DIY Network

Drop Stitches Drop Stitches From "Knitty Gritty" episode DKNG-109

Knitting riddle: When is a dropped stitch not a mistake? Answer: When you're working one of these decorative patterns! Although you don't actually drop the stitches, you do have to wrap them around the needle and ... well, why don't you just look at the instructions and see how easy it can be!

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Note: Some yarns are better than others for certain stitches. For example, to knit the stitches in the previous segment -- textured knit-purl combinations -- you'd want to use smooth yarns with good stitch definition. On the other hand, the elongated stitches in this segment, such as the Drop Stitch, may allow you to take advantage of some of the novelty yarns on the market, as they show off the texture to good advantage.

The first two stitches are created without charts, as the "dropped" stitches really consist of nothing more than wrapping yarn around the needle and then dropping it as you knit the next row.

	Drop Stitch
	Twisted Drop Stitch (to see a step-by-step demo, click on the video link at right).
	Media Watch the Video

Drop Stitch
Work in any st (stockinette, garter, a combination, etc.).
To create long row of dropped sts, insert needle into each st across a row, wrap yarn twice around needle, then knit or purl through st. (There will appear to be twice the number of sts on the needle across this row). On subsequent row, work only into the first loop or wrap of each st and drop the second one to return to the original number of sts.

Twisted Drop Stitch
Work in any st (stockinette, garter, a combination, etc.).
To create long row of twisted dropped sts, insert needle into each st across a row, wrap yarn around both needles, then wrap yarn around right needle, knit or purl last wrap through st and extra wrap.

Note: This st is now instantly long and twisted -- no need to drop any extra wraps as you did with the Drop St.

Seafoam Waves
Work in any st (stockinette, garter, a combination, etc.).
To create long row of wavy sts, first K1.*
Insert needle into next st, wrap yarn twice around needle, then K or P through st.
Insert needle into next st, wrap yarn three times around needle, then K or P through st.
Insert needle into next st, wrap yarn four times around needle, then K or P through st.
Insert needle into next st, wrap yarn three times around needle, then K or P through st.
Insert needle into next st, wrap yarn twice around needle, then K or P through st.
K3.

Seafoam Waves

For a printable version of this chart, click on the PDF file at right.

PDF Seafoam Waves

	Bobbles (to see a step-by-step demo, click on the video link at right).
	Media Watch the Video

Bobbles
The next pattern is a versatile one: commonly used in delicate baby garments, bobbles also add just the right touch to bulky Aran sweaters. Remember: if you use a different stitch for the bobbles than you're using for the rest of the project, they will pop even more (for instance, if you're knitting in stockinette, try working the bobbles in reverse stockinette).

Bobble increase
K1, yo, k1, yo, k1 all into the same stitch.
*Reverse knitting and work these 5 sts.
Repeat from * 4 times.
Pass second, third, fourth and fifth sts on RH needle over last st made.

Mosaic

Mosaic

For a printable version of this chart, click on the PDF file at right.

PDF Mosaic

RESOURCES :

Knit and Crochet With Beads
By Lily Chin
2004, Interweave Press
Interweave Press Inc.
Website: www.interweave.com

Aurora 8 yarn
Suggested retail price: $7/skein
Karabella Yarns
Website: karabellayarns.com

GUESTS :

Lily Chin
Author, knitting expert
Website: www.lilychinsignaturecollection.com