The email I get most frequently from knit, Swirl! readers goes something like this: “I love your book and all the patterns in it. My problem is I just can’t decide which silhouette and size is right for me”. In an attempt to facilitate the deci ... [More]...
I’d like to start this discussion of gauge by walking you through a description of the physical forces at play in a Swirl. The dominant element of a Swirl is the welted doughnut shaped circle that provides the collar, lapels, front sides, and lower back of the garment. During wet blocking, the circle is en ... [More]...
I remember the first time I encountered a sweater pattern that blithely directed me to to cast on 625 stitches. My jaw dropped. My mind reeled. Why so many stitches? How on earth was I going to accurately count them all? How many miles of yarn tail would a long-tail cast on require--and, OMG, what if I run out of yarn tail as I cast on stitch ... [More]...
Joining numerous stitches in the round requires that you carefully align the stitches on the needle in order to avoid twisting the cast-on edge around the needle.
Here is the way I go about it:
I’m finding a number of Swirls knitters are running into trouble because they are ignoring the instruction to join the circle/oval at the end of row 3. Knitting pattern instructions are written based on assumptions of which direction the knitter will be working on in any given row. &nb ... [More]...
Work flat? What’s that?
Turn? Huh?
I get some form of these questions a lot. Work flat means to knit (or purl) back and forth rather than in circular rounds. Turn m ... [More]...
To begin, you will need your center back neck to cuff measurement. This isn’t a measurement you can take on your own, so enlist an assistant. Stand with one arm slightly bent while your assistant measures from the center back base of your neck, across ... [More]...
Blocking is always important in making the most of any knitted garment, but especially so when it comes to a Swirl. Swirls, by nature of their welted structure, tend to pull up, each welt snuggling up against the welts immediately above and below. Wet blocking opens up the welts, enhancing the drape and sculptural qualities th ... [More]...
So you've studied the book, but still can't envision how it is that the oddly-shaped, one piece knitted object finally becomes a Swirl. It is a bit like origami! Here's an illustration that will help:
... [More]...
The knitting is done, ends are woven in, Swirl blocked, and now it is time to put it altogether. If you're still unsure of how that funny shaped thing actually becomes a jacket, not to worry. It will make all make sense very soon. Find yourself a nice big flat working space and gather up the tools you'll need: a couple of packag ... [More]...
The nature of the sleeves in a Swirl is that they tend to elongate during blocking and wearing. This is because the rows and welts run the length of the sleeve giving the sleeve tremendous lateral stretch potential. As the hand and arm travel through the sleeve, the sleeve lengthens. Gravity comes into play as well, especial ... [More]...
Categories