Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2016 i Knitting & Crochet from Woman’s Weekly

…to another Knitting & Crochet monthly magazine – now into its third year! I don’t know about you, but now’s the time I like to start planning projects I’d like to create this year. If you’re the same, this issue and its gorgeous makes will give you a brilliant start. In our opening feature (p6), we have four great country casual knits for all the family, plus a really handy picnic blanket. All are just perfect for when you want to leave your coats at home and have a great day outside in the fresh air. Easter is just around the corner, and with its early calendar date this year, there’s not a moment to lose in getting some lovely seasonal creations under way. Our collection (p29) – pretty crochet…

Measurements To fit chest sizes 97 (102) (107) (112-117) (122) (127) (132) cm/38 (40) (42) (44-46) (48) (50) (52) in. Actual measurements 116 (123) (130) (136) (143) (150) (156) cm/ 45¾ (48½) (51¼) (53½) (56¼) (59) (61½) in. Side seam 40 (41) (42.5) (43.5) (44.5) (45.5) (47) cm/15¾ (16) (16¾) (17¼) (17½) (18) (18½) in. Length to back neck 61 (63.5) (65.5) (68) (70) (72.5) (74.5) cm/24 (25) (25¾) (26¾) (27½) (28½) (29¼) in. Sleeve seam 43.5 (44.5) (45.5) (47) (48) (49) (51) cm/17¼ (17½) (17¾) (18½) (19) (19¼) (20) in. Materials 25 (26) (27) (28) (29) (30) (31) 50g (40m) balls of Patons Merino Extrafine Big (100% wool) in Burgundy (00333)*. Pair of 6½mm (No. 3) and 7mm (No. 2) knitting needles; a cable needle. Tension 12 stitches and…

Crochet Flowers For Cushion Materials 1 x 50g (155m) ball of DMC Natura Just Cotton (100% cotton) in each of Rose Layette (N06), Aquamarina (N25), Malva (N31), Nacar (N35), Glacier (N87) and Jade (N20)*. Size 3.00 crochet hook; 40 x 40cm plain covered cushion. Abbreviations Ch, chain; dc, double crochet; st, stitch; tr, treble; dtr, double tr; htr, half tr; chsp, chain space; yrh, yarn round hook; slst, slip st. Note Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate. Instructions in square brackets are worked as stated after 2nd bracket. Rose With 3.00 hook and Rose Layette, make 48ch leaving a long end. 1st row: 1dtr in 5th ch from hook, 1dtr in each ch to end, turn. Fasten off. 2nd row: Join Malva with a slst…

Crochet Easter Hen Measurements Approximately 27cm/10½in tall measured from base to top of comb. Materials 1 x 100g (280m) ball of DMC Petra 3 (100% cotton) in each of Blue (54518), Yellow (5745) and Green (5907)*. Size 2.50 crochet hook; 2 beads for eyes; toy stuffing. Abbreviations Ch, chain; dc, double crochet; st, stitch; tr, treble; htr, half treble; dtr, double treble; htr2tog, [yarn round hook, insert hook in next st, yarn round hook and pull through] twice, yarn round hook and pull through all 5 loops on hook; slst, slip stitch. Note Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate. Instructions in square brackets are worked as stated after 2nd bracket. Body 1st round: With 2.50 hook and Blue, wind yarn round index finger of left…

Knitting cables allows you to create all sorts of patterns and textures. And it’s much simpler than you’d imagine Cable-knit sweaters and accessories never go out of fashion. You can achieve lots of different effects with a few variations on the same stitch. Our knitting expert, Freddie Patmore, explains how to approach cables – just visit womansweekly.com for her online tutorials. Crossing over You create cables by crossing a small number of stitches over other stitches. That means you’re changing the order in which you knit them off your left-hand needle. Cable needle To change the order you knit your stitches in, you’ll need a cable needle. This short double-pointed needle can be straight, U-shaped or even have a bend in the middle to hold moved stitches securely (this is…

This is the second of our new regular Yarn of the Month features, where we take a peek into the wool shops and bring you a must-have yarn we think you’ll love. This month, we’ve chosen Rico Design Essentials Merino DK (100% virgin wool), a wonderfully soft and easy-knit yarn that creates an even, beautifully neat finish. It’s been a firm favourite of the WW knitting team for some time due to its incredible range of colours that include a modern palette of neutrals and greys, jewel-bright and soft, muted berries, and the prettiest pastels. A superfine superwash wool means it can be machine-washed at low temperatures, so it’s perfect to use in garments for babies and toddlers – like these fab sweaters.…

Garter stitch gives you a neat, even fabric and a simple change of colour creates deep stripes Measurements Approximately 50 x 50cm/19¾ x 19¾in. Materials 2 x 100g (80m) balls of Rowan Big Wool (100% wool) in each of Burnt Orange (051), Linen (048) and Reseda (069)*. Pair of 12mm knitting needles; 50 x 50cm cushion pad. Tension 7½ stitches and 18 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over garter stitch, using 12mm needles. Abbreviations St, stitch; gst, garter st (every row knit). Note Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate. To make Using 12mm needles and Burnt Orange cast on 74 sts. Work in gst and following stripes: 28 rows Burnt Orange, 28 rows Linen and 28 rows Reseda. Cast off with Reseda. Fold in half…

Practically all knitting and crochet patterns use some sort of abbreviations to make the instructions concise and easy to follow. Each pattern will have its own brief description of the most common abbreviations ( k , knit or ch , chain) with a more detailed description of specific abbreviations, like how to work cable or cluster. Also, the most regularly used words are either shortened (foll – following) or letters are used to describe what is needed to be done next (tbl – through back of stitches). Some widely used abbreviations have more or less the same meaning, but there could be exceptions. Listed below in alphabetical order are the most commonly used abbreviations, with an extended description of their meanings. alt, alternate – worked on every other row or…

Measurements To fit ages 3-4 (4-5) (5-6) years. Actual measurements 72 (77) (83) cm/28¾ (30¼) (32¾) in. Side seam 23.5 (25.5) (27.5) cm/9¼(10) (10¾) in. Length to centre back neck 37.5 (42) (46.5) cm/14¾ (16½) (18¼) in. Sleeve seam 26.5 (29) (31) cm/10½ (11½) (12¼) in. Materials 15 (15) (16) 50g (40m) balls of Patons Merino Extrafine Big (100% wool) in Light Grey Heather (00390)*. Pair of 6½mm (No. 3) and 7mm (No. 2) knitting needles; a cable needle; open-ended zip fastener of appropriate length. Tension 12 stitches and 18 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over stocking stitch, 16-stitch cable measures 8cm across, using 7mm needles. Abbreviations K, knit; p, purl; st, stitch; sl, slip; tog, together; p2togb, p2tog through back of sts; inc, increase (by working twice into same…

Measurements To fit ages 3-4 (4-5) (5-6) years. Actual measurements 66 (71) (76) cm/26 (28) (30) in. Side seam 23.5 (24.5) (26.5) cm/9¼ (9½) (10½) in. Length to centre back neck 35.5 (38) (41.5) cm/14 (15) (16¼) in. Sleeve seam 25 (26.5) (28) cm/9¾ (10½) (11) in. Materials 6 (7) (8) 50g (110m) balls of Rowan Lima (84% alpaca, 8% wool, 8% nylon) in Titicaca (883)*. Pair of 5mm (No. 6) and 6mm (No. 4) knitting needles; a cable needle. Tension 17 stitches and 23 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over stocking stitch, 20-stitch cable measures 7cm across, using 6mm needles. Abbreviations K, knit; p, purl; st, stitch; sl, slip; tog, together; inc, increase (by working twice into same st); dec, decrease; ss, stocking st (k on right side and…

In this new, regular slot, I’ll be sharing with you something that’s caught my eye and is just too lovely to keep to myself… This month, it’s Toft, a luxury British brand manufacturing and retailing alpaca and wool knitting yarns, all of which are spun in the UK. I first discovered Toft some years ago at The Knitting & Stitching Show in Harrogate. With their elegant, minimalist style and simple use of stitches, it’s not hard to see why they caught my attention. Launched in 2006 by Kerry Lord, Toft’s aim is to provide DIY projects, from fashion items to soft toys, to the new generation of crafter. The company, based in Warwickshire, owns a herd of 200 alpacas and they source other luxury fibres from British alpaca and sheep…

Crochet Buckets Measurements Approximately 5 x 6.5cm/2 x 2½in, excluding handle. Materials 1 x 50g (155m) ball of DMC Natura Just Cotton (100% cotton) in each of Yellow (5742), Green (5907), Pink (53805), Purple (53837) and Orange (5608)*. Size 1.75, 2.00 and 2.50 crochet hooks. Abbreviations Ch, chain; dc, double crochet; st, stitch; tr, treble; mb, make bobble as follows: [yarn round hook, insert hook in st, yarn round hook and pull through, yarn round hook and pull through first 2 loops on hook] 4 times in same st, yarn round hook and pull through all 5 loops on hook; slst, slip st. Note Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate. Instructions in square brackets are worked as stated after 2nd bracket. Yellow bucket Base: 1st…

Last year’s Knit-A-Long project was so popular, we thought we’d repeat the experience, but with crochet! So welcome to the second pattern in our new crochet Collect & Create series! Each month we’ll give you a different design square to make that will enable you to make this beautiful blanket. Why not join in with us on our ‘Crochet-A-Long’ – it’ll give you the chance to share your progress, get advice and enjoy a great social experience. For more details on how to get involved, visit womansweekly.com/crochetalong Measurements Each square measures approximately 13 x 13cm/5 x 5in. When complete, the blanket will measure approximately 102 x 102cm/40 x 40in, including edging. Materials For complete blanket: 7 x 50g (85m) balls of Rico Design Creative Cotton Aran (100% cotton) in White…

How To Design Your Own Knitted Cardigan with Tina on Friday 15 April Would you like to be able to alter a knitting pattern to your own specifications? Now’s your chance. We’ll teach you how to work out a pattern for a simple stocking-stitch cardigan in double-knitting yarn. It’s also aimed at budding designers with some knowledge of knitting. 10am Welcome, with coffee and tea 10.30am Draw line diagram with detailed measurements as required 11am Work out the tension from your own swatch to be used to translate all the measurements into stitches and rows 11.15am Calculating back and front instructions and working out all shapings 1pm Lunch 2pm Calculating sleeve instruction and working out all shapings 3.30pm Tea break 3.45pm How to incorporate a simple stitch pattern into your…

Simple treble and chain stitch creates a pretty pattern for this cosy snood Measurements Approximately 24.5cm/9½in deep and 85cm/33½in all round. Materials 2 x 50g (140m) balls of Rowan Kid Classic (70% wool, 22% mohair, 8% polyamide) in Grasshopper (886)*. Size 5.50 crochet hook. Tension 15 treble and 8½ rows, to 10 x 10cm, over pattern, using 5.50 hook. Abbreviations Ch, chain; st, stitch; tr, treble; slst, slip st; chsp, chain space. Note Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate. Instructions in square brackets are worked as stated after 2nd bracket. To make With 5.50 hook, make 128ch, slst in first ch to form a ring, taking care not to twist chain edge. 1st round: 3ch (counts as 1tr), 1tr in each ch to end, slst…

Tension Practically every knitting instruction will state a tension, with a few exceptions, like toys or small accessories. Tension is the number of stitches and rows that an average knitter will achieve to stated measurements, using specific yarn, pattern and needles. It is used to translate measurements into the number of stitches and rows to be worked. Before commencing a specific project, check your tension by working a swatch about 13cm square in pattern, yarn and needles or crochet hooks as stated. Stretch swatch in each direction and allow to rest. Mark 10cm horizontally in the middle of the test piece (diag. 1 and 3) and count stitches between markers. Mark 10cm vertically in the middle of test piece (diag. 2 and 4) and count the rows between markers. If…

Measurements To fit bust sizes 81-86 (91-97) (102-107) cm/32-34 (36-38) (40-42) in. Actual measurements 96 (104) (112) cm/37¾ (41) (44) in. Side seam 30 (31) (32) cm/11¾ (12¼) (12½) in. Length to back neck 53 (55) (57) cm/21 (21¾) (22½) in. Materials 7 (8) (9) 50g (110m) balls of Rowan Lima (84% alpaca, 8% wool, 8% nylon) in Cusco (884)*. Pair of 5mm (No. 6) and 6mm (No. 4)) knitting needles; a cable needle; 3 buttons. Tension 21 stitches and 23 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over pattern, using 6mm needles. Abbreviations K, knit; p, purl; st, stitch; sl, slip; tog, together; p2togb, p2tog through back of sts; skpo, sl1, k1, pass sl st over; dec, decrease (by taking 2 sts tog); nil, meaning nothing is worked here for this…

Measurements Approximately 88 x 98cm/34½ x 38½in, excluding fringes. Materials 5 x 100g (145m) balls of Hayfield Chunky with Wool (80% acrylic, 20% wool) in Roasted (695); 1 ball in each of Olive (768) and Mulberry (699)*. Pair of 6½mm (No. 3) knitting needles; crochet hook for fringing. Tension 12 stitches and 22 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over moss stitch, using 6½mm needles. Abbreviations K, knit; p, purl; st, stitch. Note Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate. Instructions in square brackets are worked as stated after 2nd bracket. To make With 6½mm needles and Roasted, cast on 105 sts. Moss st row: K1, [p1, k1] to end. Mst another 9 rows. Carrying yarn not in use fairly loosely along the edge and catching it…

Crochet Egg Decorations Measurements Approximately 4.5 x 5.5cm/1¾ x 2¼in. Materials 1 x 50g (260m) ball of Rico Design Essentials Crochet (100% cotton) in each of Yellow (013), Lilac (006), Turquoise (010), Fuchsia (005) and Smokey Rose (015) and small amounts in each of Light Green, Orange and Ecru*. Size 2.50 crochet hook; piece of plastic tapestry canvas; magnetic strips; glue. Abbreviations Ch, chain; dc, double crochet; st, stitch; dc2tog, work 2 dc together thus: [insert hook in next dc, yarn round hook and pull through] twice, yarn round hook and pull through 3 loops on hook. Note Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate. Instructions in square brackets are worked as stated after 2nd bracket. YELLOW EGG (make 2) Egg With 2.50 hook and using…

Measurements To fit bust sizes 86-91 (97-102) cm/34-36 (38-40) in. Actual measurements 101 (111) cm/39¾ (43¾) in. Side seam Both sizes 13cm/5in. Length to shoulder 53 (60) cm/ 21 (23½) in. Sleeve seam Both sizes 16cm/6¼in. Materials 10 (11) 100g (70m) balls of Rowan Alpaca Chunky (98% alpaca, 2% polyamide) in Dove (070)*. Pair of 9mm (No. 00) and 10mm (No. 000) knitting needles; a cable needle. Tension 13 stitches and 16 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over pattern, using 10mm needles. Abbreviations K, knit; p, purl; st, stitch; k1b, k1 through back of st; tog, together; dec, decrease (by working 2 sts tog); inc, increase (by working twice into same st); c4, cable 4 (slip next 2 sts on to cable needle and leave at back, k2, then k2…

Measurements Approximately 84 x 84cm/33 x 33in. Materials 2 x 50g (135 m) balls of Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK (66% wool, 34% silk) in each of Dawn (672) and Zinc (681); 1 ball in each of Emerald (685) or Claret (700) and Iceberg (699) or Rose (678)*. Pair of 4mm (No. 8) knitting needles. 84 x 84cm of 2oz wadding; 120 x 100cm of fabric for back and 2 squares; 25 x 50cm of fabric in each of 3 different patterns; pinking shears, matching sewing thread. Tension 22 stitches and 30 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over stocking stitch, using 4mm needles. Each square should measure 20 x 20cm. Abbreviations K, knit; p, purl; st, stitch; ss, stocking stitch (k on right side and p on wrong side). Note…

Measurements To fit ages 3-6 (9-12) (18-24) months. Actual measurements 51 (56) (63.5) cm/20 (22) (25) in. Side seam 15 (18) (22) cm/6 (7) (8¾) in. Length to back neck 27 (31.5) (36) cm/10¾ (12½) (14) in. Sleeve seam 15 (18) (22) cm/6 (7) (8¾) in. Materials Multi-coloured striped sweater: 2 (2) (3) 50g (120m) balls of Rico Design Essentials Merino DK (100% wool) in main colour (Yellow 65) and 1 ball in each of Pink (02), Magenta (10), Cinnamon (67), Ivory (22), Smokey Blue (26) and Ecru (60)*. Two-coloured striped sweater: 2 (2) (3) 50g (155m) balls of Rico Design Essentials Merino DK (100% wool) in main colour (Cinnamon 67) and 1 (2) (2) ball(s) in Ecru (60)*. For both sweaters: Pair of 3mm (No. 11) and 3¾mm (No.…

Measurement Approximately 25cm/9¾in high. Materials 1 x 100g (240m) ball of Stylecraft Alpaca DK (20% alpaca, 80% acrylic) in each of Cream (6010) and Toffee (6011)*. Oddments of Black for embroidery. Pair of 3¼mm (No. 10) knitting needles; washable toy stuffing. Tension 24 stitches and 32 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over stocking stitch, using 3¼mm needles. 16 stitches and 25 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over loopy stitch, using 3¼mm needles. Abbreviations K, knit; p, purl; st, stitch; tog, together; p2togb, p2tog through back of sts; sl, slip; inc, increase (by working twice into same st); dec, decrease (by taking 2 sts tog); psso, pass sl st over; skpo, sl1, k1, psso; loop1, insert right needle kwise in next st, [bring yarn round point of needle, then under and…

We want your knitting to be the best it can possibly be. So it’s a good job we have Tina. A true knitting professional, Tina’s been Technical Knitting Editor at Woman’s Weekly for 16 years. And now she’s here to help you! Every month, Tina answers the most common questions you’ve sent in and resolves some of the issues we face as knitters. Together, we’ll make your knitting beautiful! Twisted yarn Q I don’t know what to do with the yarn I’m working with when it gets twisted up on itself. I keep pushing the twists further along the length of the yarn, but it only gets worse and I end up knitting with it like that. Is there anything I can do about it? A When you knit and…

Slip knot 1 Loop the yarn with the ball end on top (the ball end is shown with a broken line). 2 Dip the needle into the loop, catch the ball end and pull it through the loop . 3 Pull both ends to tighten the knot. 4 Pull the ball end to bring the knot up to the needle. Holding the yarn and needles To make even stitches, control the yarn by taking it over the first finger of the right hand, under the second, over the third and under the fourth, or even around the fourth if necessary. Your right hand also holds the needle that makes the new stitches. Hold this like a knife or a pencil – whichever is more comfortable. Your left hand holds the…

Slip knot 1 Loop the yarn with the ball end on top (the ball end is shown with a broken line). 2 Dip the hook into the loop, catch the ball end and pull it through the loop. 3 Pull both ends to tighten the knot. 4 Pull the ball end to bring the knot up to the hook. Holding the yarn and hook Both crochet and yarn are held in the left hand, with the right hand holding the hook preferably like a pencil, but like a knife if you prefer. The work is held between thumb and first finger, with the ball end of the yarn taken over the first three fingers and under the fourth, or around the fourth if necessary. Extending the second finger holds the…