Free knitting pattern for easy to knit chunky scarf

I bought two balls of this chunky yarn from Hobbycraft and designed and made this scarf within a day.  Most of it was knit on the Bedford to Brighton train.

 

EASY PEASY CHUNKY SCARF

© Helen Cox 2014

 

 

A long bulky scarf which is easy and quick to knit

 

 

Materials:  2 balls of Sirdar Denim Ultra or any other super bulky yarn (150m in total).

A pair of 9mm knitting needles and a large size crochet hook for fringing.

 

Gauge:  Approximately 8 stitches and 11 rows to 4” (10 cm) but not critical.

 

Abbreviations:  k = knit; p = purl;  sts = stitches;  [  ]  = repeat instructions in brackets.

 

 

 

Instructions

Cut 26 lengths of yarn approximately 14” (35 cm) long and reserve for fringing.

 

Cast on 15 sts.

 

Next row:  Slip one stitch knitwise, k to end

Repeat last row 3 times more.

 

Next row:  Slip one stitch knitwise, [k1, p1] to end

Repeat last row until work measures approximately 63” (160 cm) or to desired length.

 

Next row:  Slip one stitch knitwise, k to end

Repeat last row 3 times more.

 

Cast off and run in ends.

 

To add fringe

Fold a 14” (35 cm) length of yarn in half.  Insert crochet hook into edge of scarf and pull central loop through, then take the two ends through the loop and pull tight.  Repeat along edge of scarf, spacing out 13 lengths evenly along each end.

 

Plenty of time to knit this one for the winter!

Free knitting pattern for a tiny gift bag

bitstobuy

www.bitstobuy.co.uk

 

TINY LACY GIFT BAG

A quick to knit little bag to enclose a gift of your choice   Materials:  Small ball of DK yarn (about 8g).  A pair of 4mm knitting needles.  Length of narrow ribbon.   Size:  Approximately 4 x 6.5 inches.   Gauge:  Not important.   Abbreviations:  k = knit;  p = purl;  st = stitch;  sts = stitches;  ss = stocking (stockinette) stitch;  yon = yarn over needle by bringing yarn to front of work then over needle to make a st;  k2tog = knit two together;  psso = pass slipped st over;  m1 = lift bar in front of next st and k into it to make a st;  [  ] = repeat instructions in brackets

With 4mm needles cast on 20 sts (for a bigger bag cast on more sts in multiples of 4).

 

Ss 4 rows.

 

Next row:  k2, [yon, k2tog, k1] to end

Next row:  p

 

Continue in pattern as follows:

Row 1:  [k3, p1] to end

Row 2:  [k1, p3] to end

Row 3:  [yon, slip 1 knitwise,  k2tog, psso, m1, p1] to end

Row 4:  [k1, p3] to end

 

Repeat these 4 rows until work measures 12 inches or desired length when folded in half.

 

Next row:  k2, [yon, k2tog, k1] to end

Ss 3 rows.

Bind off.

 

Lightly steam or damp block.

Fold in half with right sides facing and join side seams.

Turn right side out and thread ribbon through top holes.

 

Fill with a gift of your choice and give away!

 

©  Helen Cox 2014

My favourite dolls house miniature knitting pattern

I started designing knitting patterns for the dolls house in 12th scale many years ago.  I found patterns online but they were so intricate and took so long to make that I decided to come up with my own patterns that were easier to knit. 

This was my very first pattern:

Now nearly 10 years later strangely this is still my most popular pattern!  I have sold 2 copies through Ravelry in the last 2 days alone.

I have designed many many patterns since then, some are free ones on this blog, and some are available as kits.

The bedspread is my favourite design, although I love knitting tiny sweaters.

Another FREE knitting pattern in dolls house scale - Child Trousers

Here is another free knitting pattern for dolls house scale.  This is for a tiny pair of trousers for a child 4 inch tall doll, and is taken from my book 'Easy to Knit Miniature Knitting Patterns  for the Doll's House in 1:12 Scale Book 2'.

The garments are shown on Heidi Ott 4" tall dolls.

Materials required:  Small ball of 2ply yarn, pair of 2mm knitting needles.

Trousers

Leg and side body (make two the same):

Starting at lower leg, cast on 18 sts.

Ss 8 rows.

Dec one st at each end of next row (16 sts).

Starting with a p row ss 7 rows.

Inc 1 st at each end of next 2 rows (20 sts).

Mark each end of next row with a short length of coloured cotton for crotch.

Dec 1 st at each end of next 2 rows (16 sts).

Ss 6 rows. 

Work 2 rows in k1, p1 rib.  Cast off in rib.

To make up:

With right sides together join the two pieces from the waistband to the crotch markers along front and back seam.  Placing crotch markers together, join the inner leg seams.  Remove markers.  Press gently.

A pattern for the cardigan can be found in the book, available from the webpage http://www.bitstobuy.co.uk

Free knitting pattern for a rag rug for the dolls house in 12th scale

Here is a pattern for a dolls house rug, made to look like a traditional rag rug.  Of course it can be made in any size you want, could even be full size if you use big needles and thick or doubled up yarn and more stitches as required.

It is very quick to knit for the dolls house and looks very effective.  A good way to use up all the tiny bits of yarn left over from other projects.

Use all bright colours or all pastels for the best effect.

‘RAG’ RUG

 

Materials required:  A pair of 2.00 mm (UK size 14) knitting needles.  Scraps of 2 ply yarn.

 

Make a ball of random yarn as follows:  cut lengths of different coloured yarns about 4 to 8” (10 – 20 cm) long (or use lengths left over from other projects).  Knot firmly together in random order to make a long length, and wind into a ball.  Wind 2 small balls of black yarn.

Cast on 25 sts in black using the first ball of black.  K 6 rows.

Next row:  k5 black, join in random ball and k15 random, join in second small ball of black and keep on this side of work for left hand border and k5 black.  Make sure that the knots are kept to the wrong side of the work.

Repeat this row until work measures 2 1/2 “ (6 cm) or desired length.  K 6 rows in black.  Cast off.  Trim knots if necessary.

 

Happy knitting!

 

Just taking a break for a couple of weeks, back soon.

www.bitstobuy.co.uk

Christmas is coming TIME TO START MINIATURE KNITTING

Time to start setting the dolls house up for Christmas.  Lots of patterns in my Christmas book.

http://www.bitstobuy.co.uk/book/book3.php


and don't forget the free pattern for a tiny Christmas stocking (scroll down the blog for details).

Happy knitting everyone!

Free pattern for a 12th scale dolls house miniature knitting Christmas stocking

Here is a pattern for a tiny Christmas stocking for the dolls house in 12th scale.  Plenty of time to get lots of these knitted for Christmas!

This is taken from my Book 2 of knitting patterns.  Lots more Christmas patterns (including a long stripy Christmas stocking) can be found in my Christmas Book of miniature knitting patterns.

CHRISTMAS STOCKING 

 

Materials:  scraps of one ply or two ply yarn in red and white.  A pair of 2mm knitting needles.

Cast on 4 sts in white.

Inc in every st (8 sts)

Inc purlwise in every st (16 sts)

K two rows.

 

Join in red and ss 6 rows.

 

Change to white.

K3, turn, p3.

K4, turn, p4.

K5 white, add in red and k8 in red, k3 in white.

 

Working in white:

P4, turn, k4.

P5, turn, k5.

 

Change to red and starting with a p row ss 8 rows.

 

For cuff:  Change to white and p one row.

Next row:  k4, inc in next st, k6, inc in next st, k4 (18 sts)

Starting with a k row, ss 10 rows.

Cast off.

 

To make up:  With wrong sides together fold in half and sew cuff seam.  Turn to right sides together and seam around stocking, gathering toe.  Turn right side out and fold cuff down. Make hanging loop with white yarn.

 Copyright Helen Cox 2012

FREE yarn with all website orders

Gosh it's been busy lately.  Babysitting, holiday which produced enough washing to keep me busy for weeks, garden projects etc.  Time to batten down the hatches for autumn and think about yarn things again.  I finished one cardigan before we went on holiday and am just working through another.  I have enjoyed doing full size knitting again but of course still have miniature knitting on the go too, and need to build up my stocks of miniature knitted outfits for the Christmas market.

I have also just listed my Christmas pattern book on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/bitstobuy/m.html?item=130762870960&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649&_trksid=p4340.l2562 as it will be that time of year again soon.

I am doing a bit of tightening up on the miniature knitting webpage www.bitstobuy.co.uk.  The bjd patterns are being passed on to my daughter who knows far more about this scale than I do http://www.etsy.com/shop/beepbeep?ref=em. 

As I haven't offered a FREE gift lately, with all website orders until the end of October I will be adding two skeins of low bulk 2/28 2ply yarn, ideal for all those tiny sweaters and other projects.  One skein is a bright sunshine yellow and the other is a caramel brown, slightly variagated.  Ideal for that fair isle project.

Happy knitting!

New FREE knitting pattern for a quick-to-knit chunky sweater

I have designed a new FREE pattern for a quick and easy chunky sweater which I have called 'Chunky with a Twist'. 

I wanted a quick to knit chunky design that was slimming rather than adding inches, so came up with this sweater with side cable panels to add shaping.
The main pieces are knitted flat to the underarm, then joined and knitted flat to the neck with raglan and front shaping, then finished with a back neck band and with just side and sleeve seaming.
The pattern is only available in my size (36” bust).
Suitable for knitting in any chunky yarn to match gauge.

It can be downloaded as a PDF file from Ravelry and is also reproduced below.  Hope you like it and I would love to receive comments and photos if you knit it!

bitstobuy

www.bitstobuy.co.uk

CHUNKY WITH A TWIST

A quick to knit sweater in chunky yarn.  Twisted side panels and ribbings give a slimming outline.

 

Materials:

8 balls of Sirdar Tweedie Chunky 50g (864 yards, 800 metres)

or
7 balls of Patons Soft Tweed 50g (882 yards, 805 metres)
or
Any light weight chunky yarn to give correct gauge.

A pair of 4mm knitting needles

A 5mm circular needle

4 stitch markers

Size:

To fit chest size 36 inches (92 cm)

Actual measurements of finished sweater laid flat after blocking:

 

Chest	Length to underarm	Length of sleeve to underarm	Length to back of neck
20 inches	15 inches	17 inches	23 ½ inches
51 cm	38 cm	43 cm	59.5 cm

Gauge:

 14 stitches and 21 rows to 10cm over stocking stitch on 5mm needle

Abbreviations:

K = knit;  p = purl; st = stitch;  sts = stitches;  ss = stocking stitch (stockinette stitch); twist2back = twist two sts back by knitting into the back of the second st on the needle, then into the front of the first st on the needle and dropping both loops off together;  knit2front = knit two sts front by knitting into the front of the second st on the needle, then into the front of the first st on the needle and dropping both loops off together;  ssk = slip the next 2 sts knitwise, transfer back to left hand needle, then k together through back of loops; sl1 = slip one;  [  ] = repeat instructions in brackets

All pieces are knitted flat.  The main sections are knitted separately flat to the underarm, then joined and knitted flat to the neck.  The circular needle is required to hold the large number of stitches on the yoke.

BACK AND FRONT (make two pieces the same)     

With 4mm needles cast on 74 sts.

Work rib as follows:

Row 1:  p2, [k4, p2] to end

Row 2:  k2, [p4, k2] to end

Row 3:  As Row 1

Row 4:  As Row 2

Row 5:  p2, [twist2back, twist2front, p2] to end

Row 6:  As Row 2

Repeat these 6 rows 3 times more.

Change to 5mm needle and work in pattern as follows:

Row 1:  p2, k4, p2, k to last 8 sts, p2, k4, p2

Row 2:  k2, p4, k2, p to last 8 sts, k2, p4, k2

Row 3:  As Row 1

Row 4:  As Row 2

Row 5:  p2, twist2back, twist2front, p2, k to last 8 sts, p2, twist2back, twist2front, p2

Row 6:  As Row 2

Continue in pattern until work measures approximately 15 inches (38 cm).

Break yarn and leave sts on a stitch holder or a spare needle.

SLEEVE (make two the same)   

Cast on 38 sts with 4mm needles.

Work 24 rows of rib as given for Back/Front.

Change to 5mm needle and continue in ss.

Increase one st at both ends of 9^th and then every following 8^th row to 52 sts.

Work straight until work measures approximately 17 inches (43 cm).

Break yarn and leave sts on a stitch holder or spare needle.

 

YOKE

The yoke and raglan decrease is knitted in one piece from the underarm to the neck.

 

Take the Front, and with right side facing slip 37 sts onto a stitch holder.

Using the 5mm circular needle, join in yarn (centre front) and starting with the remaining sts of the Front, work as follows:

-          sl1 purlwise, p1, twist2back, twist2front, p2, k26, ssk, place marker, k1

-          continue across first Sleeve, k1, k2tog, k46, ssk, place marker, k1

-          continue across Back, k1, k2tog, k68, ssk, place marker, k1

-          continue across second Sleeve, k1, k2tog, k46, ssk, place marker, k1

-          continue across sts on stitch holder for Front, k1, k2tog, k26, p2, twist2back, twist2front, p2 (244 sts)

 

Note that the yoke is knitted flat – sts are not joined in a circle and the work is turned at the end of each row.

 

Next row:  sl1 knitwise, k1, p4, k2, p to last 8 sts, k2, p4, k2

Continue in pattern as follows:

Row 1:  sl1 purlwise, p1, k4, p2, [k to 2 sts before next marker, ssk, k2, k2tog] 4 times, k to last 8 sts, p2, k4, p2

Row 2:  sl1 knitwise, k1, p4, k2, p to last 8 sts, k2, p4, k2

Row 3:  As Row 1

Row 4:  As Row 2

Row 5:  sl1 purlwise, p1, twist2back, twist2front, p2, k2tog, [k to 2 sts before next marker, ssk, k2, k2tog] 4 times, k to last 10 sts, ssk, p2, twist2back, twist2front, p2

Row 6:  As Row 2

 

Repeat Rows 1 to 6 until 72 sts remain, ending on Row 4.

 

Next row:  sl1 purlwise, p1, twist2back, twist2front, p2, ssk, (remove marker), k1, k2tog, [knit to 2sts before next marker, ssk, k2, k2tog] twice, k to 2 sts before next marker, ssk, k1, k2tog, p2, twist2back, twist2front, p2

Next row:  sl1 knitwise, k1, p4, k2, p to last 8 sts, k2, p4, k2

Next row:  sl1 purlwise, p1, k4, p2, ssk, k2tog, [knit to 2sts before next marker, ssk, k2, k2tog] twice, k to 2 sts before next marker, ssk, k2tog, p2, k4, p2

Next row:  sl1 knitwise, k1, p4, k2, p to last 8 sts, k2, p4, k2

Next row:  sl1 purlwise, p1, k4, p2, k2tog, k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, knit to 2sts before next marker, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1, ssk, p2, k4, p2

Next row:  sl1 knitwise, k1, p4, k2, p to last 8 sts, k2, p4, k2

Next row:  sl1 purlwise, p1, twist2back, twist2front, p2, cast off 34 sts, p1, twist2back, twist2front, p2 (2 sets of 8 sts remain)

 

BACK NECK BANDS

Continue working on last 8 sts, and starting with a wrong side row, working in twist pattern (slipping first stitch of row on neck edge and twisting on every 6^th row) until length reaches to centre back with slight stretching.  Cast off.

Rejoin yarn to 8 sts on needle and complete in same way, working twist pattern to match.

Cast off.

  

TO MAKE UP

Join cast off edges of back neck bands.

Join neck bands to back along neck edge.

Join side and sleeve seams.

Run in ends and block to size.

 

©  Helen Cox 2012

Lots of new knitting designs to come soon

I am still thinking about and designing for 12th scale and have an idea for another book of patterns to work on this summer.  But I fancied a bit of mindless adult knitting for a change and I am just finalising a new design for an adult lady's sweater which will be going out for test knitting soon.

I love knitting in Chunky yarn as it is so quick, but the drawback is that most Chunky designs can add so many inches which you don't need!  I have come up with a sweater design that I am quite pleased with, as it is actually slimming, but very quick and easy to knit.
Watch this space for 'Chunky with a Twist'!  I shall be listing this soon as a free pattern on the blog.

And I know some more designs which are on the way, check out
http://beepbeepdesigns.blogspot.co.uk

Happy summer knitting xx

Free gift with all website orders in June of ready knitted jacket

I missed offering a free gift last month so here is a special offer for June.

With all website orders this month I will be including a FREE lovely ready knitted jacket with mohair edging.

The jacket is in 12th scale and will fit a tiny 5 to 6 inch doll such as Heidi Ott or similar.  It will also fit small ball jointed dolls such as Pukifee, Lati Yellow or Hoojoo Baby, or other small dolls such as Pippa, Dawn, or Strawberry Shortcake.  The mohair edging will vary slightly due to the random nature of the yarn.

Check out the website and take advantage of this free gift:
www.bitstobuy.co.uk

Free patterns for crafters

I just had to share this site I found recently.  It has links  to lots of free patterns for all kinds of crafty things: patchwork, fabrics, knitting, crochet etc.  Lots to keep all us crafters happy for hours.

Free knitting pattern for 'Ugg' boots for tiny bjd

Wot no website free gift this month????     Sorry folks, May is going to be so busy and I just haven't had time to think of a give-away with website orders this month.  But I am knitting, knitting, knitting and I promise a super free gift of a ready knitted item for June, so keep watching this space!

But here is a free pattern instead.  This was designed for bjd (ball jointed dolls) tiny size, so will fit Lati Yellow, Pukifee and similar dolls:

Knitted 'Ugg' boots for a 6 - 7 inch tiny bjd

Materials needed:  Small balls of yarn in brown and white.  A pair of 2mm knitting needles.

Measurements:  To fit a doll of up to 7” tall, with a foot length of about one inch.

Abbreviations:  st = stitch;  sts = stitches;  k = knit;   p = purl;  ss =  stocking stitch (one row knit, one row purl);   turn = turn knitting round and work back along sts just knitted;  k2tog = knit 2 sts together; p2tog = purl 2 sts together;  m1 =  make one by picking up and knitting between the sts;  tbl = through back of loops;  [ ]  = repeat instructions in brackets.

Make two the same.

Starting with sole cast on 10 sts with brown yarn and k one row.

Next row:  k1, m1, k3, m1, k2, m1, k3, m1, k1 (14 sts)

Next row:  k2, m1, k3, m1, [k2, m1] twice, k3, m1, k2 (19 sts)

Next row:  [k3, m1] twice, k7, [m1, k3] twice (23 sts)

Next row:  k4, m1, k3, m1, k5, m1, k4, m1, k3, m1, k4 (28 sts)

Change to white and k two rows.

Next row:  k6 brown, k1 white, k14 brown, k1 white, k6 brown

Starting with a p row, ss 7 rows, at same time keeping continuity of pattern with brown and white yarns the same (there will be 2 sts of white on each row).

Shape top of foot: 

Keeping continuity of pattern with brown and white yarn continue as follows:

Row 1:  k16, k2tog tbl, turn

Row 2:  slip one, p4, p2tog, turn

Row 3:  slip one, k4, k2tog tbl, turn

Row 4:  slip one, p4, p2tog, turn

Rows 5 to 6: repeat rows 3 to 4 (22 sts)

Row 7:  slip one, k to end of row

Row 8:  p

Row 9:  k6 brown, k10 white, k6 brown

Row 10:  p6 brown, p1 white, p8 brown, p1 white, p6 brown

Starting with a k row, ss 4 rows, at same time keeping continuity of pattern with brown and white yarns.

Change to white yarn and k two rows.

Cast off.

 

To make up:  Fold with right sides together and join back and sole seam.  Turn right side out.  Do not press.

A kit giving everything needed to make the boots, a duffle coat, and leggings is available from the website.

www.bitstobuy.co.uk

Upcycle, reuse and recycle packaging materials

I have a small business which uses quite a lot of packaging materials for posting parcels.  When I am busy I am posting several packages a day, perhaps up to eight a day in the run up to Christmas.  Add in ebay sales and I use a lot of packaging/envelopes/Jiffy bags etc.
For the business I tend to use new materials, and find ebay is a good source for plastic bags, and I scour the internet for good deals on Jiffy bags.  Ebay is a bit more flexible as it is quite usual to reuse and recycle good quality packaging materials, and as you know I am always trying to reuse as much as I can, both to save resources and to save money.  This is even more important now that I try to offer my ebay items with free P&P, and postage rates are due to increase hugely at the end of the month.
This is a list of materials that I save for recycling:

Plastic bags for immediate packaging
The plastic envelopes that greetings cards come in
Tiny plastic bags that hold spare buttons on new garments
My son is an IT technician and saves me lots of plastic bags that electrical components come in
The outer bags used for catalogues that come through the post
The air cushioning plastic strip that comes eg with Amazon parcels which I cut into bags

Outer packaging
Thank you Amazon for using lots of that brown paper strip to cushion inside boxes.  This is invaluable.  It can be used as brown paper to make parcels.  I cut it into smaller pieces, double layer, and run some seams down the side with my sewing machine to make envelopes.

(Incidentally, although off topic I can't resist adding this link on how to make storage baskets with it).
Corrugated card which is cut to sandwich items eg knitting needles
Most Jiffy bags can be reused
Plastic sacs received in the post are turned inside out and reused

Postage
I am brilliant at sandwiching stuff tightly so that it can be posted as Large not Packet - this saves a lot of money
Superdrug sometimes sell stamps at a discount - it is worth stocking up
And although too late for this year it is worth stocking up on 1st class/2nd class stamps at the old rate

I promise that this is the end of my recycling blogging, I will get back to knitting next time.

www.bitstobuy.co.uk