Helen Mao - Nifty Knitting for Teens & Tweens: Learn to Knit Easy, Fun, and Funky Knitting Projects Using Easy to Follow Instructions & Images

Nifty Knitting for Teens & Tweens Learn to Knit Easy, Fun & Funky Knitting Projects Using Easy to Follow Instructions & Images

Introduction

If youve already mastered the basic techniques of knitting (i.e., the knit stitch, the purl stitch, casting on, and casting off), then you are more than ready to tackle the projects described in this book. These projects include: A pair of multi-colored hand warmers A phone cozy An infinity scarf A braided headband With each of these projects, youll build on your basic knitting knowledge. You will learn simple new techniques that make your finished product look advanced but actually are easy to execute. Variety is the spice of life, and youll be working with different weights of yarn and types of needles as well! Any time you are unsure of a knitting term or technique, look it up on the internet: knitting websites and YouTube demonstrations can be incredibly helpful resources. Dont be intimidatedall of these projects provide endless, effortless fun. Are you ready?

Chapter 1: Multicolored Hand Warmers

Cozy and convenient, they keep hands toasty while leaving fingers free to move and complete tasks unencumbered. Get things done without sacrificing comfort! These hand warmers are perfect to wear while texting on the phone, typing at the computer, holding a book and turning pages while reading, practicing the piano, taking ballet class, etc. With this project, youll learn how to change yarn colors, execute a Make One (M1) stitch, and cast on stitches in the middle of a row. Gather the following supplies: one skein (at most 5 ounces, 251 yards) of medium worsted weight (4) yarn in Color A for the pieces body. Acrylic, acrylic-wool blend, or wool is fine. a half skein of medium worsted weight (4) yarn in Color B (contrasting color) for the pieces ribbing one pair of size 8 straight knitting needles two stitch markers one tapestry needle row counter (optional) T his one-size-fits -all pattern is suitable for the average teen/adult.

Feel free to adjust it (length-wise, width-wise) if you wish. Each hand warmers finished circumference at the upper and lower edges is about seven inches. The finished length from the top edge to the bottom edge is about nine and a half inches. Be sure to check your gauge. The gauge for this pattern is 18 stitches by 16 rows equaling about four square inches in stockinette stitch. If you end up needing to knit fewer stitches and rows to make a four-inch square, try using smaller size needles.

If you end up needing to knit more stitches and rows to make a four-inch square, try using a larger size needle This pattern can be used for both the left-hand and right-hand fingerless mittens. However, if you want the side seam to be positioned under each hand when you wear the finished mitten, then use these directions for the hand/thumb gusset section of the left - hand warmer: Step 1: Cast on 28 stitches in Color B. Step 2: Create the bottom ribbing by working in K2, P2 (rib stitch) for 6 rows (about one inch). Step 3: Change Yarn Colors: change to Color A yarn. Hold the finished ribbing as if you are going to knit your next row. S tart knitting with the right needle but use Color A yarn, not Color B yarn. A s you pull the loop of Color A through, dont pull it too hard as you may end up pulling Color A yarn off the right needle. A s you pull the loop of Color A through, dont pull it too hard as you may end up pulling Color A yarn off the right needle.

Tip: Hold onto the tails of both Colors A and B as while knitting the first few stitches in Color A. C omplete the first knit stitch in Color Ait becomes the first stitch on the right needle.