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Converting Flat Knitting To Circular Knitting

The other day I reviewed the book Very Easy Circular Knits by Betty Barnden. In the review I said it was frustrating trying to convert a flat pattern to one knitted in the round. Betty doesn't cover how to do this, but I have a method that I use.

When converting flat knitting to circular knitting it is important to remember that the pattern is written to accommodate sewing a seam. So usually an extra stitch or two is added to the front and the back.

First, I determine how many stitches I need to cast on. This is usually done by adding the number of stitches needed for both the front and the back (which is typically double the front or back number) minus two stitches.

Taking the extra stitches out is especially important when using a stitch pattern that is knitted in multiples of stitches. If the extra stitches aren't removed then the stitch pattern will be off.

Take for example a pattern that states:
K4, *P3, K3* until end of row, P3

The extra K at the beginning needs to be eliminated so that the pattern is knit in the round with K3P3

After I cast on the stitches I've calculated that I need, I knit in the round until I get to the armhole shaping. Then I put half the stitches on a stitch holder. I consider these stitches the front.

I then knit the back, shaping the arms and the neck according to the pattern. I then do the same for the front.

I also knit the sleeves according to the directions. Then all I have to do is seam the armholes and the shoulder seams. Much better then having to seam the sides too!

You can knit the sleeves in the round to avoid seams there as well but at the cap you need to knit back and forth.

Now if you want to do the whole sweater in the round without any seaming then you might try a top-down raglan. There is a great top-down raglan pattern generator at Knitting Fool.

I've knitted a sweater using one generated from this site. The nice thing about top-down sweaters is that you can try on the sweater as you go and not guess if it will be long enough!

Labels: knitting, knitting patterns, sweater

Posted 4/21/2007 - Converting Flat Knitting To Circular Knitting

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Knitting Magazine: Spring 2007 Knitty.Com

The Spring 2007 issue of Knitty.com is now available. Here is a preview of all the great free knitting patterns.

bmp - charted sock pattern
carolyn - stripped knitted cardigan
tahoe - v-neck cardigan
ribena - short sleeve top with ribbing and arm warmers
torque - asymmetry cable sweater
isabella - tank top with picot edging
ester - cable shrug
morestripes - skeeked ribbed vest
monica - girl's tank top
briar rose - girl's sweater
hey mickey - girl's pleated skirt
vestee - toddler's sweater
palette - lace scarf
dashing - men's fingerless mitt pattern
paperbag - knit bag
bauble - knit bracelet
queen of cups - lace socks
quill lace - lace anklets
clessidra - cable socks

There are also some great articles including one on dyeing yarn with food coloring, one on spinning hemp, and one loom knitting.

Labels: cardigan, free knitting patterns, knitting, knitting magazine, knitting patterns, scarf, skirt, socks, spring 2007, sweater

Posted 3/07/2007 - Knitting Magazine: Spring 2007 Knitty.Com

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Sock Knitting Book

Are you looking for a sock knitting book? There are many knitting books available and many of them have knitted sock patterns in them. But books specifically geared to sock knitting offers many choices of sock patterns to knit, so it easier to find just the right pair of socks to knit.

If you are just starting out knitting socks, you might enjoy Socks Socks Socks: 70 Winning Patterns From Knitter's Magazine Sock Contest. In this book, there is a section on the "anatomy-of-the-sock" which explains the different parts of knitting a sock.

Socks Socks Socks: 70 Winning Patterns From Knitter's Magazine Sock Contest is also a great book for experienced knitters who are looking for challenging sock patterns with different types of stitch patterns.

Many knitters knit socks because socks are a portable knitting project. Unlike a knitted sweater, a sock easily fits in a purse or bag so that you can knit on your socks no matter where you are. Sensational Knitted Socks is a popular sock knitting book that offers many knitted sock patterns.

Many knitters attest that knitted socks are far superior to regular store bought socks. They can be knitted to size, so the socks are neither too small nor too large. And the feel and warmth of knitted socks just can't be beat!

Most knitted socks are knitted with sock yarn, which is yarn that is typically 75% wool and 25% nylon. The nylon gives the socks a little bit of elasticity, while providing the warmth and comfort of wool.

Some knitter use reinforcing yarn or reinforcing thread along with the sock yarn at the toes and heels. This helps prevent the socks from wearing out too quickly.

Many knitters have "second sock syndrome" which is the tendency to knit only the first sock in a pair of socks. In order to avoid this, I recommend knitting both socks at the same time. Just use two circular knitting needles. A great book that teaches this technique is Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles: a Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns.

There are even several books on vintage knitted sock patterns. Two books by Nancy Bush, Knitting Vintage Socks: New Twists on Classic Patterns and Folk Socks: The History & Techniques of Handknitted Footwear are great books to get you started knitting traditonal socks.

And if you just can't stop knitting socks, a book with plenty of patterns to keep you busy is The Sock Journal: Knit the Year in Socks.

A sock knitting book, no matter which you may have or how many you have, can keep you knitting this wonderful footwear for years to come.

Tags: Knitting, Socks, Knitting Books, Sock Knitting Book, Knitting Patterns

Labels: knitting, knitting books, knitting patterns, socks

Posted 12/23/2006 - Sock Knitting Book

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Knitting Magazine: Winter Knitty.com

The winter issue of Knitty.com is now available. Included in this issue are some great free knitting patterns:

center square - fair-isle hat knit in the round
calorimetry - headscarf
antifreeze - knit mask
binary - scarf
argosy - modular knit scarf
corazon - mittens
tiffany - Fair Isle mittens
legwarmer socks - knit legwarmer and socks all in one
rolling thunder - knitted socks
monkey - knit socks
eiffel - DK yarn knit top
lauren - bulky yarn scarf
emerald - cardigan
twinkletoes - knitted balarina style slipper
spanish dancer - mitered, bottom up shawl
slingshot - knitted coffe cup holder
babe - ice skate blade covers
venezia - knitted wire napking holders
brown bag - felted luch bag
starsky jr - child's cardigan
blended hues - baby sweater
piggle - child's hat
norberta - knitted stuffed dragon
sheldon - knitted stuffed turtle
book of Knitty - knitted book

The issue has some great knitting articles including:
Sez who? by Cheryl Krementz
Vintage patterns by Kristen Rengren
Felted beads by Star Athena
The magic of hand-painted yarn by Beverly A. Army
Knitting in the Indian Himalaya by Tracy P. Hudson

Labels: cardigan, free knitting patterns, hat, knitting, knitting magazine, knitting patterns, scarf, shawl, socks, sweater, winter 2006