Knitting

Designer Rant

I have a need to rant this week.  I read from time to time about how some crafters will use a pattern and sell the finished goods.  For some reason, there are those who are outraged by the idea that the crafter is making money from someone else’s design.

I am not talking about a company mass producing and selling hundreds or thousands of the end product but a craftsperson maybe selling a couple or more at a craft sale or on the internet.  I am also not talking about reproducing the pattern itself (copyright) or selling the item as self designed; give credit where it is due.

I guess that I take exception to the outrage mostly because there are no truly new designs in the world.  There are only old ideas represented.  There are finite stitch combinations and colour choices.  There are only so many ways to calculate the number of stitches needed for any particular size on any particular needle or hook and there are so very many patterns that are exactly the same.

An example of the fact that two people do think alike is the cocoon shrug.  There are several patterns on the web, both paid and free, that, if you looked at them without seeing the attendant “designed by” would assume that the same person had written them all.  How can each of these be unique to the particular designer?  How could you ever say that this or that person had stolen your intellectual property and is now selling the finished product that they, not the designer, created, for a profit.  How could you ever claim that it was even your pattern that they used and not someone else’s or even their own?

Another example would be Aran or Irish knit sweaters.  The traditional cable patterns are repeated on many different knits that look similar if not the same.  Does this mean that all of the pattern writers that produce Aran knits are guilty of taking credit for a design that is not theirs?

I design and write patterns.  I know that there are many hours spent creating, writing, rewriting, editing and rewriting again only to proof read, test and rewrite once more.  You publish the pattern and, thank goodness, read and respond to the questions and suggestions, most of them really good, that follow.  You design to share your inspiration and vision with the world, not so that you can take possession of it and hold it close.  Being a designer and pattern writer means having an open mind and a thick skin.  It is just like in kindergarten, not everyone will play the game the same way that you think they should.

I rarely knit or crochet a pattern as written; I always change some part of it to make it more appealing or easier to work for me.  Does that mean that the design is now mine?  If I wrote the pattern with my revisions is it a new pattern?

I don’t write on my patterns that the finished items cannot be sold.  I am flattered that a crafts person thinks that my design is worthy of making and selling.  On those that I know from my own experience are good craft sale items, I will comment that this pattern is quick and easy and makes for great craft sale inventory.  How would you police this anyway?  The world is too big and time is too short to obsess over the uncontrollable.

I am not in any way condoning copyright infringement.  I think that credit should be given to those original thinkers among us.  I just want talented crafters to be given their due on their handiwork making items from our patterns and to turn away the protest and guilt ladled out to them for being industrious.

Knitting

Pink Ice Cream For Summer

It is almost summer, yay!  I love this time of the year the best.  It is a time of promise, watching new plants grow, dreaming of the fruit and berries to come.  Do you think I like food?  It is also a time to look forward to swimming at the lake, walking in the park and just generally enjoying the outdoors.

This brings me, of course, to outdoor crafting.  When you are working in the heat, it is nice to have something small to knit or crochet.  If, like me, you have grandkids to spoil or maybe your own babies to create for, this is a good time to work on the little clothes that are such fun to make and look so cute.

I designed this little jumper (or tunic dress) for our oldest granddaughter a few years ago and didn’t take any pictures at the time so I have recreated it to include multiple sizes and what I hope are clear instructions.

I am including it here now as a gift to you for reading my blog.  It will be on Ravelry next week as a paid pattern.

It is kind of mindless knitting but sometimes, especially this time of the year, that’s okay.  I hope that you enjoy my latest pattern and that you will share a photo of your finished jumper with me.

Pink Ice Cream Jumper

This pretty little jumper is knit from the bottom up in the round starting with the ruffle.  The buttons are sewn onto the straps with the buttonholes in the bodice which allow you to easily move the buttons to make the jumper grow a little bit with your kidlet.  The bodice is designed to fit snuggly with a stretchy fabric.

You can make the ruffle in a different colour from the body and add a third colour at the bodice.  I have made this pattern in a self striping yarn as well and it was very cute worn over a coordinating Tshirt.

 

Sizes: 6 months, 1, 1 ½, 2, 3.  Chest is designed with negative ease of 1.25cm or ½”.

Gauge: 24 stitches x 31 rows = 10cm or 4″

Materials:  300 to 350m or 330 to 390 yds of baby or sport weight yarn, two buttons.

Tools: 4mm (US6), 60cm (24″) circular needle, stitch holder, stitch marker.

Abbreviations:           k = knit

p = purl

k2tog = knit 2 stitches together

 

To begin: Cast on 260 (264, 276, 280, 292) stitches and join being careful not to twist stitches. I used a long tail cast on but a cable cast on is pretty too.  If you have trouble joining in the round with this many stitches, work the garter rows back and forth and join after that so that you can see if your work is twisted.  You can use your cast on tail to sew the garter piece closed and no one will know the difference.  Place a marker at the join to mark the beginning of your rounds.

 

Ruffle:

Rounds 1 to 4: Garter stitch (in the round, knit 1 row, purl 1 row).

Rounds 5 to 14: Stocking stitch (in the round, knit every row).

Round 15: k2tog around. 130 (132, 138, 140, 146) stitches remain).

Skirt:

Work in stocking stitch until the body piece measures 15.25, (20.25, 25, 30.5, 35.5) cm or 6 (8, 10, 12, 14)” total including the ruffle.  This measurement is a guide only.  Stop when you think that the skirt is long enough for your child.

Bodice:

All stitches will be worked as k1, p1 rib for the remainder of the jumper.

Round 1: k1, p1, repeat from marker to marker.

Repeat Round 1: 7 (9, 11, 15, 17) more times.

Next Round: Cast off 10 (13, 14, 16, 17) stitches st, work 50 (52, 54, 54, 56) stitches in k1, p1 rib, cast off 10 (13, 14, 16, 17) stitches, work 50 (52, 54, 54, 56) stitches in k1, p1 rib.  Remove marker.

You will be working back and forth from here on.

Place the first 50 (52, 54, 54, 56) stitches (back piece) on a holder as you will now be working back and forth over the last 50 (52, 54, 54, 56) (front piece) stitches.  You can leave the first batch of stitches on the needle and just work back and forth on the front stitches if you don’t want to move them to a stitch holder.

Rows 1 to 10: k2tog through the back loop, k1, p1 to last two stitches, k2tog.  You are decreasing 1 stitch each end and will have a total of 30 (32, 34, 34, 36) stitches remaining on Row 10.

Rows 11 to 15: k1, p1 to end of the row.

Row 16: Make buttonholes: Maintaining k1, p1 rib, work 4 stitches, k2tog, yo, k1, p1 for 18 (20, 22, 22, 24) stitches, yo, k2tog, k1, p1 over remaining 4 stitches.

Row 17 to 21: k1, p1 to end of row.

Cast off tightly to keep top edge from stretching.

Transfer the second (back) set of 50 (52, 54, 54, 56) stitches from the holder to your working needle.

Rows 1 to 10: k2tog through the back loop, k1, p1 to last two stitches, k2tog.  You are decreasing 1 stitch each end and will have a total of 30 (32, 34, 34, 36) stitches remaining on Row 10.

Rows 11 to 21: k1, p1 to end of row.

Row 22: Work the first 8 stitches in k1, p1 rib, cast off next 14 (16, 18, 18, 20) stitches (tightly to minimize stretch), work the last 8 stitches in k1, p1 rib.

Place the first 8 stitches on the stitch holder or leave it on your needle if you are comfortable working on the second 8 stitches with the first hanging.

 

Straps:

Rows 1 to 49: k1, p1 to end of row.  If you want a shorter strap, cast off when you reach the length that looks good to you.  I made mine extra long so that the buttons could be moved for grow room.

Cast off.  Transfer the remaining 8 stitches from the stitch holder and repeat Rows 1 to 49, cast off.  Block lightly, weave in ends and sew buttons to ends of straps to fit snugly to shoulders.

 

Knitting

Another Cake Shawl

This pattern was knit with one cake of Caron Cakes yarn.  The pattern, as written, takes advantage of the long colour changes and (here is a caution) may need to be adjusted by a row or two if the colour changes don’t match the cake that I used.  I have found that most of the cakes have similar starting points and the pattern, as is, will be close to what you have.  I have added notes to make the differences easier to manage.

The shawl has eight different designs in lace or textured stitches to showcase your knitting skills.  None of the patterns are difficult but you will start with a basic stitch and become more challenged by the design at each change.

Size: 163cm x 74cm or 64″ x 29″ blocked

Tools: 6mm or US 10 circular needle, 60cm (24″) or longer to hold all of the stitches when you reach the final rows, two stitch markers (more if you like to marker each pattern repeat), tapestry needle to weave in the ends.

Materials: one cake of Caron Cakes yarn or the equivalent number of metres or yards (350m or 384 yds) in any worsted weight yarn.

Gauge: 14 stitches x 24 rows in garter stitch, lightly blocked. Gauge is not critical as this is a shawl but if you want to have a similar finished size you need to swatch.

Abbreviations:           K = knit                                           P = purl

YO = yarn over                               K2tog = knit two stitches together

Note: The first two and last two stitches of the row are always worked the same way.  You can place stitch markers at these points if you need to be reminded when you reach the end of the row.  The first stitch is always slipped purlwise with the yarn in front.  The second stitch is knit with the yarn wrapped over to make the stitch.  The second to last stitch is knit and the last stitch is knit with both the slipped stitch and the yarn over together.  This will make a pretty braid like edging to the top edge and one long side of your triangle.

Another Note: The side of your work with the yarn over near the beginning of the row is the wrong side.  The yarn over feature will form the top edge of your shawl with the pretty braid.

Shawl, Garter Section: Cast on 4 stitches.

Row 1: K all stitches

Row 2 (wrong side): slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, YO, place marker, K to last two stitches, place marker, K2.

Row 3 (right side): slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, place marker, K to last three stitches, place marker, K3.

Row 4: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, K to last marker, slip marker, K2.

Row 5: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, k to last marker, slip marker, K3.

Repeat Rows 4 and 5 until you reach the end of your first colour.  You should have 64 to 70 rows of garter stitch and need to be on the right side (no YO) to start the next section.  The exact number of rows of garter stitch is not important but you can count the ridges and multiply by two if you want to make notes as you go.  If you have some of the first colour left (not enough for two rows of garter stitch), start the next section with the old colour and let the transition fall where ever it lands.

Mesh Lace Section: Make sure that you are starting on the right side.

Row 1 (right side): slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, k1, slip marker, (YO, K2tog), repeat * to * to the marker at the last marker, slip marker, K2.  You may have an odd number of stitches left which you can knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side until they can be worked into the pattern.

Row 2 (wrong side): slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, k1, YO, slip marker, P to the last marker, slip marker and K last two stitches.

Row 3: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, k1, slip marker, (K2tog, YO), repeat * to * to the last marker, slip marker, K2.  Again, you may have an odd number of stitches left which you can knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side until they can be worked into the pattern.

Row 4: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, k1, YO, slip marker, P to the last marker, slip marker and K last two stitches.

Repeat Rows 1 to 4 until you reach the end of this colour making sure that you still have enough yarn to work the last wrong side row and you start the next colour on the right side (no YO at the beginning).  You don’t need to worry about completing all four rows of the lace as long as you end by completing either row 2 or 4.

Work two rows of stocking stitch with the new colour or a combination of the old and new colour if the change comes in the middle of a row.

Zigzag Stitch Section: make sure that you are starting on the right side.

Row 1 (right side): slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, (K8, P2), repeat * to * across to the last marker, slip marker, K3.   On every right side row, if you don’t have enough stitches to complete the ten stitch pattern, knit the remaining stitches and work them into the pattern as the total stitch count increases.

Row 2(wrong side): slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P until you reach the first stitch that looks knit from the wrong side, P that stitch, (K2, P8) to last pattern repeat, K2, P7, slip marker K2.

Row 3: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, K6, P2, (K8, P2), repeat * to * across to the last marker, slip marker, K3.

Row 4: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P until you reach the first stitch that looks knit from the wrong side, P that stitch, (K2, P8) to last pattern repeat, K2, P5, slip marker K2.

Row 5: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, K4, P2, (K8, P2), repeat * to * across to the last marker, slip marker, K3.

Row 6: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P until you reach the first stitch that looks knit from the wrong side, P that stitch, (K2, P8) to last pattern repeat, K2, P3, slip marker K2.

Row 7: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, K2, P2, (K8, P2), repeat * to * across to the last marker, slip marker, K3.

Row 8: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P until you reach the first stitch that looks knit from the wrong side, P that stitch, (K2, P8) to last pattern repeat, K1, P1, slip marker K2.

Row 9: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, P2, (K8, P2), repeat * to * across to the last marker, slip marker, K3.

Row 10: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P until you reach the first stitch that looks knit from the wrong side, P that stitch, (K2, P8) to last pattern repeat, K2, P3, slip marker K2.

Row 11: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, K4, P2, (K8, P2), repeat * to * across to the last marker, slip marker, K3.

Row 12: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P until you reach the first stitch that looks knit from the wrong side, P that stitch, (K2, P8) to last pattern repeat, K2, P5, slip marker K2.

Row 13: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, K6, P2, (K8, P2), repeat * to * across to the last marker, slip marker, K3.

Row 14: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P until you reach the first stitch that looks knit from the wrong side, P that stitch, (K2, P8) to last pattern repeat, K2, P7, slip marker K2.

Row 15: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, (K8, P2), repeat * to * across to the last marker, slip marker, K3 .

Repeat these 15 rows or repeat as many as you can until the next colour change.  You will end working on a wrong side row to start the next section.  If your colour change is going to be in the middle of the next row, that’s okay as this will be a transition row between the two stitch patterns.

Next Row: (wrong side) slip 1 purlwise with the yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P to last marker, slip marker, K2.

Garter Rib Section: Make sure that you are starting on the right side.

Row 1: (right side) slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, (K3, P2) across to the last marker, slip marker, K3.  If you have extra stitches, work them in knit until you have increased enough to work another pattern repeat.

Row 2: (wrong side) slip 1 purlwise with the yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P to last marker, K2.

Repeat these two rows until you reach the next colour change.  You need to end on Row 2 so that your next row is worked on the right side.  If your colour change is going to happen part way through the next repeat, stop now and go to the next section.

Modified Leaf Lace Section:

Rows 1 to 4: Work the border stitches before and after the markers as usual.  Knit all stitches in between the markers.

Row 5: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, (YO, K3, S2K1P2SSO, K3, YO, K1), repeat * to * across to the last marker, working a K2tog instead of the centered decrease if you can’t complete the whole lace sequence. Work remaining stitches in knit to marker, slip marker, K3.

Row 6: slip 1 purlwise with the yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P to last marker, slip marker, K2.

Row 7: repeat Row 5.

Row 8: repeat Row 6.

Row 9: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, (K1, YO, K2, S2K1P2SSO, K2, YO, K2), repeat * to * across working a K2tog instead of the centered decrease if you can’t complete the whole lace sequence. Work remaining stiches in knit to last marker, slip marker, K3.

Row 10: repeat Row 6.

Row 11: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, (K2, YO, K1, S2K1P2SSO, K1, YO, K3), repeat * to * across working a K2tog instead of the centered decrease if you can’t complete the whole lace sequence. Work remaining stiches in knit to last marker, slip marker, K3.

Row 12: repeat Row 6.

Row 13: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, (K3, YO, S2K1P2SSO, YO, K4), repeat * to * across working a K2tog instead of the centered decrease if you can’t complete the whole lace sequence. Work remaining stitches in knit to last marker, slip marker, K3.

Rows 14 to 17: Work the border stitches before and after the markers as usual.  Knit all stitches in between the markers.

Repeat Rows 5 to 17 one more time.  Your next colour change should happen in the four garter rows at the end of the second pattern repeat.

Double Seed or Moss Stitch Section:

Row 1: (right side) slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, (K2, P2) across to last marker, slip marker, K3.

Row2: (wrong side) slip 1 purlwise with the yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, K the knit stitches as they are facing you and P the purl stitches across to last marker, slip marker, K2.  (knit the V’s and purl the bumps).

Row 3: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, (P2, K2) across to last marker, slip marker, K3.

Row 4: slip 1 purlwise with the yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, K the knit stitches as they are facing you and P the purl stitches across to last marker, slip marker, K2.  (knit the V’s and purl the bumps).

Repeat Rows 1 to 4 four more times.  Your next colour change should come in the last one or two rows that you work.  If you have a small amount to use before the next change, go on to the next section.

Diagonal Lace Section:

Row 1: (right side) slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, (YO, SSK, K3), repeat * to * across to last marker, knitting any remaining stitches that can’t be worked in pattern, slip marker, K3.

Row 2 and every even numbered row: (wrong side) slip 1 purlwise with the yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P to last marker, slip marker, K2.

Row 3: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, K1, (YO, SSK, K3), repeat * to * across to last marker, knitting any remaining stitches that can’t be worked in pattern, slip marker, K3.

Row 5: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, K2, (YO, SSK, K3), repeat * to * across to last marker, knitting any remaining stitches that can’t be worked in pattern, slip marker, K3.

Row 7: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, K3, (YO, SSK, K3), repeat * to * across to last marker, knitting any remaining stitches that can’t be worked in pattern, slip marker, K3.

Row 9: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, K4, (YO, SSK, K3), repeat * to * across to last marker, knitting any remaining stitches that can’t be worked in pattern, slip marker, K3.

Row 11: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, K5, (YO, SSK, K3), repeat * to * across to last marker, knitting any remaining stitches that can’t be worked in pattern, slip marker, K3.

Row 12: slip 1 purlwise with the yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P to last marker, slip marker, K2.

Repeat Rows 1 to 12 once more.  You should have reached the next colour change.  If not, continue with the diagonal lace pattern until you can finish with a wrong side row so the you start the next pattern on the right side.  If you reach the colour change before you complete the second repeat, just go on to the next section as long as can start with a right side row.

Feather and Fan or Old Shale Lace:

Row 1 and 2: Work the border stitches before and after the markers as usual.  Knit all stitches in between the markers.

Row 3: (right side) slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, K1, slip marker, (K2tog twice, (YO, K1) four times, K2tog twice). Repeat across to last marker, knitting any extra stitches at the end that can’t be worked into the pattern, slip marker, K3.

Row 4: slip 1 purlwise with the yarn in front, K1, YO, slip marker, P to last marker, slip marker, K2.

Repeat these four rows twice more.  You need to leave enough yarn to cast off with so you might only have two repeats and cast off after Row 2 of the third repeat.  Cast off loosely.  Weave in your ends, block and you are done!

Knitting

Machine Knitting a Wrap

As much as I love to hand knit and crochet, there is always a place in my heart for machine knitting.

It seems as though the common feeling about machine knitting is that it is a form of cheating.  Most will imply that the process that produces beautiful knits must be hand done to be a skill that is worth having; it is too easy.  Tell that to the beginner that has dropped all of the work off of the machine for the eighth time and can’t figure out why!  It also happens to those of us with experience too.

Yes, machine knitting is fast but it also is a process, like hand knitting and crocheting, that can be enjoyed for the art as well as the finished product.  If you take your time and hand manipulate your stitches there is a real satisfaction that you have produced a unique and wearable piece.  Even using the pattern cards that are set for you, there is still the required knowledge of how a piece is constructed and shaped that you need to master.  You need to visualize how the pattern will fit the article that you are making; you need to understand your tools as well as how your machine works.

I always read any forum post that I can that concerns machine knitting.  I have used a machine for many years and am always happy to learn a new technique that will advance my skill level.  I read on the Knitting Paradise forum section on machine knitting (Knitting Paradise is a great resource and general fun to read webpage) about a wrap that was made by hand manipulating needles in and out of work to produce a “swiss cheese” fabric.  The forum post linked to a Youtube video that demonstrated a scarf pattern right down to the hand crocheted edging.  Here is the wrap before and after blocking.

                            

I was intrigued and, even though I hadn’t used my machine for a couple of years, I set it up, cleaned it up, and went to work.  I made the scarf into a wrap by increasing the number of sets of stitches worked and making it longer.  The technique is pretty easy to master as long as you don’t get distracted.  I ended up ripping back a few times but overall I am pretty happy with the way my wrap turned out.

Here is a link to the video; it is subtitled in another language and no voice on the audio but is easy to follow.  Ideally, have a tablet or laptop by your machine and review the video if you get stuck.  I ran back to my computer to check a couple of times so having the video close by would have helped.  Once I got past the first pattern repeat it was smooth sailing, until I dropped a couple of stitches, (insert salty language here)!

The finished wrap didn’t look like much when I took it off of the machine but with blocking it turned out to be a beautiful and very wearable work of art.

In my next post, I will be sharing a new free pattern!

Knitting

Making a Yarn Over at the Beginning of a Row and the Delphinium Scarf Pattern

               

 

I made this pretty scarf/shawl to use a skein of skein of Red Heart Super Saver that I bought on a whim.  I liked the colour; what can I say, blue is right after green as my favourite hue. I used an antique lace edging and worked the whole thing sideways with short row shaping so that it curves nicely to stay on your shoulders.

Seed or moss stitch is a great way to hide those wraps on the short rows.  The scarf is reversible which is another plus.

The pattern is free and includes a photo tutorial on how to make the yarn overs at the beginning of a knit row which is a really nice edging on any project.

From the picture, the pattern looks complicated but it really isn’t.  The lace and main body knit together makes for a scarf that is easy to adjust in length and avoids the stress of joining the two pieces later.

When you are done, you are done, except the ends and blocking of course.  This knit has a lot going on so please read through the pattern before you cast on.

I hope that you enjoy my pattern and that you will post a photo if you decide to make it.

Delphinium Shoulder Scarf

Materials: Worsted weight yarn, 200 metres or 225 yards, 5.5mm or US 9 needles, one pair single points or one circular, a stitch marker

Gauge: not really important but I knit at 5 stitches to 2.5cm or 1 inch. My scarf is 127cm or 50″ by 28cm or 11″.

Abbreviations:

K = knit

P = purl

St = stitch

K2Tog = knit the next 2 stitches together

P2Tog = purl the next two stitches together

K3Tog = knit the next 3 stitches together

YO = yarn over

M1 = lift the bar between two stitches and place it on left hand needle, knit or purl through the back of the stitch to twist the stitch and prevent a hole.

W&T = wrap and turn, slip the next st onto the right hand needle, move yarn around the slipped stitch to the front, slip the stitch back onto the left hand needle, turn your work.

 

Seed Stitch:

R1: K1, P1 across. This is the neck edge and will always start with a knit stitch.

R2: P1, K1 across if the stitch count is even, if not then purl the knits and knit the purls as they are facing you.  I will note whether to start with a knit or purl in the instructions for each row. All even rows will end with a knit stitch.

 

Lace Edging: 16 Rows, stitch counts are for the lace edge only and do not include the seed stitch portion.

R1: K2, YO, K2Tog, K4, YO, K3Tog, (K1, YO) twice, K2Tog, YO, K2 = 18 st.

R2: YO, K2Tog, K to marker. All even rows are knit the same so will not be written out again. I have included a photo tutorial at the end of the instructions for YO at the beginning of a row. Even rows end at R16.

R3: K7, YO, K3Tog, K1, YO, K3, YO, K2Tog, YO, K2 = 19 st.

R5: K2, YO, K2Tog, K2, YO, K3Tog, K1, YO, K5, YO, K2Tog, YO, K2 = 20 St.

R7: K5, YO, K3Tog, K1, YO, K7, YO, K2Tog, YO, K2 = 21 st.

R9: K2, YO, K2Tog, K8, YO, K3Tog, K1, (YO, K2Tog) twice, K1 = 20 st.

R11: K11, YO, K3Tog, K1, (YO, K2Tog) twice, K1 = 19 st.

R13: K2, YO, K2Tog, K6, YO, K3Tog, K1, (YO, K2Tog) twice, K1 = 18 st.

R15: K9, YO, K3Tog, K1, (YO, K2Tog) twice, K1 = 17 st.

R16: repeat row 2.

 

Scarf Instructions: I have divided the instructions into five parts, increase, straight, short rows, straight, and decrease. The straight part will be repeated on both sides of the short row section.

 

Increase Part: In this part you will be making a stitch (M1) on the seed stitch side of the marker at R2, R6, R10, and R14.  You will repeat this part four times and end up with 19 stitches in the seed stitch section. Stitch counts at the end on the row are for the first repeat; the second, third, and fourth repeats are in brackets.

 Cast on 20 stitches and knit 1 row.

R1: Starting with a knit stitch, seed stitch over the first 3 stitches. Place a marker that will stay as a divider between the lace and seed stitch for the whole project. Continue after marker with R1 of the lace edging.

R2: Work R2 of lace, slip marker, M1 in purl, K1, P1 to end = 4 st (8, 12, 16) after marker.

R3: Seed stitch over first 4 st, bring yarn to the back, slip marker, work R3 of lace.

R4: Work even row of lace, slip marker, start with a purl and seed stitch to end.

R5: Seed stitch over first 4 st, bring yarn to the back, slip marker, work R5 of lace.

R6: Work even row of lace, slip marker, M1 in knit, P1, K1 to end = 5 st (9, 13, 17) after marker.

R7: Seed stitch over first 5 st, slip marker, work R7 of lace.

R8: Work even row of lace, slip marker, K1, P1, to end.

R9: Seed stitch over first 5 st, slip marker, work R9 of lace.

R10: Work even row of lace, slip marker, M1 in purl, K1, P1 to end = 6 st (10, 14, 18) after marker.

R11: Work seed stitch over first 6 st, slip marker, work R11 of lace.

R12: Work even row of lace, slip marker, P1, K1 to end.

R13: Work seed stitch over first 6 st, slip marker, work R1 of lace.

R14: Work even row of lace, slip marker, M1 in knit, P1 K1 to end = 7 st (11, 15, 19) after marker.

R15: Work seed stitch over first 7 st, slip marker, work R15 of lace.

R16: Work even row of lace, slip marker, K1, P1 to end.

Repeat the increase part three more times.  You will have 19 stitches in the seed stitch section and 4 lace repeats.

 

Straight Part: In this part, you will continue with 19 stitches in the seed stitch section and the lace edging as written. Every row of the seed stitch section will start with a knit stitch.  You can relax and not worry about changes for two whole repeats.

R1: Starting with a knit stitch, seed stitch over the first 19 st, slip marker, work R1 of lace.

R2: Work R2 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R3: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R3 of lace.

R4: Work R4 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R5: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R5 of lace.

R6: Work R6 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R7: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R7 of lace.

R8: Work R8 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R9: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R9 of lace.

R10: Work R10 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R11: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R11 of lace.

R12: Work R12 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R13: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R13 of lace.

R14: Work R14 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R15: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R15 of lace.

R16: Work R16 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

 

Repeat this part one more time for two repeats of the straight part.  At this point you will have a total of six repeats of the lace edging and 19 st in seed stitch.  If you are not sure, count the points as each repeat creates one point of edging.

 

Short Row Part: In this part you will creating the curve at the neck edge of your scarf.  You will still maintain 19 stitches in the seed stitch section and work the lace as you have been.  All of the short rows are in the seed stitch section so no need to worry about changing the lace rows.

R1: Work first 19 st in seed stitch, slip marker, work R1 of lace.

R2: Work R2 of lace, slip marker, seed stitch over first 7 st, W&T.

R3: Starting with a knit stitch, work 7 st in seed stitch, slip marker, work R3 of lace.

R4: Work R4 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch for first 7 st, pick up wrap and purl 8th st, seed stitch to end.

R5: Work first 19 st in seed stitch, slip marker, work R5 of lace.

R6: Work R6 of lace, slip marker, seed stitch over first 15 st, W&T.

R7: Starting with a knit stitch, work 15 st in seed stitch, slip marker, work R7 of lace.

R8: Work R8 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch for first 15 st, pick up wrap and purl 16th st, seed stitch to end.

R9: Work first 19 st in seed stitch, slip marker, work R9 of lace.

R10: Work R10 of lace, slip marker, seed stitch over first 15 st, W&T.

R11: Starting with a knit stitch, work 15 st in seed stitch, slip marker, work R11 of lace.

R12: Work R12 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch for first 15 st, pick up wrap and purl 16th st, seed stitch to end.

R13: Work first 19 st in seed stitch, slip marker, work R13 of lace.

R14: Work R14 of lace, slip marker, seed stitch over first 7 st, W&T.

R15: Starting with a knit stitch, work 7 st in seed stitch, slip marker, work R15 of lace.

R16: Work R16 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch for first 7 st, pick up wrap and purl 8th st, seed stitch to end.

You will repeat the short row part five more times for a total of six short row repeats.  It takes a little concentration but the end result is worth the little extra thought while you are knitting.  At this point you will have a grand total of twelve repeats of the lace edging and you are two thirds of the way to done.  It is smooth sailing from here.

 

Straight Part: In this part, you will continue with 19 stitches in the seed stitch section and the lace edging as written. Every row of the seed stitch section will start with a knit stitch.  You can relax and not worry about changes for two whole repeats.

R1: Starting with a knit stitch, seed stitch over the first 19 st, slip marker, work R1 of lace.

R2: Work R2 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R3: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R3 of lace.

R4: Work R4 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R5: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R5 of lace.

R6: Work R6 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R7: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R7 of lace.

R8: Work R8 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R9: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R9 of lace.

R10: Work R10 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R11: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R11 of lace.

R12: Work R12 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R13: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R13 of lace.

R14: Work R14 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

R15: Seed stitch first 19 st, slip marker, work R15 of lace.

R16: Work R16 of lace, slip marker, work seed stitch to end.

Repeat this part one more time for two repeats of the straight part.  At this point you will have a total of fourteen repeats of the lace edging and 19 st in seed stitch.  If you are not sure, count the points as each repeat creates one point of edging.  Only one part and four more repeats of lace to go.

 

Decrease Part: In this part you will shape the end of your scarf to match the beginning.  You start out with 19 st in the seed stitch section and, after four repeats, you will end up at three stitches in seed stitch.  All decreases are worked between the lace and seed stitch and follow right after slipping the marker.  The lace edging remains as written throughout this part as well so no confusion there. Seed stitch counts are for the first repeat only, the second, third and fourth repeat counts are in brackets.

Note: A decrease is made by working two stitches together.  You should always work K2Tog or P2Tog to match the second stitch of the stitches being worked together so that your seed stitch pattern remains correct.

R1: Work seed stitch for the first 19 st, slip marker, work R1 of lace.

R2: Work R2 of lace, slip marker, P2Tog, seed stitch to end, 18 st (14, 10, 6) after marker.

R3: Work seed stitch st, slip marker, work R3 of lace.

R4: Work R4 of lace, slip marker, start with a purl st and seed stitch to end.

R5: Work seed stitch, slip marker, work R5 of lace.

R6: Work R6 of lace, slip marker, K2Tog, seed stitch to end, 17 st (13, 9, 5) after marker.

R7: Work seed, slip marker, work R7 of lace.

R8: Work R8 of lace, slip marker, start with a knit st and seed stitch to end.

R9: Work seed stitch, slip marker, work R9 of lace.

R10: Work R10 of lace, slip marker, P2Tog, seed stitch to end, 16 st (12, 8, 4) after marker.

R11: Work seed stitch, slip marker, work R11 of lace.

R12: Work R12 of lace, slip marker, start with a purl st and seed stitch to end.

R13: Work seed stitch, slip marker, work R13 of lace.

R14: Work R14 of lace, slip marker, K2Tog, seed stitch to end. 15 st (11, 7, 3) after marker.

R15: Work seed stitch, slip marker, work R15 of lace.

R16: Work R16 of lace, slip marker, start with a knit st and seed stitch to end.

Repeat this part three more times for a total of four repeats of the Decrease Part.  Each repeat decreases four stitches in the seed stitch section.  After four repeats you should have 3 seed stitches and 17 lace edging stitches.  Cast off.

 

You will have 18 lace points when you are finished.  Weave in your ends and block your pretty new scarf.

 

How to make a yarn over at the beginning of a row:

Start with your yarn over instead of under your right hand needle.

 

Slide your right hand needle through the first two stitches on your left hand needle for knit two together.

Wrap your yarn over top of the right hand needle and around to make a stitch.

Pull the yarn through to complete your knit two together.  You can see that the yarn that came over the right hand needle makes a stitch.

Here you can more clearly see that the yarn over, knit two together at the beginning of a row results in two stitches on the right hand needle when you are finished.

 

Here you see the final result; a pretty loop edge to your garter rows.