Elongated stitches are used to create interesting textures and gauges within a project. An elongated stitch is considerably larger than its neighboring stitches making it an excellent choice for spots of open work or color manipulation. The elongated stitch is most commonly formed with a method that utilizes multiple wraps. Check out how easy it is to use!
Author: Knit Purl
Loose Knit Column
Many knitters find a column of loose knit stitches on the left edge of their cables. This common phenomenon occurs in knitting when transitioning from a knit stitch to a purl stitch. To minimize the loose stitch, purl the first stitch after the knit column by wrapping the yarn clockwise around the needle. On the following row, this stitch will be twisted. Knit this stitch through the back loop to untwist it.
Managing Yarns in Colorwork
Everyone loves colorwork but no one likes the tangled yarn it generates! Learn to knit tangle-free stripes and colorwork using these quick tips.
Star Stitch
A delightful two-color stitch pattern that resembles crochet. The pattern is similar to the daisy stitch and makes use of the Make One Purl stitch. With a four row repeat it is easy to memorize and fun to knit!
Navajo Knitting
This technique allows yarn to be chain plied into a triple strand without dividing the skein. Alternate triple and single plies for interesting effects without ever cutting the yarn. Warning – this is very addicting!
Duplicate Stitch
This great little technique can be used to add sections of color designs to stockinette. (It reminds me of cross stitching.) Many knitters use the Duplicate Stitch in lieu of small areas of Intarsia. These added stitches are placed on top of stockinette stitches after the piece is complete with the use of a tapestry needle. The Duplicate Stitch is also a great way to cover errors and wonky stitches you wish you had discovered prior to binding off. I especially love to use the Duplicate Stitch when weaving in ends on the right side of the work is needed.
Carrying Yarn Up the Side
There is no need to cut yarn between color changes when knitting colorwork or stripes. Carrying yarn up the side of your work allows you to bring the different colors discreetly up the edge. Consistency is the key to a professional edge and this video will guide you to expert color changing.
Mackinac Island TKGA Workshop
I had the great honor to teach a two day workshop for TKGA in the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Mackinac Island is a small slice of heaven located in Lake Huron between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan.
After a short ferry ride past the Mackinac Bridge, visitors find themselves back in time as they are greeted by the clip-clop sound of horses. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the island and horse-drawn carriages provide the bulk of transportation. Tourists, groceries and even golf clubs are moved throughout the island by horses.
A short carriage ride from the ferry sits the crown jewel of the island, Grand Hotel. Built in 1887, this magnificent structure provides guests with spectacular views and incomparable service. The grounds are impeccably maintained and can be viewed from the rockers on its famously vast porch. For dinner, men are required to wear ties and the ladies must wear dresses as they are regaled with seven course meals served by white-gloved waiters. There is truly no place like it in the world. If it is not already there, add it to your bucket list of sites to see for a memorable stay.
The workshop was a two day study in colorwork and a preview of my upcoming book. I had 20 delightful students who were a joy to teach! We covered topics including Intarsia, duplicate stitch, expert yarn strategies, novelty stitches and more. The best part of the weekend was making so many new friends as we shared our love of knitting. I will never forget my time with them and hope our paths cross again soon.
