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The Penultimate Stitch

November 27, 2018 Knitting

Knitted swatch in lattice stitch

We’ve reached the penultimate stitch in our little series of knitting stitches! In my opinion, it’s also one of the most understated and beautiful.

Lattice stitch has been around for a very, very long time. In Victorian times it was used as the centre of baby shawls, and in strips that were sewn together to make afghans and knitted quilts. It enjoyed renewed popularity in the 1930’s as a stitch used to knit short sleeved tops, whether in an all-over stitch or worked in panels.

When worked in a smooth, fingering weight yarn, lattice stitch is particularly lovely. I’d also really like to see it worked in mohair with larger than normal needles for a super cosy stole.

Whatever you choose to use it for, I hope you enjoy knitted lattice stitch.

Sarah

Wave that Flag!

November 24, 2018 Knitting

A triangular knit and purl stitch swatch.

Stitch no 30, aka pennant stitch is the next stitch in my Victorian and 1930’s knitting stitch extravaganza. Another reversible knit/purl stitch, pennant stitch would make a fabulous scarf, or if you knit it in the round, I think it would make some wonderful socks.

There are only two more stitches to go! I hope you’ve been enjoying this little series, and the diversions along the way!

Sarah

Crossing Over

November 20, 2018 Knitting

Knitted swatch in crossover stitch

Crossover stitch is the latest of my new stitch patterns. Another stitch from the 1930’s, Crossover stitch has lovely columns of faux twisted stitches between columns of eyelets. You can see my swatch biases a little to the left, but if you use needles a couple of sizes larger than you normally would for your chosen yarn, the stitches become stable and won’t lean.

With only two rows, this stitch is super easy to memorise for on-the-go knitting and would be beautiful worked in a panel up the centre front on a top, as an all-over pattern on a stole, or in an afghan square, surrounded by seed stitch.

Sarah

A Versatile Diamond Stitch from 1870

November 17, 2018 Knitting

Diamond and zig-zag swatch in knit/purl stitches.

One of the most striking knit and purl patterns I found in The Knitted Lace Pattern Book, was stitch number 31, with offset diamonds and vertical zig-zagging lines of reverse stocking stitch.

Even though this pattern was published in 1870, I think it has a real 1930’s vibe to it, and would make a great sleeveless pullover for a man or a woman, or a really nice scarf. I can also imagine separating the vertical lines of diamonds with a cable stitch, or even working a lace diamond inside each diamond shape.

Whatever you decide to use this stitch for, I hope you have fun with Stitch Number 31 from The Knitted Lace Pattern Book, aka Offset Diamonds. I’ve updated it into modern knitting terms, created a chart and test knit it so it can become a favourite of knitters worldwide once more.

Sarah

She Sells Sea Shells, on a Lace Edging…

November 15, 2018 Knitting

Shell patterned knitted lace edging

Today I have another little break from knitting stitch patterns for you, Shell Pattern Lace from a turn of the century hand written notebook. This knitted lace is very much like Kilgorie Edge, but with a much wider heading, and I think the differences make this version more elegant.

Fans of Knitting-and.com may already know that I have a real passion for knitted lace edgings, and I’ll be adding many more over the rest of this year and 2019.

Sarah