Knitting: free patterns and tutorials

Knitting like writing has ushered me through my life. In fact, I began my knitwear designer career on August 22, 2002. I still knit but I closed my design business in January, 2011--when The Sweater Curse was released. I've transformed from a knitwear designer who writes to an author who knits. I celebrate my journey through yarn by...
-sharing some of the hand knitting patterns I've designed
-sharing knitting techniques
-hosting knitwear designers

Free Summer Top hand knitting pattern designed by Leanne Dyck

The "Too Cool" summer top is designed to be knit by beginner knitters. It can be worn alone or over a cami. I'd recommend you use a summer weight yarn such as bamboo, silk, cotton, hemp blend, or linen blend.

Skill level: beginner

Abbreviations
sts stitches
k knit
p purl
k2tog knit 2 together
RS right side

Finished Sweater measurements
Bust: S-32"/M-36"/L-40"
Length: 20"
Tension: 1" = 5 sts over Stockinette stitch on 6 mm (US 10) knitting needles
Needles: One pair of straight needles in the size needed to obtain tension. One pair of double pointed needles for I-cord.
Yarn: worsted weight 360 yards
Instructions for Small are given first with changes for Medium and Large in brackets.

seed stitch (over an even number of sts)
Row 1: k1, p1--to end of row
Row 2: p1, k1--to end of row
Repeat rows 1 and 2 for pattern

rib stitch (over an even number of sts)
Row 1: k1, p1--to end of row
Repeat row 1 for pattern

Back
Back is worked in two panels, worked at the same time from two balls of yarn.
From 1st ball of yarn (right back)...cast on 36 (42/46) sts
From 2nd ball of yarn (left back)...cast on 36 (42/46) sts
Left Back: Work 30 (36/40) sts in rib, then 6 sts in seed stitch
Right Back: Work 6 sts in seed stitch, then 30 (36/40) sts in rib
Continue working in established pattern until work measures 11 1/2 "
Shape Armhole: Continuing with rib pattern, k2tog at the outside edge of every row
When work measures 13 1/2", continue armhole shaping, and work in seed stitch across both panels with one ball of yarn for 1 1/2". Break yarn on other panel. Back now measures 15". Cast off.

Front
Cast on 72 (84/92) sts
Work in rib stitch until work measures 11 1/2"
Shape Armhole: Continuing with rib pattern, k2tog at beginning and end of each row. Continue shaping armhole until front measures 13 1/2".
Continuing armhole shaping as given, work in seed stitch for 1 1/2".
Front now measures 15". Cast off.

I-cord (make two)

Work cord until it measures 24".

Finishing
Sew side seams.
Sew on I-cord: Begin sewing one end of the cord from the side seam up the back armhole shaping to the cast off edge of the back. Place the other end of the cord at the seam, and sew up the front armhole shaping to the cast off edge of the front. Repeat for other side.
Weave in ends.

Pattern shared

It's the middle of May. Summer is on it's way. Let's celebrate! Knit this fun knitting project today.

Barefootin' Foot Thong

One size fits most (model's foot is a size 8)

Tension: 4 stitches = 1 inch worked over seed stitch

Needle: 4.50 mm (US 7/ UK 7) or size to obtain tension
one set, plus two double point needles to make I-cord
Yarn: worsted weight (approximately 100 yards)
cotton and hemp yarns work well

seed stitch (over even number of stitches)
Row 1: knit one, purl one--continue to end of row
Row 2: purl one, knit one--continue to end of row
Repeat rows 1 and 2 for pattern

Triangle panel (make 2)
Measures: four inches x two and half inches
Cast on 16 stitches
Work in seed stitch for one inch
Continue in pattern decreasting two stitches every second row

I-cord
Using double point needles, cast on 2 stitches
Work six I-cords one and half inches long for end loops
Work two I-cords twenty-eight inches long to wrap around foot (adjust length of I-cord based on size of foot)

Finishing
Sew shorter I-cord at the corners of the triangle panel to form loops
Thread longer I-cord ties through loops
Wrap I-cord ties around foot and secure with a knot.

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Please welcome author Veronica Lynch