Click here to download the original 1860’s version of the pattern in pdf format.
The following is my interpretation of the original instructions.
Abbreviations
Inc = increase by knitting into the back of the next stitch without dropping it off the left hand needle, then knit into the front as normal.
Yo = yarn over
Pattern
Materials, gauge and needle size are up to you. To find out how much yarn you need for your project, knit and block one shell. Measure the size and how much yarn you used. You can then use this information to figure out how many shells you’ll need to make, and how much yarn that will require.
Cast on 3sts
1st row: k1, inc, k1
2nd row: k2, inc, k1
3rd row: k2, inc, k2
4th row: k3, yo, k3
5th row: k3, p1, k3
6th row: k3, yo, k1, yo, k3
7th row: k3, p3, k3
8th row: knit
9th row: k3, p3, k3
10th row: k3, (yo, k1) 3 times, yo, k3
11th row: k3, p7, k3
12th row: knit
13th row: k3, p7, k3
14th row: k3, (yo, k1) 7 times, yo, k3
15th row: k3, p15, k3
16th row: knit
17th row: k3, p15, k3
18th row: k3, (yo, k2tog) twice, (Yo, k1), 7 times, (yo, slip 1, k1, psso) twice, yo, k3
19th row: K3, p23, k3
20th row: knit
21st row: k3, p23, k3
22nd row: k3, (yo, k2tog) 4 times, (yo, k1) 7 times, (yo, slip 1, k1, psso) 4 times, yo, k3
23rd row: k3, p31, k3
24th row: knit
25th row: k3, p31, k3
26th row: k3, (yo, k2tog) 6 times, (yo, k1) 7 times, (yo, slip1, k1, psso) 6 times, yo, k3
27th row: k3, p39, k3
28th row: knit
29th row: k3, p39, k3
30th row: k3, (yo, k2tog) 8 times, (yo, k1) 7 times, (yo, slip1, k1, psso) 8 times, yo, k3
31st row: k3, p47, k3
32nd row: knit
33rd row: k3, p47, k3
34th row: k3, (yo, k2tog) 10 times, (yo, k1) 7 times, (yo, slip1, k1, psso) 10times, yo, k3
knit 3 rows and cast off.
The original version of this pattern is in the public domain. The updated and corrected version as presented on this website is copyrighted Sarah Bradberry 2004.
Is row 4 correct as from row 3, you would have 5 stitches, yet row 4 works with 6 stitches? thanks
Hi Michelle,
Inc means to knit into the front and back of the next stitch, so after working row 3 you would have 6 stitches.
Please let me know what means psso. Thank you.
It means ‘pass the slipped stitch over’
’31st row: k3, p478, k3′
Think typo.
Lol, yes definitely a typo. Thanks for letting me know, I’ve fixed it now.
would i be correct by presuming – via the image – that the “counterpanes” are sewn together? I thought I might be able to connect “counterpanes” without taking off needles, but my brain can’t think of a way.
Yes the shells are sewn together to make the counterpane (aka bedspread).
I am new to knitting but was able to follow the pattern, and my shells look mostly right – the top curves as it should, the holes are even, etc… except that the bottom sides don’t curve in like they do in the picture. They’re just straight, and they don’t fit together without big gaps. Any ideas what I’m doing wrong or how to fix it?