Stitch Guide: Old Shale II

Just like with feather and fan you can add a purl ridge into old shale.  This can add texture to your knit piece and can make the knitted fabric look very different.  This segment is short, but if you want more info on how purl ridges change the look of a knitted fabric check out my posts on Feather and Fan II and III.  A lot of the same principals apply to Old Shale; the stitch pattern is exactly the same as feather and fan you are only changing the method of increasing. 

Remember all our feather and fan and old shale stitch patterns are written for a multiple of 18 stitches.  

Old Shale With a Purl Ridge

Worked Flat

R1: *(K2tog) 3x, (M1, K1) 6x, (K2tog) 3x*

R2: Purl All Stitches

R3: Purl All Stitches

R4: Purl All Stitches

Worked in the Round

R1: *(K2tog) 3x, (M1, K1) 6x, (K2tog) 3x*

R2: Knit All Stitches

R3: Purl All Stitches

R4: Knit All Stitches

Feather and fan, Feather and Fan II, Feather and Fan III

Old Shale, Old Shale II

Stitch Guide: Old Shale

We've been knitting a lot of feather and fan lately and it's time to change it up.  This stitch is called Old Shale and it is the more masculine version of feather and fan.  To achieve this stitch pattern you are essential knitting feather and fan, but you are swapping yarn overs (YO) for make ones (M1).  

What's a make one?  A make one is an increase that allows you to maintain a solid fabric.  With old shale you still get the ripple effect with out the lacy look of feather and fan.  This is what makes it a great stitch for someone who isn't into eyelets. 

How does one execute a make one (M1).  It's really simple here's what you do:

Using your left hand needle pick up the bar that runs between the stitches in the row below from the back .

Knit into the bar on the left hand needle making sure that the bar twists into a new stitch. 

Ta Da! You just increased one stitch with a M1 increase.  Easy Peasy.   Now on to the stitch pattern!

Just a quick reminder all feather and fan stitch patterns are written for a multiple of 18 stitches.  The same goes for old shale.  

Old Shale (a more masculine lace)

Worked Flat

R1: *(K2tog) 3x, (M1, K1) 6x, (K2tog) 3x*

R2: Purl All Stitches

R3: Knit All Stitches

R4: Purl All Stitches

Worked in the Round

R1: *(K2tog) 3x, (M1, K1) 6x, (K2tog) 3x*

R2: Knit All Stitches

R3: Knit All Stitches

R4: Knit All Stitches

Don't forget our other F&F stitch Patterns

Feather and Fan, Feather and Fan II, And Feather and Fan III

Stitch Guide: Feather and Fan III

In our last installment of the feather and fan stitch we added a purl ridge to our stitch pattern.  Today we are going to add a purl ridge every 7th row.  This breaks up the pattern into an eight row repeat instead of a four row repeat, and gives the stitch pattern a whole new look.  Lets take a look at version II and Version III next to each other.

Version II on left, version III on right.

Spacing the purl ridge out over 8 rows instead of 4 gives the pattern a whole new look and feel.  There are more rows of stockinette between the purl ridge which makes the ripples look wider.  It also makes the swatch look longer because there is more space between each purl ridge.  The fabric created also has more drape than in version II which is constricted by the purl rows and has less stockinette.  

Now on to the stitch pattern.  Remember feather and fan is worked over a multiple of 18 stitches. 

Worked Flat

R1: *(K2tog) 3x, (YO, K1) 6x, (K2tog) 3x*

R2: Purl All Stitches

R3: Knit All Stitches

R4: Purl All Stitches

R5: Repeat Row 1

R6-R8: Purl All stitches

Worked in the Round

R1: *(K2tog) 3x, (YO, K1) 6x, (K2tog) 3x*

R2: Knit All Stitches

R3: Knit All Stitches

R4: Knit All Stitches

R5: Knit Row 1

R6: Knit all Stitches

R7: Purl all Stitches

R8: Knit all Stitches

Feather and Fan, Feather and Fan II, Feather and Fan III

Stitch Guide: Feather and Fan II

There are many was to knit Feather and fan as well as many different variations on this lace stitch.  The one we will be discussing today has a purl ridge in the stitch pattern.  One small change can have a big impact on the look of the stitch and can gives that pattern a whole different feel.  Unlike the plain ol' feather and fan stitch this one has texture.  The purl ridge is accomplished by changing one row in the pattern.  The lace row is the same, it's the third row that changes.  

Note: Like previously mentioned all Feather and Fan stitch patterns are written for a multiple of 18 stitches

Feather and Fan with a Purl Ridge

Worked Flat

R1: *(K2tog) 3x, (YO, K1) 6x, (K2tog) 3x*

R2: Purl All Stitches

R3: Purl All Stitches

R4: Purl All Stitches

Worked in the Round

R1: *(K2tog) 3x, (YO, K1) 6x, (K2tog) 3x*

R2: Knit All Stitches

R3: Purl All Stitches

R4: Knit All Stitches

Other Feather and Fan posts:

Stitch Guide: Feather and Fan

Stitch Guide: Feather and Fan

Feather and Fan, it’s one of those old stand by knitting stitches, a great introduction to lace knitting, and it looks impressive with out making a knitters eyes go crosswise looking at charts.  Why is it that this lace stitch is the gate way drug of lace knitting?  Is it because of the easy to remember row repeat, or the simplicity of the decrease and increase, or is it because it only has one lace row and three “easy” rows?  Could it be that the increase and decreases are set up in such a manner that you can easily grasp the concept of how a lace stitch moves and is built?  Yes, it’s all of these reasons.  This stitch pattern is one of the first lace stitches that many knitters learn, because of its ease.  You can be a beginner and pick up this stitch with just a few projects under your belt and it will make your scarves, hats and anything else you make look like you labored for hours and hours with a difficult lace pattern.  (And lets be honest who doesn’t want their friends, family and perfect strangers oogling their hand knit items.)

In the next few installments of Stitch Guide here on Blue Betty we will be looking at Feather and Fan along with some of its variations.  Lets start with the skills a knitter needs to accomplish this stitch.  First off you need to know how to knit and purl, check.  Secondly you need to know how to decrease by knitting two stitches together (K2tog), knitting two together is as easy as it sounds instead of knitting one stitch you knit to at the same time decreasing from two stitches down to one.  Thirdly, you need to know how to increase with either a yarn over (YO) or by making one (M1). Yarn overs are accomplished by wrapping your yarn over your right hand needle.  That’s it, done, complete, you just increased one stitch.  Yarn overs make pretty eyelets in your knitting and are very feminine.  We will get back to make one (M1) in a few weeks.  

Feather and fan and all its variations are knit with a multiple of 18 stitches.  The feather and fan pattern can be worked in different multiples to fit your needs though, and makes this pattern vary versatile.  For example you could use a multiple of 12, your pattern row would have 4 decreases and 4 increases, but for the sake of simplicity all the stitch patterns written out here for the feather and fan stitch pattern family will be written for a multiple of 18. 

Good Ol’ Feather and Fan

Worked Flat

R1: *(K2tog) 3x, (YO, K1) 6x, (K2tog) 3x*

R2: Purl All Stitches

R3: Knit All Stitches

R4: Purl All Stitches

Worked in the Round

R1: *(K2tog) 3x, (YO, K1) 6x, (K2tog) 3x*

R2: Knit All Stitches

R3: Knit All Stitches

R4: Knit All Stitches

Stitch Guide: Little Shell

The little shell stitch is a super cute stitch that is simple to execute and adds some visual interest to any project. Like most lace stitches this one has a right side and a wrong side so keep that in mind when deciding to use this stitch.  What is also nice about this stitch is that there is only one pattern row and three "easy" rows making this pattern easy to memorize.

Little Shell (Worked Flat)
Multi of 7 plus 2
R1: Knit all Sts
R2: Purl all Sts
R3: K2 * YO, P1, P3tog, P1, YO, K2*
R4: Purl all Sts

Little Shell (Worked in the Round)
Multi of 7

R1&2: Knit all Sts
R3: K2 * YO, P1, P3tog, P1, YO, K2*
R4: Knit all Sts

Stitch Guide: Razor Shell

I have a love for lace, but I find squinting over charts and 10+ row repeats a bit much.  My dad taught me a long time ago to KISS, or Keep It Simple, Stupid.  I have to say that this is some for the best advice my dad has given me along with check the oil in your car and how to write a good resume.  That being said what I love about this lace pattern is that it is simple, but has a huge visual impact.  There are only two rows to this stitch.  How easy is that to remember, especially when one of those rows is a resting row.  Even better.  Razor shell stitch has a right side and a wrong side and makes a great edging or detail for a cardigan or shawl.  I could even see this as a great stitch for a cowl in some yummy mohair.

Razor Shell Stitch (Worked Flat)
Multi of 8 stitches plus 1
R1: K1 *YO, K2, Sl 2 Kwise, K1, P2sso, K2, YO, K1*
R2: Purl all Sts

Razor Shell Stitch (Worked in the Round)
Multi of 8 stitches
R1:*YO, K2, Sl 2 Kwise, K1, P2sso, K2, YO, K1*
R2: Knit all Sts

Stitch Guide: Eyelet Ladder

Eyelet ladder is a fun and easy lace stitch that knits up with columns of left and right leaning eyelets.  This is a stitch pattern that is easy to memorize as it only has two lines of pattern.  However this stitch is not reversible so keep in mind when deciding to use this stitch.

Eyelet Ladder (Knit Flat)
Multi of 4 +2
R1: *K1, K2tog, YO, K1* K2
R2: Purl All Stitchs
R3: K1 *K2, YO, SSK* K1
R4: Purl All Stitches

Eyelet Ladder (Knit in the Round)
Multi of 4
R1: *K1, K2tog, YO, K1*
R2: Knit All Stitches
R3: *K2, YO, ssk*
R4: Knit All Stitches

Stitch Guide: Raspberry Stitch

Raspberry stitch was the first "fancy" stitch I learned when I was knitting.  After learning Knit and pearl and ribbing I took on a challenge with this stitch, but I'm the knitter who knit socks for their second project.  Any who, this stitch has a lovely texture to it and can give any knit a bit if interest.  It is not reversible, but it is a great stitch for hats and other items where there is a public and a private side.

Raspberry Stitch (knit flat)
Multi of 4 +2 sts
R1: (RS) Purl All sts
R2: K1 *(K1, P1, K1) into next st, P3tog* K1
R3: (RS) Purl All sts
R4: K1 *P3tog, (K1, P1, K1) into next st* K1

Raspberry Stitch (knit in the round)
Multi of 4 sts
Note: When knitting raspberry in the round you will want to knit it with the wrong side facing out.  this just makes it easier and faster to knit. Once you finish your item bind off and turn right side out.
R1: Knit all sts
R2: *(K1, P1, K1) in same st, P3tog*
R3: Knit all sts
R4: *P3tog, (K1, P1, K1) in next st*

Stitch Guide: Left Leaning Mesh

Left leaning mesh is right leaning mesh's sibling.  This mesh has all the same characteristics of its sibling it just leans to the left instead of the right.

Left Leaning Mesh (Worked Flat)
Multi of 2 +1
R1: *SSK, YO* K1
R2: Purl all Sts

Left Leaning Mesh (Worked in the Round)
Multi of 2
R1: *SSK, YO*
R2: Knit all Sts

Stitch Guide: Right Leaning Mesh

Right leaning mesh stitch has a natural bias to it.  This happens because of the combination of where yarn overs are placed and how the decreases lean.  This stitch makes for a very open fabric with lots of stretch and drape. It is relatively simple to knit and is easy to commit to memory.  This is a great stitch for market bags or a light and airy summer top.  Just keep in mind that your knitting will be biased.

Right Leaning Mesh (Knit Flat)
Multiple of 2 +1
R1: K1 *YO, K2tog*
R2: Purl all stitches


Right Leaning Mesh (Knit in the Round)
Multiple of 2
R1: *YO, K2tog*
R2: Purl all stitches

Stitch Guide: Mrs. Hunter's Stitch

This is a fun stitch that can add a lot of interest to a field of knits.  It is said that this is a stitch that, that's right, Mrs. Hunter created.  Well whoever created this stitch it is one of my favorites.  This stitch isn't very elastic, and has a right and a wrong side, but it is good in items you don't need or want too much give.

Mrs. Hunter's Stitch (Knit Flat)
Multiple of 4 plus 2
R1: K all sts
R2: P all sts
R3: K1 *YO, Sl sts, K3, passo all 3 K sts* K1
R4: P all sts

Mrs. Hunter's Stitch (In the Round)
Multiple of 4
R1: K all sts
R2: K all sts
R3: *YO,  Sl sts, K3, passo all 3 K sts*
R4: K all sts

Stitch Guide: Textured Stockinette

This stitch gives an interesting look and twist to basic stockinette.  The look of textured stripes is achieved by two rows of ribbing between twice as many rows of stockinette.  Two pluses for this pattern is that it lies flat with minimal blocking unlike regular stockinette and is simple to exicute only requiring knits and purls.  This stitch however creates a right side and a wrong side to the fabric.

Textured Stockinette (Knit Flat)
Multi of 2sts +1
R1: Knit all sts
R2: Purl all sts
R3: *K1, P1*K1
R4: *P1, K1*P1
R5: Knit all sts
R6: Purl all sts

Textured Stockinette (Knit in the Round)
Multi of 2sts
R1&2: Knit all sts
R3&4: *K1, P1*
R5&6: Knit all sts

Stitch Guide: Stockinette Stripes

This stitch pattern is extremely stretchy lengthwise and has the added benefit of having no right or wrong side.  Great for scarves or baby blankets stockinette stripes is simple stitch that can give any project a little texture and interest.

Stockinette Stripe (Knit Flat and in the Round)
Any Number of Stitches
R1&2: Knit all sts
R3&4: Purl all sts

Stitch Guide: Sea Foam

Sea Foam stitch is a great pattern if you have some beautiful yarn you want to show off.  A hand spun or art yarn with inclusions would be showcased  in the elongated stitches that make up the pattern.  Simple to knit with an interesting visual impact this stitch is a great one to have in your arsenal.

Sea Foam (Knit Flat)  
Multi of 8 plus 4
R1: K all
R2: K all
R3: *K4, YO twice, K, (YO 3 times, K) 2x, YO 2, K* K4
R4: K all stitches dropping the YO off the needle as you knit
R5: K all
R6: K all
R7: *YO twice, K, (YO 3 times, K) 2x, YO 2, K, K4* YO twice, K, (YO 3 times, K) 2x, YO 2, K
R8: K all stitches dropping the YO off the needle as you knit

Sea Foam (In the Round)

Multi of 8 
R1: K all
R2: P all
R3: K4, YO twice, K, (YO 3 times, K) 2x, YO 2, K
R4: P all stitches dropping the YO off the needle as you knit
R5: K all
R6: P all
R7: YO twice, K, (YO 3 times, K) 2x, YO 2, K, K4
R8: P all stitches dropping the YO off the needle as you knit

Stitch Guide: Eyelet Rib

This stitch is another variation on the rib stitch.  It has eyelets in the knit spaces and you can knit this stitch with a right and a wrong side or knit it so there is no wrong side.  The SSK and K2tog give this stitch an interesting texture and movement to the ribs. 

Eyelet Rib Stitch (knit flat, with wrong and right sides)
Multiple of 4
R1: K1 (YO, SSK, P2) to last 3 sts, YO, SSk, K1
R2: P3 (K2, P2) To last 5 sts, K2, P3
R3: K3 (P2, K2) to last 5 stst, P2, K3
R4: P3 (K2, P2) To last 5 sts, K2, P3
R5: K1 (K2tog, YO, P2) to last 3 sts, K2tog, YO, K1
R6: P3 (K2, P2) To last 5 sts, K2, P3
R7: P3 (K2, P2) To last 5 sts, K2, P3
R8: K3 (P2, K2) to last 5 stst, P2, K3

Eyelet Rib (knit flat with no wrong side)
Multiple of 4
R1: K1 (YO, SSK, P2) to last 3 sts, YO, SSk, K1
R2: P3 (YO, SSK, P2) to last 5 sts, YO, SSK, P3
R3: K3 (P2, K2) to last 5 stst, P2, K3
R4: P3 (K2, P2) To last 5 sts, K2, P3
R5: K1 (K2tog, YO, P2) to last 3 sts, K2tog, YO, K1
R6: P3 (K2tog, YO, P2) to last 5 sts, K2tog, YO, P3
R7: K3 (P2, K2) to last 5 stst, P2, K3
R8: P3 (K2, P2) To last 5 sts, K2, P3

Eyelet Rib (in the round)
Multiple of 4
R1: YO, SSK, P2
R2: K2, P2
R3: K2, P2
R4: K2, P2
R5: K2tog, YO, P2
R6: K2, P2
R7: K2, P2
R8: K2, P2

Stitch Guide: Seed Stitch Rib

I recently discovered this stitch.  It combines two of my favorite stitch patterns, two by two ribbing and seed stitch.  It's still elastic, (not as elastic as two by two ribbing), and it has an interesting texture to it.  Unlike two by two ribbing and seed stitch this stitch has a right and a wrong side. 

Seed Stitch Rib (flat)
Multiple of 4 +2
Row 1: (RS) *K3, P1* K2
Row 2: (WS) *P3, K1* P2

Seed Stitch Rib (in the round)
Multiple of 4
Row 1: *K3, P1*
Row 2: *K2, P1, K1*

Stitch Guide: Seed Sts

Seed Stitch Swatch 4.5"x4"

Seed stitch is one of my favorite textured stitches.  It is simple and only a two row repeat making it easy to remember and design with.  The number of stitches required for this stitch is a multiple of two, sometime it will be a multiple of two plus one. 

Seed Stitch (worked flat) Multiple of 2
Row 1: *K1, P1* repeat * to *
Row 2: *P1, K1*

Seed Stitch (worked in the round) Multiple of 2 +1
Round 1: *K1, P1* K1
Round 2:  *P1, K1* P1