Fingerless Mitts on my Knitting Machine

So I decided to make some fingerless mitts on my knitting machine for myself, daughter, and craft show fodder.

I found this pattern on ravelry:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/machine-knit-wristwarmers

I liked the pattern, it was very easy to follow and worked up quickly.  The only thing that gives me difficulty (no fault of the pattern) is the sew-as-you-go method when making the thumb.  For some reason I just cannot seem to do that very well.  I think I just can't see well enough and I am missing stitches.  

On my 3rd pair I decided to try the thumb a different way and I REALLY like it!  Here is what I did.

1. Take your finished (main part) of the mitt and fold right sides together.  Pin starting from 1 1/2" above the cuff ribbing and continue to pin together all the way down the cuff.

2.  Now here is the part that will make a lot of machine knitters cringe......sew from your first pin all the way down the cuff with your sewing machine.  Yep, that's right, your sewing machine.  Take as small of a seam as you can.  I can usually get about an 1/8" seam.  Make sure that you back stitch a couple of times at the beginning and the end of the seam.  Your mitt will now look like this:

3.  Now go back to your knitting machine, pull 17 sts on both sides of zero (total of 34).  Set machine to tension 5.
Take your now-seamed mitt, with wrong side of seam facing you, start hanging the mitt on the needles.  Hang sts evenly from the center outward, 17 on each side.
This picture shows the first stitch on either side of zero hung.

This shows all the stitches, 17 on each side of zero, hung on the machine, then push the mitt back past the latches against the bed.

4.  COR Using your main color, knit across.
5.  COL Set your machine to "Hold" and pull the Right needles 3-17 out in non-working position, knit across.
6.  COR Wrap R3, pull the Left needles 3-17 out into non-working position, knit across.
7.  COL Wrap L3, put R3 back into working position, knit across.
8.  COR Wrap R4, put L3 back into working position, knit across.
9.  COL Wrap L4, put R4 back into working position, knit across.
10.COR Wrap R5, put L4 back into working position, knit across.

Keep progressing in this manner until you have 4 sts left on either side and COL.

Wrap 2 sts this time, and put 2 sts on the other side back in work, knit across.
Repeat above until all sts are in work.  Knit one row.

Rib for 5 rows at tension 3. 
Bind off.

I then pin the remaining seam for top of mitt and thumb and again I sew this on my sewing machine.  For me this worked out great and thumb is a very nice fit!

 

Free Knitting Pattern! - Bridger Cowl

This cowl is SUPER fast, uses worsted weight or Aran yarn and a U.S. size 10 circular needle. You begin the cowl in the center front and work flat while making the simple repeating lace pattern, then you will join and work in the round. This cowl is warm, squishy and makes a wonderful gift or craft fair item.  Make one (or two!) in a day.
If you want to download/print pattern you can scroll down past the pictures and it is available there too. (English, Spanish, Polish and Portuguese versions).

Tools / Materials:

Worsted or Aran weight yarn, approx. 150 yds.
U.S. size 10 (6mm) circular needle.  (I used a 24" length)

Gauge:

14 sts / 20 rows = 4" in stockinette st.

Abbreviations:

K=Knit

P=Purl

CO=Cast on

yo=yarn over

rep=repeat

sts=stitches

PM=place marker

RM=remove marker

beg=beginning

Reference: 

Cast on at beginning of the row, otherwise

known as the knitted cast-on.  Tutorial Video here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdaZTBOJ7XU  

Directions:

You will start out working flat (back and forth), later at #20, you will join and begin working in the round.

1.  CO 4 sts using long tail cast on. *note you will use the Long-tail cast-on here only, for the rest of the pattern when you cast on at the beg of the row, please do as directed.  Please see reference above for video.

2. Knit

3. CO 4 sts @ beg of row, k4, yo, k2tog, k2.   (8 sts)

4. CO 4 sts @ beg of row, k4,* yo, k2tog, k2, rep from * to end.  (12 sts)

5-14. Rep row 4 until you have 52 sts.

15. CO 4 sts @ beg of row, K4, *yo, k2tog, k2, rep from * 1x more, PM, k until last 12 sts,*yo, k2tog, k2, rep from * to end.  (56 sts)

16. CO 4 sts @ beg of row, K4, *yo, k2tog, k2, rep from * 1x more, PM, k until last 12 sts, RM, *yo, k2tog, k2, rep from * to end.  (60 sts)

17-19. Repeat row 16 until you have 72 sts. 

Place marker and join, you are now working in the round.

20. Purl round. (remove other marker when you come to it.  You will now only need the marker that marks the beginning of your circle).

21.  Knit every row until pc measures 11” (measure from cast on point to needle).

22. Purl round.

23. Knit round.

24. Purl round.

25-26 Rep rows 23 & 24 once more.
27. Bind off knitwise.

* Blue varigated yarn is Jojoland Fantasia.  the green is Berroco Remix. 
 

  

To get a printable pattern, click on the link below, then choose your language

Bridger Cowl Patterns

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Free Knitting Pattern! Old Flames Scarf

 The flickering flames stitch pattern is nothing new, it's been used for many knit patterns.  I have incorporated it into this bottom-up triangular scarf.  You will start your scarf at the bottom center and work your way upwards while increasing every 3rd and 4th row.   This is not a difficult pattern at all, I rate it as intermediate simply because you do need to pay attention and check your stitch count.  It is always advisable to read thru the pattern before starting.  The pattern is available at the end (after the pics) to download or print.  Have fun!

 

Materials:

 220-230 yds of Worsted or Aran weight yarn, preferably something drapey.  Suggestions are blends that include cotton, rayon, silk, bamboo, etc.

Tools: 

One size U.S. #10 circular needle.

*Circular needle is to accommodate the large number of stitches, you will be knitting the scarf flat, not in the round.

Gauge:

Since this is a scarf, gauge isn't terribly important but there are two examples of ones I've made.  
Red Scarf - 12 sts/15 rows in Stst = 4".  This was w/ worsted weight yarn, using #10 needle.  this scarf is 77" L x 11" W.
Multi color scarf - 16 sts/20 rows in Stst = 4".  This was w/ Aran weight yarn using #10 needle.  This scarf is __L x __W. * I ran out of yarn, will post measures when I get another ball of yarn! 

IMPORTANT!

Please note that this scarf pattern begins at the bottom center of the scarf, you will be increasing every 3rd and 4th row.  Please use the cast-on at the beginning of the row method as shown in the video reference below.  If you try to make this and do your increases by casting on at the END of the row with a backward loop, it will not look nice, you will have an ugly looking edge.

Also, please note that some of the ssk’s in the beginning rows of the scarf seem a little bit awkward because you are making them in the sts that you have just cast on, don’t worry, this is ok.  This is not a hard pattern, it is one that just requires you to make sure your stitch count is correct.  I have noted the stitch counts at the end of the cast on rows.  

References/Tutorials

1. Cast on at beginning of the row, otherwise known as knitted cast-on. Tutorial video here:  

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdaZTBOJ7XU

2. ssk (slip, slip, knit), here is a tutorial showing how to do this:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLWaabNhcc0

Abbreviations: 

St = Stitch                    yo = yarn over

beg = beginning           K = Knit                      

BO = Bind off               CO = Cast on

K2tog = Knit 2 together

ssk = slip, slip, knit 

PATTERN:

Using Long tail cast on, Cast on 15 sts.

Row 1: (WS) k2, purl across to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 2: k5, *ssk, k5, yo, rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 3: CO 7 sts at beg of row, k2, purl across to last 2 sts, k2.  (22, 106, 190 sts)

Row 4: CO 7 sts at beg of row, K5, *ssk, k4, yo, k1, rep from * to last 3 sts, k3. (29, 113, 197 sts)

Row 5: k2, purl across to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 6: K5, *ssk, k3, yo, k2, rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 7: CO 7 sts at of beg of row, k2, purl across to last 2 sts, k2.  (36, 120, 204 sts)

Row 8: CO 7 sts at of beg of row, k5, *ssk, k2, yo, k3, rep from * to last 3 sts, k3. (43, 127, 211 sts)

Row 9: k2, purl across to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 10: k5, *ssk, k1, yo, k4, rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 11: CO 7 sts at beg of row, k2, purl across to last 2 sts, K2.  (50, 134, sts)

Row 12: CO 7 sts at beg of row, k5, *ssk, yo, k5, rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.  

(57, 141 sts)

Row 13: k2, purl across to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 14: k3, *yo, k5, k2tog, rep from * to last 5 sts, k5.

Row 15: CO7 sts at beg of row, k2, purl across to last 2 sts, K2.  (64, 148 sts)

Row 16: CO7 sts at beg of row, k4,*yo, k4, k2tog, k1, rep from * to last 4 sts, k4.  (71, 155 sts)

Row 17: k2, purl across to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 18: k5, *yo, k3, k2tog, k2, rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 19: CO7 sts at beg of row, k2, purl across to last 2 sts, K2.  (78, 162 sts)

Row 20: CO7 sts at beg of row, k6,*yo, k2, k2tog, k3, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. (85, 169 sts)

Row 21: k2, purl across to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 22: k7,*yo, k1, k2tog, k4, rep from * across to last st, k1.

Row 23: CO7 sts at beg of row, k2, purl across to last 2 sts, K2.  (92, 176 sts)

Row 24: CO7 sts at beg of row, k8,*yo, k2tog, k5, rep from * across.  (99, 183 sts)

25-48: Repeat Rows 1-24 once more. (183 sts)

49-56: Repeat Rows 1-8.  (211 sts)

57-59: Knit each row, do not cast any sts on at beg of row.

60: Bind off (knitwise) loosely.

HERE IS THE PATTERN:

To download or print click on the link below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_oZ8-XeMq3pamFIcHVzOHBpa0k/edit?usp=sharing

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Machine Knit Whisper Cowls w/ fringe

My daughter had told me that fringed scarves/cowls were really "in" right now and that she wanted me to make her some.
Here is what I came up with.

First, using my standard gauge (4.5mm) KH-965i and my garter carriage. I cast on 96 stitches with waste yarn, knit 6 rows with it.  Then I knit 500 rows with the scarf yarn at tension 9 using Pattern #493.  I then flipped it over with a garter bar, hung the beginning stitches onto the last working row and knit them together right side to right side.  Bound off, then fringed.  You fringe BOTH sides of the cowl tube.

Then I used my Bulky machine (9mm) Brother KH-260, Using 48 needles with Pattern card #2 and tuck stitch, at tension 5 or 6.  I cast on with waste yarn and knit 6 rows, then using my scarf yarn knit 330 rows.   I used the "wrong"side (tucked side) as my right side so I simply rehung the cast on stitches to my last row - therefore right side to right side, knit them together then bound off, then fringed.  You fringe BOTH sides of the cowl tube.

I used a variety of different yarns and sometimes I twisted 2 lighter weights together.  The size I was shooting for was anywhere from 10" - 12" wide by 52" in length.  I lightly steamed the cowls mostly just to pull the fringe out a little bit so it didn't curl inward.
These cowls are very light weight, soft, but warm and very pretty.  My daughter absolutely loves hers and I couldn't even get them back from her to photograph.   I made a few more that I am keeping myself (although she wants more!) and I think I will make some for a craft show in November as they are fast and easy.                                  

                                                               Back to Pattern Index
Here they are:

Made on KH-965i

 These were all made on the Bulky:

Free Knitting Pattern! Definitely Diagonal Scarf

It is has been chilly and rainy here for about a week now. I am in the middle of making my son a felted Irish hat - wanted a break from that so I whipped out another scarf pattern. This one is for myself, I love the look and the feel of it. I used 250-253 yds of Plymouth "Sweet Caroline" which is 100% cotton. It is very soft and drapey, just the way I like my scarves.  On the next one I make I may try a yarn where the color is changing like Knitpicks Chroma, I think that would look nifty with the diagonals.
Photos are at the bottom as well as the pattern if you'd like to download.

Definitely Diagaonal Scarf 

by Kris Basta  

Materials: 

Worsted weight yarn 253 yds
U.S. size 10 circular needle  

Gauge: 

 3.5 sts per inch in Garter St.  

Abbreviations: 

K = knit
P = purl
K2tog = knit 2 tog
rep = repeat
yo = yarn over
Kfb = knit in front and back of st to increase  

Reference: 

Casting on at the beginning of the row, otherwise known as “knitted cast-on”. Video reference is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdaZTBOJ7XU
 

Directions: 

Using Long-tail cast on, cast on 7 sts
Begin set-up rows:

NOTE: these 3 rows will only be worked once. 
1. K2tog, yo, k5.
2. P2, *k3, p2
3. K4, k2tog, yo, k1

Now skip to row 4 below, work rows 4 – 16 of the Pattern Rows below.  NOTE this will only be done once.

PATTERN ROWS: 

1. K2tog, yo, *k3, k2tog, yo; rep from * to last 5 sts, k5.
2. P2, *k3, p2; rep from * to end.
3. K4, k2tog, yo, *k3, k2tog, yo; rep from * to last st, k1.
4. Cast on 5 sts @ beg of the row, k1, *p2, k3; rep from * to last st, p1. 12 sts 
5. Cast on 5 sts @ beg of the row, *k3, k2tog, yo; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. 17 sts 
6. K2, *p2, k3; rep from * to end.
7. K2, *k2tog, yo, k3; rep from * to end.
8. *K3, p2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
9. Cast on 5 sts @ beg of the row, K1, K2tog, yo, *k3, k2tog, yo; rep from * to last 4 sts, k4. 22 sts 
10. Cast on 5 sts @ beg of the row, P1, *k3, p2; rep from * to last st, k1. 27 sts 
11-13 Knit
14. Cast on 5 sts @ beg of the row, K to end. 32 sts 
15. Cast on 5 sts @ beg of the row, K to end. 37 sts
16. After completing row 15, start over with row 1 of the 16-row-stitch pattern, and work rows 1-16
      4X more. 157 sts 
17. Work pattern rows 1-10. 177 sts.
18. Kfb, K across to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 179 sts
19. Knit
20. Repeat 18 & 19 once more. 181 sts
21. Repeat 18 once more. 183 sts
22. Bind off.

 Unblocked measurement: 60” L x 13.5” W
(Lightly) Blocked measurement: 70” L x 14” W

Here is the pattern

Click on the link below, you should be able to download or print from there by clicking on "File".  If this does not work for you you may try switching from Firefox to Internet Explorer or vice versa.  Worst case senario you can copy and paste the directions into a word doc and print it out.  Enjoy!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_oZ8-XeMq3pdm5aU3JpLW5xRzQ/view?usp=sharing

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Free Knitting Pattern! Wiggle Lace Scarf

  I call this one the "Wiggle Lace" Scarf.  It is a simple 4 row pattern repeat

  

 Materials Needed:

1 skein of worsted weight yarn, approx. 200 yds.
Size 10 1/2 (6.5mm) circular Knitting needle.  You will use a circular not to knit in the round, but to work flat and accomodate the large number of stitches.  I used a 29" length.

Abbreviations:
K = Knit
P=Purl
CO = Cast on
YO = Yarn over
K2tog = Knit 2 together

Gauge: 

3.5 sts per 1 inch

References:

Cast on at beginning of the row, otherwise known as knitted cast-on.  Tutorial here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdaZTBOJ7XU

Directions:

1. CO 8 sts using long-tail cast on method.
2. Knit

3.  (RS) *K2, P1, YO, K2tog, P1; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
4.  CO 6 sts at the beg. of the row, P2, *K1, P2; rep from *.
5.  CO 6 sts at the beg. of the row, *K2, P1, K2tog, YO, P1, rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
6.  P2, *K1, P2; rep from *

7.  Repeat rows 3 - 6 until you have 188 sts.
8.  Bind off as K2, P1.

My finished and (lightly) blocked scarf measured 68" L x 10" W.

Pattern can be downloaded, see at the bottom of this post (after all the photos).

Here is the pattern

Click on the link below, you should be able to download or print from there by clicking on "File".  If this does not work for you you may try switching from Firefox to Internet Explorer or vice versa.  Worst case senario you can copy and paste the directions into a word doc and print it out.  Enjoy!

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_oZ8-XeMq3pU1RjeHFlbHdOeDg/edit?usp=drive_web

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New Knitting Pattern! Quite Simply...Scarf

 ©2013 Kris Basta

My last three scarves (on this blog) are all constructed similarly with easy pattern repeats.  This is the same but with only a 1 row repeat worked over and over.  Super simple, easy enough for the most beginner, AND good looking enough that even the more advanced knitter will enjoy whipping one up. 

Here it is: 

 

Materials: 

I skein of worsted weight yarn, approx. 200 yds.  
Size U.S. 10 1/2 (6.5mm) circular knitting needle.  You will use a circular needle not to knit in the round, but to work flat and accomodate the large number of stitches.  I used a 29" length. 
2 stitch markers 

Abbreviations: 

K= Knit
P = Purl
CO = Cast on
YO = Yarn over
PM = Place Marker
RM = Remove Marker
K2tog = Knit 2 sts together

References:

Cast on at the beginning of the row, otherwise known as knitted cast-on.  Tutorial video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdaZTBOJ7XU

Gauge:

14 sts in Garter st = 4"

Directions:

1. Using long-tail cast on, cast on 4 sts.
2. Knit
3. CO 4 sts at the beg of the row, knit to end.
4. Repeat step 3 until there are 36 sts.
5. CO 4 sts at the beg of the row, K16, PM, K1, *YO, K2tog, repeat from * twice more, K17.
6. CO 4 sts at the beg of the row, K16, PM, K1, *YO, K2tog, repeat from * to 1 st before marker, K1, RM, K16. 
7. Repeat step 6 until you have 192 sts.
8. CO 4 sts at the beg of the row, K across removing marker as you come to it. 196 sts.
9. Repeat step 8.  200 sts.
10. Do not cast on at the beg of the row(s), Knit 2 rows.
11. Bind off loosely.

1. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the pattern

 Click on the link below - You should be able to download or print from there by clicking on "File".  If this does not work for you you may try switching from Firefox to Internet Explorer or vice versa.  Worst case senario you can copy and paste the directions into a word doc and print it out.  Enjoy!

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_oZ8-XeMq3pdE1kRUpxWVNRTFU/edit?usp=drive_web

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Free Knitting Pattern! Jefferson Scarf

 The Jefferson Scarf

©2013 Kris Basta  


This is Scarf #3 of the series of 3 scarves celebrating the beauty that is Montana.  See Ravelry and other blog pages for the Gallatin and the Madison scarves too!  All three scarves are quite simple, but quite beautiful, and work up very fast. There is a link, after all the photos, so you can download the pattern at the end of this posting.

 

 

 

 Gauge:  

17 sts per 4 inches in stitch pattern #2 

 

Materials: 

One circular needle U.S. size 10.5 (6.5mm).  You will use this circular not to knit in the round, but to work flat and accommodate the large number or stitches.  I used a 29" length.
1 Skein of worsted weight yarn, approx. 200 yds.

Abbreviations: 

yo = yarn over     KFB = Knit in front & back of st
K = Knit               K2tog = knit 2 together
P = Purl               beg = beginning
BO = bind off

References: 

Cast on at beginning of the row, otherwise known as the knitted cast-on.  Tutorial video is here: 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdaZTBOJ7XU

Directions:

1.  Using long tail cast-on, CO 4 sts. 
2.  K1, yo, k2tog, k1.
3.  CO 4 sts at the beg of the row, K1, *yo, k2tog, rep from * to last st, end K1.                        
     (This is stitch pattern #1.)  8 sts. 

4.  Repeat row 3 until there are 96 sts. 

5-8  CO 4 sts at the beg of the row, Knit across.  112 sts. 
9.  CO 4 sts at the beg of the row, K28, KFB, K58, KFB, K28.  118 sts. 

You will now start stitch pattern #2. 

10. CO 4 sts at the beg of the row, K2, *P2, K2, rep from * to end. 
11. CO 4 sts at the beg of the row, P2, *keeping yarn at front of work, sl 2 sts purlwise, P2; rep from * to end. 

12.  Repeat 10 & 11 until you have 198 sts. 
13. CO 4 sts at the beg of the row, K across.  202 sts.
14. Repeat 13 for two more rows.  210 sts. 
15. Knit across (do not cast on 4 sts at beg of the row).
16. Bind off loosely. 

My scarf measured 62" L x 9" W unblocked.  This scarf works up relatively quick and would make great gifts or craft show items.  As with all my patterns feel free to make and sell as many as you like. 

Enjoy!

Kris 

See my Pattern Store here on Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/user/360172/pattern-store 
or here on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/stores/kris-basta---kriskrafter-llc-designs

"The Jefferson River is a tributary of the Missouri River approximately 83 miles long.  From broad valleys to a narrow canyon, the Jefferson River passes through a region of significant geological diversity, with some of the oldest and youngest rocks in North America and a diversity of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary formations.  The Lewis and Clark expedition first ascended the river in 1805.  Much of its scenic beauty and wildlife diversity remains today."

Here is the pattern 

Click on the link below, you should be able to download or print from there by clicking on "File".  If this does not work for you you may try switching from Firefox to Internet Explorer or vice versa.  Worst case senario you can copy and paste the directions into a word doc and print it out.  Enjoy!

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_oZ8-XeMq3pYndaSzBFTG0tWTA/edit?usp=drive_web

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