free knitting pattern: Pulse by Leanne Dyck

Transform a plain sweater into a fashion statement with this easy, quick and fun knitting project.

Pulse

Inspiration for this design came from the theory that if you keep the pulse of your wrists and neck covered you will stay warm. I was surprised to discover that the theory was right. Maybe you'll agree, after you knit 'Pulse'.

Knitting needles:  4.50 mm/US 7/ UK 7/Canadian 7 or size to obtain tension
Yarn:  two skeins of worsted weight yarn (20 yards/182 metres)
Tension:  5 stitches x 8 rows = 1 worked over seed stitch

Stitch pattern

4 x 4 rib stitch (worked over an even number of stitches)
Row 1:  knit four, purl four to end of row
Row 2:  purl four, knit four to end of row
Repeat rows for pattern

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

(Make two)
Cast on 40 stitches
Neck:  work in 4 x 4 rib stitch for 6 inches (15 centimeters)
Arm:  work in seed stitch for 22 inches (56 centimeters)
Wrist:  work in 4 x 4 rib stitch for 4 inches (10 centimeters)
Seam the two parts of the neck together 
7 inch (18 centimeters) seam
Sew the cuff seams 
4 inch (10 centimeters) seam
Weave in ends.
Roll back turtleneck
***
Next post:  Raving about the Victoria Writers' Festival

Knitting pattern: Summer Sunset Cardigan designed by Leanne Dyck

This is a perfect project for a beginner knitter. No picking up stitches. Just knit three pieces, attach the sleeves, sew the seams and you're done.

Finished measurements:
Chest:  36 (40, 48) inches
Length:  20 (20, 24) inches
Sleeves length:  12 inches

Materials
Yarn:  Worsted weight yarn:  approximately 400 (931/1,1330) yards 
365 (851/ 10360) meters
(122 meters/133 yards) per ball

Knitting needles:  4.50mm / 7 US / 7 UK / 7 Canadian or size to obtain tension

Gauge (tension):  5 stitches x 8 rows = 1 inches worked over seed stitch

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

1 x 1 rib stitch (over an even number of stitches)
Row:  knit one, purl one--repeat to end of row
Repeat row pattern

Notes:  1)Body of cardigan is worked in one piece, horizontally.
2)Front is worked in two panels using two balls of yarn.

Body:
Back:
Cast on 90 (100, 120) stitches
Work in seed stitch for 20 (20, 24) inches or to desired length
51 (51, 61) centimeters
Front:
Divide into right front and left front:  work 45 (50, 60) stitches in pattern. Join second ball of yarn and work to end of row. 
Work each front separately, continue in seed stitch until front measures 20 (20, 24) inches.
51 (51, 61) centimeters
Cast off.
Sleeves (make 2)
Cast on 75 (86, 90) stitches
Work in seed stitch for 10 inches (25.4 centimeters)
This row:  reduce number of stitches by 38 ((42, 44) stitches evenly across row. 37 (44, 46) stitches remaining.
Work in 1 x 1 rib stitch for 2 inches. (5 centimeters)
Cast off.

Finishing:
Sew on sleeves. Sew side seams. Weave in ends.

During the designing process, I consulted Standards & Guidelines for Crochet and Knitting

free knitting pattern: women's top "Flowers for Mary" by Leanne Dyck

This pattern was published in Knit Together:  the quarterly publication of Canadian Guild of Knitters by owner/editor Cynthia MacDougall (August 2009). 

"Flowers for Mary"

This gentle blend of rib stitch and easy lace

 makes a flattering top that you'll love to wear

skill level:  beginner

Finished Measurements:

Chest:  36 [40, 44, 48, 52, 56] inches

91 [100, 112, 122, 132, 142] centimeters

Length:  22 [22.5, 24, 24, 26, 26]

56 [57, 61, 61, 66, 66] centimeters

Yarn:  4 [4, 5, 5, 6] light worsted yarn (double knit yarn in UK) (each ball 168 yards/154 metres)

Knitting needles:  1 pair 4.50 mm (7 US, 7 UK), 1 pair 9.00 mm (11 US, 00 UK) or size to obtain tension

Tension (gauge):  24 stitches to 4 inches/10 cm over 4 x 4 ribbing with 4.5 mm needles

12 stitches to 4 inches/10 cm with 9 mm needles

Back

With smaller needles, cast on 98 [106, 122, 130, 138, 154] stitches
Row 1:  knit 3, *purl 4, knit 4; repeat from * to last 3 stitches; knit 3
Row 2:  purl 3, *knit 4, purl 4; repeat from * to last 3 stitches; purl 3
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until work measures
14 [14, 15, 15, 16, 16] inches
33.5 [33.5, 38, 38, 40, 40] centimeters
Armhole:  Cast off 6 [6, 6, 8, 8, 8] stitches at beginning of next two rows
86 [94, 110, 114, 122, 138] stitches remain
Keeping continuity of pattern, work even for 
8 [8.5, 9, 9, 10, 10] inches
20.3 [21.5, 22.8, 22.8, 25.4, 25.4] centimeters
Cast off remaining stitches.

 Front

With smaller needles, cast on 98 [106, 122, 130, 138, 154] stitches

Row 1:  knit 3, *purl 4, knit 4; repeat from * to last 3 stitches; knit 3

Row 2:  purl 3, *knit 4, purl 4; repeat from * to last 3 stitches; purl 3

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until work measures

14 [14, 15, 15, 16, 16] inches

33.5 [33.5, 38, 38, 40, 40] centimeters

Armhole:  Cast off 6 [6, 6, 8, 8, 8] stitches at beginning of next two rows

86 [94, 110, 114, 122, 138] stitches remain

Keeping continuity of pattern, work even for 

1 [1, 2, 3, 3, 4] inches

2.5 [2.5, 5, 7.5, 7.5] centimeters

End with work side facing for next row

Change to larger needles and decrease as follows:

Decrease for Yoke:  

1st size

purl 1, *knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 1 (purl 2 together) twice

repeat from * to last 5 stitches

knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 1, purl 1 

55 stitches remain

2nd [3rd, 4th] sizes

knit 1 [1, 3], *purl 2 together twice, knit 1, knit 2 together twice

repeat from * to last 5 [5, 7] stitches, purl 2 together twice

knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 1 [1, 3]

59 [69, 73] stitches remain

5th [6th] sizes

purl 1, purl 2 together, *knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 1 (purl 2 together) twice

repeat from * to last 7 stitches, knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 1, purl 2 together, purl 1

77 [87] stitches remain

Set Pattern for Yoke

Row 1:  (right side facing) 

knit 1 [0, 0, 0, 2, 2], purl 3, [1, 1, 3, 3, 3], *knit 2, purl 3

repeat from* to last 1 [3, 3, 5, 2, 2] stitches

knit 1 [2, 2, 2, 2, 2], purl 0 [1,1, 3, 0, 0]

Row 2:  (wrong side facing)

purl 1 [0, 0, 0, 2, 2], knit 3 [1, 1, 3, 3, 3], *purl 2, knit 3

repeat from * to last 1 [3, 3, 5, 2, 2] stitches, purl 1 [2, 2, 2, 2, 2], knit 0 [1, 1, 3, 0, 0]

Repeat these two rows for 

3 [3, 3, 4, 4, 4] inches

7.5 [7.5, 7.5, 10, 10, 10] centimeters

end with right side facing for next row

Shape Neck: 

Cast off centre 23 [23, 25, 25, 27, 29] stitches for neck

16 [18, 22, 24, 25, 29] stitches remain on each side

Work the remainder of back in two separate sections

First side

Keeping continuity of yoke pattern, work even for 

3 [3, 4, 4, 5, 5] inches

7.5 [7.5, 10, 10, 13, 13] centimeters

Ending with wrong side facing for next row

Shape shoulder

Cast off 8 [9, 11, 12, 13, 15] stitches at the beginning of next row,

work pattern to end of row

Work yoke pattern for 1 row, cast off remaining stitches

Opposite side: 

Join yarn to remaining stitches and, keeping continuity of pattern,

work in yoke pattern for 

3 [3, 4, 4, 5, 5] inches

7.5 [7.5, 10, 10, 13, 13] centimeters

Ending with right side facing for next row

Shape Shoulder:

Cast off 8 [9, 11, 12, 13, 15] stitches at the beginning of next row,

work pattern to end of row

Work yoke pattern for 1 row, cast off remaining stitches

Sleeves (make 2)

Cast on 74 [74, 82, 82, 90, 98] stitches

Work in rib as given for back for 

2 [2, 3, 3, 4, 4] inches

5 [5, 7.5, 7.5, 10, 10] centimeters

End with right side facing for next row

Change to larger needles and decrease:

knit 3, *(purl 2 together) twice, knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 1

repeat from * to last 3 stitches, purl 3

54 [59, 69, 74, 79, 89] stitches

Set pattern for yoke

Row 1 (wrong side facing):  purl 3, *knit 3, purl 2

Repeat from * to last 3 stitches, purl 3

Repeat this row until piece measures 

9 [9, 10, 11, 11, 12] inches

23 [23, 25, 28, 28, 30] centimeters

Ending with right side facing for next row

Cast off 3 stitches at beginning of next 

6 [6, 8, 8, 10, 10] rows

Cast off remaining stitches

Finishing

Sew shoulder seams together. Centre top of sleeve in armhole opening. Sew in place. Sew side seams and sleeve seams together using mattress stitch. Weave in ends.

Free knitting pattern: I'm Not Cold Scarf by Leanne Dyck

This unique scarf is a fast and fun first knitting project.

Wear this useful piece of apparel around your neck or used it as a muff.

Finished scarf measures 35 inches [88.9 cm]

Knitting needles:  4.50 mm/US 7/UK 7 
Yarn:  worsted weight (200 yards/182 metres)
I used an acrylic blend. You could use wool or another natural fibres.

4 x 4 rib stitch (over an even number of stitches)
Row:  knit four, purl four--to end of row
Repeat row for pattern

Stockinette stitch
Row 1:  knit--to end of row
Row 2:  purl--to end of row
Repeat rows 1 and 2 for pattern

Cast on 40 stitches
Work in 4 x 4 rib for 6 inches
Work in Stockinette stitch for 23 inches [58.42 cm]
Work in 4 x 4 rib for 6 inches 
Cast off loosely.

Finishing
Fold the scarf lengthwise and sew side seam.

***
Next post:  Should writers blog

Free knitting pattern: ebook pocket designed by Leanne Dyck

Pat's eBook reader pouch

(I hope Pat likes it)

Fits standard eBook reader

A perfect project for new knitters. 

Knitting needles:  6.00 mm/ US 10 or size to obtain tension

and two double pointed needles to make I-cord loop

Yarn:  worsted weight (I recommend wool, wool/acrylic blends or acrylic--I used acrylic) approximately 50 grams

Stitch holder

Gauge:  4 stitches x 7 rows = one inch worked over Stockinette stitch

Double stitch pattern

(this stitch pattern is explained here)

seed stitch (worked over even number of stitches)

row 1:  knit one, purl one--to end of row

row 2:  purl one, knit one--to end of row

repeat rows 1 and 2 for pattern

Cast on 40 stitches

Work in double stitch pattern for 8 inches (20.32 centimeters)

Transfer all slipped stitches onto stitch holder

Cast off knit stitches

Transfer stitches onto needle.

Work in seed stitch for 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters)

Cast off stitches, loosely

I-cord loop

(how to make I-cord explained here)

work I-cord until it measures 2 inches (5.08 centimeters)

Attach button and I-cord loop. Weave in ends.

Thank you, Pat, for inspiring this pattern.

Free hand knitting pattern: Finger puppet by Leanne Dyck

A knitter's request has encouraged me to share this hand knitting pattern... 
This pattern is so easy, quick and fun that you'll want to make one (or several) for all the young ones in your life.

Knitting needle:  4.50 mm / US 7 or size to obtain tension
Yarn:  This is a great way to use up odd and ends of yarn

Gauge:  5 stitches x 8 rows = one inch worked over Stockinette stitch

Stockinette stitch (over an even number of stitches)
Row 1:  knit
Row 2:  purl
Repeat rows 1 and 2 

seed stitch (over an odd number of stitches)
knit 1, purl 1--continue to end of row

Body  
Cast on 10 stitches
Work in Stockinette stitch for two inches (5.08 cm)
Using a darning needle, draw yarn through stitches and secure
Embroider eyes, nose and mouth to form face
Sew seam

Ears (make two)
Cast on 5 stitches
Work in seed stitch for one inch (2.54 cm)
Knit 2 together, knit one, knit 2 together
Using a darning needle, draw yarn through remaining stitch.
Attach ears.
***
Next post:  It Was Nothing (short story)

free knitting pattern: September's Promise vest by Leanne Dyck

Now that I'm devoting my life to writing, I look back with pride at my knitting designs--one of favourite patterns is this vest.

September's Promise Vest

I designed this vest to be worn by men--but women like it too. And it's so easy to knit

Finished sweater measurements:

Chest: 38 [42/46/50/54/58] inches

Length:  25.5 [26.5/27/27.5/28/28.5] inches

Knitting needles:  6 mm/US 10 OR size to OBTAIN TENSION

Yarn:  worsted weight  

(approximately) 630 (840/1,050/1,260/1,470/1,680) yards

I used Meadowmist Farm Ragg wool

Stitch holder:  one

Tension:  4 stitches = one inch worked over Stockinette stitch.

4 x 4 rib stitch (over an even number of stitches):

Row 1:  *knit 4, purl 4 – continue from * to end of row.

Repeat row for pattern.

4 x 4 rib stitch (over an odd number of stitches):

Row 1:  *knit 4, purl 4 – continue from * to end of row.

Row 2:  *purl 4, knit 4 – continue from * to end of row.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 for pattern.

Stockinette stitch:

Row 1:  knit – to end of row.

Row 2:  purl – to end of row.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 for pattern.

garter stitch:

Row 1:  knit – to end of row.

Repeat row for pattern.

Back:

Cast on 76 [84/92/100/108/116] stitches

Work in 4 x 4 rib stitch for 2 inches

Work in Stockinette stitch for 17 [17.5/18/18/18/18.5] inches

Armhole shaping:

At the beginning of the next two rows, cast off 8 stitches

Remaining stitches:  60 [68/76/84/92/100]

Work in Stockinette stitch for 8.5 [9/9/9.5/10/10] inches

Shoulder shaping:

At the beginning of the next two rows, cast off 8 [12/16/20/24/28] stitches.  Place (44 stitches) neck stitches on stitch holder.

Transfer (44 stitches) neck stitches to knitting needles.  

Work in garter stitch for 4 inches.

Cast off loosely in pattern.

Front:

Cast on 76 [84/92/100/108/116] stitches

Work in 4 x 4 rib stitch for 2 inches

Work 28 [32/36/30/34/38] stitches in Stockinette stitch, 20 [20/20/40/40/40] stitches in garter stitch, 28 [32/36/30/ 34/38] stitches in Stockinette stitch for 17 [17.5/18/18/18/18.5] inches

Armhole shaping:

At the beginning of the next two rows, cast off 8 stitches

Remaining stitches:  60 [68/76/84/92/100]

Neck shaping worked from two balls of yarn:

1^st ball:  Work 28 [32/36/30/34/38] stitches in Stockinette stitch, 10 [10/10/20/20/20] stitches in garter stitch

2^nd ball: Work 10 [10/10/20/20/20] stitches in garter stitch, 28 [32/36/30/34/38] stitches in Stockinette stitch

work for 6 inches.

Shoulder shaping:

At the beginning of the next two rows, cast off  8 [12/16/20/24/28] stitches.  Place (44 stitches) neck stitches on stitch holder.

Transfer (44 stitches) neck stitches to knitting needles.  Work in garter stitch for 4 inches.

Cast off loosely in pattern.

Armhole trim (make 2):

With right side facing, pick up 8 stitches from the underarm. Work in 4 x 4 rib stitch for 1 inch

Cast on 60 [64/64/68/72/72] stitches. Work in 4 x 4 rib stitch for 1 inch

Cast off

Finishing:

Sew neck seams. Sew on armhole trim. Sew side seams. Weave in ends.

While designing this garment, I consulted the Standards &Guidelines for Crochet and Knitting 

Every attempt has been made to ensure that the instructions are clear and correct.  Please notify me of any errors so I may correct them immediately.            © 10/05

***

Next post:  Fun for a writer (contests, etc.)

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