Free Patterns of the Week!

This weeks free patterns are Socks from KnitPicks. Everyone loves warmth, so make those you love something warm for their feet!

Top Down Socks

Notes: This is a simple top down sock, perfect for those wanting to practice their sock making skills. This pattern is easily adaptable for DPNs, Magic Loop or 2 circulars so you can use your favorite knitting method. For the perfect fit, measure around the widest part of your foot for the circumference and choose the size slightly smaller than your measurement (for instance, if your foot is 7.5” around, knit the 7” size). Then measure the bottom of your foot, from heel to longest toe to determine the foot length.

This pattern was written with a 5.5” leg length -but you can make it shorter or longer; however if you do the latter you may need an additional skein of yarn.

For a tutorial on the Long Tail Cast On, please see http://tutorials.knitpicks.com/wptutorials/long-tail-cast-on/

Kitchener Stitch
Hold the two pieces of knitting parallel to one another with the wrong sides facing. Thread the working yarn with a yarn needle.

*Insert the yarn needle knitwise into the first stitch on the front knitting needle. Draw through the stitch and slip the stitch off  of the front needle. Insert the yarn needle purlwise into the next stitch on the front knitting needle. Draw through the stitch. Leave the stitch on the needle. Insert the yarn needle purlwise into the first stitch on the back knitting needle. Draw through the stitch and slip the stitch off of the back needle. Insert the yarn needle knitwise into the next stitch on the back knitting needle. Draw through the stitch. Leave the stitch on the needle. Repeat these steps beginning at the * until all of your stitches have been grafted together.

Directions
Leg
CO 44 (48, 56, 60, 64) using Long Tail Cast On or other CO method. 22 (24, 28, 30, 32) sts will be for instep, 22 (24, 28, 30, 32) will be for the heel. Divide over your needles; for DPNs, it is easiest is to have your heel sts on one DPN and instep sts divided evenly between 2 DPNs - 11 (12, 14, 15, 16) sts on each instep DPN. If you prefer using 5 DPNs, divide both heel & instep sts evenly over the 4 needles but be sure remember which sts are your heel and instep. For 2 circulars or Magic Loop Method, each side will have 22 (24, 28, 30, 32) st. For all methods, PM to indicate heel st and join to knit in the round, making sure not to twist sts.

Next Rnd: *K1, P1* rep between ** to end of round.

Rep rnd for 1”.

Next Rnd: K all sts.

Rep rnd until leg is 5.5” long.


Heel Flap
You will be working back & forth on only the 22 (24, 28, 30, 32) heel sts for this section.
Row 1 (RS): Sl1, K to end.
Row 2 (WS): *Sl1, p1* rep to end,
Rep rows 1-2 an additional 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times, 11 (12, 14, 15, 16) sl sts on each side of heel flap.
Turn the Heel
Row 1 (RS): Sl1 K 12 (13, 15, 16, 17), ssk, k1 turn (there will be a gap after the k1). 1 st dec.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1, p5, p2tog, p1 turn (there will be a gap after the p1). 1 st dec.
Row 3: Sl1, k to 1 st before the gap, ssk (1 st from each side of the gap), k1 turn. 1 st dec.
Row 4: Sl1, p to 1 st before the gap p2tog (1 st from each side of the gap), p1, turn. 1 st dec.
Repeat rows 3-4 until all sts have been worked.

Gusset
You will now begin to work in the round again. If using 4 DPNs, you may want to now put all instep stitches on one needle and divide the heel stitches between 2 needles.

Next Rnd: K across heel sts, then PU and k 11 (12, 14, 15, 16) sl sts along heel flap, PU & k 2 sts at top of gusset, k 22 (24, 28, 30, 32) across instep stitches, PU & k 2 sts at top of gusset, PU & k 11 (12, 14, 15, 16) along heel flap.

K across remaining heel sts, then k across instep. You are now at the start of the heel sts, pm to mark beginning of round.
Rnd 1: K1, SSK, k to last 3 sts of heel k2tog, k1, k across instep sts. 2 heel sts dec.
Rnd 2:: K all sts
Rep rnds 1-2 until you have 22 (24, 28, 30, 32) on the heel sts, 44 (48, 56, 60, 64) total.



Foot
Work in St st until total length is 2 (2, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5)” less than the total foot length, measuring from the back of the heel to the live sts.

Toe
Rnd 1: *K1, ssk, k to last 3 heel sts, k2tog, k1* rep between ** over instep sts. 4 sts dec.
Rnd 2: k all sts.
Rep rnds 1-2 8 (8, 10, 10, 10) more times until 4 (6, 6, 8, 10) sts remain for heel and 4 (6, 6, 8, 10) for instep - 8 (12, 12. 16. 20) sts total. Break yarn, leaving an 12” tail. If using DPNs, place instep stitches on one needle and heel stitches on one needle. Graft instep and heel sts together using Kitchener Stitch.

Finishing
Weave in ends and block to measurements.

The Original Patterns can be found at http://www.knitpicks.com/cfPatterns/Pattern_List_Filtered.cfm?PROJECT-TYPE=30025218&FREE-PAID=Free&showAll=yes

Free Patterns of the Week!

This weeks free patterns are Socks from KnitPicks. Everyone loves warmth, so make those you love something warm for their feet!

Go your own way socks - Toe Up Socks



Finished Measurements
6 (7, 8, 8.5 9)” foot circumference, customizable foot length and 5.5” leg length

Needles
US 2 (2.75mm): DPNs or (2) circular needles for two circular needles technique or 1 long circular needle for Magic Loop or size to optain gauge

Notions
Yarn Needle
Stitch Markers

Gauge
28 sts and 40 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch in the round, blocked.

Toe Up Socks
Notes: This is a simple toe up sock, perfect for those wanting to practice their sock making skills. This pattern is easily adaptable for DPNs, Magic Loops or 2 circulars so you can use your favorite knitting method. For the perfect fit, measure around the widest part of your foot for the circumference and choose the size slightly smaller than your measurement (for instance, if your foot is 7.5” around, knit the 7” size). Then measure the bottom of your foot, from heel to longest toe to determine the foot length. This pattern was written with a 5.5” leg length -but you can make it shorter or longer; however if you do the latter you may need an additional skein of yarn.

For a tutorial on Judy’s Magic Cast On, please see: http://tutorials.knitpicks.com/wptutorials/judys-magic-cast-on/.

Wrap and Turn (w&t):
Work until the stitch to be wrapped. If knitting: bring yarn to the front of the work, slip next st as if to purl, return the yarn to the back; turn work and slip wrapped st onto RH needle. Continue across row. If purling: bring yarn to the back of the work, slip next st as if to purl, return the yarn to the front; turn work and slip wrapped st onto RH needle. Continue across row.

Picking up wraps
Work to the wrapped st. If knitting, insert the RH needle under the wrap(s), then through the wrapped st K-wise. Knit the wrap(s) together with the wrapped st. If purling, slip the wrapped st P-wise onto the RH needle, and use the LH needle to lift the wrap(s) and place them on the RH needle. Slip wrap(s) and 
unworked st back to LH needle; purl all together through the back loop.

Stretchy Bind-off
K2, *insert the left needle into the front of the 2 sts on the right needle and knit them together - 1 st remains on right needle. K1*, rep between ** until all sts have been bound off.

Directions
Toe
Using Judy’s Magic Cast On, CO 4 (6, 6, 8, 10) sts for the instep and 4 (6, 6 8, 10) sts for the heel. K one round, dividing st between needles. For DPNs, it is easiest to have your heel sts on one DPN and instep sts divided evenly divided between 2 DPNs - 2 (3, 3, 4, 5) sts on each DPN. If you prefer using 5 DPNs, divide both heel & instep sts evenly between the 4 worrking needles, but be sure to remember which sts are your heel and instep. For 2 circulars or Magic Loop Method, each side will have 4 (6, 6, 8, 10) st. For all methods, PM to indicate heel sts and beg of round.

Rnd 2: *Kfb in the first st, k to 2 sts before the end of the heel sts, kfb, k1*; rep across instep sts. 4 sts inc.

Rnd 3: K all sts

Rep rnds 2-3 an additional 8 (8, 10, 10, 10) times. 44 (48, 56, 60, 64) sts total, 22 (24, 28, 30, 32) st for the heel and 22 (24. 28, 30, 32) sts for the instep.

Foot
Work in St st until total length is 3.5 (4, 4.75, 5, 5.25)” less than the total foot length.

Gusset
Increases will only be on the heel sts, instep will be in St st. 

Rnd 1: Kfb in the first st, k to 2 sts before end of the heel sts, kfb, K1, k across instep sts to end of round. 2 heel sts inc.
Rnd 2: k all sts
Rep rnds 1-2 an additional 9 (10, 12, 13, 14) times, then work rnd 1 once more. 66 (72, 84, 90, 96) sts total, 44 (48, 56, 60, 64) st for the heel and 22 (24, 28, 30, 32) for the instep.

Heel
You will be working back & forth on only the heel sts for this section.
Row 1 (RS): K 32 (35, 41, 44, 47) w&t
Row 2 (WS): P 20 (22, 26, 28, 30) w&t
Row 3: K to st before wrapped st, w&t
Row 4: P to st before wrapped st, w&t
Repeat rows 3-4 until 7 (8, 9, 10, 10) sts are wrapped on either side of the 8 (8, 10, 10, 12) center unwrapped sts. RS should be facing after working a row 4.

You will work 1 round over both heel & instep sts as follows:
Next Rnd: K to end of heel sts, picking up wraps as you come to them, then k across instep sts. You should now be at the beginning of the heel sts.

Heel Flap
You will be working back & forth on only the heel sts for this section.
Row 1 (RS): K 32 (35, 41, 44, 45) sts, picking up remaining wraps, SSK, turn. 1 st dec.
Row 2 (WS): *Sl1, p1* rep between ** 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times, Sl1, p2tog, turn. 1 st dec.
Row 3: Sl1, k20 (22, 26, 28, 30), ssk, turn. 1 st dec.
Row 4: *Sl1, p1* rep between ** 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times, sl1, p2tog, turn. 1 st dec.
Rep rows 3-4 an additional 8 (9, 11, 12, 13) times, then work row 3 once more but do not turn at end. You will now begin to work in the round again. K across instep sts to beg of heel sts.
Next Rnd: K2tog, k all sts to end. 44 (48, 56, 60, 64) sts.
Leg
Next Rnd: K all sts
Rep this round until leg is 4.5” from the top of the heel flap or to 1” less than desired finished length.
Next rnd: *K1, P1* rep between ** to end of round.
Rep rnd for 1”, then BO using Stretchy Bind-Off.
Finishing
Weave in ends and block to measurements.

The Original Patterns can be found at http://www.knitpicks.com/cfPatterns/Pattern_List_Filtered.cfm?PROJECT-TYPE=30025218&FREE-PAID=Free&showAll=yes

Free Pattern of the Week!

This weeks free pattern is Semplice Fingerless Mitts from KnitPicks.

Finished Measurements 6” (7”, 8”) palm circumference
Needles US 3 (3.5 mm) DPNs or 40” or longer circulars for Magic Loop

Twisted Rib Pattern *K1tbl, p1 repeat from * for pattern 

Directions CO 36 (42, 48) stitches, pm for beginning of the round, and join to work in the round, taking care not to twist stitches 

Work for 1” in Twisted Rib Pattern 

Work 2” (2.5” 3”) in st st 

Begin increases for thumb 

Set up round: K1, pm k to 1 stitch before the end of the round, pm K1 

Round 1: Knit to 1 stitch before 1st marker, Kf&b, sm, k to next marker, sm, Kf&b, k to end of round. 2 stitches increased. 

Round 2: k all stitches 

Repeat these 2 rounds 4 (5, 6) more times.

Set thumb aside 

K to second marker, remove marker, K 1, sl next 5 (6, 7) stitches to holder or waste yarn. 

Remove start of round marker. Sl first 5 (6,7) stitches of the next round to holder or waste yarn. 

Place marker for new beginning of the round and join to work in the round. 

Work 1” (1.5”, 2”) in st st or until 1” below desired length Work 1” in Twisted Rib pattern BO loosely. 

This can be achieved by BO with a larger needle, or using a stretchy bind off such as the one below: K2, *insert the left needle into the front of the 2 sts on the right needle and knit them together--1 st remains on right needle. K1, repeat from * until all sts have been bound off. 

Fasten off last stitch. 

Thumb Join yarn and PU & knit 10 (12, 14) thumb stitches from waste yarn, then PU & knit 4 st from join at side of hand. 

PM and join to work in the round Next round: k to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2tog. 

12 (14, 16) st total. Work .5” (.75” 1”) in st st or to .25” below desired length K 3 rounds in Twisted Rib pattern BO loosely 

Finishing: Weave in all ends and make second mitt exactly like the first.

The Original Pattern can be found at http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Semplice_Fingerless_Mitts__D55478220.html

Free Pattern of the Week!

This weeks free pattern is Dwell House from KnitPicks.

Finished Measurements 3” tall, 3” long, 2” wide
Needles US 1 (2.25 mm) DPNs or 40” or longer circulars for Magic Loop

A quick note about foam blocks - simple florist foam is delicate and easily crushes and fl akes. If you want to avoid this, there are more solid and sturdy blocks that can be used for this purpose. 

DIRECTIONS 

Foam House 

Begin by cutting the house shape from the foam block. Use a pair of scissors to slice a piece of foam off one block that measures 3” high x 3” long x 2” wide. Then, use scissors to shave off the excess foam at the top to form a peaked roof. To do this, measure 1” from the top of the block and scored a shallow line at 1” along both long sides. Find the center at the top of the block and make a shallow mark there as well; this will be the “peak” of the cottage roof. The center mark and side scores mark the three points of the triangle. Using the scissors, place the tip of the blade at the mark that was made at the “peak” of the house and angle the blade so that it intersected with the score marked earlier. Press down while maintaining the angle until the scissors completely cut through the foam block. Repeat on the remaining side. Measure the sides of the house and clean up the edges, making sure your walls and the roof are straight and even. 

Cottage Base

 CO 60 sts with CC1. 

Arrange the stitches between four double pointed needles as follows: needles 1&3 have 18 sts each and needles 2&4 have 12 sts each. 

Join to work in the round. 

Work 4 rounds garter stitch followed by stockinette stitch until piece measures 2” from the cast-on edge. 

Gables

Needle 4 (12 sts) will be your fi rst gable. At the end of needle 4 instead of continuing to knit in the round, turn work and work one purl row across needle 4. 

Row 1: Turn work, ssk, knit across needle 4 until last two stitches, k2tog. 

Row 2:Turn, purl one row.

Repeat rows 1 & 2 until two stitches remain, k2tog, break yarn, leaving a 4 inch tail and draw through remaining stitch. 

Needle 2 (12 sts) will be your second gable. Join yarn to the wrong side of needle 2 and work one purl row across needle 2. 

Row 1:Turn work ssk, knit across needle 4 until last two stitches, k2tog. 

Row 2: Turn, purl one row. 

Repeat rows 1 & 2 until two stitches remain, k2tog, break yarn, leaving a 4 inch tail and draw through the remaining stitch. 

Roof 

Using CC2, join yarn to the right side of needle 3. 

Work garter stitch for 1.5 “. 

Leave the stitches on the needle for now and break yarn, leaving a 4 inch tail. Using CC2, join yarn to the right side of needle 1. 

Work garter stitch for 1.5 “. 

End with a right side row. 

Hold Needle 3 and Needle 1 together and bind off stitches on both needles using the Three Needle Bind off method. Use the tails to stitch the Gables to roof edges. 

Door

Use the scissors to round off one narrow side of the dark piece of felt to create a rounded door. Sew to front of cottage with dark thread. Cut two windows from the piece of off-white felt and sew to one wall of the cottage using light thread. Gently ease the knit shell over the foam base until the shell completely covers the foam. Ta dah! One cozy dwelling. 

The Original Pattern can be found at http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Dwell_House_Pattern__D51028220.html