Percival Kris - Knitting: Reference to Go: 25 Chic and Easy Patterns

Text 2005 by Kris Percival
Photographs 2005 by Sheri Giblin
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Design by Melissa Tioleco-Cheng
Typeset in Suburban & Adobe Garamond

eISBN: 978-1-4521-3371-3

The Library of Congress has previously cataloged this title under
ISBN 0-8118-4678-4

Chronicle Books LLC
680 Second Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
www.chroniclebooks.com

for easy navigating

WEVE INCLUDED COLOR-CODING ON THE RIGHT EDGE OF EACH PROJECT TO INDICATE WHAT SORT OF PROJECT IT IS:

THE NUMBER OF SEMICIRCLES INDICATES THE LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY. YOULL FIND PROJECTS RANGING FROM ONE SEMICIRCLE (EASY) TO FIVE SEMICIRCLES (ADVANCED).

Kris Percival lives and knits in Brooklyn. She is the author of Knitting Pretty and Knit Knack Kit, both published by Chronicle Books.

One of the best things about knitting is its portability. All you need is some yarn, needles, and a pattern and youre set. And here to make things even simpler is Knitting: Reference to Go. Each of the 25 patterns is paired with a gorgeous color photo of the finished project, step-by-step directions (minus those confusing abbreviations that have scared off more than one beginner), and a list of the yarn and tools you will need for that specific project.

In terms of the patterns themselves, theres something here for everyone. Whether youre a knitting know-it-all or a brand-new beginner, youll find patterns ranging from easy-as-pie to challenging. And the beauty of this book is that you can start with the simpler patterns and, as you build confidence, move on to the more difficult patterns. There are small, quick projects such as High-Top Baby Booties or Infant Mittens for that friend whos expecting. There are fun, whimsical projects such as the Soft-Weave Belt and Chenille Pillow. And there are also special projects that take a little longer and give you a chance to stretch your skills, like the Ribbon-Tie Cardigan or Womens Mohair Hoodie. And of course Knitting: Reference to Go is filled with plenty of fun fashions you can make for yourself. Work up the Seed Stitch Mittens & Scarf Set to complement your winter coat, or knit up a Circle Wrap to reinvigorate that much-loved cocktail dress. Whatever your mood, Knitting: Reference to Go provides an option.

Of course we realize that someday you may want to venture beyond the scope of Knitting: Reference to Go, and with this in mind weve included knitting abbreviations and helpful terms below.

Abbreviations

Some helpful terms

Difficulty level 1

Knit with soft, super-warm merino wool, this scarf will keep you toasty on the coldest of winter nights. Its even long enough to wrap twice around your head and neck.

• 340 yards soft wool worsted weight yarn
• 1 pair size 8 needles
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Yarn needle

Gauge should be about 4 stitches per inch in broken rib pattern on size 8 needles. Knit the first few inches of the scarf to make sure your gauge matches. If it does not, change your needle size to achieve the right gauge and start again. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.

1. Cast on 32 stitches, leaving a 6-inch tail of yarn to weave in later.
2. Rows 15: Work in knit 2, purl 2 ribbing to the end of the row.
3. Rows 610: Work in purl 2, knit 2 ribbing to the end of the row.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until scarf measures 66 inches.
5. Bind off in pattern.
6. Using your yarn needle, weave in and trim loose ends.

FINISHED DIMENSIONS : approximately 7 by 66 inches

Triple the width of the scarf to make a long, cozy wrap.

YARN CREDIT : Debbie Bliss Merino Aran, 100% merino wool (50 grams, 86 yards). Color: #601

Difficulty level 1

These soft, ribbon-style belts provide a lovely accent for low-rise jeans or pants. Theyll stretch a little, so think of them more as a fashion accessory than as a means to hold up your trousers. The pattern uses needles that are smaller than typically used for the yarn in order to create a tighter weave.

• 95 yards mercerized cotton light worsted weight yarn for each belt
• 1 pair size 1 needles
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Yarn needle
• Two 1-inch D-rings for each belt

FOR RIBBED BELT

Gauge should be 11 stitches per 1 inches in ribbed pattern on size 1 needles, with ribbing relaxed. Knit the first few inches of the belt to make sure your gauge matches. If it does not, change your needle size to achieve the right gauge and start again. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.