Crimple – Part 4 and Reveal!

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crimple4

I hope you enjoyed the short row ribbed heel.  I snapped the above photo of Crimple’s heel on a flight to one of my teaching gigs.  I was so excited knitting the first sock that I cruised on up the leg forgetting to snap the photo.  With only the second sock to knit on the flight, I decided to take a pic on my tray table and knit on.  I knew you would understand since who doesn’t love to knit on planes?

Part Four brings the final clue to Crimple with the instructions for the Leg.  The front of the leg will continue the charted design that was begun on the instep – first 28 (32, 36) stitches of the round.  The heel set the stage for the back of the leg which will remain in a plain 2 x 2 rib – last 28 (32, 36) stitches of the round.

To finish the Leg, stop 1 1/2″ less than the desired length of the leg, ending after Row 8 of the chart.  Stopping at this point will “complete” a diamond and give symmetry to the design.  After completing this round, work ALL 56 (64, 72) stitches in a plain rib for 1 1/2″ (approx. 12 rounds) to serve as the Cuff.

Toe Up socks require a stretchy bind off.  I have seen many a sock made unwearable because the knitter neglected to use a suitable bind off.  I prefer the Sewn Bind Off for its stretch and smooth appearance.  See Sewn Bind Off Video

Lastly, I encourage you to enter your socks in the prize drawing.  This KAL is made possible due to the generosity of Skacel Collection.  They are committed to furthering knitting education and bringing you quality products.  Each entry lets them know you appreciate their sponsorship – best of all you may be a winner.  In my opinion, you are all winners and I have been thrilled to knit Crimple (pictured below) with each of you!

crimplefinal2

New KAL – April 4th!

The Progressive Needles KAL continues in April with a two-color shawlette knit in Cobasi.  Perfect as a lightweight scarf or shoulder wrap, this stylish accessory will boost your knitting skills and brighten your wardrobe.  The pattern includes techniques new to the series and video instruction to guarantee success.  You won’t want to miss it!

AprilKAL1

KPHtemplate_materials

  • 3 skeins Cobasi – 2 Main Color, 1 Contrasting Color.  Sample knit with two skeins #7 (MC) and one skein #3 (CC).
  • US #6 (4mm) needles, straight or circular, or size needed to obtain desired gauge.

KPHtemplate_gauge

Approximately 7 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette.

 

Crimple – Part Four

KPHtemplate_instructions

Click here to download printable version

Leg

For Leg Front, continue charted instep design over first 28(32, 36) stitches of round.

For Leg Back, work second 28(32, 36) stitches in rib pattern as follows:

Small Size – P1, k2, *p2, k2; repeat from * to last stitch, p1.

Medium Size – K1, p2, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last stitch, k1.

Large Size – P1, k2, *p2, k2; repeat from * to last stitch, p1.

Continue until leg reaches 1 ½” less than desired length ending after Row 8 of chart.

Cuff

Work ALL 56 (64, 72) stitches in Leg Back rib pattern for 1 ½”.

Bind off using Sewn Bind Off method.  See Sewn Bind Off Video

KPHtemplate_confessionsKnit

Knitting doesn’t crimp my style-

it defines it!

©2013 Michelle Hunter

Crimple – Part 3

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crimple5

Our lovely lacy ribbed foot is complete and now we can draw our attention to the heel.  Like Crimple’s toe, the short row heel of our sock will be ribbed as well.  I adore this ribbed heel design for several reasons.

  • It adds interest in an often neglected but highly visible area
  • More durable than stockinette
  • Hugs the heel for a superior fit

Before beginning the heel, I recommend placing a lifeline in the sock to safeguard the foot stitches and make repair work much simpler if necessary.  To begin the heel, work across the instep using the next row of the charted design.  (Example: If your last row on the foot was Row 18, then you will work across the instep in Row 19.)  These instep stitches will now rest while the heel is worked over the sole stitches.  The heel is worked back and forth as in flat knitting.  Part One of the Heel is worked in stockinette as you Wrap & Turn.  I find the use of a counter especially helpful in heel construction.  Watch my video to guide you through each step – See Short Row Heel – Part 1.

Part Two of the Heel introduces the ribs.  In this portion of the pattern I have provided you with row by row instructions for each size.  This is especially helpful to novices!  The Short Row Heel – Part 2 Video provides a tutorial on this section.  This generic video continues the use of a counter to help identify the wraps in each row but in Crimple the counter is unnecessary since I have spelled out each row stitch-by-stitch for you.  (You can use the counter trick for your next pair of socks!)  It is very important to pick up the wraps as follows:

  • On the right side, lift front leg of wrap from front to back (placing left leg of wrap in front of needle) and knit it together with next stitch through the back loop.
  • On wrong side, lift back leg of wrap from back to front (placing right leg of wrap on front of needle) and purl it together with next stitch.

Watch the Picking Up Wraps Video for an up close tutorial.

Some additional tips for Heel – Part 2:

  • Remember to slip the first stitch of each row.  Omitting this stitch results in large holes.
  • Prior to picking up a wrap (PUW),  the working yarn should be in the correct position – in the back (knit position) on the right side and in the front (purl position) on the wrong side.  The ribbed design may cause you to forget this!
  • On the right side, remember to knit the lifted wrap with the stitch it previously wrapped through the back loop.  See K2tog tbl Video
  • On the wrong side, the lifted wrap is purled together with the stitch it previously wrapped.  See P2tog Video
  • Slight holes are a characteristic of short row heels – no need to fret!

Next week’s clue will conclude Crimple and have you ready to wear your new socks.  Happy knitting!

KPHtemplate_abbreviations

PUW – pick up wrap.  See Picking Up Wraps Video

sl  – slip.  See Slip Stitch Video

W&T (Wrap & Turn)  See Wrap and Turn Video

On knit side – slip 1, bring yarn to front of work, slip same stitch back to left needle, bring yarn to back of work, turn.

On purl side – slip 1, bring yarn to back of work, slip same stitch back to left needle, bring yarn to front of work, turn.

KPHtemplate_instructions

Click here to download printable version

Heel

Heel, Part 1 – ALL Sizes   See Short Row Heel – Part 1 Video

Directions are for Small (Medium, Large in parentheses when necessary).

Work next row of charted design pattern across 28 (32, 36) instep stitches.  These stitches will remain unworked during heel construction.  The 28 (32, 36) sole stitches will form the heel.

Work across heel stitches as follows:

Row 1.(RS)  Knit to last stitch on heel, W&T.

Row 2.  Purl to last stitch on heel, W&T.

Row 3.  Knit to stitch before wrapped stitch, W&T.

Row 4.  Purl to stitch before wrapped stitch, W&T.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until there are 12 (12, 14) unwrapped center stitches ending after Row 4.  There will be 8 (10, 11) wrapped stitches on each side of the center stitches.

 

Heel, Part 2   See Short Row Heel – Part 2 Video

Continue to work heel pattern (below) in appropriate size.

 

Small Size Heel Pattern

1. (Right Side)  Sl 1, k11, PUW, turn.

2.  Sl 1, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, PUW, turn.

3.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 3 times, PUW, turn.

4.  Sl 1, (k2, p2) 3 times, k2, PUW, turn.

5.  Sl 1, (p2, k2) 3 times, p2, k1, PUW, turn.

6.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 3 times, k2, p1, PUW, turn.

7.  Sl 1, k1, (p2, k2) 4 times, PUW, turn.

8.  Sl 1, (p2, k2) 4 times, p2, PUW, turn.

9.  Sl 1, (k2, p2) 4 times, k2, p1, PUW, turn.

10.  Sl 1, k1, (p2, k2) 4 times, p2, k1, PUW, turn.

11.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 5 times, PUW, turn.

12.  Sl 1, (k2, p2) 5 times, k2, PUW, turn.

13.  Sl 1, (p2, k2) 5 times, p2, k1, PUW, turn.

14.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 5 times, k2, p1, PUW, turn.

15.  Sl 1, k1, (p2, k2) 6 times, PUW. DO NOT TURN!  Work across instep in pattern.

16.  PUW, (k2, p2) 6 times, k2, p1.

 

Medium Size Heel Pattern

1. (Right Side)  Sl 1, k11, PUW, turn.

2.  Sl 1, p3, k2, p2, k2, p3, PUW, turn.

3.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 3 times, PUW, turn.

4.  Sl 1, (k2, p2) 3 times, k2, PUW, turn.

5.  Sl 1, (p2, k2) 3 times, p2, k1, PUW, turn.

6.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 3 times, k2, p1, PUW, turn.

7.  Sl 1, k1, (p2, k2) 4 times, PUW, turn.

8.  Sl 1, (p2, k2) 4 times, p2, PUW, turn.

9.  Sl 1, (k2, p2) 4 times, k2, p1, PUW, turn.

10.  Sl 1, k1, (p2, k2) 4 times, p2, k1, PUW, turn.

11.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 5 times, PUW, turn.

12.  Sl 1, (k2, p2) 5 times, k2, PUW, turn.

13.  Sl 1, (p2, k2) 5 times, p2, k1, PUW, turn.

14.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 5 times, k2, p1, PUW, turn.

15.  Sl 1, k1, (p2, k2) 6 times, PUW, turn.

16.  Sl 1, (p2, k2) 6 times, p2, PUW, turn.

17.  Sl 1, (k2, p2) 6 times, k2, p1, PUW, turn.

18.  Sl 1, k1, (p2, k2) 6 times, p2, k1, PUW, turn.

19.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 7 times, PUW.  DO NOT TURN!  Work across instep in pattern.

20.  PUW, (p2, k2) 7 times, p2, k1.

 

Large Size Heel Pattern

1. (Right Side)  Sl 1, k13, PUW, turn.

2.  Sl 1, (k2, p2) 3 times, k2, PUW, turn.

3.  Sl 1, (p2, k2) 3 times, p2, k1, PUW, turn.

4.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 3 times, k2, p1, PUW, turn.

5.  Sl 1, k1, (p2, k2) 4 times, PUW, turn.

6.  Sl 1, (p2, k2) 4 times, p2, PUW, turn.

7.  Sl 1, (k2, p2) 4 times, k2, p1, PUW, turn.

8.  Sl 1, k1, (p2, k2) 4 times, p2, k1, PUW, turn.

9.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 5 times, PUW, turn.

10.  Sl 1, (k2, p2) 5 times, k2, PUW, turn.

11.  Sl 1, (p2, k2) 5 times, p2, k1, PUW, turn.

12.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 5 times, k2, p1, PUW, turn.

13.  Sl 1, k1, (p2, k2) 6 times, PUW, turn.

14.  Sl 1, (p2, k2) 6 times, p2, PUW, turn.

15.  Sl 1, (k2, p2) 6 times, k2, p1, PUW, turn.

16.  Sl 1, k1, (p2, k2) 6 times, p2, k1, PUW, turn.

17.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 7 times, PUW, turn.

18.  Sl 1, (k2, p2) 7 times, k2, PUW, turn.

19.  Sl 1, (p2, k2) 7 times, p2, k1, PUW, turn.

20.  Sl 1, p1, (k2, p2) 7 times, k2, p1, PUW, turn.

21.  Sl 1, k1, (p2, k2) 8 times, PUW.  DO NOT TURN!  Work across instep in pattern.

22.  PUW, (k2, p2) 8 times, k2, p1.

Crimple – Part 2

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crimple2  crimple3

I hope you enjoyed knitting Crimple’s ribbed toe!  The upper photo shows the instep (top of the foot) and the lower photo shows the sole (bottom of the foot).  Part Two brings us the Foot with an instep design that flows right out of the toe.

Crimple’s instep will be graced with a ribbed lace.  At first glance the chart may look daunting, but once you start the pattern you will quickly get into its rhythm and find it simple yet interesting – my favorite kind of stitch pattern!  If you are new to charts, circular charts are read from bottom to top (beginning with Row 1) and from right to left.  My Charts Video will give you a quick tutorial.  Please note that the first 5 minutes of the video are devoted to charts for flat knitting and charts for circular knitting (as used here) begin at the 6:00 mark.  When I am knitting from a chart I find it helpful to use either highlighter tape or a sticky note (pictured below) to keep me on track.

crimple4

I prefer to knit from a chart with a large font.  Because of space constraints, most publications are forced to reduce the size of their charts making them difficult to read.  I routinely enlarge these small-sized charts for my own use.  Lucky for you that I created large, individual charts for each size of Crimple.  In an effort to reduce the number of pages to print, each size has its own printable copy to download.  This one page version contains only the basic information and is perfect to tuck into your knitting bag.  The abbreviations and related videos are listed here online.  I hope you will enjoy using less paper.  Rest assured that at the conclusion of the KAL, a condensed and traditional version of Crimple will be available with all sizes and charts in one download.

The chart will be worked over the first half of the stitches – flowing up from the ribbed side of the toe.  The sole, second half of the stitches, will remain in stockinette (all knit).  Work the chart up the instep until the foot is 2″ less than the desired length ending after any even numbered row (no need to finish a chart repeat).  To measure the stopping point, simply try on your sock and stop when the sock is 2″ shy from the back of your heel.  (If you are knitting for someone else, ask for the length of their foot and subtract 2″.)  It is at this point that we will begin the heel in next week’s clue.

Lace knitting is created with yarn over increases that are paired with decreases.  Yarn overs form the hallmark holes in lace and the decreases restore the stitch count.  Yarn overs can cause plenty of confusion for knitters.  This simple little increase can be executed in several ways.

  • Western-style knitters (working yarn held in right hand) create a yarn over in two different ways.  When the stitch following the yarn over is a knit stitch, bring the working yarn between the needle tips to the front of the work and the yarn over is formed as the next stitch is knit.  If the stitch following the yarn over is a purl stitch, the working yarn must be wrapped over the right hand needle.  See Yarn Over Video to review these techniques.
  • Continental-style knitters (working yarn held in left hand) create a yarn over by scooping up the working yarn with the right hand needle.  A yarn over is made is this manner every time with no regard to the stitch following the yarn over.  See Yarn Over (Continental) Video

The decreases used in Crimple are the K2tog and SSK.  These essential decreases are the most common decreases in lace knitting.

Lifelines are incredibly helpful in lace knitting.  This strand of waste yarn threaded through your knitting will safeguard the stitches below it and protect your hard work.  I never knit lace without them!  Watch my Lifelines Video to place a safety net in your sock.

Lastly, those knitting size Small and Large will notice that their charted instep begins with a purl stitch.  These knitters must remember to begin the instep with the yarn in the purl position to prevent an unwanted yarn over.  Magic Loop knitters will need to be especially vigilant that the working yarn is in the front of the work and under the right hand needle to execute the first purl stitch.

Enjoy the Foot design and I look forward to following your progress.  Happy knitting!

 

KPHtemplate_abbreviations

k2tog – knit two together.  See K2tog Video

ssk – slip next stitch as if to knit, slip next stitch as if to knit, insert left needle into the front of these two slipped stitches from left to right and knit together.  See SSK Video

yo – yarn over.  See Yarn Over Video

KPHtemplate_instructions

SmallClick here to download printable version

MediumClick here to download printable version

LargeClick here to download printable version

Foot

Work charted design in appropriate size over instep stitches maintaining sole in stockinette (all knit).  Continue knitting in pattern until foot measures 2” less than desired length ending after an even numbered row.

Small Size Chart

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Medium Size Chart

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Large Size Chart

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Crimple – Part 1

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cobasi

Happy New Year and welcome to the first Progressive Needles Knit Along of 2013!  I have been twitching with excitement to share Crimple with you.  This toe up pattern features some of my favorite design elements to create a beautiful sock with a superior fit.  The design is further enhanced by the lovely Cobasi yarn that provides great stitch definition and durability without wool.  Whether you are a novice or a long-time sock knitter, I think you find Crimple to be a delightful knit!

Crimple begins with a patterned toe because why shouldn’t the toe be just as interesting as the rest of the sock?   Most socks begin with a plain stockinette toe that is followed by the instep design.  Crimple’s toe pattern sets the stage for the instep design to flow up from the tip of your toes.  The toe begins as usual with Judy’s Magic Cast On followed by one round of all knit stitches.  Then the fun begins!  As you increase for the toe, the first half of the round will be worked in a rib pattern to create the instep (top of the toe).  The second half of the round will remain in stockinette (all knit) for the sole (bottom of the foot).  I have written out each round for you to make the toe easy to follow.  (Perfect for novices!)  In the instructions, the first line of each round will be the instep and the second line is the sole.  I recommend placing a sticky note under each line as you are working it to help stay on track.  After a few rounds the pattern will emerge on the top of the toe and you will cruise along to its completion.

Crimple is available in three sizes – Small, Medium (Average) and Large.  As spelled out below, size Small will knit Rounds 1-16, Medium will knit Rounds 1-20 and Large will knit Rounds 1-24.  As you finish this mystery toe, be sure that the first half of the stitches (instep/top of toe) are in a rib pattern and the second half of the toe is plain stockinette for the sole.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask them here or in the Knit Purl Hunter group on Ravelry.  I monitor both sites daily to help you every step of the way.  I will post a picture of the toe with next week’s clue.  If you can’t wait until then, many knitters post their photos in the Ravelry group for others to enjoy.  Until next week, happy toes and happy knitting!

Part One

Click here to download printable version

KPHtemplate_materials

  • 2 skeins, CoBaSi by HiKoo, 50g/220 yards each
  • US #2 (2.75mm) or size necessary to achieve desired gauge.  Pattern may be knit with double points, two circular or Magic Loop method.  See Magic Loop Video

KPHtemplate_gauge

8.5 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette.

KPHtemplate_size

Women’s Small, Medium and Large.

Small – leg circumference measures approximately 5” unstretched and stretches comfortably to 10”.

Medium – leg circumference measures approximately 6” unstretched and stretches comfortably to 12”.

Large – leg circumference measures approximately 7” unstretched and stretches comfortably to 14”.

KPHtemplate_abbreviations

kfb – knit into front and back of stitch.  See kfb Video

KPHtemplate_instructions

Cast On – ALL Sizes 

See Judy’s Magic Cast On Video

Using two needles, cast on 24 stitches using Judy’s Magic Cast On with 12 stitches on each needle.

Securing tail, knit first 12 stitches.

Knit second 12 stitches through the back loop.

Continue with Toe Pattern in appropriate size (below).

(Note to double point needle knitters: I find it best to rearrange stitches at this point.  Place first 12 stitches on needle #1 for instep (top of the toe), 6 stitches each on needle #2 and needle #3 for sole.)

Toe

Small Size Toe Pattern

Work the following 16 rounds to establish toe pattern.  In each round the first line refers to the instep (top of the foot) and the second line refers to the sole (bottom of the foot).  The toe pattern will emerge on the instep with the sole remaining in stockinette.  At the completion of the toe, there will be 56 stitches.

1.  Kfb, k2, (p2, k2) 2 times, kfb.

Kfb, k10, kfb.

2.  K1, p1, k2, (p2, k2) 2 times, p1, k1.

K14.

3.  Kfb, p1, k2, (p2, k2) 2 times, p1, kfb.

Kfb, k12, kfb.

4.  K1, p2, (k2, p2) 3 times, k1.

K16.

5.  Kfb, p2, (k2, p2) 3 times, kfb.

Kfb, k14, kfb.

6.  K2, (p2, k2) 4 times.

K18.

7.  Kfb, k1, p2, (k2, p2) 3 times, k1, kfb.

Kfb, k16, kfb.

8.  K3, (p2, k2) 4 times, k1.

K20.

9.  Kfb, k2, (p2, k2) 4 times, kfb.

Kfb, k18, kfb.

10.  K1, p1, k2, (p2, k2) 4 times, p1, k1.

K22.

11.  Kfb, p1, k2, (p2, k2) 4 times, p1, kfb.

Kfb, k20, kfb.

12.  K1, p2, (k2, p2) 5 times, k1.

K24.

13.  Kfb, p2, (k2, p2) 5 times, kfb.

Kfb, k22, kfb.

14.  K2, (p2, k2) 6 times.

K26.

15.  Kfb, k1, p2, (k2, p2) 5 times, k1, kfb.

Kfb, k24, kfb.

16.  K3, p2, (k2, p2) 5 times, k3.

K28.

 

Medium Size Toe Pattern

Work Rounds 1-16 as above for Small Toe.  Continue with Rounds 17-20.  At the completion of the toe, there will be 64 stitches.

17.  Kfb, k2, (p2, k2) 6 times, kfb.

Kfb, k26, kfb.

18.  K1, p1, k2, (p2, k2) 6 times, p1, k1.

K30.

19.  Kfb, p1, k2, (p2, k2) 6 times, p1, kfb.

Kfb, k28, kfb.

20.  K1, p2, (k2, p2) 7 times, k1.

K32.

 

Large Size Toe Pattern

Work Rounds 1-20 as above for Small and Medium Toe.  Continue with Rounds 21-24.  At the completion of the toe, there will be 72 stitches.

21.  Kfb, p2, (k2, p2) 7 times, kfb.

Kfb, k30, kfb.

22.  K2, (p2, k2) 8 times.

K34.

23.  Kfb, k1, p2, (k2, p2) 7 times, k1, kfb.

Kfb, k32, kfb.

24.  P1, k2, (p2, k2) 8 times, p1.

K36.

STOP!  Next week’s clue will add a beautiful instep design to complement the toe.  Happy knitting!