Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 11

YarnYAY! March Box #47

YarnYAY! March Box #47

It’s time to reveal what we have in store for our March Box subscribers! This month, we’re featuring two beautiful spring accessory projects, 3 tools for knitters and crocheters, AND a brand new yarn that’s doesn’t come out until the end of the month (you get it first!)

 

Color: Malachite

 

Montoya Merino Light | Vickie Howell

It’s time to reveal what we have in store for our March Box subscribers! This month, we’re featuring two beautiful spring accessory projects, 3 tools for knitters and crocheters, AND a brand new yarn that’s not even out, yet!

 

Eyes Wide Shawlette by Vickie Howell

Open-Weave Shawlette Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Designer in Residence, Julia Madill

This month, we’re open to openwork shawlettes! The knit version, designed by Vickie, is knit in cat-eye lace, from the top-center out.

 

Floating Staircase Shawlette by Julia Madill

The crochet shawlette, designed by Julia, is stitched end-to-end, using a staircase-evoking combo of chains and triple crochet stitches.

Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliamadill

 

Claw Clips | Cocoknits

Updated from the originals and now plastic-free, these handy-dandy clips are now made from a biodegradable plant fiber which makes both useful and mindful!

Cocoknits is based in California and owned by Julie Weisenberger. 

Learn more at: cocoknits..com

 

T-Pins & Post-it booklet | YarnYAY! + Vickie Howell

These two tools will keep your projects in line! The sticky notes will help keep your place in patterns and the T-pins will ensure the blocking process takes shape!

 

The post YarnYAY! March Box #47 appeared first on Vickie Howell.

2-Square Buttoned Cowl | The Great Yarn Challenge

2-Square Cowl

On the latest episode of 𝘼𝙨𝙠 𝙈𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙮!⁣, I’ve teamed up with Knitter’s Pride and the Craft Yarn Council  to celebrate “𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘐𝘵” week of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲, an initiative inspiring knitters and crocheters to push themselves to new heights with their yarn crafts. People who already know one or more crafts, as well as those who haven’t yet dabbled in the world of yarn, are encouraged to participate. ⁣

As part of the challenge to think out of the box creatively, I’m showing how to look at those generous swatches through a different lens to make projects like a buttoned cowl. Watch and join in on the fun! ⁣

 

This episode is brought to you by

 

Ask Me Monday Airs 3 Mondays a Month on Facebook! 

 

2-Square Cowl: MAKE IT

Show knit in Vickie Howell Montoya Merino, colors: Hatch Chili & Rio.

Recommended Square Sizes

You’ll need 2, same-sized knit or crochet squares:

Sizes 12″- 14″

 

Special Abbreviations

k2tbl = knit 2 sts, each through the back loop

p2tbl = purl 2 sts, each through the back loop

 

Additional Materials

Corresponding knitting needles for squares’ yarn-weight — I recommend using circular needles to help hold all of the picked-up stitchesSame weight yarn as squares’ (approx 75 gr, but will vary based on yarn type)4, buttons

 

Make tip: My swatches were knit in Size US 9 needles with 42 sts each, worked in stockinette stitch until they were square. Don’t want to knit squares that large? Simply piece together smaller swatches to create 12″-14″ squares. I love. good patchwork project!

 

ASSEMBLY

With RS facing, lay out your squares in the manner you want them joined. If you’re up for a little pattern-play (or texture-play), consider seaming the side of one square to the bottom of the second square.

Using the desired method, seam two squares together.

 

 

SUPPLIMENTAL KNITTING

Bottom Band:

With RS facing and using knitting needles, pick up stitches in multiples of 4, evenly along the bottom edge of piece.

Row 1 (WS): *K2, p2tbl; rep from* to end.

Row 2 (RS): *P2, k2tbl; rep from * to end.

Rows 4-7: Repeat Rows 1-2, changing colors

when/if desired.

 

Top band:

Repeat as for Bottom Band.

 

Right Side Band:

Row 1 (WS): *K2, p2tbl; rep from* to end.

Row 2 (RS): *P2, k2tbl; rep from * to end.

Rows 4-11: Repeat Rows 1-2, changing colors

when/if desired.

 

Left Side button band:

Rows 1-9: Work same as for Right Side Band.

Row 10 (Button hole row): [P2, k2tbl, BO2] four times, *k2tbl, p2; rep from * to end.

Row 11: *K2, p2tbl; rep from * to first BO gap, [CO 2,k2, p2tbl] four times.

Row 12: *K2, p2tbl; rep from* to end.

Row 13: *P2, k2tbl; rep from * to end.

BO.

 

FINISHING

Sew buttons on to Right Side band, to correspond with button holes.

Weave in ends. Block, if necessary.

 

 

Want more #thegreatyarnchallenge projects? Get them, including 3 more from me here!

The post 2-Square Buttoned Cowl | The Great Yarn Challenge appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Feather Stitch Coffee Cozies | Knit & Crochet

Feather Stitch Coffee Cozies | Knit & Crochet

This week on Ask Me Monday, I announce the re-opening of my Block Builder Club and offer a cute project, using the stitches from the latest Block Builder Club blocks. These Feather Stitch Coffee Cozies make great gifts and are super fun to stitch. Watch the tutorial, scroll down for the projects and tag @vickiehowell #askmemonday with your finished projects. Have fun!

 

 

This episode is brought to you by:

 



Ask Me Monday airs live on Mondays at 12pmCT on Facebook

 Knit Feather Stitch Coffee Cozy

MATERIALS

Small Amount, Vickie Howell Montoya Merino (100% superwash wool; 175 yds), in color: Rio.

Size U.S. 9/5.4 mm needles

Tapestry needle

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Approx 9.5″/24 cm circumference (stretches to fit standard) take-out coffee cup)

4″/10 cm tall

 

GAUGE

14 sts x 23 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in pattern stitch

 

SPECIAL STITCH

Feather Stitch: Insert right hand (RH) needle into next st 5 rows below and draw up a loop; working into the same column of stockinette st, draw up loops from sts 4, 3, 2, and 1 row(s) below the current row, then k1 (6 new loops on RH needle). Pass the 6th stitch over the 5 stitches to the left; working similarly, pass the 5th stitch over the 4 sts to the left and so on, until only 1 st remains. Stitch count is unchanged.

 

DIRECTIONS

CO 32 sts

Rows 1-3: *K1tbl, p1; rep to end.

Row 4: k1, M1, k to end. –33 sts 

Row 5 (RS): K1, *p3, k1; rep from * to end.

Row 6 (WS): *P1, k3; rep from * to last st, p1.

Row 7 (RS): K1, *p3, k1; rep from * to last end.

Row 8 (and all WS rows): *P1, k3; rep from * to last st, p1. 

Row 9: Rep Row 7.

Row 11: K1, *p3, Feather Stitch, p3, k1; rep from * to last 8 sts, k4.

Row 13: Rep Row 7.

Row 15: Rep Row 7.

Row 17: Feather Stitch, *p3, k1, p3, Feather Stitch; rep from * to end. 

Row 18 (WS): *P1, k3; rep from * to last st, p1.

Row 19: P1, p2tog, p to end. — 32 sts

Rows 20-22: *K1tbl, p1; rep to end.

BO in patt st, leaving long tail for seaming.

 

FINISHING

Using tapestry needle and tail, seam together. Weave in ends.

 

Crochet Feather Stitch Coffee Cozy

MATERIALS

Small Amount, Vickie Howell Montoya Merino (100% superwash wool; 175 yds), in color: Aster Flower

Size US I-9/5.5. mm hook

Tapestry needle

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Approx 9.5″/24 cm circumference (stretches to fit standard) take-out coffee cup)

5″/13 cm tall (fits 20 oz height cup)

 

GAUGE

10 ½ sts x 8 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in pattern stitch

 

DIRECTIONS

Ch 27 sts.

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch fr * and to end. — 25 sts 

Row 2: Ch 2, *FPhdc, BPhdc; rep fr * to end.

Row 3: Ch 2, *BPhdc, FPhdc; rep fr * to end.

Row 4: Rep Row 2.

Note: for shorter cup, skip Rows 3-4

Row 5 (RS): Ch 2 (does not count as a hdc throughout), hdc in first st, *ch 1, sk next st, hdc in next st; rep from * to end. Turn.

Row 6: Ch 2, hdc in first st, ch 1, *yo, insert hook into ch1-sp in row below and pull up a loop, yo, insert hook into hdc two rows below and pull up a loop, sk next hdc of row below, yo, insert hook into next ch1-sp in row below and pull up a loop, yo and pull through all 7 loops (feather stitch made), ch 2; rep from * to last st, hdc in last st. Turn.

Row 7: Ch 2, hdc in first st, ch 1, *yo, insert hook into ch2-sp in row below and pull up a loop, yo, insert hook into ch2-sp two rows below and pull up a loop, yo, insert hook into next ch2-sp in row below and pull up a loop, yo and pull through all 7 loops, ch 2; rep from * to last st, hdc in last st. Turn.

Rows 8-10: Rep Row 7.

Row 11: Ch2, hdc 25. — 25 sts 

Row 12: Ch 2, *FPhdc, BPhdc; rep fr * to end.

Row 13: Ch 2, *BPhdc, FPhdc; rep fr * to end.

Row 14: Rep Row 12.

Note: for shorter cup, skip Rows 13-14

Fasten off, leaving long tail for seaming.

 

FINISHING

Using tapestry needle and tail, seam together. Weave in ends.

 

 

Learn how to stitch more, beautiful stitches like the Feather Stitch + build modular projects like a blanket. Join the Block Builder Clubs.

 

ENROLLMENT IS NOW RE-OPENED!

 

The post Feather Stitch Coffee Cozies | Knit & Crochet appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Ask Me Monday: February Morning Scarf

 February Morning Scarf

This week on Ask Me Monday, I offer a 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 for the 𝘍𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘧 as a supplemental project, using the creamy shade, along with one other shade, of Tahki Yarns Gunnison featured in the 𝗬𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗬𝗔𝗬! 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝘅.⁣

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

 

Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Lantern MoonInterchangeable Circular Needles and Straight Needles

 

February Morning Scarf Pattern

Prefer a PDF Pattern? Download it for free from my YarnYAY! Shop

MATERIALS

Tahki Yarns Gunnison (54% wool, 43% polyacrylic; 185 yds/100 g), 1 hank each in colors: A) Blush and B) Natural

Size U.S. 8/ 5 mm needles

Tapestry needle

 

FINISHED SIZE

6” / 15 cm wide x 68” / 173 cm circumference

 

GAUGE

15 sts x 32 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in Garter Stitch

 

DIRECTIONS

With A, co 216 sts.

Rows 1-2: With A, knit.

Rows 3-4: With B, knit.

Row 5 (RS): With A, knit.

Row 6 (WS): With A, purl.

Rows 7-8: With B, knit.

Rows 9-10: WIth A, knit.

Rows 11-12: *With B, k1, p1; rep from * to end.

Row 13: *With A, k1, p1; rep from * to end.

Row 14: With A, Knit.

Rows 15-16: With B, knit.

Row 17-18: With A, knit.

Row 19: With B, knit.

Row 20: With B, purl.

Rows 21-22: WIth A, knit.

Repeat Rows 5-18, once more,

Last 4 Rows: Maintaining stripe pattern, knit.

BO, leaving a long tail for seaming.

 

FINISHING

Using the long tail and tapestry needle, seam short ends together.

Weave in ends.

Block, if necessary.

 

 

 

YarnYAY! February Box #46

The post Ask Me Monday: February Morning Scarf appeared first on Vickie Howell.

YarnYAY! February Box #46

YarnYAY! February Box #46

It’s time for the reveal of what’s included in the second YarnYAY! subscription box of 2022! The YarnYAY! February Box #46 features gorgeous products and projects from  SIX different women-owned (or co-owned) businesses. Here’s what’s inside!

 

Gunnison | Tahki Yarns

This month’s yarn evokes the spirit of warmth & coziness. When stitched up, the loft of the single-ply Italian wool mixed with a polyacrylic strand of color makes for unexpected pops of color.

Tahki Yarns was founded by Stacy Charles, and a part of the WEBS catalog of yarns. Learn more at: yarn.com

 

 

Professorial Mock Shawl Collar Cowl by Vickie Howell

Shawl collar Cowls patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Spring Summer ’22 Designer in Residence, Julia Madill

This month, we’re saying shawl, y’all! Shawl-collar cowls, that is. The knit version, designed by Vickie, is knit flat, collared with simple short rows, then creatively seamed.

 

Yacht Rock Mock Shawl Collar by Julia Madill

 

The crochet cowl, designed by our Spring/Sumer Designer in Residence, combines third-loop rib with short-rows. Both are topped off with a large button.  

For more patterns, check out yarnyay.com and follow Julia on Instagram: @juliamadill

 

Found Horn Button | Makers’ Mercantile

This found horn beauty adds a mixed-media warmth to any wool project. Put a button on it! 

Makers’ Mercantile is owned by button-lover, Karin Skacel. Learn more at: makersmercantile.com

 

Notions Basket | Big Blue Mama

Every Fair-trade basket made for this month’s boxes is unique in either size, shape, or color. Hand-woven in Ghana, these little treasures are perfect for holding tapestry needles, buttons, crochet hooks, double-pointed needles, and more!

Big Blue Moma is a Canadian-based, woman-owned company that employs over 350 women in Africa. To learn more, go to: www.bigbluemoma.com

 

Leather Heart Bookmark | YarnYAY!

Let the heart mark the spot in your favorite knitting or crochet book or our booklets!

These bookmarks and our booklets are both sourced locally in Austin, TX.

 

The post YarnYAY! February Box #46 appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Sock Yarn Heart Earrings

Ask Me Monday: Sock Yarn Heart Earrings

This week on Ask Me Monday, we dive into our scrap bins to make adorable, Sock Yarn Heart Earrings. Wear them for Valentine’s Day, make some for your best Galentines’, or share the love, any day of the week by donning them any time you’re feeling it!

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

 

Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Lantern Moon Ebony Double Pointed Needles, Interchangeable Circular Needles and Stitch Markers

 



 Sock Yarn Heart Earrings

MATERIALS

Scraps of 3 sock-weight (or fingering yarns  in different colors: A, B & C

Size US 3 needles

Stitch marker

Tapestry needle

Crochet hook (size unimportant)

Jewelry pliers

Set of earring hooks

4, small 0-rings (aka jump rings)

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Approx 2″ wide x 1.5″ tall, excluding fringe

 

ABBREVIATIONS 

Go here.

 

 

DIRECTIONS (Make 2)

With A, CO 20 sts, placing marker at center point (after 10 sts.)

Row 1: With A, k to 2 sts before marker, ssk, sl m, k2tog, k to end.

Row 2: Knit.

Rows 3-4: Rep Rows 1-2

Cut A; join B.

Rows 5-6: With B, rep Rows 1-2.

Cut B; join C.

Rows 7-8: With C, Rep Rows 1-2

Row 9: Rep Row 1.

Row 10 (WS): Ssk, BO to last 2 sts (there’ll also be 1 st on your RH needle), k2tog, BO rem sts.

NOTE: If you’re working in an Aran weight or lighter, BO leaving a long tail for seaming. For heavier weight yarns, I suggest using a separate, lighter weight yarn for seaming.

FINISHING

With WS facing, place two hearts together; stuff ends so they’re sandwiched inside. Using the Wool Needle and strand of yarn, seam to pieces together while also adding more yarn scraps or stuffing as necessary.

Weave in the remaining end.

Cut three, 6″ strands of yarn. Holding strands together, fold them in half. Using a crochet hook, pull loop created by fold through the bottom tip of the heart. Tie for fringe.

Attach 0-ring through the fabric of top-center of heart. Attach earring hook to o-rings.

Repeat for the second heart.

 

 Did you know that Ask Me Monday is the longest-running Facebook Live yarncraft show, and that there are over 200 episodes? Watch them on my Facebook Playlist or find them here.

 

The post Sock Yarn Heart Earrings appeared first on Vickie Howell.

YarnYAY! 2022 Designers in Residence

YarnYAY! 2022 Designers in Residence

Happy New Year, friends! It’s with a truly warmed heart that I announce that we have two amazing humans joining Team YarnYAY! as our 2022 Designers in Residence! These designers will, respectively during their season, each design one of the patterns per month that are included in our subscription boxes. This is exciting because, in addition to my project offerings, you’ll also get another amazing creative perspective represented in each month’s offering. That’s double the designer goodness in every single box!

First up, is our Spring/Summer Designer in Residence, Julia Madill.

I first met Julia back in 2011 when Canadian company, Spinrite (aka Yarnspirations) bought Caron, the brand for which I was the spokesperson. Julia was one of what was then a small design team, whom I had the opportunity to work with and get to know over the course of the next several years. Maybe because of her taste in music, her love of leopard print, or because she looks like she could be a member of my own family, I immediately felt like we should be friends. A decade later, we’ve continued staying in touch. When she let me know that she was finally taking the leap and going out on her own, I didn’t even let her finish the sentence before I asked if she’d consider coming to work with us at YarnYAY! I cannot even tell you how lucky I feel that she accepted. Her natural eye for color and design, combined with her 15 years on a team that designed hundreds of garments over multiple brands and countless lines, is an invaluable asset. I’m so excited for you all to see what she brings to the table! If you get a moment, please support her independence by following her on Instagram.

Next up, our Fall/Winter Designer, in Residence, Toni Lipsey (aka TL Yarn Craft). I plan to wax poetic about Toni later this Summer when she steps into her role. I was too thrilled, though, about having her on the team to wait until then to mention her at all. I respect her, I appreciate her hustle, and I believe in the work she’s doing. She has a brand new book out, so be sure to check that out, and support her by visiting her website. She’s magic!

Here’s to a new year, inspiring projects, and women/designers/humans supporting one another!

xx,

Vickie

 

 

Julia Madill
Julia is a Toronto-based designer and graphic artist. She spent 15 years designing hundreds of knit and crochet projects as part of the Design Team for Yarnspirations (Caron/Red Heart/Bernat/Patons), and under her own name on Ravelry. Follow her on Instagram here.

 

Subscribe to YarnYAY! Monthly Boxes to be the first to see our Designer in Residence Projects!

 

Toni Lipsey
Toni, the designer and instructor behind TL Yarn Crafts, strives to inspire others’ creativity through online tutorials and modern, approachable crochet patterns. Follow her daily crochet journey on Instagram and pick up her book, The Tunisian Crochet Handbook, and patterns here.

 

The post YarnYAY! 2022 Designers in Residence appeared first on Vickie Howell.

YarnYAY! January Box #45

YarnYAY! January Box #45

It’s time for the reveal of what’s inside the YarnYAY! January Box! This month we’re kicking of the year with cables and caps. Enjoy! 

 

 Woolstok Light | Blue Sky Fibers

This month’s yarn, Woolstok Light, is made from 100% Fine Highland Wool. It’s soft and lofty, with a beautiful stitch definition. We’ll surprise you with one of our featured shades of sublime blue, October Sky OR Spring Ice. 

Blue Sky Fibers is a consciously crafted fiber company, based in Minnesota and owned by Linda Niemeyer. Learn more here.

 

 

Crossroads Cabled Beanie (knit)

 

Cabled Beanie Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell

We’re kicking off a new year with new beanies! This month we’re making lightweight versions that will take us all of the way through spring.

Conundrum Cabled Beanie (crochet)

The knit version includes lattice, side cable panels on a bed of rib, and a seamed top. The crochet version mixes half-double crochet stitches with strips of climbing cables.

  YAY! 2022 Tote | Yarnyay!
 We say, let 2022 be the year of yay! This large tote exclaims positivity on a canvas of cotton and cork.

Our totes are sourced through an Austin-based promotional products small business.

 

Minisoak Wash | Soak

Give your woolies a wash in our favorite wool care product, Soak. This mini packet will cleanse at least two small projects. 

Learn more here.

*One packet, in a surprise scent, comes in each box.

 

You Do You, Enamel Pin 

An oft-spoken phrase by Vickie, illustrated by Naterdoodle, and turned into a wearable pin. You Do You in 2022!

Stay tuned for more YDY-emblazoned products, coming soon on YarnYAY.com

 

*Each box comes with one hank of Woolstok Light and one packet of Soak. Colors and scent will vary.

The post YarnYAY! January Box #45 appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Last Minute Holiday Projects

With just days away until Christmas, I thought it would be fun to re-visit a few, last minute holiday projects! This week on Ask Me Monday, we take a look back at a few episodes from the past, with tutorials on cute ornaments, gift toppers, and super-quick gifts.

 

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

Knitter’s Pride products featured in this episode: Ginger Interchangeable Circular Set, Symfonie Dreamz Crochet Hooks, Waves Crochet Hooks, Smart Stix

 

MATERIALS

Chunky-weight scrap yarn in colors A & B.Size US 11/8 mm needlesWool NeedleOptional: Size US J/6 mm crochet hook

 

 

Wine Cork Trees

MATERIALS

Scraps Bulky (5) YarnSize US 9/5.5 mm double-pointed needlesTapestry needleWine corkHot glue gunOptional: sequin or beads

 

Under 2-Hour Cowls

MATERIALS

Approx 40 yds, each super-bulky yarn (6 weight) in colors: A & BKnitter’s Pride Size US 17/2 mm, 16″-24″ Ginger Circular Needle (KNIT VERSION ONLY)Knitter’s Pride Size 12 mm Ginger Crochet Hook (CROCHET VERSION ONLY)Knitter’s Pride Wool Needle

 

More Last Minute Holiday Project Ideas Peppermint Plaid Cowl 1-Ball Wrist Warmers Poinsettia Pin Knit Gift Card Baggie

The post Last Minute Holiday Projects appeared first on Vickie Howell.

5 Tips for Picking Up Stitches for Ribbing

Picking Up Stitches for Ribbing

This week on Ask Me Monday I show how to pick up and knit stitches for ribbing, alongside a piece for a button band, collar, edging, and more! Watch the episode, read the tutorial below, and be sure to tag @vickiehowell #askmemonday with your ribbing adventures!

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by  Knitter’s Pride /  KnitPro

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

Products shown in this video: Mindful Collection Gratitude Set

 



5 Tips for Picking Up Stitches for RibbingCircular Motion. Success in picking up ribbing, especially for collars, button bands or vests like the one I’m wearing in the video, relies, in part, on choosing the right supplies. I highly recommend using a long, circular needle so that the cord can both hold the weight of your stitches, but also offer a malleability that allows you to see approximately, how your stitches will lay. If you’ve got an interchangeable set on hand, even better, because you can swap out cord lengths as necessary. Gauge it! Since a knit stitch is shaped like a “V”, stitch gauge (how many stitches per inch) is rarely the same as row gauge (how many rows per inch.) Because of this, you can’t use the rows as a guide for how many stitches to pick up for ribbing, alongside the piece. It’s important to first do a little calculating so that you don’t pick up too many stitches (which will cause your ribbing to ruffle),  or too few (which will cause the piece to pucker). Don’t worry, it’s not difficult. Here’s what you need to do.*These instructions assume that you’re picking up stitches along the side of a piece, that was knit top-to-bottom.

First, measure the length of the piece, or portion of the piece, that you’d like to add rib. The swatch I used for this demonstration is 7“.Next, check your stitch gauge in the same ribbing and needle size that you plan to use (I know, I know, swatching, bleck, but it’s important!). The stitch gauge for the 1 x 1 twisted rib that I’m using, and on the smaller-sized needle that I want to use (I’m sizing down from the swatch from a US 9/5.5 mm to a US 8/5 mm) is 4.75 stitches per inch.Last, multiply the piece length by the stitch gauge. The resulting number is how many stitches you’ll need to pick up alongside your piece! For me, that looks like 7 x 4.75  = 33.25. For 1×1 rib, we need an even number of stitches, so I’ll round down. I need to pick up 32 stitches for ribbing. Choose Sides.  Generally, you want to pick up and knit stitches on the right side of your piece. That means that the first row of ribbing that you’re working will be knit on the wrong side. The exception to that choice would be if you’d like there to be an exposed seam alongside the public-facing, inner edge of your ribbing.  On the Mark(er). Do yourself a favor and don’t try to eyeball how to pick up stitches alongside a piece evenly. Instead, use removable stitch markers to act as your guides. Pick an increment of space, say 2″, and place a marker. Since I know that for my swatch I need to pick up 32 sts total, I’ll divide that number by the number of spaces between markers. That number will be how many stitches per marked section I need to pick up. Even Steven!

One Loop or Two?  When you’re ready to start picking up stitches, you’ll now need to decide whether you want to pick up the loops under both loops of the stitch, or just one loop. Choosing both loops is the option that offers the strongest seam. It can, however, depending on the weight of the yarn and size of the needle you’re using, cause holes. The larger the gauge/weight of yarn, the more likely that is to happen. If you find this is the case for you, then try picking up loops in only the front loop of the stitch.

Ok, there you have it! Best of luck with your ribbing. I believe in you!

 Put Your Skills to Work: Make the Vestibule Vest

The post 5 Tips for Picking Up Stitches for Ribbing appeared first on Vickie Howell.