To Have and To Hold

Welcome Home Baby Blanket

Designed by Ellen Harvey

Wrap your newborn in this lovely lacy yet warm welcome blanket. The size is perfect for carrying or for using in a car seat or pram. Beware: This could easily become baby’s security blanket.

• Finished Measurements: 22"/56 cm wide and 27¹⁄₂"/70 cm long
• Yarn: Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, 100% superwash extra fine merino wool, 485 yds (443 m)/8.8 oz (250 g), Natural
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles or size you need to obtain correct gauge
• Gauge: 19¹⁄₂ stitches and 26 rows = 4"/10 cm in Traveling Leaf pattern, blocked
• Other Supplies: Yarn needle

Pattern Essentials

Traveling Leaf (multiple of 12 stitches plus 5)

Row 1 and all odd-numbered rows (WS): Purl.

Rows 2 and 4 (RS): K2, *k1, yo, k3, k2tog, k1, ssk, k3, yo; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3.

Rows 6 and 8: K2, *k1, ssk, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3.

Repeat Rows 1–8 for pattern.

Seed Stitch (worked over an odd number of stitches)

Row 1: *K1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Repeat Row 1 for pattern.

Knitting the Blanket

• Cast on 107 stitches. Work seed stitch for 5 rows, beginning and ending with a WS row.
• Keeping the first 3 and last 3 stitches in seed stitch as established, work Traveling Leaf pattern over center 101 stitches until piece measures 26³⁄₄"/68 cm from cast on, or ³⁄₄"/2 cm less than desired length.

  Traveling Leaf

  
• Work seed stitch for 5 rows.

Finishing

• Bind off all stitches. Weave in ends. Block.

Granny’s Little Diamond Lace Blankie

Designed by Myrna A. I. Stahman

This blankie, knit circularly from the center out using a simple six-round lace diamond design, is just the right size for Granny to use when cuddling and rocking a grandchild.

• Finished Measurements: 30"/76 cm square, blocked
• Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ecological Wool, 100% undyed Peruvian Highland wool, 478 yds (437 m)/8.8oz (250 g), Color 8010 Ecru
• Needles: Set of US 6–10 (4–6 mm) double-point needles and same-size circular needle 24"/60 cm long or size you need to obtain correct gauge (Blankie shown was made by a relaxed knitter using size US 6 [4 mm] needles.)
• Gauge: 13 stitches and 21 rows = 4"/10 cm in Diamond Lace pattern, washed and blocked
• Other Supplies: Stitch markers, yarn needle
• Special Abbreviations: Sk2p slip 1 kwise, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over — 2 stitches decreased
  • S2kp: slip 2 kwise, k1, pass 2 slipped stitches over — 2 stitches decreased

Knitting the Blankie

• Using double-point needles and a circular method (see page 290), cast on 8 stitches and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Knit 1 round.
• Work Rounds 1–16 of Diamond Lace chart, working four repeats in each round, and increasing as shown. You now have 80 stitches: 20 stitches each in four sections.

  Diamond Lace

  
• Work Rounds 17–22 of chart, working the 8-stitch pattern repeat once in each section. You now have 112 stitches: 28 stitches each in four sections.
• Changing to circular needle when appropriate, repeat Rounds 17–22 until piece is almost the desired finished size, ending with Round 22 and leaving enough yarn to work 6 rounds of the seed stitch border and the bind off.

Notes: Each time you repeat Rounds 17–22 there are enough new stitches to work the 8-stitch repeat one more time. For example, the second time you work Rounds 17–22 there are enough stitches to work the 8-stitch repeat twice, then when you repeat these rounds again there are enough stitches to work the repeat three times, and so on. The blankie shown worked Rounds 17–22 nine times for a total of 70 chart rounds, and used almost the entire skein of yarn.

Knitting the Border

• Place a marker at the end of each section if you have not already done so; take care that the markers do not slip underneath any yarnovers at the corners.
• Round 1: (Yo, *k1, p1; repeat from * to 2 stitches before marker, k1, yo, k1, slip marker) four times — 8 stitches increased: 2 stitches in each section.
• Round 2: (*K1, p1; repeat from * to 2 stitches before marker, k2, slip marker) four times.
• Round 3: (Yo, *p1, k1; repeat from * to 2 stitches before marker, p1, yo, k1, slip marker) four times — 8 stitches increased: 2 stitches in each section.
• Round 4: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end.
• Rounds 5 and 6: Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 once more — 8 stitches increased: 2 stitches in each section.
• Bind off all stitches in seed stitch pattern without increasing at the corners.

Finishing

• Weave in ends. Wash and block.
  

Lacy Pig Buddy

Designed by Julie L. Anderson

This delightful blanket buddy is a quick knit. It uses a simple yarnover technique for the body, and the rest is stockinette stitch. Embroidered eyes and nostrils make this safe for even the youngest babies.

• Finished Measurements: Body: 11"/28 cm wide and 10"/25.5 cm tall
• Head: approximately 5"/12.5 cm wide and 4"/10 cm tall
• Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash, 100% superwash wool, 220 yds (200 m)/3.5 oz (100 g), Color 835 Pink
• Needles: US 8 (5 mm) straight needles or size you need to obtain correct gauge and set of four US 5 (3.75 mm) double-point needles
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4"/10 cm in stockinette stitch on larger needles
• Other Supplies: Stitch marker, polyester fiberfill or other stuffing material, yarn needle, scraps of black yarn for features

Knitting the Blanket

• Using straight needles cast on 46 stitches.
• Rows 1 and 2: Knit.
• Row 3: K1, *yo, k1; repeat from * to last stitch, k1. You now have 90 stitches.
• Row 4: K1, purl to last stitch, k1.
• Row 5: K1, *k2tog; repeat from * to last stitch, k1. You now have 46 stitches.
• Rows 6 and 7: K1, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
• Rows 8 and 9: Knit.
• Repeat Rows 3–9 nine more times (do not repeat Rows 1 and 2). Note: Because the pattern repeat contains an odd number of rows the fabric will look similar on both sides and does not have defined RS and WS rows.
• Next Row: Bind off 11 stitches, knit until there are 23 stitches on right-hand needle after previous bind off, bind off 12 stitches. Cut yarn and pull through last stitch. You now have 23 stitches.

Knitting the Head

• Next Row (RS): Kfb in each stitch. You now have 46 stitches.
• Place 23 stitches onto each of two double-point needles by placing the first stitch onto Needle 1, the second stitch onto Needle 2, the third stitch onto Needle 1, the fourth stitch onto Needle 2, and so on. From this point on, the head is worked in the round on two needles. If you want, you can redistribute the stitches on more than two double-point needles as the head grows.
• With RS still facing, place marker and begin working in the round.
• Round 1: Knit.
• Round 2: (Kfb, k21, kfb) twice. You now have 50 stitches.
• Round 3: Knit.
• Round 4: (Kfb, k23, kfb) twice. You now have 54 stitches.
• Round 5: Knit.
• Round 6: (Kfb, k25, kfb) twice. You now have 58 stitches.
• Rounds 7–20: Knit.
• Round 21: (Ssk, k25, k2tog) twice. You now have 54 stitches.
• Round 22: Knit.
• Round 23: (Ssk, k23, k2tog) twice. You now have 50 stitches.
• Round 24: Knit.
• Round 25: (Ssk, k21, k2tog) twice. You now have 46 stitches.
• Round 26: Knit.
• Round 27: (Ssk, k19, k2tog) twice. You now have 42 stitches.
• Round 28: (Ssk, k17, k2tog) twice. You now have 38 stitches.
• Round 29: (Ssk, k15, k2tog) twice. You now have 34 stitches.
• Round 30: (Ssk, k13, k2tog) twice. You now have 30 stitches.
• Round 31: (Ssk, k11, k2tog) twice. You now have 26 stitches.
• Lightly stuff the head. If they are not already on two needles, place stitches on two needles with 13 stitches on each needle. Join live stitches at top of head with Kitchener stitch (see page 293). Weave in ends.

Knitting the Snout

• With double-point needles, cast on 21 stitches. Divide evenly onto three needles. Mark the first stitch and join into a round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
• Rounds 1–4: Knit.
• Round 5: Purl.
• Round 6: (K5, k2tog) three times. You now have 18 stitches.
• Round 7: (K4, k2tog) three times. You now have 15 stitches.
• Round 8: (K3, k2tog) three times. You now have 12 stitches.
• Round 9: (K2, k2tog) three times. You now have 9 stitches.
• Cut yarn, leaving an 8"/20.5 cm tail. Thread tail onto yarn needle and draw through remaining stitches; pull up snugly and secure. Stuff snout lightly and sew to middle of head. Weave in ends.

Knitting the Ears (make 2)

• With double-point needles, cast on 24 stitches, leaving a long tail for seaming, and divide evenly on three needles. Mark the first stitch and join into a round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
• Rounds 1 and 2: Knit.
• Round 3: (Ssk, k8, k2tog) twice. You now have 20 stitches.
• Round 4: Knit.
• Round 5: (Ssk, k6, k2tog) twice. You now have 16 stitches.
• Round 6: Knit.
• Round 7: (Ssk, k4, k2tog) twice. You now have 12 stitches.
• Round 8: Knit.
• Round 9: (Ssk, k2, k2tog) twice. You now have 8 stitches.
• Round 10: (Ssk, k2tog) twice. You now have 4 stitches.
• Cut yarn, leaving a 6"/15 cm tail. Thread tail onto yarn needle and draw through remaining stitches; pull up snugly and secure. Use beginning tail to neatly sew the ears to the head, using the decreases along the sides of the head as a guide.

Finishing

• Using a small amount of black yarn, embroider eyes and nostrils, using the photo as a guide. Weave in all ends.

Meg’s Doll Ensemble

Designed by Diana Foster

Most girls can’t get have too many outfits for their dolls, and this ensemble of hat, shawl, and leg warmers is sure to please. The clothes fit a standard 18-inch doll.

• Finished Measurements: To fit an 18"/45.5 cm doll
• Yarn: Brown Sheep Company Wildfoote Luxury Sock, 75% washable wool/25% nylon, 215 yds (197 m)/1.75 oz (50 g), Color SY800 Sonatina
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) circular needles: two 24"/60 cm or one 40"/100 cm, or a set of four US 3 (3.25 mm) double-point needles or size you need to obtain correct gauge. See note below.
• Gauge: 28 stitches and 53 rows = 4"/10 cm in garter stitch
• Other Supplies: Yarn needle, stitch marker

Note: Circular pieces may be knit with the magic loop method (see page 295) on one long circular needle, on two circulars, or on four double-point needles.

Knitting the Shawl

• Cast on 3 stitches.
• Row 1: Yo, k3. You now have 4 stitches.
• Row 2: Yo, k4. You now have 5 stitches.
• Row 3: Yo, k2tog, yo, k3. You now have 6 stitches.
• Row 4: Yo, k2tog, yo, knit to end of row — 1 stitch increased.
• Rows 5–89: Repeat Row 4 eighty-five more times. You now have 92 stitches; piece is approximately 6³⁄₄"/17 cm long.

Knitting the Top Edging

• Row 1 (Eyelet Row): K2, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * to end of row.
• Rows 2 and 3: Knit.
• Cast on 3 stitches onto left-hand needle and work 3-stitch I-cord bind off (see page 292) until only 3 I-cord stitches remain; piece is approximately 7"/18 cm long. Cut yarn and thread tail onto yarn needle; draw through last 3 stitches, pull up snugly and secure. Weave in end.

Knitting the Tie

• Cast on 3 stitches and work I-cord (see page 292) for 6"/ 15 cm. Cut yarn and thread tail onto yarn needle; draw through last 3 stitches, pull up snugly and secure. Weave in end. Thread I-cord through yarnover holes at each end of Eyelet Row and tie as shown.

Knitting the Hat

Cast on 70 stitches. Place marker and join into a round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

Knitting the Picot Edge

• Work in stockinette stitch for 1"/2.5 cm.
• Picot Round: *Yo, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round.
• Work in stockinette stitch for 1"/2.5 cm.

Knitting the Lace

• Round 1: *Yo, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round.
• Rounds 2–4: Knit.
• Repeat Rounds 1–4 four more times, then knit every round until piece measures 3¹⁄₂"/9 cm from Picot Round.

Shaping the Crown

• Round 1: K1, *k2tog, k1; repeat from * to end of round. You now have 47 stitches.
• Round 2: Knit.
• Round 3: K1, *k2tog; repeat from * to end of round. You now have 24 stitches.
• Round 4: Knit.
• Rounds 5–7: *K2tog; repeat from * to end of round. You now have 3 stitches after Round 7.

Finishing

• Work 3-stitch I-cord for 2"/5 cm. Cut yarn and thread tail onto yarn needle; draw through last 3 stitches, pull up snugly and secure. Weave in end. Tie a knot at the base of the I-cord. Fold hem to WS along Picot Round and slipstitch in place to the inside. Weave in ends.

Knitting the Leg Warmers (make 2)

• Cast on 36 stitches. Place marker and join into a round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

Knitting the Bottom Rib

• Round 1: *(K1 tbl) twice, p2; repeat from * to end of round.
• Repeat Round 1 until piece measures 1"/2.5 cm.

Knitting the Lace

• Rounds 1–3: Knit.
• Round 4: *Yo, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round.
• Repeat Rounds 1–4 four more times, then work Rounds 1–3 once more.

Knitting the Top Rib

• Work as for bottom rib for 1"/2.5 cm.
• Bind off all stitches. Weave in ends.