Cableship – Part 4

Our sock is nearly finished with only the cuff and bind off remaining.  I hope you are as excited as me to show off your hand knit beauties!

For the cuff, work Rounds 1-8 in established patterns over the front and back leg.  To top off the sock after this, work six rounds even.  Working even means to work the stitches as they present themselves – i.e. knit the knits and purl the purls.  You will NOT work any cable in these last 6 rounds.

Toe up socks pose a special difficulty in that the bind off must be loose enough to get over the foot and elastic enough to stay on the leg.  I’m recommending the Russian Bind Off to use in this sock and any toe up sock.  Not only does it have the aforementioned qualities, but the bind off is worked in pattern to continue the stitches to the tippy top of your sock.

My new video will walk you through the bind off in k2, p2 rib but you can easily see how it can be worked in any stitch combination from all knit, all purl, k1 p1 rib, and even our irregular rib in Cableship.  (Bind off seen below from side view.)  The bind off will appear a bit flared and ruffly but will straighten our nicely on your leg.  I know you will enjoy this simple bind off and will find many projects for its use.  See Russian Bind Off Video

cablsehip-bo

Enjoy the socks which are beautiful from every angle.  If you would like a condensed version of the pattern, you may download it here or on Ravelry.

cableship-final

As always, it is my delight to lead these KALs!  Please remember to submit your entry form for the prize drawing.  The entries are the only way our sponsor can evaluate the level of participation.  Just one complete sock is required for the prize drawing where first prize is a set of addi clicks!  Use this link to the KAL page on Skacel’s website to access your form.

Through reading all of the comments this month, I feel as if we have all made wonderful knitting friendships.  I hope you will continue to knit with me in April for my next KAL – a baby sweater in the soft and washable Simpliworsted. The “too-cute” project is full of new techniques, essential sweater knitting skills and one darling surprise. Every knitter should have a baby sweater on hand for gift giving. If you are new to sweaters, a baby-sized project is a great way to gain experience. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive all the updates!

Until we gather again, happy knitting!

Michelle

Part Four

Click here to download printable version

KPHtemplate_instructions

Cuff

Work Rounds 1-8 in established Leg Front and Leg Back designs.

Work 6 rounds even – i.e. knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches with NO cables.

Russian Bind Off

See Russian Bind Off video

To bind off in pattern, always “work” the stitches as knit the knits and purl the purls.

For “work two together”, work the knit decreases as k2tog tbl and the purl decreases as p2tog. When the decrease is worked with a knit and a purl stitch, choose the decrease to match the second stitch of the pair.

(Ex. If next pair is k1, p1 then work a purl decrease.)

  1. Work first two stitches and return to left needle, work these two together.
  2. Work one, slip two stitches on right needle to left needle, work two together.

Repeat the 2nd step until one stitch remains. Cut yarn and pull through last stitch.

 

Cableship – Part 3

Are you a huge fan of the German Short Row Heel, too?  I’m still marveling at its simple construction!

It’s now time to move up the leg with another cable design.  The instep design will continue up the front of the leg while the former heel/foot stitches will get their very own cable pattern.  I fiddled around with graph paper and practice yarn to arrive at the new cable design.  I love how it graces the back of the leg so regally.  The cables move over the ribbed design.  I think you will enjoy the unique cables found in Rows 17 and 31.  These cables include one knit and one purl stitch to form a central arch.  They are fun to work!

cableship-leg

Begin the leg by working Row 1 of the Instep pattern (found in Part 1) over the front of the leg and then working Row 1 of the Leg Back pattern over the former heel stitches.  Both charts or written instructions must be followed at the same time.  All goes well in Rows 1- 8 when the numbers are the same for both the front and back.  After Row 8, return to Row 1 (Instep Design) over the front leg and then work Row 9 (Leg Back Design) for the back of the leg.  To avoid confusion, I made a few cheat notes in my chart margins to help me stay on track.  It is easy to get lost moving from chart to chart so I found that this system worked well for me.

Margin notes for the corresponding Leg Back design are seen next to the Instep design row here:

cablship-chart2

Margin notes for the corresponding Leg Front (former Instep) design is seen next to the Leg Back design row:

cableship-chart3

As you can see, the Leg Back charts are rather large and fill an entire page for each size.  If you do not wish to print out all of the charts, preview the document and only print the necessary pages.

Work the Leg Back design until the leg reaches 1 1/2″ less than the total desired height of the leg ending after Row 32 of Leg Back design.  I worked two full repeats of the Leg Back design for my sock and these two repeats came to measure about 5″.  Next week’s instructions will add about 1 1/2″.

See you next week when I bring you a great new bind off perfect for toe up socks.

Happy knitting,

Michelle

Part Three

Click here to download printable version

KPHtemplate_abbreviations

C4B (C2 over 2 Right) – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in back of work, knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle. See Cables Video

C4F (C2 over 2 Left) – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in front of work, knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle. See Cables Video

LTp (Left Twist, purl bg) – slip next stitch to cable needle and hold in front of work, p1 from left hand needle, k1 from cable needle.

RTp (Right Twist, purl bg) – slip next stitch to cable needle and hold in back of work, k1 from left hand needle, p1 from cable needle.

KPHtemplate_instructions

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

Leg

Prior to knitting the leg, count the stitches for accuracy.

Continue established instep design for Leg Front over first 28(32, 36) stitches beginning with Row 1. (Instructions found in Part One.)

Work Leg Back design over second 28(32, 36) stitches in appropriate size from written instructions following or from charts found below, until leg reaches 1 ½” less than desired length ending after Row 32 of Leg Back design. On Leg Front, Row 8 will be last row worked.

Leg Back – Small

  1. P1, k4, p2, k4, p2, k2, p2, k4, p2, k4, p1.

2 – 8. Same as 1.

  1. P1, k2, C4F, k4, p2, k2, p2, k4, C4B, k2, p1.
  2. P1, k10, p2, k2, p2, k10, p1.
  3. P1, k4, C4F, (k2, p2) twice, k2, C4B, k4, p1.
  4. Same as 1.
  5. P1, k4, p2, C4F, p2, k2, p2, C4B, p2, k4, p1.
  6. Same as 1.
  7. P1, k4, p2, k2, C4F, k2, C4B, k2, p2, k4, p1.
  8. P1, k4, p2, k14, p2, k4, p1.
  9. P1, k4, p2, k4, p1, LTp, RTp, p1, k4, p2, k4, p1.

18 – 26. Same as 1.

  1. Same as 13.
  2. Same as 1.
  3. Same as 15.
  4. Same as 16.
  5. Same as 17.
  6. Same as 1.

Leg Back – Medium

  1. K1, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k2, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k1.

2 – 8. Same as 1.

  1. K1, p2 ,k2, C4F, k4, p2, k2, p2, k4, C4B, k2, p2, k1.
  2. K1, p2, k10, p2, k2, p2, k10, p2, k1.
  3. K1, p2, k4, C4F, (k2, p2) twice, k2, C4B, k4, p2, k1.
  4. Same as 1.
  5. K1, p2, k4, p2, C4F, p2, k2, p2, C4B, p2, k4, p2, k1.
  6. Same as 1.
  7. K1, p2, k4, p2, k2, C4F, k2, C4B, k2, p2, k4, p2, k1.
  8. K1, p2, k4, p2, k14, p2, k4, p2, k1.
  9. K1, p2, k4, p2, k4, p1, LTp, RTp, p1, k4, p2, k4, p2, k1.

18 – 26. Same as 1.

  1. Same as 13.
  2. Same as 1.
  3. Same as 15.
  4. Same as 16.
  5. Same as 17.
  6. Same as 1.

Leg Back – Large

  1. P1, k2, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k2, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k2, p1.

2 – 8. Same as 1.

  1. P1, k2, p2 ,k2, C4F, k4, p2, k2, p2, k4, C4B, k2, p2, k2, p1.
  2. P1, k2, p2, k10, p2, k2, p2, k10, p2, k2, p1.
  3. P1, k2, p2, k4, C4F, (k2, p2) twice, k2, C4B, k4, p2, k2, p1.
  4. Same as 1.
  5. P1, k2, p2, k4, p2, C4F, p2, k2, p2, C4B, p2, k4, p2, k2, p1.
  6. Same as 1.
  7. P1, k2, p2, k4, p2, k2, C4F, k2, C4B, k2, p2, k4, p2, k2, p1.
  8. P1, k2, p2, k4, p2, k14, p2, k4, p2, k2, p1.
  9. P1, k2, p2, k4, p2, k4, p1, LTp, RTp, p1, k4, p2, k4, p2, k2, p1.

18 – 26. Same as 1.

  1. Same as 13.
  2. Same as 1.
  3. Same as 15.
  4. Same as 16.
  5. Same as 17.
  6. Same as 1.

cableshipbacklegend

Leg Back – Small

cableshipsmback

Leg Back – Medium

cableshipbackmed

Leg Back – Large

cableshipbacklg

 

Cableship – Part 2

The lovely cabled foot is complete and a perfect showcase for the gradient stripes.  I will bet that you have the pattern memorized and are itching for something new.  Before proceeding, be sure that you ended the foot design after completing Round 4.

I am thrilled to bring the German Short Row Heel to Cableship.  I adore this technique because there are no wraps to make or pick up.  The absence of wraps makes the construction simple enough for even the most novice sock knitter.  I also know that you will appreciate the heel’s nearly uninterrupted appearance.

cableship-heel

Before beginning the heel,  I HIGHLY recommend placing a lifeline through the stitches to safeguard the hard-earned foot design.  I like to use thin cotton yarn or embroidery floss for my sock lifelines.  See my Lifelines video for this essential knitting skill. 

The magic in a German Short Row Heel is made possible by working a Double Stitch in place of the usual wrap & turns.  To make a double stitch, with yarn in front, slip next stitch to right needle as if to purl. Next, pull the working yarn firmly to the back so that the slipped stitch is pulled over the top of the right needle with both legs visible on the needle making it appear as if it were two stitches. Return working yarn to knit or purl position for next heel stitch.

Just as you would expect, I have a comprehensive German Short Row Heel video to guide you through every step of the heel.  I demonstrate the entire process, including double stitches and tips for success.  Like me, this may be your new go-to heel!

A few words of advice before you begin the heel.  The construction is simple, but like any new skill, it improves with practice.  Consider making a small sock like mine in the video to practice on before moving to Cableship.  Also, caution yourself to tug firmly on the working yarn but not TOO firmly.  Remember that Zauberball is a single ply yarn and will not withstand Herculean pulls.  Lastly, don’t forget to keep the Part 1 instructions handy as you will need to work a few more rounds of the instep design while constructing the heel.

For experienced two at a time sock knitters, the process is much the same as in any short row two at a time heel.  For those new to both two at a time and short rows, please consider separating the socks and working the heels one at a time to makes things easier for you.  The socks can be returned to one needle after the heel for two at a time knitting up the leg.

Speaking of the leg, I have an original cable design to debut next week that will lend a wow factor to the sock.

Happy knitting,

Michelle

Part Two

Click here to download printable version

KPHtemplate_abbreviations

DS (double stitch) – with yarn in front, slip next stitch to right needle as if to purl. Next, pull the working yarn firmly to the back so that the slipped stitch is pulled over the top of the right needle with both legs visible on the needle making it appear as if it were two stitches. Return working yarn to knit or purl position for next heel stitch. See German Short Row Heel video

PM – place marker

KPHtemplate_instructions

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

Heel – See German Short Row Heel Video

Maintain established design pattern across 28 (32, 36) instep stitches.

The 28 (32, 36) sole stitches will form the heel.

I recommend placing a lifeline before beginning the heel.  See Lifelines Video

Part 1

Work Round 5 of established pattern over instep stitches.

Over heel stitches, k9 (11, 12), PM, k10 (10, 12), PM, k9 (11, 12).

Turn to wrong side of heel stitches. (No longer working in the round.)

Row 1. With WS facing, make DS, purl to end of heel, turn.

Row 2. With RS facing, make DS, knit across heel to DS from previous row. Do not knit the DS. Turn.

Row 3. (WS) Make DS, purl to DS from previous row, turn.

Row 4. (RS) Make DS, knit to DS from previous row, turn.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until all of the stitches after the second marker are doubled and only one stitch remains undoubled before the first marker, ending after Row 3.

You will need to turn the work as usual after Row 3, make a DS on RS to complete all of the needed double stitches. The center stitches between the markers remain undoubled with working yarn attached to stitch that is right of the first marker.

At this point of the heel construction, with right side facing, the heel stitches are on the needles as seen in the photo below.

cableship-heel2

Reading above stitches from left to right:

On left hand needle – left side of heel, 2nd marker (orange), center stitches, 1st marker (green). On right hand needle – right side of heel.

Part 1 (cont.)

Slip 1st marker, knit across center stitches.

Slip 2nd marker, knit across stitches that are left of the center stitches, working each double stitch as if it were one stitch. (Insert right needle under both strands and work together as if a k2tog.)

Return to knitting in the round and work Round 6 of established pattern across instep stitches.

On heel, knit the double stitches that are right of the center stitches, working each double stitch as if it were one stitch.

Knit across remaining heel stitches, slipping markers. (Count the stitches – you should have 28 (32, 36) sts.

Work Round 7 of established pattern across instep stitches. (This is a cable round!)

Part 2

Row 1. With RS facing, knit heel stitches to second marker, slip marker, k1, turn.

Row 2. With WS facing, make DS, slip marker, purl across center heel stitches, slip marker, p1, turn. Markers may be removed now.

Row 3. (RS) Make DS, knit across heel to DS from previous row, knit the DS (treating it as one stitch as in Part 1), k1, turn.

Row 4. (WS) Make DS, purl across heel to DS from previous row, purl the DS (treating it as one stitch), p1, turn.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until the last stitch on right hand side of heel is purled ending after Row 4. Turn. One doubled stitch remains on left hand side of heel.

With RS facing, make DS, knit to DS at end of heel, knit the DS. Do NOT turn! One doubled stitch remains at beginning of heel (right hand side).

Return to knitting in the round. Work Round 8 of established pattern over instep stitches. Knit the last DS and knit across heel.

Heel is complete!

 

Cableship – Part 1

Welcome to the fall installment of the Progressive Needles Knit Along.  I’m excited to get back to sock knitting with you, especially one with so many great techniques and new videos!  As always, continued praise for our sponsor, Skacel Collection, whose support makes these KALs possible.

Before we begin, here is an overview of the KAL:

  • A portion of the 4-part mystery pattern is revealed here on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursdays in October at 9am Eastern time.  The weekly pattern, video resources and lots of helpful tips are included in each post.  An abbreviated, pattern-only version is included to download.
  • All techniques are supported with video instruction at knitpurlhunter.com
  • All questions and comments are monitored daily both here and in the Knit Purl Hunter group on Ravelry.  It’s like having  your own private knitting tutor!
  • Projects completed (one sock) by November 15 are eligible for the monthly prize drawing – first prize is a set of addi Clicks!  See skacelknitting.com for all the info.

When designing socks, sometimes the stitch pattern determines which yarn I will choose.  At other times, it is the yarn that is driving the stitch selection.  For Cableship, I knew that I wanted to design a sock using Zauberball yarn.  The deeply intense, gradient yarn has long been a favorite of mine.  I just knew I had to come up with a pattern that would do justice to this lovely yarn.  The answer?  Cables!  No matter which shade of Zauberball you chose, it will showcase the strong cable design.  As the colors flow, so will your stately cables!

Zauberball is a single ply yarn with a different “feel” than other plied yarns.  I firmly believe that every knitter and yarn have a get-acquainted period before reaching the zen moment when the stitches and yarn start to fly.  Every worthy yarn deserves a courtship, so enjoy getting to know this colorful beauty.  Because of the long color runs in Zauberball it is likely that you will not have identically striped socks.  I embrace this departure from the ordinary!

The pattern is written for one at a time sock knitting.  If you are a die hard two at a time knitter, wind off half of the skein into a second ball.  If you want the yarns to stripe in the same color sequence, the second ball of yarn must be rewound to run in the same direction as the original skein.

Gauge is very important when knitting any sock.  I have knit hundreds of socks and my experience tells me that a 64 stitch sock on #1 (2.5mm) needles is the formula for me so that is where I started.  Oh, how I hate to be wrong!  My first attempt at Cableship was with a #1 needle and too snug.  I knit the same sock on #2 (2.75mm) needles and the sizing is now perfect for me.  In the photo below, the blue sock on top was knit with #1’s and the lower green sock was knit with #2’s.  It’s amazing the difference made by a quarter of a millimeter!

cableship-gauge

I share my experience with you as a caution to the veterans who will jump in with their usual size needle.  Cableship is a bit firmer of a sock due to the cables, but it will also incorporate a rib based pattern to make it more forgiving.  If you have a go-to needle size, you may want to use one size larger.  For the diligent knitters who swatched, life is good and proceed with the needle determined by your gauge.

I think it is best to determine the size sock to knit by the circumference of your leg.  Measure about 4″ inches above the ankle and use this measurement to determine the best size option for you.  You can knit the foot to any length and the leg is knit to 6″ or shorter.  The medium size is the dreaded average women’s sock:)

Cableship is a toe up sock that begins with Judy’s Magic Cast On (JMCO).  My video is the most-watched tutorial of JMCO on Youtube.  I feel a bit sheepish about this since my video equipment has vastly improved since its debut.  This prompted me to film a new JMCO video in HD with clearer pictures and sound.  It includes the same instructions plus a few extra tips.  One of the tips is to work the toe increases using the make one stitch (which I use in Cableship) instead of a kfb.  Watch my new version and let me know what you think!

Once the toe is complete, begin the foot design over the first half of the stitches following the written or charted instructions.  The foot design is fairly simple once established because you will always knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches in between the cables.  It makes for fast knitting!   Take care to knit from the correct size instructions.  When using the charts, I like to color code the cable symbols for fast reading.  Below is pictured my color coding for the medium size.

cableship-chart

Continue knitting the cable design over the foot until it measure 2″ less than the desired length ending after Round 4.  For example, if your actual foot is 9″ long then knit the sock to 7″.  (The heel will add the extra 2″ needed.)  If you are knitting with the magic loop or two circs, try the sock on your foot and assess the length from that vantage point.

Cableship’s foot is seen here below and ready for the heel.  Did I mention that we will be knitting a heel new to the series?  I can’t wait to share it with you!!!!

Happy knitting,

Michelle

cableship1

P.S.  The “bunchy” toe will smooth out on your foot:)

Part One

Click here to download printable version

KPHtemplate_materials

  • Zauberball Socks, 75%wool/25%nylon, 100g/459 yards, 1 skein
  • 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
  • Cable needle
  • Two markers

KPHtemplate_gauge

8 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

C4B (C2 over 2 Right) – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in back of work, knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle. See Cables Video

 C4F (C2 over 2 Left) – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in front of work, knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle. See Cables Video

 M1L (Make One Left) – With left needle tip, lift strand between needles from front to back. Knit the lifted strand through the back. See Make One Video

 M1R (Make One Right) – With left needle tip, lift strand between needles from back to front. Knit the lifted strand through the front. See Make One Video

KPHtemplate_instructions

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

Toe

Cast On – See Judy’s Magic Cast On Video

ALL Sizes

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

Securing tail, knit all 24 stitches.

 

Toe Increases

If using one or two circular needle knitting method, increases are made at the beginning and end of each needle as follows:

Round 1. On 1st needle, k1, M1R, knit to last stitch on needle, M1L, k1.

On 2nd needle, k1, M1R, knit to last stitch on needle, M1L, k1.

Round 2. Knit all stitches.

If using double points, divide stitches evenly over 4 needles:

Round 1. K1, M1R, knit to last stitch on 2nd needle, M1L, k1. On 3rd needle, k1, M1R, knit to last stitch on 4th needle, M1L, k1.

Round 2. Knit all stitches.

All needle types: Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until toe reaches 56 (64,72) stitches.

Foot

First 28(32, 36) stitches will form the instep (top of foot), with second 28(32, 36) stitches forming the sole.

Work appropriate size over instep stitches from written instructions (below) or from Instep Chart (following). Knit all sole stitches.

Continue knitting in pattern until foot measures 2” less than desired length of foot ending after Round 4.

(Example, if your actual foot measures 9” then knit sock to 7”.)

 

Instep – Small

Round 1. P1, k8, (p2, k2) twice, p2, k8, p1. Knit all sole sts.

Round 2. Same as Round 1.

Round 3. P1, C4B, C4F, (p2, k2) twice, p2, C4B, C4F, p1. Knit all sole sts.

Round 4. Same as Round 1.

Round 5. Same as Round 1.

Round 6. Same as Round 1.

Round 7. P1, C4F, C4B, (p2, k2) twice, p2, C4F, C4B, p1. Knit all sole sts.

Round 8. Same as Round 1.

 

Instep – Medium

Round 1. K1, p2, k8, (p2, k2) twice, p2, k8, p2, k1. Knit all sole sts.

Round 2. Same as Round 1.

Round 3. K1, p2, C4B, C4F, (p2, k2) twice, p2, C4B, C4F, p2, k1. Knit all sole sts.

Round 4. Same as Round 1.

Round 5. Same as Round 1.

Round 6. Same as Round 1.

Round 7. K1, p2, C4F, C4B, (p2, k2) twice, p2, C4F, C4B, p2, k1.

Round 8. Same as Round 1.

 

Instep – Large

Round 1. P1, k2, p2, k8, (p2, k2) twice, p2, k8, p2, k2, p1. Knit all sole sts.

Round 2. Same as Round 1.

Round 3. P1, k2, p2, C4B, C4F, (p2, k2) twice, p2, C4B, C4F, p2, k2, p1. Knit all sole sts.

Round 4. Same as Round 1.

Round 5. Same as Round 1.

Round 6. Same as Round 1.

Round 7. P1, k2, p2, C4F, C4B, (p2, k2) twice, p2, C4F, C4B, p2, k2, p1. Knit all sole sts.

Round 8. Same as Round 1.

                                        Instep Chart – Small

cableshipsmfoot

                                         Instep Chart – Medium

cableshipmedfoot

                                             Instep Chart – Large

cableshiplgfoot

cableshiplegendfoot