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tutorial: crochet provisional cast on

A provisional cast on is a way to make it possible to “release” the initially cast on stitches and knit with them in the other direction of the piece. This can be very useful, for example when knitting a completely symmetrical stole. Most cast ons have a different look than the bind off, but when completely avoiding a visible cast on, both ends will have exactly the same bind off look.

I really like the crochet provisional cast on, because it is also very simple and can be undone quickly. Besides the yarn for your project, you will also need a length of (smooth) waste yarn in a contrasting color and a crochet hook.

Crochet provisional cast-on step by step

1. Make slipknot with the waste yarn (pink in the example) and place it around the hook.

2. Get your knitting needle and put it on the piece of yarn as pictured and pull up a loop through the loop on the hook. This is actually pretty similar to crochet a slip stitch around the knitting needle.

3. Wrap the yarn around the knitting needle again and make another slip stitch around the needle.

4. Repeat this until you have made the desired number of stitches (loops) on the knitting needle.

5. Next, crochet a small chain of about five stitches, break the yarn and pull the yarn tail through the last stitch.

Now you can start your knitting project with the good yarn, using the temporary stitches on the needle. In the example after the temporary set-up I started with a small swatch of green.

Undoing the crochet provisional cast-on

The whole idea of a provisional cast on is of course that this is a temporary cast on. In the next couple of steps I will show you how to undo the cast on and free up the stitches for further knitting.

6. The side where you have created the crocheted chain, is the beginning. Loosen the yarn tail again and gently pull out the stitches of the chain.

7. Once a stitch of the project itself is released, catch it with your knitting needle. Note: In this example, I catch the stitches from the wrong side of the work from bottom to top. This releases the stitches in such a manner that their orientation on the needle will be twisted. If you catch the stitches from top to bottom instead, the orientation of the stitches will be as usual.

8. Pull for each stitch the waste yarn a bit more out of the work.

9. The last stitch might look like a weird half kind of stitch. Count your stitches to be sure that you have the correct number.

Now you can continue knitting on this side of the piece! Take care to see whether the stitches are positioned normal or twisted:

Left in this picture is the regular orientation, on the right, there is a twisted stitch on the needle. This is no problem though: Just knit (or purl) the twisted stitch through the back loop to untwist the stitch mount.

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tutorial: binding off when yarn has run out

Of course, you always make sure that you have enough yarn left to bind off your project. I myself like to weigh the amount of yarn each row or round uses when I’m nearing the end of the project (or yarn!). This way I can make sure I have enough left to bind off. Depending on the type of bind off I plan on using, I know I have to reserve about twice or three times the amount of the last row.

However, it won’t hurt to know more about binding off when yarn has run out, in case of emergency. You know, in that very rare situation that you have lost that game of yarn chicken… Mind you, this is really only an option in special cases, because this bind off tends to be quite tight. This lack of elasticity makes it not really suitable for things like neck openings of sweaters. I wouldn’t use it for projects to be blocked out significantly for best results, like lace, either.

Binding off when yarn has run out – step by step

1. In the picture below you can see that there is very little yarn left: Too little to bind off the normal way.

2. Slip the first stitch knit-wise from the left to the right needle.

3. Slip the next stitch from your left needle knit-wise to the right needle.

4. Pass the first slipped stitch on the right needle over the second stitch.

5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 until all stitches have been bound off.

6. As you can see in the picture above, there will be leftover yarn on the right while you have one last loop remaining on the left side. If the work must be joined in the round, you can connect it by pulling the remaining yarn through the last live stitch, securing the end by weaving it in. If the work will remain flat, you need about 10 cm of yarn from the yarn end to secure this last live stitch. Cut this length, pull it through the stitch and weave all the loose ends in.

Not ideal, but a good technique to know in case it is ever needed!

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tutorial – Solomon’s knot aka lover’s knot

Crochet the Solomon's knot - a tutorial by La Visch Designs

In this post, I want to introduce you to a very lovely crochet stitch: The Solomon’s knot stitch. This particular crochet stitch is also known as the “Lovers Knot.” This stitch is ideal for scarves and shawls with an open and airy structure.

The Solomon’s knot stitch gives a beautiful result when worked in a very thin yarn, as well as when it is made in a thicker yarn. And because the stitch is very “airy”, it also gives very quick results. Perfect for when you need a last minute present!

Do not be put off by the many steps, this stitch is easier than it seems!

Solomon’s knot step by step

In this example, I used a relatively thick acrylic yarn, to be able to show you well how to work it. However, as said, the result is also very nice when using a very thin and light fluffy yarn like a kid-silk type yarn. These instructions are written in American English crochet terminology.

Row 1

1. Crochet 2 chains.

2. Make a single crochet in the first stitch of the chain. Insert your hook under both loops of this first stitch.

3. Make the loop on the hook bigger, with this it is important to maintain a constant size. I used my finger to assist with this. Next, make a yarn over and loosely pull up a loop through the enlarged loop.

4. Insert the hook from front to back through the enlarged loop you just created. Yarn over and pull up a loop through the first loop on the hook. You now have two loops on your hook.

5. Again make a yarn over and pull through both loops on the needle. You have now created one elongated loop.

6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 for a multiple of 2 + 3 times. When starting with Step 2, insert the hook in the single crochet (the “knot”) that has been made last. In this example, I repeated steps 2 to 5 for a total of 7 times.

Row 2

7. Turn piece, skip the first four knots, insert the needle in the middle of the next knot (the fifth from the hook) and make 1 single crochet.

8. Make 2 elongated loops by working steps 3 to 5 as before, followed by steps 2 to 5 once more.

9. Skip 1 knot, insert the hook in the middle of the next knot and make 1 single crochet.

10. Repeat 8 and 9 until the end of the row, finish with 1 single crochet in the last knot.

Row 3

11. Make 2 elongated loops by working steps 3 to 5 as before, followed by steps 2 to 5 once more. Turn the piece.

12. Make 1 single crochet in the next knot.

13. Make 2 elongated loops by working steps 3 to 5 as before, followed by steps 2 to 5 once more. Skip 1 knot, insert the hook in the middle of the next knot and make 1 single crochet. Repeat this until the last knot of the previous row.

14. Make 2 elongated loops by working steps 3 to 5.

15. Then insert the hook into the knot of two rows below and make an extended loop. Then, make a yarn over and loosely pull up a loop through the enlarged loop. Next, repeat steps 4 and 5.

Row 4

16. Make 2 elongated loops by working steps 3 to 5 as before, followed by steps 2 to 5 once more. Turn the piece.

17. Skip 1 knot and crochet 1 single crochet in the next knot.

18. Repeat steps 16 and 17 until the end of the row, and finish the row with 1 single crochet in the last single crochet/knot.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until your work has the desired height.

And this is how to work the Solomon’s knot stitch!

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old school gaming hat

Old School Gaming Hat is a simple hat with a folded brim and fun stranded color work depicting old school gaming characters. With only two colors for the color work, this hat knits up super quick and is a great first stranded project for anyone who has never attempted this technique before.

This pattern contains instructions for three adult sizes when worked in an aran weight yarn. Use a DK or light worsted weight yarn instead for sizes suitable for children from 3 months old and upwards.

The Old School Gaming Hat is completely seamless and knitted from the bottom up. The color work pattern for the body of the hat is provided charted only. All other instructions are in written form

Pay what you want: (minimum €4.90)

€

Difficulty level

The Old School Gaming Hat is seamless and knit in the round from the bottom up. This pattern involves following a color chart and working in stranded knitting. An alternative technique for creating the design is to duplicate stitch this design onto the hat after knitting.

Stitches used include knit, purl, k2tog and the M1 increase. This pattern is suitable for the intermediate to advanced knitter.

Sizes and finished measurements

Adult sizes S (M, L) to fit size: 46-53 (53-60, 60-67) cm, 18-21 (21-24, 24-27) inches.
Children’s sizes 3M (6-12M, child-teen) to fit size: 33-38 (38-43, 43-48) cm, 13-15 (15-17, 17-19) inches.

Pattern details

Worked in the round
Gauge for adult sizes in aran weight yarn: 17 sts / 24 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) over stockinette, knit with larger needles and measured after blocking.
Gauge for children’s sizes in DK or light worsted weight yarn: 19 sts / 26 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) over stockinette, knit with larger needles and measured after blocking.
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie)
Digital PDF has 3 pages (A4 size)

Materials

Yarn: In the adult sized aran weight sample Peruvian Highland Wool by Filcolana [100% wool; 100 m (109 yds) per 50 g skein] was used. Substitute any wool aran weight yarn for a similar teen/adult sized result. For a child sized hat, choose a DK or light worsted weight yarn instead.
- Main color: 100 (125, 150) m (110 (135, 165) yds) / 50 (62, 75) g in gray.
- Contrast color 1: 21 (26, 32) m (22 (28, 33) yds) / 27 (30, 32) g in pink.
- Contrast color 2: 21 (26, 32) m (22 (28, 33) yds) / 27 (30, 32) g in yellow.
Needles in your preferred style for small circumference knitting in the round in the following sizes (or to match gauge):
- Adult sizes knit in aran weight yarn: Size 4 mm (US 6) and size 4.5 mm (US 7).
- Children’s sizes knit in DK or light worsted weight yarn: Size 3.5 mm (US 4) and size 4 mm (US 6).
Yarn needle
1 end-of-round stitch marker
3 (4, 5) differently colored stitch markers (optional)

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tutorial: horizontal 1-row buttonhole

Many projects are not really finished until buttons and buttonholes are added. A simple buttonhole for small buttons is made by making a yarnover, followed by knitting 2 stitches together. This decrease is needed to keep the total number of stitches the same. For larger buttons and a firmer and neater buttonhole I very much like a horizontal 1-row buttonhole, which basically is a buttonhole knitted over 1 row.

In this post, I’ll show you how to make such a buttonhole. If you want to try it yourself, be sure to practice first on a swatch. It may take a few times to make nice consistent buttonholes!

The horizontal 1-row buttonhole step by step

1. First, you must decide where you want to place the buttonhole and how big it should be. Make the buttonhole just big enough to be able to just pass your button through. Much bigger and it will loosen too easily, smaller and buttons are difficult to open and close. This is also a matter of trying out. In this example, I will be placing the buttonhole somewhere in the middle of the sample piece.

2. Once you get to the point where you want to begin the buttonhole, bring your yarn between the needles to the front. Then slip 1 stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle. Next, bring the yarn to the back of the work again.

3. Slip 1 stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle.

4. Pass the second stitch on your right needle over the first stitch.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as often as necessary to get the correct number of cast-off stitches for the size button chosen. In this example I repeated steps 3 and 4 twice.

6. Now slip the first stitch from the right needle back to the left needle.

7. Turn your work and pull the yarn tight to prevent holes and loose stitches next to the buttonhole.

8. Now cast-on stitches, for example by knitting them on, or by using the backward-loop method. Cast-on the number of stitches you have cast-off earlier, plus 1 extra. In the example I cast-on a total of 4 stitches.

9. Turn piece again and slip the first stitch purl-wise from your left to your right needle.

10. Pass the second stitch on your right needle (the last cast-on extra stitch) over the first stitch.

11. Now slip the first stitch from your right needle back to the left needle and continue knitting according to your pattern.

And this is how your horizontal 1-row buttonholehole will look:

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enigma

Enigma is a cozy layering piece, perfect for those times that you just want to wrap up in warm woolens. With its easy construction and textured stitch patterns, Enigma is an interesting but relaxing knit.

Pay what you want: (minimum €7.10)

€

Difficulty level

Stitches used include knit, purl, k2tog, skp, yo and a centered double decrease. This pattern is suitable for the beginning knitter.

Sizes and finished measurements

This pattern includes 5 sizes: XS (S/M, L/XL, 2XL/3XL, 4XL). For more sizing information, please see the data page in the picture gallery below. The pattern is written for an over-sized relaxed fit. Instructions are included to customize the fit of the garment.

Pattern details

Worked flat
Written for a gauge of approx. 14 sts / 20 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) over in Double Moss stitch using larger size needles, after blocking.
Pattern languages included: English and Dutch (Dit patroon omvat zowel een Nederlandse als een Engelse versie).
Digital PDF has 4 pages in the English version and 5 in the Dutch version (A4 size)

Materials

720 (790, 840, 850, 900) m (790 (860, 915, 930, 980) yards) / 360 (395, 420, 425, 450) g or 8 (8,9,9,9) balls of Ístex Létt-Lopi [100 % wool, 100 m (109 yards) per 50 gram skein]. Substitute any aran weight single ply type yarn for a similar result.
Size 4.5 mm (US 7) / 80 cm (32 inches) circular needle (because of the large number of stitches) or size needed to obtain gauge and a size 4 mm (US 6) / 80 cm (32 inches) circular needle.
Yarn needle
Waste yarn for provisional cast on and holding stitches
2 stitch markers
Crochet hook equivalent to the smaller size knitting needles (optional – for seaming using sl st only)

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tutorial – stripes in crochet

Stripes in crochet - a tutorial by La Visch Designs

Making stripes is the simplest way to use color in your project. This way you can give it that little bit extra. This works especially well with a simple stitch pattern, such as single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet. But what are the things to pay attention to when making stripes in crochet?

In this post, I will tell and show you some things with respect to striping technique in crochet. Please note that American crochet terminology is used in this tutorial.

Changing colors the tidy way

When you crochet your rows as usual and switch colors after completion of a row, you will see that a bit of the old color appears in the new row. To prevent this, do the following:

1. Crochet to the very end of your row, but do not complete the very last stitch. In this example of hdc fabric, it means that I have three loops left on the hook and have not finished this last stitch by pulling the yarn through these stitches.

2. Next, pick up the yarn in your other color and pull through the last loops to complete the stitch.

Stripes in crochet without breaking your yarn

Weaving in ends is something most people do not find pleasure in. Therefore, it is good to know that it is also possible to crochet stripes without breaking the yarn. To do this, you just let the yarn in the color you are not using for that stripe alongside the edge of the work. This method works best with an even number of rows and using only two colors.

1. Work as usual until the end of your row, but do not complete the final stitch as described above. Pick up the other colored yarn from the side of the work, where you left it. Finish the last stitch with the new color. Make sure not to pull this thread too tight!

2. In the case of a wider stripe, you do not want your contrast color yarn to form a long loop on the edge of your piece. To avoid this, do the following: Whenever both colors of yarn are on the same side of your work, you twist them. This “catches” the thread of contrasting color behind that of the color where you are currently working with.

3. When switching to another color, do it the same way as described above under 1.

And this is how to work stripes in crochet!

One last tip: Only crochet stripes without breaking the yarn if the stripes are not too wide. With wider stripes, it can be difficult to keep the tension of the thread running along on the side just right. Often it just gets too tight or too loose. The result in these cases is usually better if you indeed just break the yarn.

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tutorial: contrast in color

It seems so simple, but contrast in color really is a thing for color work projects: one combination of colors can very much differ from the other. One aspect of color theory in relation to knitting and crochet consists of the contrast of the colors chosen. You can go for big contrasts, or just for subtle differences if you so desire.

But how can you tell what kind of contrast you have with the yarns and colors chosen?

Luckily there is a very handy trick to determine whether a particular color combination has big contrast or only a little. To do so, just take a photo of the yarns together and make the picture black and white!

Take for example the yarns below, quite different from each other, don’t you think?

Contrast in color - a tutorial by La Visch Designs

The black and white version, however, tells a different tale!

It turns out that the light blue version combined with the lilac hardly differ in contrast. This means that when you combine both in a project, the colors won’t really “pop”. An excellent choice, if that is your intention. If on the contrary a lot of contrast is desired, the dark blue combined with the light blue or the lilac would be a far better choice.

Try finding the contrast in color out for yourself!

Want to try some simple color work yourself? Take a look at the Pijl hat (also pictured above) and the Bloem hat!

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tutorial: Russian bind-off

You probably already know that there are many different ways to bind off. A problem that sometimes occurs is that the bind off too tight. That is when you get the sweaters were no head fits through the neck opening, or those toe-up knitted socks where no foot can be put in and lace shawls that can’t be blocked out to reveal their patterning.

Of course, you can choose to go up in needle size when binding off. However, a too loose bind off is not pretty either… What to do? In these cases, my go-to bind off is the Russian bind-off. This is an elegant way to get a very elastic edge on your piece. This is often important to me because I knit a lot of lace shawls.

In patterns you may encounter the following instructions for this type of bind off:
Russian bind-off: K1, * k1, slip stitches from right-hand back to left-hand needle and k2tog tbl. Repeat from * to end.

The Russian bind-off step by step

1. Knit the first stitch.

2. Knit the next stitch

3. Slip the two stitches on your right-hand needle back to your left-hand needle.

4. Knit these two stitches together through the back loop.

5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 until you have reached the end. The result on a piece in stockinette stitch will look like this:

Tip

The Russian bind-off can for example also be used to bind off in rib pattern. You only need to adjust step 2 of the above instructions: Knit the knit stitches that you encounter and purl the purl stitches. That’s all there is to it!

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national spinning day 2015

October 3^rd it was the Dutch National Spinning Day again, also affectionately called LSD which is short for “Nationale Spin Dag”. Over 200 women and some men traveled to Conference center Mennorode with their spindles and spinning wheels to spend a day together. And yours truly was there as well for the very first time!

The national spinning day is organized annually by The Dutch National Spinning Group. The Spinning Group brings spinners in contact with one another since 1999 and also collects and provides information about spinning materials, techniques and the further processing of spun yarns.

Preparation

First, I had to think about which spinning wheel I would take with me. I first thought of my beautiful Saxony wheel Noortje. But Noortje does not quite fit in my car and is somewhat temperamental to spin on. So better to go for one of my trusty castle wheels “schippertje”.

Of course, a decision also had to be made on the spinning project to bring. After some deep digging into my stash, I found these gorgeous self-carded batts: A blend of gray and blue merino, blended with tussah silk.

It’s LSD time!

Because all the fun would start around 9.00 in the morning, the alarm was put on the usual weekday schedule. After a quick breakfast, I left my husband and children to dedicate my day to everything related to spinning. Of course my schippertje first had to be secured in my car. Then I went on my way to Mennorode in Elspeet!

After having installed myself in the main conference room, I took a good look around me: So many different spinning wheels! The hall was soon completely filled, with an amazing number of spinning people together, truly a sight to behold.

After the opening, there was first a market with all kinds of spinning supplies. I had not realized that it would only be possible to use cash there. That got me in somewhat of a pickle: so many things and no means to bring it home with me! Fortunately, the reception of Mennorode was able to help me out, so I could buy the things that made my spinners heart beat a little faster.

After lunch, which was very good indeed, there were workshops for those who had subscribed. I myself just decided to socialize and spin with the other ladies. I had loads of fun and managed to get quite a bit of spinning done.

All in all a very nice National Spinning Day, I’m going again next year for sure!

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