Techniques

Knitting and Crochet

Crochet

Some projects require very simple crochet using a crochet hook. Always start by creating a slip knot and then crochet a chain to the length specified in the pattern.

Knitting abbreviations

Abbreviations are used in knitting patterns to shorten commonly used terms so that the instructions are easier to read and a manageable length. The following is a list of the abbreviations you need to make the projects in this book. All knitting patterns in this book use UK terminology. The table below lists the most common differences between US and UK knitting terms.

beg beginning

cm centimetre(s)

cont continue

dec(s) decrease/decreasing

DK double knitting

dpn(s) double-pointed needles

g gram(s)

inc increase(s)/increasing

in(s) inch(es)

k knit

k2tog knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)

kf&b knit into front and back of stitch (1 stitch increased)

LH left hand

m1 make 1 (1 stitch increased)

MB make bobble

mm millimetres

oz ounces

p purl

patt(s) pattern(s)

prev previous

psso pass slipped stitches over

p2tog purl 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)

rem remain/remaining

rep(s) repeat(s)

RH right hand

rnd round

RS right side

sl slip

sl st slip stitch

sp(s) space(s)

st st stocking (stockinette) stitch (1 row k, 1 row p)

st(s) stitch(es)

tbl through back of loop

tog together

WS wrong side

yon yarn over needle

* repeat directions following * as many times as indicated or to end of row

( ) repeat instructions in round brackets

Knitting terms

UK term	US term
stocking stitch	stockinette stitch
cast off	bind off
tension	gauge

cast on

knit stitch

knit stitch (continental)

purl stitch

purl stitch continental

knitting in the round

grafting

Working from right to left, insert the tapestry needle from the back of the work through the first stitch on each edge and pull the yarn through. Continue in this way, forming a new row of stitches.

I-cord

1. Cast on a small number of stitches on a circular or double-pointed needle. Push the stitches to the other end of the needle and turn the needle, so the first stitch you’ll knit is the first one you cast on.

2. Knit the stitches, making sure you pull the yarn tight for the first stitch. Move the stitches to the other end of the needle. Repeat this process until the i-cord is the desired length.

k2tog

p2tog

kf&b

m1 (to the left)

m1 (to the right)

casting off

Sewing

Basic stitches

When sewing by hand choose a needle that matches the thickness of the thread you are using, so the thread passes easily through the fabric. All stitches can be started with a knot on the back of the work and finished off neatly at the back, usually with backstitch.

backstitch

running stitch

cross stitch

blanket stitch

French knot

whip stitch (oversew)

hem stitch

ladder stitch

slip stitch

topstitch

Beading

Half hitch knot

Take the needle behind a thread between beads and pull through leaving a loop. Pass the needle back through the loop and pull up to make the half-hitch. Work a second half hitch a few beads along for extra security, applying a drop of jewellery glue before trimming the tail.

Overhand knot

Cross the tail over the main thread to make a small loop, then pass the tail under the thread and back through the loop. Pull on each end of the thread to tighten the knot. You can manoeuvre the knot into position with a tapestry needle.