The knitting pattern for Sweetwater Beanie, a worsted weight hat with a simple spiral cable, has a fresh new look!
This is the very first knitting pattern I ever wrote and sold online, so it holds a special place in my knitting memories. It’s been my go-to beanie to grab when I’m headed out the door because of its classic fitted shape and textural interest that gives a little pop to every outfit. So I’ve updated the pattern with a new look, new photos, and a new yarn.
This post may contain affiliate links. In the event of a sale, I get rewarded a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me deliver great content (including free patterns, like the Polar Fur Cowl!) to you, so thank you!
Sweetwater Beanie is knit with worsted weight yarn, which makes it super cozy and works up pretty fast. I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted yarn in the color Icicle Heather. This was the first time I used this yarn… and I don’t know what took me so long to arrive at the Wool of the Andes party! I’ll say I wasn’t in love with it until I blocked it and let it dry. And my goodness did it bloom and soften like wool should. It’s now so soft and airy, and really lets my head breathe without losing any warmth.
Now if you frequently use 100% wool, you’re probably saying “Yes, that’s what wool is supposed to do.” But most of my wool experience has been with mixed fibers or superwash, and those don’t behave this same way. Sweetwater Beanie also uses a larger needle size than usual for worsted weight yarn, so the yarn has a little more room to bloom. It’s a match made in knitting heaven.
But if you want to try something different, here are some other yarns that would work well.
Patons Classic Wool Worsted Yarn available through JOANN (this was the original yarn I used when I designed this beanie, and it’s still a great option!)
This hat is also a great pattern for those wanting to try cable knitting for the first time. There are no charts — it’s all written out — and very repetitive, so you’ll have many, many chances to practice your cable knitting skills.
My favorite part about Sweetwater Beanie is that once you complete a few rounds of the cable section, you don’t need to reference the pattern again until you reach the crown. So if you want a knitting pattern made for binging your favorite TV shows, or one that you can make quickly for gifts or donations, this is it. Give it a try … I promise you’ll enjoy it!
So what’s new in this version of the Sweetwater Beanie pattern?
The knitting pattern for Quarry Twist Headband, a cozy textured headband, is now available!
This headband is the perfect solution to keeping warm in between seasons, or when a hat feels like too much layering while you’re wearing a face mask. It’s so easy to throw on with all kinds of outfits and always helps me look put together. I’ve worn a few headbands over the years, but the fit was never perfect, and they honestly became more annoying than exciting to wear. This headband is designed to be cozy and comfy, plus I designed it in two sizes to help you get a better fit. It’s everything I had in mind!
This post may contain affiliate links. In the event of a sale, I get rewarded a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me deliver great content (including free patterns, like the Polar Fur Cowl!) to you, so thank you!
Quarry Twist Headband is knit in medium (worsted) weight yarn but you can use any fiber content. That means you can easily grab some yarn from your stash and cast on. I used Ella Rae Classic Wool from my stash and love how it turned out in this 100% wool yarn. Next, I can’t wait to try some cotton based yarn so that I have a spring-friendly version of the Quarry Twist Headband. That’s one of the reasons I love this pattern so much — it’s a great stashbusting project because it can work with whatever medium weight yarn you already have on hand. It’s a goal of mine to repurpose as much of the yarn in my stash as I can, and this pattern will be a go-to solution of mine for that!
If you need some suggestions for yarns to try, here are some that my amazing test knitters used in their samples.
This headband is also a great pattern for beginner knitterswho are ready to learn how to knit in the round. It’s a good choice for learning how to knit in the round because there are no complicated decreases, like on the crown of a hat, a popular first project to try knitting in the round. It’s also only knit and purl stitches, so it’s a meditative knit in which you can work on perfecting your essential stitches!
P.S. I’m wearing the L/XL size of the Quarry Twist Headband.
As you can see, there’s a lot that I love about theQuarry Twist Headband. And one part that I love so much and haven’t talked about yet is how it got its name. A lot of people wonder what comes first — the name or the pattern. And for me, it depends! But for the Quarry Twist Headband, the stitch pattern came first. The dot stitch pattern is a classic texture, and I’d already been wearing the headband out and about before I settled on a name for it.
I live in Southern Indiana, very close to a few limestone quarries. If you’ve ever seen a quarry, the stone is chiseled off in blocks, leaving the edges of the quarry looking like a dotted landscape. (That’s not an official description of how stone is harvested, of course, but that’s my outsider’s opinion!) These dotted gridlines very much remind me of the Quarry Twist Headband dot stitch pattern, and hence the name was born!
One of the biggest tips I can give when making the Quarry Twist Headband is not to cast on your stitches too tightly, especially for the smaller size option in the pattern. I suggest this because when you go to join the stitches for knitting in the round, it may be a stretch to get the stitches to meet on a 16″ circular needle. They will, however, fit much better after you work a few rounds.
My preferred cast on method is the long tail cast on. I love the clean edge it gives my work, and it’s a good option for most projects. I recently came across this video from knitting expert Patty Lyons (yes, she’s really an expert!) about creating an elastic long tail cast on, and it’s changed my cast on stitches for the better! Take a look, and it’ll make a big difference when you cast on for the Quarry Twist Headband.
I’ve learned a lot of small but impactful tips from her over the years, and this one is near the top of my favorites.
More details about the Quarry Twist Headband, including measurements and needle size, are available on the Quarry Twist Headband Pattern Page.
Ready to make a super impressive (and luxurious) knit accessory in just one hour? Grab your faux fur yarn, and let’s knit!
The Polar Fur Cowl is an incredibly soft cowl that is also extremely easy and quick to make. It clocks in at under one hour from start to finish. There aren’t many knitting projects that are both this quick AND luxurious.
Keep reading for the list of materials you’ll need and the step-by-step instructions for your own Polar Fur Cowl, a free knitting pattern from Knit Julep.
This post may contain affiliate links. In the event of a sale, I get rewarded a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me deliver great content (including free patterns!) to you, so thank you!
The inspiration for the Polar Fur Cowl came from trial and error of knitting a faux fur cowl a few different ways. I first knit a similar cowl in garter stitch and seamed the ends together. It worked, but the cowl didn’t have the soft drape I wanted out of a luxury accessory. The garter stitch rows were keeping it too stiff. So I landed on traditional stockinette stitch, and I’m in love with the results!
Faux Fur Yarn
The Polar Fur Cowl is made with Go For Faux Thick & Quick by Lion Brand Yarn. The yarn is constructed of three strands of regular Go For Faux and calls for Size 19 (35mm) needles, so it works up really fast. Without large needles and yarn, there’s no way a cowl of this size could be made in under one hour. But with these, it’s completely doable!
Another benefit of working with such large needles is you’ll be able to see your stitches easier, which can sometimes be a challenge when working with faux fur yarn. This Thick & Quick version of Go For Faux makes it much easier to see your stitches than when working with the skinnier, regular size Go For Faux. And in this pattern, you only need to be able to tell the difference in the front versus back of your knitted stockinette piece.
Here’s how to tell the difference between a knit and purl side with faux fur yarn:
The knit side has a slight vertical grain to it from the ‘v’ shapes of the knit stitches. It’s not very obvious, but you can tell a difference when you compare it to the purl side below. A fun trick of the eye to see it even clearer is to scroll this page back and forth from one picture to the next. You’ll start to see the vertical lines of the knit side, and the purl side will not seem to scroll as smoothly.
The purl side has a slight horizontal grain from all the purl bumps. It’s much less prominent than the knit side’s vertical grain, but it does look different if you compare the two pictures.
I hope you enjoy making your own Polar Fur Cowl with the step-by-step instructions below. It’s a quick, luxurious knit to make for yourself or a really impressive gift for a loved one. They’ll never know you only spent one hour making it!
If you make this free cowl pattern, please share on Instagram with the hashtag #PolarFurCowl and tag me @KnitJulep. I’ll try to share each of your projects!
And now, the pattern instructions for my free 1-hour knitting pattern, the Polar Fur Cowl.
Gauge: 4×4” (10x10cm) = 5 sts x 6 rows in stockinette stitch
Size: One size, 25” (64cm) around x 16” (41cm) tall
Pattern
Ready? Let’s Go!
Using Size 19 (35mm) needles, cast on 15 stitches.
Round 1: Purl
Round 2: Knit
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until piece measures approximately 25” when measured flat from cast on edge. End with a Purl row. Bind off. Leave tail approximately 40” long for seaming.
Fold piece so cast on edge (A in picture below) meets bind off edge (B) with knit side facing out. (Refer to the Faux Fur Yarn section above this pattern to help you see the difference between the knit and purl sides if you need help.)
Seam edges together with the long yarn tail, forming a tube. I recommend using your fingers instead of a tapestry needle for this. It doesn’t have to be perfect — this faux fur yarn is very forgiving, and mistakes blend in easily!
Weave in ends.
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That’s it! This cowl knits up really fast, and shouldn’t take more than one hour for beginners.
If you make this cowl pattern, please share on Instagram with the hashtag #PolarFurCowl and tag me @KnitJulep. I’ll try to share each of your projects!
Happy knitting! – Kim
This pattern and photographs of this item are the property of Knit Julep. This pattern is for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not sell this pattern under any circumstances. This site displays third party ads and contains affiliate links.
The knitting pattern for Juniper Stretch Beanie, a bulky knit hat with stretch you won’t believe, is now available!
This hat is one of my personal favorites. I’ve been wearing it and selling finished versions of it at craft markets for over a year. The biggest selling point of the Juniper Stretch Beanie is the unbelievable amount of stretch it has, which makes it super comfy for so many sizes, from tweens to adults.
This post may contain affiliate links. In the event of a sale, I get rewarded a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me deliver great content (including free patterns!) to you, so thank you!
Juniper Stretch Beanie is knit in super bulky yarn, so it can be whipped up in just a few hours if you’re a fast knitter. I used Lion Brand Wool Ease® Thick & Quick® Yarn in the color Seaglass. This yarn is super popular for a reason — it’s easy to work with, washes and wears well, comes in so many beautiful colors, and is affordable.
But if you want to try something different, here are some other yarns that my amazing test knitters used in their samples.
This hat is also a great pattern for advanced beginner knitters (or adventurous beginners!) It’s basic knit and purl stitches until a few k2tog and ssk at the crown. And if you haven’t knit a hat before, this is a fun pattern to try because it’s very repetitive, giving you time to perfect your stitches and practice.
As you can see, there’s a lot that I love about the Juniper Stretch Beanie. But most of all, I love its incredible amount of stretch — so much so that it had to go in the name! My head circumference measures on the larger side of average, and I can’t tell you how many hats I’ve tried on at stores over the years just hoping that they would fit “well enough” for me to buy them. Now, those are often non-knitted hats, so they didn’t have any stretch to them. But sometimes knitted hats can be small on me, too.
Juniper Stretch Beanie is structured as a variation on ribbing, some of the most stretchy stitches out there. Think of your sweater sleeve cuffs: if they’re ribbing, they fit well around your wrists but are comfortable to slide over your hands and can probably stretch two to three times bigger than the rest of your arm.
That’s exactly how the Juniper Stretch Beanie works: it measures approximately 17″ around unstretched, but can stretch up to 25″. So it’s comfortable for everyone from teens to adults and straight hair to curly hair. It’s also a great unisex hat pattern because of this.
I recommend using a stretchy cast on method when you make your Juniper Stretch Beanie so you can maximize this main feature of the hat. The Twisted German Cast On is a great option, and here is a helpful tutorial to learn that cast on.
More details about the Juniper Stretch Beanie, including measurements and needle size, are available on the Juniper Stretch Beanie Pattern Page.
The knitting pattern for Plume Cables Beanie, a cabled knit beanie inspired by a peacock’s plume, has a fresh new look!
This hat was one of my very first designs way back in 2014, and it’s been a staple in my winter wardrobe ever since. I thought it was time to give the written pattern the glam-up this unique beanie deserves.
This post may contain affiliate links. In the event of a sale, I get rewarded a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me deliver great content (including free patterns!) to you, so thank you!
Plume Cables Beanie is knit with worsted weight yarn that appears more like a trendy bulky knit thanks to the all-over cabling. I used Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca® Yarn in the color Goldenrod. I can’t tell you how soft and cozy this yarn is — it’s something you need to get your hands on asap! It’s similar to sheep’s wool but warmer, softer and hypoallergenic. Win, win, win! It’s also machine washable (score!).
But if you want to try something different, here are some other yarns that would work well.
Patons Classic Wool Worsted Yarn available through JOANN (this was the original yarn I used when I designed this beanie, and it’s still a great option!)
This hat is also a great pattern for those familiar with cable knitting but looking to advance their skills. There are no charts — it’s all written out — and very repetitive, so you’ll have many, many chances to practice your cable knitting skills.
My favorite part about Plume Cables Beanie is how the cables gently shape together into a single point at the top. It’s a beautiful detail that really sets this hat apart from others.
So what’s new in this version of the Plume Cables Beanie pattern?
I’ve been binge watching period dramas all month, beginning with the popular “Bridgerton” on Netflix and then the less-steamy-but-still-captivating “Sanditon” from PBS on MASTERPIECE. They’re a perfect companion to catching up on my knitting and escaping quarantine.
The newest show I’m watching is “All Creatures Great and Small,” also from PBS on MASTERPIECE. And it’s a knitter’s dream.
I’m spotting 1930s knitted sweaters and vests left and right … and I’ve only watched the first two episodes! Not since “The Imitation Game” have I loved seeing the knits as much as the story.
It’s a reminder to me of how much effort is put into costume design. And when a show is set in the Yorkshire Dales in 1930s, you have to go all in on knit design, right?
Here are some of my favorite knits I’ve seen so far that really speak to each character’s personality. And if you want to join me in spotting these knits in each episode, you can watch the series Sundays at 9 p.m. on PBS MASTERPIECE or online.
HELEN ALDERSON
We’ll start with my favorite, Helen Alderson. She’s a local farmer’s daughter who catches James’s eye immediately after arriving. And she is a perfect example of how wardrobe design tells you so much about a character. The sweater she wears when James makes his first visit to her farm is an emerald green turtleneck with a vertical zigzag pattern. Right away it tells you that she has a lot of personality and doesn’t always follow the rules. Another sweater we see her wear is a cheery, youthful colorwork piece, which really stands out against the dreary Yorkshire weather. Both of these knits show she’s a wild card, and I can’t wait to see what else she wears.
JAMES HERRIOT
James Herriot is new to town and is trying to earn respect as a young veterinarian. He’s a by-the-book type of guy who studied hard and is determined to be a successful vet. But there’s still a young, rebellious side to him. These qualities are translated to his cable knit vests in that they don’t stand out too much but still have a youthful, busy look to them with the repetitive cables. He willing to work hard to get the job done, but hasn’t let life wear him down to wearing a plain knit vest…yet!
MRS. HALL
Mrs. Hall is the housekeeper of Skeldale House, but you can immediately tell that she also keeps veterinarian Siegfried Farnon’s life in order. She’s neat as a pin, well organized, and very welcoming. My favorite sweater that she wears displays this beautifully. It’s a basic cardigan with thick vertical ribbing separated by what appears to be either garter or seed stitch columns. This gives her a very orderly, buttoned-up appearance — everything a housekeeper is expected to be. The other blue sweater she wears almost every day is even more plain. Costume designer Ros Little said “…it’s darned and a little bit frayed, but it’s a practical garment she puts on every day.”
TRISTAN FARNON
Tristan Farnon is Siegfried’s younger brother. When he arrives, he’s stowed away on a train and dressed in white tie, which makes me think that there are so many stories we probably won’t hear about his life back at veterinarian college. He’s also a showman, so his bright fair isle vest is a perfect match for him. He’s still very young, a trickster, and yet he comes from a very traditional upbringing, all of which you can see with this vest.
I love paying attention to the costumes in TV shows and movies — they can tell you so much about the characters. Try it next time you take a break to sit and knit with your new favorite show!
Our son’s first Halloween is just a few days away. The holiday looks different this year, but COVID-19 won’t keep us from dressing him up in an adorable costume.
We decided to dress Alexander as Baby Yoda (well, I know it’s technically “The Child”) quite a few weeks ago. And yes, we planned. But of course, Halloween is just two days away and we’re still getting the finishing touches on his costume.
That’s part of the Halloween tradition, right? Scrambling at the last minute to get your costume ready is all part of the fun.
This Baby Yoda-inspired knitted hat ended up being too cute to keep the pattern all to myself, so I want to share it with you all here — for free!
This post may contain affiliate links. In the event of a sale, I get rewarded a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me deliver great content (including free patterns!) to you, so thank you!
It’s only written for one size right now — 3 to 6 month old babies with heads approximately 14 to 16 inches around. Hats are very stretchy though, so I’m sure you could fit a slightly older child in this pattern. Plus I designed it with a rolled brim so I can extend the length as he grows.
If your child is older, consider adding an inch or so to the length. You can always roll it up if it’s too long.
Or if you have a favorite hat pattern you prefer to make in the right size for your kiddo, you can make only the ears from this Baby Yoda Hat Pattern and attach them to that hat. Whatever works best for you!
A Note About Materials
This green yearn is from my stash, and I lost the tag to it. So unfortunately I can’t tell you exactly what I used. But I do know that it’s a Medium-4 weight and is superwash wool. You can substitute any Medium-4 weight yarn and use any fiber — wool, acrylic, bamboo, cotton, etc. Whatever you think “The Child” will like best. Brava Worsted Yarn from Knit Picks in Fig or Avocado is a great option.
The ears are, well, quite large. They will most certainly flop down. To help keep them firm I inserted some EVA foam before seaming them up. This is totally optional, but does help. If you don’t have any EVA foam, you could cut out some cardboard from a shipping or cereal box, or try stuffing them with scrap yarn. The benefit of using EVA foam or cardboard is that you can mold the shape a little to give the ears some depth.
Each ear has a piece of EVA foam inside to give it some rigidity so they don’t flop over.
To complete the costume, I wrapped Alexander in a tan flannel blanket. Tadaa! Baby Yoda, a.k.a “The Child,” is ready for Halloween.
Wrap your kiddo in a tan blanket or towel to complete this easy costume.
This hat also makes a really fun gift for any fan of Star Wars or The Mandalorian for Christmas, birthdays, or anytime.
If you make this free hat, please share on Instagram with the hashtag #BabyYodaHatKnit and tag me @KnitJulep. I’ll try to share each of your projects!
And now, the pattern instructions for my free knitted Baby Yoda-inspired hat pattern.
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Baby Yoda-Inspired Knit Hat Pattern
The Baby Yoda Hat pattern is sized for babies ages 3 to 6 months.
Size: Fits babies around 3 to 6 months old with a 14 to 16 inch head circumference. Hat measures approximately 15 inches around.
Instructions
Using circular needles, cast on 64 stitches.
Join in the round and place marker.
— Hat Body —
Knit every round until hat measures approximately 5 inches from cast on edge.
Shaping
Round 1: (K6, K2tog) repeat to marker
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: (K5, K2tog) repeat to marker
Round 4: Knit
Round 5: (K4, K2tog) repeat to marker
Round 6: Knit
Round 7: (K3, K2tog) repeat to marker
Round 8: (K2, K2tog) repeat to marker
Round 9: (K1, k2tog) repeat to marker
Round 10: (K2tog) repeat to marker
Cut yarn leaving at least a 7 inch tail for sewing. Using tapestry needle, thread through remaining stitches. Pull tightly to close. Weave in ends.
— Hat Ears —
Using double pointed needles, cast on 22 stitches and divide evenly among 2 needles.
Join in the round and place marker.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: (K2, M1, K7, M1, K2) repeat to marker
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: (K2, M1, K9, M1, K2) repeat to marker
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: (K2, M1, K11, M1, K2) repeat to marker
Row 7: Knit
Row 8: (K2, M1, K13, M1, K2) repeat to marker
Row 9: Knit
Row 10: (K2, M1, K15, M1, K2) repeat to marker
Rows 11 through 14: Knit
Row 15: (K1, SSK, K15, K2tog, K1) repeat to marker
Row 16: Knit
Row 17: (K1, SSK, K13, K2tog, K1) repeat to marker
Row 18: Knit
Row 19: (K1, SSK, K11, K2tog, K1) repeat to marker
Row 20: Knit
Row 21: (K1, SSK, K9, K2tog, K1) repeat to marker
Row 22: (K1, SSK, K7, K2tog, K1) repeat to marker
Row 23 and 24: Knit
Row 25: (K1, SSK, K5, K2tog, K1) repeat to marker
Row 26: Knit
Row 27: (K1, SSK, K3, K2tog, K1) repeat to marker
Row 28 and 29: Knit
Row 30: (K1, SSK, K1, K2tog, K1) repeat to marker
Row 31: (K1, SSK, K2) repeat to marker
Row 32 through 34: Knit
Row 35: (SSK, K2tog) repeat to marker
Row 36 and 37: Knit
Cut yarn leaving at least a 10 inch tail. Using tapestry needle, thread through remaining stitches. Weave in ends.
Repeat to make the second ear.
Foam Ear Inserts (optional)
Trace the shape of your ears onto a piece of EVA foam (or cardboard). Draw another line inside the one you traced approximately a quarter inch smaller all the way around. This is the line you want to use to cut out the ear so that it is smaller than your knitted ear. Repeat this process for your second ear.
Note how the EVA foam shapes are sized slightly smaller than the knitted ears.
Insert one piece of foam (or cardboard) into one ear. Seam the open end together. Give some shape to the ears by bending them in half lengthwise a bit. Repeat for the second ear.
Using a piece of yarn and the tapestry needle, attach the ears to each side of the hat approximately a half inch above the rolled brim.
*** *** ***
That’s it! This hat knits up pretty fast, like all baby sized knits. Just grab some green yarn from your stash and cast on.
If you make this hat, please share on Instagram with the hashtag #BabyYodaHatKnit and tag me @KnitJulep. I’ll try to share each of your projects!
Happy knitting! – Kim
This pattern and photographs of this item are the property of Knit Julep. This pattern is for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not sell this pattern under any circumstances. The design is inspired by Baby Yoda, of which I do not have or claim any copyrights.This site displays third party ads and contains affiliate links.
Come 3 p.m. in the afternoon, I always have a craving for a warm cup of tea and a baked treat as a quick pick-me-up. And having a cute, simple trivet or hotpad nearby makes the ritual even better.
My Afternoon Trivet is perfect for setting out my tea cup or warmed plate of muffins.
It’s a simple garter stitch hotpad worked with DK or light worsted weight cotton yarn held double. The border is an a attached I-Cord that includes a detached loop for easy hanging.
I love the simplicity of the Afternoon Trivet. The garter stitch is nice and cushy for my mugs, and the border gives it a really finished look.
I used Lion Bran Yarn’s Comfy Cotton Blend in the Chai Latte color. It was my first time using this yarn, and I loved it! It’s a Cotton/poly blend so it has good weight but is a little softer than a lot of pure cotton yarns. It washes well, and these varied colors of pinks, creams, tans and blues work so well together.
This pattern doesn’t require much yarn (approximately 200 yards of DK or light worsted weight yarn held double), so it’s a great (and quick!) stashbusting project. But I did buy and use part of two skeins when I used the Comfy Cotton Blend. I found it was easier to hold the yarn double when the strands are coming from two separate skeins. You can easily use one ball, though (and you’ll still have yarn leftover) — you’ll just have to find both the beginning and end of the strand of yarn in the skein so you can hold the yarn double. Not impossible … just something I didn’t want to bother with at the time!
I hop you enjoy this free pattern. It’s a fantastic quick project for you, and would be a great gift to send to friends and family. Or you can even pair it with some wooden spoons or a cookbook and give as part of a housewarming gift!
Tag me @knitjulep on Instagram so I can see your Afternoon Trivets! And share your projects on Ravelry ♥
Happy knitting! Kim Knit Julep
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Free Pattern: Afternoon Trivet
A simple garter hotpad with I-Cord edge By Kim Wilkerson of Knit Julep
SKILLS Garter Stitch, Attached I-Cord
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS 7.5 inches by 7.5 inches square
MATERIALS * Yarn: Approximately 200 yards DK or light worsted weight cotton blend yarn
Note: Yarn is held double throughout the entire pattern. I used two separate skeins to make it easier to hold double, but you could use just one if you’re comfortable finding the beginning and end from a single skein and holding double.
GAUGE 15 sts and 16 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch with yarn held double
Instructions
Part 1: Knitted Square
1. Hold yarn double and tie knot at ends to keep them together (see photo).
2. With Size 9 needles, cast on 28 stitches.
3. Slip first stitch as if to purl with yarn in back. Knit 26 stitches. Purl last stitch.
4. Repeat Step 3 until piece measures 7 inches from cast on edge (approximately 24 rows).
5. Bind off. Break yarn.
Part 2: Attached I-Cord
Note: Look for the clean bind off, purl, cast on, and slip stitch edges around your square. These will be your guide for where to insert your needle in the next steps. I’ll refer to these as “slots.”
1. Hold yarn double and tie knot at ends to keep them together
2. With Size 8 double-pointed needles, cast on 3 stitches.
3. Knit 2 stitches. Slip third stitch purlwise with yarn in back. Do not turn work.
4. Insert left point of needle into the first “slot” on the top right edge of your knitted square from Part 1.
5. Wrap yarn around needle and pull through to pick up 1 stitch. You now have 4 stitches on the needle.
6. Pass second from left stitch over the stitch you just picked up (first from left). You now have 3 stitches on the needle. Do not turn work. Slide stitches to opposite end of needle and keep working yarn in back.
7. Repeat from Steps 3-6 around all 4 sides of your knitted square, inserting your needle in the next available “slot” when picking up a stitch.
When you come to the corners, do not break yarn. Just pick up the first available “slot” on the next side.
8. When you finish the fourth side, you will be at the corner where you began. Do not break yarn. Knit a regular I-Cord for 4 inches like so:
Knit 3 stitches. Do not turn work. Slide stitches to opposite end of needle and repeat, keeping yarn in back when you begin knitting the next row.
9. Bind off, leaving a 10 inch tail. Weave the tail into the starting point of your Attached I-Cord and graft the ends together as best you can, forming a loop and being careful to not twist stitches. Weave in all ends.
That’s it! Tag me @knitjulep on Instagram so I can see your Afternoon Trivets! And share your projects on Ravelry ♥
Knit Julep | Text & Photos (c) Kimberly Wilkerson 2020 | Patterns are for personal use only.
I’ve been working on an update to my Svea hat pattern I released a few years ago, and can finally cross it off my to do list!
It’s a simple colorwork hat inspired by snowy tree limbs against a winter sky. I love how the faux fur pompom at the top gives a fun snowball effect to this cozy hat! I can’t tell you how happy I am with the clean, crisp white against the sky blue. It fits my mood and personality so well.
So what’s new compared to my original release of this pattern?
Only two colors in the pattern compared to three in the original. This makes the colorwork a bit easier, and I think it actually looks more striking with just the two colors instead of more.
Better fitting! The original ran a little large, which was even a bit big on me. (Have I told you I have a large head??) After wearing it over time it loosened up a bit more, so I’ve adjusted the number of cast on stitches and made it a little less slouchy.
Clearer instructions ❤ Who doesn’t love an easier description of how to make a pretty hat?
I hope you enjoy knitting this hat as much as I do. It’s a great project for those looking to try colorwork for the first time, or those who want a colorwork pattern that’s easy to memorize.
I’ve been caught too many times without the proper knitting tool.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve put a work-in-progress aside because I couldn’t find a tapestry needle, stitch holder or some other tiny object that I needed to finish the piece. And then I uncover the project 5 months later, unfinished and unloved.
Recently I received the cutest small project bag, so I began taking my knitting with me to work every day. You never know when you’ll have a few extra moments to add a couple rows during a lunch break!
Here’s my little project bag. A loop to hang it off my arm, zipper on the outside, and just big enough to hold a lightweight sweater-in-progress.
Knitting somewhere other than my home was new to me, so I needed to decide what tools were essential to carry in this small bag at all times. Here’s what I find most helpful to keep with me in my knitting adventures.
8 Things To Keep In Your Knitting Bag:
1. Combo Ruler / Needle Gauge Reader
This one sits at the #1 spot for so many reasons. It’s necessary for gauge swatching, measuring your progress along with pattern instructions, and I know I can’t be the only one who often forgets what size needle she’s using on a project…
Plus it’s a combo tool, which saves sacred space in your project bag. I love my little wooden one from Revival Yarns in Athens, Ga.
2. Pencil
Bad at keeping track of where you are in a pattern? Need to keep a count of your rows? Then you need a pencil!
I’ve tried to keep my row progress in my head for too many years, and I have to say I’ve never had much success. I end up spending too long going back and recounting rows and matching up stitch charts.
And a pencil can serve as a makeshift cable needle, if needed. Another combo tool!
3. Stitch Markers
Did I say that I’ve tried to keep too many details in my head before? Because the start of a row in the round was always at the top of that list. But it’s only because I could never locate my stitch markers!
Easy solution: put a small case of them in your knitting bag.
I also love to use them to mark my starting row when I sit down to knit. At the end of my knitting time I can look down and see just how many rows I managed to get done. This can be a HUGE boost of confidence if you think you’re a slow knitter or if you’re knitting a seemingly endless scarf and feeling like you’re not making any progress. You are, I promise!
4. Small Scissors
This is on the list not so much to remind you that you need scissors, but specifically small scissors. Invest in a petite pair so they don’t take up much space in your bag.
They don’t need to cost much at all. I think mine came from the scrapbook department at a craft store and are like two pincers. They definitely wouldn’t pass security at the airport, so I’ll have to remember that when I travel. But for everyday use I love them!
5. Tapestry Needle
A tapestry needle may not come in handy until the end of a project, but I’ve left numerous projects unfinished with just the ends to weave in. And it takes me 3 months to finally get out a tapestry needle and weave them in. So trust me on this one, weave in as soon as you’re done. Easy peasy.
6. Extra Knitting Needle
I like to have at least one double pointed needle of the same size (or at least close) as my work-in-progress ready in my bag. It can serve as a cable needle or an extra needle to help pick up a dropped stitch, if that happens as often to you as it does for me.
7. Stitch holder
I admit that the stitch holder is probably the least used tool in my knitting project bag (unless I’m working on a sweater where the arms are worked later). But when you need a stitch holder, nothing else will do!
The simple fact is that stuffing your beloved sweater or hat in your project bag without needle point protectors means risking some fallen stitches at some point. Now, I could’ve put needle point protectors on this list, but I honestly don’t use them. And who wants to carry more than what’s needed in their bag?? I just wrap up my project carefully and cross my fingers for a smooth unveiling when I’m ready to knit it again. And sometimes a stitch holder is needed at that unveiling…
8. Small Lotion / Balm
All of the woolen and cotton and alpaca and (yes) acrylic goodness that you’ll be working with can take a toll on your hands. Keeping a small tube of lotion or tub of balm will keep your hands happy and hydrated. The backs of my hands get really dried out in winter. And that’s especially true when I’m knitting. This tool may not be directly related to your knitting, but it’s essential to a thriving knitter. As you can see in my photo at the top of this post, I actually keep a plan scented lip balm on hand for this.
Tell me! What’s in your knitting bag? Leave a comment below. I can’t wait to hear what I need to add to my zippered pouch. P.S. That was made by my Mom!
knitjulep.com 