisses.blogspot.com/2013/07/mitered-square-picot-lovey-free-pattern.html

Notes on HS

Unlike an EW (where the working yarn is wrapped from the back between the next peg and around the front of the  desired stitch/peg to the back) the HS wraps to the front between the previous peg to the front of the desired stitch/peg then between the next stich (peg).

Cable CO Notes. 

Refer to this video for visual instructions. 

http://youtu.be/ON7dw4-D0hI

Non-Picot shawl option: Cable Cast on 165 stitches and continue in main pattern.  Do not add edge picots.  Bind off in Stretchy Bind or a very loose Basic Bind off using the E-wrap stitch for knit stitches.  Do not pull tight.

Happy Looming!!
Kristen



Copyright 2013, 2014 GoodKnit Kisses, Kristen Mangus.  Pattern is for personal use only.  Do not reproduce pattern in part or whole as written.  Items may be made for personal use. Contact Kristen Mangus if you are a crafter selling individually and Kristen will give permission.  kristen@goodknitkisses.com

New stitches - Sisal and Seagrass

GoodKnit Kisses new Bento Box Scarf featuring new stitch patterns Sisal and Seagrass were developed April 2013. The stitches both have a cool reverse on them. The reverse doesn't match but is good looking. The stitch patterns are more universal in style and go great for masculine, feminine or neutral.

Both patterns I have been researching to see if they have ever been created before. Not finding them, I called a few yarn shops and spoke to owners who knit & teach. After describing, they said they'd never heard of that before but were excited to test. The patterns are simple to achieve and are a repeat over a multiple of 2 stiches & 2 rows. Quite simply, it is a method of bind-offs and yarn overs.

Below are the stitch patterns written out. Please feel free to use these new stitches in your own designs and projects. The photo of the Bento Box scarf shows the motif alternating between the two patterns. The intent is to have a full afghan with this design. The scarf created was using a scrap yarn from Yarn Bee. I'd suggest using a solid color in your own sample to really see how cool these look in person. Patterns will be free and coming this summer. Please watch my blog for the latest. (Sample made over 168 stitches on Knitting Board new 28" loom with peg extenders. Scarf is 55" long; knit along the width of the loom.)

Sisal stitch pattern: bind off 1 stitch then yarn over, repeat to end of the row. Next row repeat. Written: Row 1 *BO1, YO*, rep *,*
Row 2 rep Row 1 (For needles use a Purl BO method or for loom BO as usual on row 2)
Repeat Rows 1-2

[Loom Knitters remember to knit your first stitch, then knit your second stitch. Move 2nd stitch to 1st and work the stitch by taking the bottom loop over the top. Ewrap the empty peg, where the 2nd stitch was and this completes your yarn over. Repeat this method to the end of the row.].

Seagrass stitch pattern: Bind off 1 stitch then yarn over, repeat bind off and yarn over to end of row. Written:
Row 1 *BO1, YO*, rep *,*
Row 2 *K to the end of the row (needles Purl to end of the row instead).
Repeat Rows 1-2

I hope you enjoy these new stitch patterns. Please post your comments below. I'd love to see your test swatches and designs! Please post your photos to our Education Facebook Page or Google+.

Happy Knitting!
Kristen Mangus of GoodKnit Kisses
©2013 GoodKnit Kisses
YouTube channel for latest tools and tutorials

Mitered Square - Picot Lovey free pattern

Have you wanted to make an easy mitered square on a loom? Together with Charity, we have designed a mitered square that will work well for you. You can actually do this on any loom and with more stitches. This particular pattern was created to go with my Picot Layette set and was inspired by the new sock loom 2 from Authentic Knitting Board. I was privileged to get an advance preview of the loom and got so excited that I created 3 new patterns. A Picot Lovey (mitered square with picot optional add-on edge), Picot Booties, and a Picot Bonnet.

If you are familiar with Charity Windham's Hexagon baby blanket you will be able to make the mitered square in no time. The video for the Hexagon will help you understand the principle

Here is the pattern below. Enjoy!
(Originally written June 11th, 2013)

Picot Lovey
By Kristen Mangus & Charity Windham
Designed on June 11, 2013

Loom: small gauge loom 3/8" at least 54 pegs. Knitting Board Sock Loom 2 was used on sample

Notions:
Removable stitch marker
Crochet hook

Yarn: Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable color Petunia. Less than 1 skein used.

Size: approximately 14-15". Sample lightly water blocked and pinned.

Gauge: swatches in garter stitch 4 stitches per in. And 7 rows per inch. For a 24" square cast on 96 pegs on a 3/8" loom

Abbreviations:
HS - half stitch
K - ewrap (you can also u knit)
CO - cast on (cable method for border see video)
Sl - Slip stitch (skip/ignore this 1st st)
St - stitch
BO - Bind off

Cast On 54 pegs from 54 to 1 (I like to use the chain method to do this but a double ewrap or yarn over cast on will work well. See video to help on start)

Place marker on peg 2
* peg 54 is always HS*

HS peg 1, K 52, HS peg 54
Sl 1, p back to marker making sure to purl the marker stitch (note all purl rows will always slip the 1st st even if not stated)
HS where marker is
Move marker one peg

*K to peg 53, hS peg 54
Sl 1, Purl back to marker (purl at marker)
HS where marker is
Move marker one peg*

Continue until all pegs but peg 54 have been wrapped. Purl last peg.

*HS peg 54, k to marker (lift 2 loops over 1)
Purl back to peg 53*
Repeat until all 54 pegs have only 1 loop and complete 1 more purl row.

Loose bind off.

Optional: Picot border around entire piece.(see below)

Place all stitches of one side back on the loom (54 stitches or the same that were originally cast on)
CO 2, BO 4 until all stitches have been worked. * http://youtu.be/qWkTu8T8KeM Begin Picot Bind Off*.
*This is an alternate to my standard picot bind off in the round just for flat panels.
**Cable CO 2, BO 4 (** rep between **,** til one st left on loom, EW 1 cut tail and pull through)
Details on adding the picot:
Place 1 side of your panel on the loom being careful to take one stitch from each side.  Start with your finished end and pick up 54 stitches evenly. (see below for NOTES ON ROWS).  For every 2 stitches it will make 1 picot between them.  Make sure you have two empty pegs to the right. Place a slip knot on the 3rd peg (the first one with a stitch from the existing panel). Now Cast on 2 then bind off 4 pegs. When you do that the first two stitches on the panel will be done and it leaves you with one picot. Repeat for remaining stitches on that side. Repeat for all sides. TIP: Use a removable stitch marker.  Place on 2nd stitch from end (with will be your 4th bind off stitch).  When you have bound off enough stitches it will be uncovered and you'll know to move the marker back two stitches and cast on your next 2 stitches.

NOTES ON ROWS: For the side with rows, with the sets of garters and not the columns of stitches, you'll want to pick up the same number of stitches as you do on the beginning and finished sides of your knitting.  The two true "sides" will give you too many picots if you pick up too many stitches.


Repeat this process for all 4 sides.


Weave in tails.

Block.

Blocking instructions:
I suggest a wet block approach.  This is safe for all types of yarn.
If you have a machine washable fiber you can run it through the washer then follow pinning instructions below.  If a natural fiber wash by hand with a recommended mild detergent then follow pinning instructions below.










Washing Instructions:

I prefer washing by hand in my plastic basin with a product called Soak. This detergent is formulated to not need rinsing. Mix with one tsp of detergent to 1 gallon of water.  Use spring or filtered tap. Mix up with your hand in a clean sink or basin. Place knitting in and let soak in for 15 minutes. Gently squeeze the water out or place in a dry white towel and roll.  Knitting will be damp.







Pinning Instructions:
Need:
Blocking Board(s) or clean kids play-mats
T-pins that are rust-resistant

Lay knitting on blocking board and pin the corners evenly with 1 pin in each corner.  On one side start pinning behind each picot to have a nice straight line. Adjust corner pins as necessary.  Repeat for adjacent side and work your way to the corner opposite your first starting pin.  Try to match the sizing pinned from the first side. Now skip the adjacent side and go to the side opposite of the 2nd side you pinned.  After pinning behind each picot  Adjust the criers as needed and complete the last side.

Leave knitting until it is dry.  Be sure to place in a well ventilated area with good air circulation.


Pattern for personal use only.

Happy Knitting!









Sock Loom 2 Review

Dew Drop Shawl Pattern

Dew Drop Shawl
by Kristen Mangus of GoodKnitKisses

(VIDEO now embedded.  Click to watch!)

A sleek and glamorous shawl reminiscent of hairpin lace. Change the look with a change in yarn and go from a dressy date shawl in a shimmery yarn to a casual sock weight yarn or art yarn and wear as a keyhole scarf!

LOOM(s):

Authentic Knitting Board All-n-One loom. Loom configured at maximum with the 5 peg sliders on ends between the 48 peg front board & 48 peg back board. Could use alternate loom if can configure as above in 3/8" gauge. (Martha Stewart loom with 4 corner pieces and small pegs in all holes works well).

YARN:

300 yards of medium weight yarn for shawl or 200 yards if stopping for smaller scarf. Yarn used in test is Sensations Enchantment Silver Metallic. Other test yarns were sock weight and bulky art yarn which give a totally different look.

FINISHED SIZE(s):

21"x60" shawl or knit 10-12" for a scarf only

Abbreviations:

EW - Ewrap

BB - Back Board of loom

FB - Front Board of loom

St - stitches

PATTERN NOTES:

We're using the back board (BB) as a place for a holding peg to work the drop stitch and all knit stitches are worked on the front board (FB). Do not skip pegs on FB. The sliders provide the space and no extra wraps are needed for the drops. Plus the width of the shawl actually is the width of the board. It's a  multiple of *3 + hold* +3

The basic pattern is ewrap 3 & Hold on BB 1 peg behind 3rd ewrapped peg, EW 3 & hold on BB, repeat pattern till last 3 stitches and EW.

Row 1: *EW 3 on FB, wrap BB1*, repeat between *,* till last 3 st. EW 3.

Repeat Row 1 for 100 rows to knit the maximum intended size or till 21" measures on ends.

NOTES on Sizing:

Work in a flat panel with a turning peg (the first stitch of each row is always slipped, meaning skip and move to peg 2) until SIDE length measures 21" or length from nape of neck to waistline. The middle will measure longer because of the dropped stitches weight.
For petite shawl measuring 12"x54", as on my test in the sock weight seen below, Use a multiple of 4.  Cast on 3, wrap holding peg, *EW 4 on FB, wrap BB1*, repeat between *,* till last 3 st. EW 3.
This will take out a few drops and changes the sizing.

*The pattern is railroaded by knitting the length on the width of the board but one can knit fewer multiples on any loom and skip 2-5 pegs before wrapping EW to get the same results and it will effectively "turn" it to the side.  You would just knit till you got the desired length. For example using a Knifty Knitter: work as a flat panel and skip enough pegs to make about a 4" drop, then wrap the next peg.  Leave 3 pegs at the end to finish the row in 3 EW. Knit till desired length.

BIND OFF:

Make sure you have at least 9-10 yards left on ball or skein to bind off (or 3.5 times the length of the loom following around the pegs on front & back).

Loose Slip knot bind off, making sure to yarn over around the holding pegs following the pattern it makes along the loom so bind off matches cast on drop stitches.
*If your yarn isn very nubby you can use my stretchy bind off but you will need to add extra wraps or chains between to span the distance between the drops; this changes the look of the edge to look crocheted which was not intended.*

OPTIONAL FRINGE:

Add fringe to both shorter ends as desired OR one of the longer sides to hang from back of shawl.

©2013 GoodKnit Kisses

Copyright GoodKnit Kisses; do not copy, in whole or in part, the above written pattern or video. Please link to this video or GoodKnitKisses blog or website. Pattern itself may not be re-sold or distributed but you may sell an item made by using this pattern.

Thank you!

Yarns used in above designs:
Sensations Enchantment Silver Metallic (388 yards in ball - 300 yards used) 21"x60" full size
Weight: 4 - Medium. 5 ozs. 142 gms. 388 yards. 355 meters. 92% Acrylic, 8% Polyester.


Lucci Melange Sunset Romance (216 yards in ball - all yardage used) 12-14"x60" smaller
Weight: Bulky. Merino Wool, Pima Cotton, Angora, Rayon, Sequins, Metallic, Acrylic, Nylon



TEST in sock weight!
Sensations Enchantment Bamboo & Ewe color ciscontinued (262 yards in ball - 200 yards used) Petite size
Sock Weight: 40% Wool, 30% Nylon, 15% Rayon. 2.12 oz, 60 grams, 262 yards, 260 meters.

That's Loom Knit?! Chic Retreat Cowl

LOOM PATTERN & VIDEO ALERT! Hi everyone, I hope you're doing well!

I wanted to announce to you today that my latest pattern is up on the vivaloom.com website! It is for my Chic Retreat Cowl with a lot of visual interest and texture. There is also a LOOM ALONG VIDEO, to go along with it & help you. I'd love for you to tackle this intermediate-advanced project to learn something new and exercise your creativity knowing there is a video to aid you the whole way.

You need to be able to use a small gauge loom with ability to knit in the round 96 pegs. It was written for the All-N-One loom but you can use the Martha Stewart loom with the for corner pieces and the two longest straight pieces & small pegs in every hole.

Here is the link: https://www.vivaloom.com/node/171


If you want to try a stitch sampler, cast on 17 stitches. Use the chart in the pattern to guide you. It will help with technique. The 17 stitches are for the chain lace part. The crossed sections won't be totally be even on crosses but you'll get the idea.

Have fun and Happy Looming!!



Blessings,
Kristen

http://www.GoodKnitKisses.com
For pattern shop, blog, & tutorials

FREE PATTERN Sachet Bag Pattern on the All-n-One Loom & CinDWood Universal S loom with wedge

Small Sachet Bag by Kristen Mangus

(adapted from the “Loom Knit Mesh Bag” by Kristen Mangus)


KnittingBoard All-n-One Loom (or other small gauge adjustable loom with at least 18 pegs to be made in the round). Can also be used on one end of 48" Universal S loom with wedge in place (use same number of stitches to cast on).
Skill Level: Beginner

USES: Small drawstring sachet size bag for small items or stretches for soap as a mesh.

YARN: 1 balls cotton or cotton blend (use scrap yarn less than 30 yards). Lion Brand Cotton Ease used in sample.


(Watch http://www.youtube.com/goodknitkisses for video tutorials on this bag design or SEE BELOW PATTERN POSTED)

Abbreviations: EW = E-wrap P = Purl


FLAT PANEL-
1. Set adjustable loom to 18 pegs. Using both strands of yarn E-wrap Cast on 7 stitches to loom in a flat panel. Counter clockwise to the starter peg, work as a flat panel in EW 10 rows making sure your working yarn is back to the starter peg for the next row.

BUILDING BASE OF BAG –
2. Leaving the panel on the loom, stretch the panel across the loom to the opposite side and place on pegs across. Now take the side stitches and place loops on adjacent pegs to stretch flat panel to fit on all pegs of the loom. Make sure to pick up ALL side stitches so your bag will not have an open hole. This is the bottom base of the bag. Wrap all pegs EW in a full circle and knit over leaving only 1 strands.

MAIN BODY OF BAG –
3. *Purl 2 rows
EW 5 rows* repeat *,* for a total of two sets
Purl 2 rows
EW 2 rows

BIND OFF –
4. Loose Bind off - This is similar to the Basic bind off. However, after each stitch moved over, and knit off, wrap the peg and knit off again before moving over. Begin Basic Bind off by wrapping the first leading peg & knitting off. (See GoodKnitKisses video tutorial for help)

DRAWSTRING –
5. Using a size I, J or K crochet hook, chain 50. Do not tie yet.

Weave the chain into the top of the bag between the knit stitch columns, just below the cast off . Weave back and forth between the outside and inside of the bag till you come to the beginning end. Tie the ends together and weave tail into the chain or simply cut off. The tied in can be repositioned into the inside of the bag if you like. Weave in all loose strands. Drawstring to close.

SEE BOTTOM OF POST FOR VIDEOS!!! :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIyW-rwX93I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

See end of review video for cast off at about 10 minute mark. For now till new video made.


USES:
Use as a sachet for potpourri or scented candle chips, feminine hygiene packet for purse or bag, other small items. Can stretch to use as a soap bar bag.

Happy Looming!!



©2012 GoodKnit Kisses

Featured on FaveCraftsBlog in Meet & Make: Kristen Mangus

GoodKnitKisses excited to announce I'm being featured today in FaveCraftsBlog "Meet and Make".  This is a blog on Fridays that features a designer.  You learn 10 or so random facts about them and then get a FREE pattern or tutorial.  Today features my Granny Round.  BUT I have stepped it up and single crocheted the loom knit circles together to show you what a blanket would look like.  I love it!  I hope you do as well.  They have also included the video tutorial to make it super easy. Here is the link. http://www.favecraftsblog.com/meet-and-make-kristen-mangus/  


I do have an exciting announcement!  GoodKnitKisses will be featuring a GIVEAWAY!! This will be in the next two weeks so keep your eyes peeled.  (Disclaimer - due to the vendor the prize will only be available to US and Canadian residents.  If our international friends want to participate I will give you a special prize.  I don't want to leave anyone out!)

Stay tuned.Happy Looming and Crafting everyone! P.S. Scroll below for more pictures of the blanket not on the FaveCraftsBlog and a video tutorial again.

Kristen

To see the granny round video visit ---->http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iJyyL-NcFFE or click the video below.

Loom Knit: Earflaps

Kristen talks you through making earflaps on the 24 peg KK or Knifty Knitter Loom. This is not a step by step shown tutorial. Please read instructions carefully and watch the video to see the result.

Using Super Bulky 6 Lion Brand Hometown USA, she starts with a two peg icord to 12". Increase by two on left and right sides on a purl row. End all purl rows with last stitch in ewrap or EW. Add an EW row. Then purl 1 row and EW another row. Now increase by two on either side on the purl row. You'll be making a triangle. Increase on every other purl row till you get 8 pegs with loops (the first stitch is always slipped or SS). Cut off your tail after 7 garter rows and add earflap on other side. When done start your baby hat. After casting off add pom pins to ends and weave in 1 earflap tail to inside of a garter ridge row.

Have fun and Happy Looming!! -Kristen

Pattern: Loom Knit Granny Round

Hello friends! Are you ready to make a Granny Round?!

I'll be making a tutorial on this later but...
If you'd like to try the project here is the pattern

Granny Round by Kristen at GoodKnit Kisses
For Green Round loom or Knifty Knitter 36 peg
Skill Level: Beginner, level up

Uses: Stitch circles together for a funky blanket, use as a base to a cylinder bag, large coaster for large mugs or small plant or a potholder. Many uses! MAKES 1 Solid Circle 6 ½” wide in 3 strands #4 Medium Worsted

You will need:
*3 balls of color (any) med worsted weight if using for potholder use cotton (great for scrap yarn!) OR 1 strand of Super Bulky #6 yarn.
*loom knitting hook
*crochet hook (J or K)
*round 36 peg loom (I used the Knifty Knitter or KK in green for adults)

We will use the E-wrap or Twisted Knit Stitch (also called TBL through the back loop) for all stitches plus 1 row of purl. Feel free to change the stitches and make it your own. I’m keeping it basic but adding the banding for fun and non-curl.

SPECIAL NOTE: Keep your stitches loose.  When wrapping before decrease be loose with your stitches especially if using more than one strand, as it can become to tight to pick off the peg and move.

(Watch http://www.youtube.com/goodknitkisses for video tutorials on this circle design)

Abbreviations: KO = Knit off EW = E-wrap P = Purl

CAST ON:
1. Cast on to KK with all 3 strands in the E-wrap method or crochet cast on. Place your slipknot on peg 1 and let the tail fall inside the loom. (Weave this in last to edge of circle. Cast on wraps all pegs one time all the way around the loom and then wrap around again. Knit off (KO) which is lifting the bottom 3 loops over the top 3 loops (the 3 strands together at one time over the newly wrapped 3 together or 1 over 1 if using the super bulky yarn). Your cast on row is round 1 or row 1.

MAIN CIRCLE BODY:
2. Row 2: P
3. Rows 3-5: EW

DECREASE & CAST OFF:
4. We are going to divide our loom visually into 6 sections (6 pegs in each section for a 36 peg loom). In round 1 of this section we will move the 2nd peg loop over to the 1st peg. Do not KO at this time. Move to the next section and do this again. Repeat 5 more times. Now KO. Wrap all remaining pegs again & KO. This completes hat Row 6. (You should have 30 pegs remaining).
5. Now take peg 4 over to peg 3 and wait to KO. Repeat for all sections. KO all 6 pegs. Wrap all remaining pegs & KO. This complete Row 7. (You should have 24 pegs remaining).
6. Now take peg 6 over to peg 5 and wait to KO. Repeat for all sections. KO all 6 pegs. Wrap all remaining pegs & KO. This complete Row 8. (You should have 18 pegs remaining).
7. CAST OFF with draw string method. I don’t use a tapestry needle here but you can. Leave the balls of yarn attached & wrap the loom 2 times all the way around. Cut off the strands from the balls of yarn.
8. Start to the left of the peg where the working yarn is coming out of; Leaving the yarn attached take your working yarn under the loop on the peg & with your loom tool reach under the loop & scoop out the working yarns (like a purl) continue pulling all the extra yarn through the loop. LEAVE the loop on the peg. WEAVING IN THE LOOSE YARNS TO MAKE A DRAWSTRING.
9. Move to the next loop to the left and pull the working yarns through again and leave loop on the peg. Continue until ALL pegs have the working strands woven through, including the beginning loom the strands came out of.
10. Take all loops off of the loom & pull the drawstring. Feed the extra through the top & turn your circle upside down. Using a crochet hook loop the extra through a few spots tying off to secure. Weave the excess.
11. Weave in all loose strands from end (or any color changes made).


©2011 GoodKnit Kisses.

Vlog: Upcoming Patterns Blog on Video

This is Kristen at GoodKnit Kisses. Join me as Io Vlog on my upcoming patterns and projects I'm working on.

©2011 GoodKnit Kisses

Banded Beanie with Decreased Crown FREE LOOM KNIT PATTERN!

Well I finally sat down and wrote my own pattern!  It is now published on my website and Ravelry. I will post it here as well.  I have also made a video of it and will be releasing it in parts (UPDATE 5/31 added videos at bottom of post!).  I hope you all like it.  I started with the basic beanie.  I added the brim for finishing.  Adding a few horizontal bands for fun I think it looks nice. But the biggest thing is the decrease top or "crown" of the hat.  Usually the basic loom knit beanies are very bulky but this one is nice and clean. 

Here is the pattern.  Keep watching for the videos, Happy Looming!!''


Banded Beanie with Decreased Crown
by Kristen at GoodKnit Kisses

Skill Level: Beginner, level up

You will need:
*2 balls of main color (white) worsted weight
*1 ball of 2nd color (pink) worsted weight
*loom knitting hook
*crochet hook (J or K)
*round 24 peg loom (I used the Knifty Knitter or KK in blue)
Note: You can adjust the pattern for a larger hat by adding more rows of color or bands till you get the size you desire. Note to adjust for the rows at the top for decreasing.

We will use the E-wrap or Twisted Knit Stitch (also called TBL through the back loop) for all stitches. Feel free to change the stitches and make it your own.  I’m keeping it basic but adding the banding for fun.

(Watch http://www.youtube.com/goodknitkisses for video tutorials on this hat)

*Color & Alternates: Please note that you can skip the brim for a rolled look and leave out rows 2-5 (4 rows total) The E-wrap is a stockinette and the stitches will roll if a brim is not created on the hat or a use a Garter Stitch Pattern for the brim. This pattern can also be done in a solid or variegated yarn without changing color.  Use 2-3 strands of yarn and knit till desired length, then skip to the DECREASED CROWN section.

Abbreviations: KO = Knit offEW = E-wrap

CAST ON: (Click for VIDEO of PART 1)
1.Cast on to KK with 1 strand of each color (1 white & 1 pink) in the E-wrap method.  Place your slipknot on peg 1 and let the tail fall inside the loom.  This will get wrapped up inside the brim or you can wrap it on your cast on pegs. Cast on wraps all pegs one time all the way around the loom and then wrap around again.  Knit off (KO) which is lifting the bottom 2 loops over the top two loops (the pink & white).  Your cast on row is round 1 or row 1.

MAKING THE BRIM:
2. Rows 2-9: EW
3.Take the first row the loose stitches and place them back on the pegs.  Be sure you are following the line of the stitches back up and not twisting them to the left or right.  KO

MAIN HAT BODY: (Click for VIDEO of PART 2)
4.Rows 10-12: EW
5.CHANGE COLORS:  tie on your second ball of white yarn to the pink strand and cut the pink. Now you have 2 strands of white.
6.Rows 13-16: EW – makes 1st white “band”
7.ADD COLOR: Either tie on the pink to one of the white strands or make a slip knot and add the pink on peg 1. You will have 3 strands on your loom.  *ALTERNATE I did this for a small fade from white into two color or you can go ahead and cut off one ball of white.
8.Row 17: EW
9.TAKE OUT COLOR: Cut off one of the white strands leaving 1 pink and one white on the loom.  Wrap the tail end on the loom.
10.Rows 18-20: EW
11.CHANGE COLOR: Tie on white and cut off pink, wrapping in tail
12.Rows 21-23: EW – makes smaller 2nd white “band”
13.ADD Color: Tie on Pink strand and leave all 3 strands on for the rest of the hat.  This masks holes in the top when decreasing.
14.Rows 24-26: EW (Note my hat is now about 5 ½” long before decreasing the crown.  Add rows here if you want longer length.)

DECREASE & CAST OFF: (Click for VIDEO of PART 3)
15.We are going to divide our loom visually into 4 sections (6 pegs in each section for a 24 peg loom). In round 1 of this section we will move the 2nd peg loop over to the 1st peg.  Do not KO at this time.  Move to the next section and do this again. Repeat 2 more times.  Now KO.  Wrap all remaining pegs again & KO. This completes hat Row 27. (You should have 20 pegs remaining).
16.Now take peg 4 over to peg 3 and wait to KO.  Repeat for all 4 sections. KO all four pegs.  Wrap all remaining pegs & KO. This complete Row 28. (You should have 16 pegs remaining).
17.Now take peg 6 over to peg 5 and wait to KO.  Repeat for all 4 sections. KO all four pegs.  Wrap all remaining pegs & KO.  This complete Row 29. (You should have 12 pegs remaining).
18. CAST OFF with draw string method.  I don’t use a tapestry needle here but you can.  Leave the balls of yarn attached & wrap the loom 2 times all the way around.  Cut off the strands from the balls of yarn.
19.Start to the left of the peg where the working yarn is coming out of; Leaving the yarn attached take your working yarn under the loop on the peg & with your loom tool reach under the loop & scoop out the working yarns (like a purl) continue pulling all the extra yarn through the loop.  LEAVE the loop on the peg. WEAVING IN THE LOOSE YARNS TO MAKE A DRAWSTRING.
20.Move to the next loop to the left and pull the working yarns through again and leave loop on the peg. Continue until ALL pegs have the working strands woven through, including the beginning loom the strands came out of.
21.Take all loops off of the loom & pull the drawstring. Feed the extra through the top & turn your hat inside out.  Using a crochet hook loop the extra through a few spots tying off to secure.  Cut off the access.
22.Weave in all loose strands from changing colors with hook & turn inside out. 


©2011 GoodKnit Kisses (Original publish date May 23, 2011)

Up in Stitches!!

Getting started on the loom? START HERE for your first cast on and stitch technique.

First Loom Stitch: E wrap or Single Stitch

When you first pick up a loom, the instruction book usually teaches you ONE stitch.  It is called the Ewrap or in regular knitting also called the single stitch. These stitches are abbreviated as ew or ss respectively.  The Ewrap makes a stockinette type stitch.  This type usually curls on you. Lets say you make a hat. If you don't make a brim from the instructions (or pattern) then the end of the hat will curl.  You can solve this by learning new stitches to start a project in and then continue in the ewrap for the remainder.  Many times I will start with a garter stitch as my brim and then ewrap.  BTW a hat is the quickest beginner project.  It works up fast and tells you you're doing well.  Be sure to pick up a Bulky #5 yarn for your first project or 2 skeins of worsted yarn in a #3 or #4 to use together at the same time.

The ewrap simply wraps the peg in a lower case "e" fashion where it crosses on the inside of the loom.  Check out this beginners tutorial below to see it and hear some tips along the way.  As always..I'm a goof.

(Stay tuned fairly quickly for I will show you both the knit (k) and purl (p) stitches to make the garter stitch pattern.)

Have fun! Be sure to come back and tell me what you've made and your progress! Happy Looming!!

How to Loom Knit: Beginner E wrap (ew) Stitch

© 2011 GoodKnit Kisses

Loom Knit: NEW Triple Rib Stitch Revealed

OMG I'm soooo excited! I did a totally original loom video!!! My YouTube - Please subscribe!

This stitch is usually done on needles only and I've never seen it on a loom...until Now! Yay!  

Have fun, Thanks for watching and Happy Looming!!
©2011 GoodKnit Kisses

New Twist in Loom Knitting

Loom Knitting is so nice because it is easy to learn and great for people of almost all ages.  There are no needles required.  Just a loom, a small special knitting tool and yarn are all you need to get started.

There are many stitches that imitate traditional knitting with needles.  Don't get me wrong though, loom knitting or knitting on a "rake" has been around for hundreds of years.  It is faster than traditional knitting and its extra wonderful for those who have carpel tunnel or other hindering issue with holding long knitting needles for period at a time.

One stitch that is very pretty is a rib stitch.  A single or even double rib is often imitated on the loom and there are many tutorials on YouTube on how to make those.  Tonight I wanted to film a tutorial on each of them and decided to be adventurous and attempt to design a triple rib stitch. It turned out nicely and I wanted to just show a quick overview of what the three rib type stitches look like side by side.

I hope this helpful.  Thanks for dropping by!


Loom Knitting: Stitches side by side, Rib & Twisted. Twisted knit stitch, single rib, double rib and triple rib stitch  shown side by side to see the difference in over all look. Ever see a triple on a loom?! It is so gorgeous! Tutorials to follow at future date.

Video

Looming Design

Hello Blogger World!

This is my first ever official blog so let me introduce myself. My name is Kristen Mangus.  I am a registered Interior Designer in the great state of Texas!  I am a native Texan but well traveled and NO I do not own a ranch or even a horse! I have ridden them; they are amazing and beautiful animals.  I do say all that to dispel a general way of thinking that Texans are that way and rural.  I live in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex area, home of the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers and my alma mater Texas Christian University Horned Frogs, GO FROGS!  I'm also a mom of three, two girls and now a baby boy who will be 3 months this Friday which is also my 10th wedding anniversary! I love my husband, he is my best friend. I love my kids.  They are 4, 2 and of course newborn.  Here is a picture of my son.

I describe myself as a designer who is a Crafter at heart. I've always loved to make things with my hands like bows or anything with a hot glue gun.  My grandmother & mother taught me the basics of sewing but it never really stuck.  Don't get me started on how many bobbins and machines I have tried to sabotage! I really appreciate things that are well made by other creative people and when I think I can learn a new thing I'll dive in.  I want to learn all I can and make something of quality that lasts and others enjoy.  If its useful, holds up well and is pretty I've done my job.  That goes the same for my work as an Interior Designer.  My forte is space planning, you know like where things are placed juxtaposition or related to other things.  How much stuff can I fit in here that is functional & useful that flows well and is beautiful but not cluttered looking? I'm very analytical in my way of thinking about things and I always keep in mind how my clients live in and use their space.  Chatting with other creative and crafty people is always fun.  Learning from others is a joy.

So I recently discovered LOOM KNITTING. I am very excited about it! I've always admired handmade things as you saw above but saw knitting and crocheting as a dying art. I've noticed though with places like Etsy and fine boutiques, that hand stitched items are on the rise and have risen to the times with beauty!  I mean that things made now have a classic touch and don't necessarily have an OLD look to them. This ain't your grandma's knitting! In fact there are several of my friends I've discovered that knit. I've now met many more 30-somethings that knit or crochet. So I set out to learn.  I bought a "I Taught Myself to Knit" and "....Crochet" kits on Ebay with a gift card I had. I went to the store to get yarn and what did I see?  A Knift Knitter Loom Kit.  Knitting Loom?? What is THAT?! Um...would that be easier for a girl with mild Carpel Tunnel? It turns out it IS and it is VERY ADDICTING! What a relaxing craft! Since that early cool day in October I have Googled and you-tubed my way through instructions and videos on how to loom knit and even have started creating my own patterns.  I've even stated selling things I've made with the positive responses I've been getting! You can find my designs on Facebook and currently I'm building my store on Etsy. You can follow me on here or "Like" me on Facebook. Feel free to ask questions or chat about looming at GoodKnitKisses@gmail.com or post them here. I'm also crocheting or rather still learning to do more and improve. I'd love to hear from you!