Non Kitchener method to bind off socks

I've been doing a lot of sock knitting lately.  Socks are easy and satisfying to knit, but how I hate trying to struggle through a Kitchener cast off.  I've tried and tried, also looked at all the alternatives, but never managed to get a good result.

So I devised what I find to be a suitable and easy alternative.  I don't claim to have invented it, perhaps someone else got there first, but it works for me.

Line up your stitches as normal on two parallel needles.

Transfer the stitches to two safety pins and cut the yarn to a suitable length, probably about half a metre is enough.

Turn the sock inside out, lining up the safety pins and pulling through the yarn.  Transfer the stitches back onto the needles.

Cast (bind) off by knitting the first two stitches together onto the right hand needle.  Knit the second two stitches together onto the right hand needle and pass the first over the second.  This is known as a three needle bind off and there are many demonstrations on YouTube showing exactly how it is done.  Continue in the same way to the end, fasten off the last stitch and the yarn and turn the sock the right way out.

My sock toe:

The result isn't as pretty as Kitchener, and it does leave a ridge on the inside.  I don't find this a problem, and in fact it saves the sock from rough toe nails.  

I hope you find it works for you.

New Etsy shop knitstobuy

 I love knitting, and quite like crochet too!  I decided to work through my large stack of knitting yarns before they took over my spare bedroom, and as I didn't need any more garments or blankets I have opened a shop on Etsy to display the things I have been knitting.  I especially like making baby blankets and colourful crochet throws, and using luxury yarns such as wool, silk, cashmere and more.

Here are a few of my creations:

Many more things to come!

My shop name is knitstobuy

Simply Classic knitting pattern

 This is a new pattern that I am very pleased with and it has been selling well.

It is a simple edge to edge cardigan in a soft worsted yarn, top down seamless construction, and very easy to knit.  Mainly stocking stitch with garter stich edgings.  Very easy to knit and to wear.

It is called Simply Classic

The pattern is available from lovecrafts or Ravelry

Daisies for Tea!

This is my latest knitting pattern, a bright and cheerful cosy for your teapot.

Instructions are given in the pattern for two sizes of teapot, either 7.5 or 20 inches in diameter, but the pattern is easily adjustable for any size, full details of how to do this are given.

• You will need DK yarn, one ball each of green, blue, red and yellow. Actual amounts required for the small cosy shown above are approximately 6g of green, 10g of blue, and 5g each of yellow and red
• A pair of 3 mm knitting needles
• Small buttons, one for each flower, approximately 0.5 inches / 1 cm across
• Tapestry needle
• A pencil and a safety pin for the twisted cord

The pattern is available for instant download, either from www.ravelry.com or www.lovekitting.co.uk

New patterns for pretty knitted baby blankets

 

TWINKLE STAR BABY BLANKET

FLOWER GARDEN BABY BLANKET

I am currently knitting many baby blankets for Project Linus, and although I found lots of patterns, I really wanted something 'pretty'.  So I came up with two new designs, which can be made in various colours for variety.    All these charity blankets are made in DK, acrylic for washability, so the patterns are ideal for using up scraps.

The Twinkle Star baby blanket pattern is in sizes 16” x 20”and 25” x 29”, and the Flower Garden baby blanket pattern is in sizes 17” x 22”; 25.5” x 29”.  

Both blankets have a seed stitch border which is knitted onto the main patterned section.  Full instruction for knitting, together with clear photos for the stitches, are given.

The patterns are available from www.ravelry.com and www.loveknitting.com.

TWINKLE STAR BLANKET:

FLOWER GARDEN BLANKET:

New knitting pattern for a sweater - Monet

I have found this fabulous yarn from King Cole with colours that reminded me of a Monet painting.  I thought it needed a simple design to show off the yarn, and just lately I much prefer knitting top down and seamless, so designed this easy to knit sweater.

It has raglan sleeves and is knit in stocking stitch with garter stitch bands. Because it is knitted in the round there are no mis-matched stripes.

 

And the yarn is so economical to buy!  I needed just four balls for my size.  It is a lovely cotton mix yarn that drapes well, and washes in the washing machine.  It is a thick and thin yarn which knits to a bulky gauge, so is very quick to knit, and it produces a random lacy look.

I think there may be more Monets in my future knitting plans.

The pattern is available to buy from www.ravelry.com (Monet by Helen Cox) and www.loveknitting.co.uk  (Monet)

Time to knit for Christmas AGAIN!

I've been busy designing yet more patterns for that pesky little elf who sits on a shelf in the run up to Christmas.  Lots more outfits to give your elf some scenarios to work with!
My first pattern includes designs for a Ballerina Outfit, a Swimsuit and Bag, a Skirt, a One-piece Sleeping Suit, and a Toy Doll.

Easy to knit out of scraps of DK yarn, finished in no time. 

This collection of patterns can be bought from www.ravelry.com, and is also available from www.loveknitting .com

The name of the pattern is Outfits for Santa's Elf Helper (Collection 1)



My second selection of patterns includes a Football outfit, an Argyll sweater, Shorts and Trousers, and a Teddy.

  

The name of the pattern is Outfits for Santa's Elf Helper (Collection 2)



This collection of patterns can be bought from www.ravelry.com, and is also available from www.loveknitting .com


These designs are in addition to the previous collection of sweaters - See Below.

Enjoy your Christmas knitting and keep your elf up to his antics!

Christmas is coming! Time to start knitting for your shelf elf.

Time to start planning your Christmas knitting.  Do you have one of those little elves that sits on the shelf in the run up to Christmas?  This easy to knit pattern gives three designs of sweater that can be used to change his outfits each day. 

For each design you will need scraps of DK yarn, and a pair of 3.25 needles.

 

The pattern costs $6 (Approximately £4.80) and can be ordered for instant download from Ravelry with payment by Paypal from the link below.