Bold Stripes Skirt

Hi knitters! Back in my twenties and thirties, I used to sew every piece of clothing I wore myself, and making skirts was my specialty. I've probably sewn and worn every kind of skirt that was popular back then. Nowadays I may no longer sew as I used to, but I still have passion for skirt making. That's why when I saw this 'mosaic' yarn at the store, I knew I had to make one. My debut knitted skirt design is simple, with bold lines, and a clear statement. It is an easy pattern, made with only knit and purl stitches, and the length is easily customizable to be as long or short as you prefer. So here is a quick winter project for you that you can finish in a day or two. If this skirt design does well, I'm planning to make more, perhaps longer and flowy-er ones, using thinner types of yarn, but non the less simple and easy to make. So, stay tuned to all my future projects, especially the matching crop top that I'm working on right now. Happy holidays everyone!

Skill level: Easy

Get printable PDF for this pattern:   or  

The matching top is finally here! click the link to see the post: Bold Stripes Top

Materials:

• Yarn: Alize Superlana Midi Mosaic, 25% wool, 75% acrylic, 3.53 oz (100 g), 186 yards (170 m), in the color 5245: 2 (3, 3) skeins.
• Circular knitting needles, 24" (60 cm) long, sizes US 8 (5 mm), (7 mm) and US 11 (8 mm).  
• Tapestry needle.
• Ring stitch marker.

Sizes and measurements:

Size	Waist	Hips	Skirt Length
XS/S	26"- 28" (66- 70 cm)	36"- 37" (90- 94 cm)	18" (46 cm)
M/L	29"- 31" (74- 78 cm)	39"- 40" (98- 102 cm)	19.5" (50 cm)
XL/2XL	32"- 35.5" (82- 90 cm)	42"- 45" (106- 114 cm)	21.5" (54 cm)

Yardage: 

• Size XS/S: 370- 372 yards (338- 340 m), approx.
• Size M/L: 435- 437 yards (398- 400 m), approx. 
• Size XL/2XL: 490- 492 yards (448- 450 m), approx.

Gauge: 14 sts and 18 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in stockinette stitch and 7 mm knitting needles.

Knitting Terms:

• st: stitch.
• sts: stitches.
• k: knit.
• p: purl.

Instructions:

With 5 mm circular knitting needles, cast on 108 (120, 132) sts. Join in the round. Don't know how to join in the round? here is a short tutorial on how to do it (from 0:26 - 1:15 min): 

 

Put a ring stitch marker at the beginning of rounds, work as follows:

Rib round: k 2, p 1, k 1, p 1, k 1, repeat to end.

Repeat the rib round 10 (12, 12) times. Change to 7 mm circular needles, then knit the next round as follows:

Basic round: p 5, k 3, p 4, repeat to end.

Repeat the round until skirt length measures 32 (34, 36) cm

Pattern Rounds:

Round 1: p 4, k 1, p 1, k 3, p 3, repeat to end.

Round 2: p 3, k 3, p 1, k 3, p 2, repeat to end.

Round 3: p 2, k 3, p 3, k 3, p 1, repeat to end.

Round 4: p 1, k 3, p 5, k 3, repeat to end.

Round 5: k 3, p 7, k 1, p 1, repeat to end.

Round 6: k 2, p 9, k 1, repeat to end.

Round 7: k 1, p 1, k 1, p 7, k 2, repeat to end.

Round 8: p 1, k 3, p 5, k 3, repeat to end.

Round 9: p 2, k 3, p 3, k 3, p 1, repeat to end.

Round 10: p 3, k 3, p 1, k 3, p 2, repeat to end.

Round 11: p 4, k 1, p 1, k 3, p 3, repeat to end.

Change to 8 mm circular needles and repeat the basic round 4 (6, 8) times.

Work rib round 5 (5, 7) times, then bind off all sts. Weave in loose ends.

(Click to enlarge)

Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects.

Read More

Christmas Lotus Hat

Hello knitters! I present to you all, my last Christmas project for this year! To be honest, this is the first hat I designed for Christmas this year, and I gave the original version to my adorable niece –who wears it every day to school!– but I never got around to write down the pattern for it until now. 

The pattern for this hat is so bright and nice, it is a simple type of mosaic pattern, and needs multiples of four stitches count by four rounds. I don't know what the exact name for this pattern is, but when I look at it I see lotus flowers (not to be mistaken for the lotus flower ‘stitch’). I also made a video on my YouTube channel to show you the cool twist in making it. I hope you find it easy to knit after watching, and I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments. It's been a challenging year for everyone now, so I leave you this last Christmas post, with my sincerest wishes that 2022 would be a better year, filled with love, health, and knitting! Merry Christmas everyone, and happy new year!!

Skill level: Intermediate

Materials:

• Yarn: Alize Baby Best, (90% acrylic, 10% bamboo), 3.35 oz (100 g), 262 yards (240 m), in the following colors and quantities: "light cream" 62 (1 skein), "green" 41 (1 skein), "cherry" 390 (1 skein), and "dark yellow" 216 (1 skein).
• Circular knitting needles, 16" (40 cm) long, sizes US 6 (4 mm) and US 7 (4.5 mm).
• Double pointed needles (DPNs) set, size US 7 (4.5 mm).
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch marker.

Sizes and measurements: 

• Size S: head circumference = 18" (46 cm), height = 8" (20 cm).
• Size M: head circumference = 20" (51 cm), height = 8.5" (21.5 cm).
• Size L: head circumference = 22" (56 cm), height = 9" (23 cm).

Gauge: 18 sts and 24 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in stockinette stitch.

Yardage: 

• Size S: 162 - 164 yards (148- 150 m), approx.
• Size M: 175- 177 yards (160- 162 m), approx. 
• Size L: 191- 193 yards (175- 177 m), approx.

Knitting Terms:

• st: stitch.
• sts: stitches.
• sl st: slip stitch.
• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• k2tog: knit two stitches together.

Instructions:

With light cream yarn and 4 mm circular knitting needles, cast on 88 (96,108) sts. Join in the round. Don't know how to join in the round? here is a short tutorial on how to do it (from 0:26 - 1:15 min): 

 

Put a ring stitch marker at the beginning of rounds, work as follows:

Rib round: k 1, p 1, repeat to end.

Repeat the rib round 10 (10, 12) times. Change to 4.5 mm circular needles while knitting one round, then knit 3 (3, 5) times more rounds. Join cherry yarn and work the pattern as follows:

General Pattern:

Note: Always sl st through back loop.

With cherry yarn knit 2 rounds, with light cream work as follows:

Round 1: k 1, insert needle in the second st on the left needle, two rounds below (in the light cream round), yo, pull the needle out of the st with yo, sl st 3, pass the yo over the 3 slipped sts, repeat to end.

Round 2: k 2, sl st 1, k 1, repeat to end. Cut cherry yarn.

Knit 4 rounds.

Repeat the general pattern using green yarn once, yellow yarn once.

Join green yarn and work as follows:

Round 1: with green yarn k 1, with light cream k 3, repeat to end.

Round 2: with green yarn k 2, with light cream k 2, with green yarn k 1, repeat to end. Cut light cream yarn.

Decreasing rounds:

Round 1: k2tog, k 9 (10, 10), repeat to end. [80 (88, 99) sts]

Round 2: k to end.

Round 3: k2tog, k 8 (9, 9), repeat to end. [72 (80, 90) sts]

Round 4: k to end.

Round 5: k2tog, k 7 (8, 8), repeat to end. [64 (72, 81) sts]

Round 6: k to end.

Round 7: k2tog, k 6 (7, 7), repeat to end. [56 (64, 72) sts]

Round 8: k to end.

Round 9: k2tog, k 5 (6, 6), repeat to end. [48 (56, 63) sts]

Round 10: k to end.

Round 11: k2tog, k 4 (5, 5), repeat to end. [40 (48, 54) sts]

Round 12: k to end.

Round 13: k2tog, k 3 (4, 4), repeat to end. [32 (40, 45) sts]

For Size S:

Change to DPNs needles.

Round 14: k2tog, k 2, repeat to end. 24 sts 

Round 15: k2tog, k 1, repeat to end. 16 sts

Round 16: k2tog, repeat to end. 8 sts

Cut yarn, leaving a 6" (15 cm) long yarn tail, pull it through all sts and tighten tog. Weave in loose ends.

For Size M:

Change to DPNs needles.

Round 14: k to end.

Round 15: k2tog, k 3, repeat to end. (32 sts)

Round 16:k2tog, k 2, repeat to end. (24 sts)

Round 17:k2tog, k 1, repeat to end. (16 sts)

Round 18: k2tog, repeat to end. (8 sts)

Cut yarn leaving a 6" (15 cm) long yarn tail, pull it through all sts and tighten tog. Weave in loose ends.

For Size L:

Round 14: k to end.

Round 15: k2tog, k 3, repeat to end. (36 sts) 

Round 16: k to end.

Round 17: k2tog, k 2, repeat to end. (27 sts)

Change to DPNs needles.

Round 18: k to end.

Round 19: k2tog, k 1, repeat to end. (18 sts)

Round 20: k2tog, repeat to end. (9 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a 6" (15 cm) long yarn tail, pull it through all sts and tighten tog. Weave in loose ends.

With light cream and green yarn, make a 2.5" (6 cm) diameter pompom and fix it tight on top.

Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects.

Read More

Hashtag Mittens

Hi knitters! As I mentioned in my previous post, when I finish a project and still have some yarn left, I try to make use of it by creating accessories for the main piece. So first I made the Hashtag Jacket, then with the leftover yarn I made the Hashtag Slouchy, and now, made with the last remains of the skeins, I present to you the Hashtag Mittens. Making mittens was a challenge for me at first, because it took me a while to get used to the double pointed knitting needles, a must for knitting a small tube shape. In addition to that, I was using more than one yarn, and adopting the mosaic pattern into the mittens' pattern, all at the same time. But the result was worth the hard work, and I'm very pleased with these mittens. 2020 was the year of hats for me, so maybe this year will be the year of mitten projects. Be sure that I'll share my future designs with you all. Stay safe and healthy and have happy knitting days!

Hashtag Jacket		Hashtag Slouchy

Skill level: Advanced

Materials:

• Yarn: 
  1. Nako Calico: 50% Cotton, 50% Premium Acrylic, 3.5 oz. (100 g), 268 yard (245 meter). black: 1 skein. 
  2. Paint Box yarn: 100% Cotton, 1.7 oz. (50 g), 93 yard (85 meter). For size S/M: one skein of Slate Green 1010 (yarn D). For size M/L, one skein of each of the following colors:
     • Light Caramel 1337 (yarn A). 
     • Pistachio green 1346 (yarn B).
     • Vanilla Cream 1346 (yarn C).
• Set of double pointed needles, size US 5 (3.75 mm), and US 6 (4 mm).
• Stitch marker. 
• Tapestry needle.

Sizes:

• S/M
• M/L

Gauge:

• Paint Box yarn: 19 sts and 26 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in garter stitch and US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
• Nako Calico yarn: 20 sts and 29 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in garter stitch and US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.

Yardage:

• Size S/M: Paint Box = 44- 46 yards (40- 42 m), Nako Calico = 112- 115 yards (102- 105 m) Nako Calico.
• Size M/L: Paint Box = 55- 58 yards (50- 53 m), Nako Calico = 128- 131 yards (117- 120 m).

Knitting Terms:

• st = stitch.
• sts = stitches.
• k = knit.
• p = purl.
• M 1= make 1 st increase.
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together.
• sm = stitch marker.

 

Instructions:

Mitten (Make 2):
With black yarn and 3.75 mm double pointed needles, cast on 44 (48) sts. Join in the round. Put the ring stitch marker at the beginning of rounds, knit 1 round. Work as follows:
Ribs round: k 2, p 2, repeat to end.
Repeat ribs round 17 times.
Change to 4 mm circular needles, and work next round:
For Size S/M:
Purl one round decreasing 8 sts evenly. (36 sts)
For Size M/L:
Purl one round. (48 sts)

Hashtag Pattern:
For size S/M, use color D and black yarn.
For size M/L, use color A and black yarn.
Round 1 [yarn D (A)]: k 6, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 3, repeat to end.
Round 2 (A) and every even number row: purl the knit sts and slip the slipped sts purl-wise (with yarn in back).
Round 3 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 5, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, repeat to end.
Round 5 [yarn D (A)]: sl st 1, k 1, repeat to end.
Round 7 (black): k 5, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, repeat to end.
Round 9 [yarn D (A)]: sl st 1, k 9, sl st 1, k 1, repeat to end.
Round 11 (black): k 5, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 4, repeat to end.
Round 13 [yarn D (A)]: sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 9, repeat to end.
Round 15 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, k 1 sl st 1, k 4, repeat to end.
Round 17 [yarn D (A)] repeat row 5.
Round 19 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, k 5, sl st, repeat to end.
Round 21 [yarn D (A)]: k 4, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 5, repeat to end.
Round 23 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 9, sl st, repeat to end.
Round 24 (black): repeat row 2. Cut colored yarn.
Slip first 8 sts into stitch holder for thumb. Cast on 8 sts at the beginning of the round. 36(48) sts
Size S/M: repeat the 24 rows of the Hashtag Pattern twice more.
Size M/L: repeat the 24 rows of the Hashtag Pattern using yarn B and C, alternately.

Decreasing rounds:
With black yarn, work as follows:
Round 1: k 2, k2tog, repeat to end. 24(36) sts
Round 2: p to end.
Round 3: k 1, k2tog, repeat to end. 18(24) sts
Round 4: p to end.
Round 5: k2tog to end. 9(12)
Cut a 10 cm / 4" long yarn, pull it through all sts and tighten tog. Weave in loose ends.

THUMB:
Slip the 8 sts of the thumb back on double pointed needles size 4 mm. pick up 8 sts in the edge behind the thumb, and insert sm into the beginning of round. 16(16) sts
knit 20(22) rounds, then Work as follows:
Round 1: k2tog, repeat to end. 8(8) sts
Round 2: p to end.
Round 3: k2tog, repeat to end. 4(4) sts
Cut a 10 cm / 4" long yarn, pull it through all sts and tighten tog. Weave in loose ends.

Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects.

Read More

Hashtag Slouchy

Hi everyone! After I was done making my Hashtag Jacket, I still had some yarn left from my Paint Box skeins, and since I'm not one to waste leftover thread, I decided to make a couple of accessories for the jacket. Making a matching hat seemed like the best option, however it was challenging to incorporate the hashtag pattern into the design, and I had to talk myself into using double pointed needles, because they make it easier to work the top of the hat. Finally, after lots of research and trials, I was able to make this nice and simple slouchy hat, the perfect piece to complement the jacket. You can absolutely skip on the jacket and make this hat on its own, either way the hashtag pattern is a beautiful motif to knit and you should try your hand at it. Stay tuned for the matching project in the making. January 22nd, 2021 update: I've posted the matching mittens, so click on the link to check it out!

Hashtag Jacket	Hashtag Mittens

Skill level: Intermediate

Materials:

·       Yarn:

1.    Nako Calico: 50% Cotton, 50% Premium Acrylic, 3.5 oz. (100 g), 268 yards (245 meter). black: 1 skein. 

2.    Paint Box: 100% Cotton, 1.7 oz. (50 g), 93 yards (85 meter). 1 skein of each:

o   Light Caramel 1337 (yarn A). 

o   Pistachio green 1346 (yarn B).

o   Vanilla Cream 1346 (yarn C).

·       Circular Knitting needles, 16" (40 cm) long, sizes US 6 (4 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm).

·       Set of double pointed needles size US 7 (4.5 mm).

·       Stitch marker. 

·       Tapestry needle.

Sizes and head circumference measurements:

• Size S/M: 21.25"- 22" (54- 56 cm).
• Size M/L: 22.5"- 23.25" (57- 59 cm).

Gauge:

• Paint Box yarn: 19 sts and 26 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in garter stitch and US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
• Nako Calico yarn: 20 sts and 29 rounds = 4"x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) in garter stitch and US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.

Yardage:

• Size S/M: Paint Box = 85- 90 yards (75- 80 m), Nako Calico =120- 125 yards (110- 115 m) Nako Calico.
• Size M/L: Paint Box = 100- 105 yards (90- 95 m), Nako Calico = 135- 140 yards (125- 130 m).

Knitting Terms:

• st = stitch.
• sts = stitches.
• k = knit.
• p = purl.
• M 1 = make 1 st increase.
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together.

Instructions:

With black yarn and 4 mm circular needles, cast on 100 (110) sts. Join in the round. Don't know how to join in the round? here is a short tutorial on how to do it (from 0:26 - 1:15 min): 

 

Put the ring stitch marker at the beginning of rounds, knit 1 round. Work as follows:

Ribs round: k 2, p 2, repeat to end.

Repeat ribs round 8 times.

Change to 4.5 mm circular needles, and work next round:

For Size S/M:

Increase round: *p 12, m 1, p 13, m 1, repeat from * to end. (108 sts)

For Size M/L:

Increase round: p 10, m 1, repeat to last 10 sts, k 10. (120 sts)

 

Hashtag Pattern:

With color A and black yarn, work as follows:

Round 1 (A): k 6, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 3, repeat to end.

Round 2 (A) and every even number row: purl the knit sts and slip the slipped sts purl-wise (with yarn in back).

Round 3 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 5, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, repeat to end.

Round 5 (A): sl st 1, k 1, repeat to end.

Round 7 (black):  k 5, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, repeat to end.

Round 9 (A): sl st 1, k 9, sl st 1, k 1, repeat to end.

Round 11 (black): k 5, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 4, repeat to end.

Round 13 (A): sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 9, repeat to end.

Round 15 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, k 1 sl st 1, k 4, repeat to end.

Round 17 (A): repeat row 5.

Row 19 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 3, sl st 1, k 5, sl st, repeat to end.

Row 21 (A): k 4, sl st 1, k 1, sl st 1, k 5, repeat to end.

Round 23 (black): k 1, sl st 1, k 9, sl st, repeat to end.

Round 24 (black): repeat row 2. Cut yarn A.

Repeat the 24 rows of the Hashtag Pattern using yarn B and C alternately.

With black yarn, k 1 round and purl 1 round once (twice).

 

Decreasing Rounds:

Round 1: k 2, k2tog, repeat to end. 81 (90) sts

Change to the set of double pointed needles and continue:

Round 2 and every even number round: p to end.

Round 3: k 7, k2tog, repeat to end. 72 (80) sts

Round 5: k 6, k2tog, repeat to end. 63 (70) sts

Round 7: k 5, k2tog, repeat to end. 54 (60) sts

Round 9: k 4, k2tog, repeat to end. 45 (50) sts

Round 11: k 3, k2tog, repeat to end. 36 (40) sts

Round 13: k 2, k2tog, repeat to end. 27 (30) sts

Round 15: k 1, k2tog, repeat to end. 18 (20) sts

Round 17: k2tog, repeat to end. 9 (10) sts

Cut a 15 cm / 6" long yarn, pull it through all sts and tighten tog. Weave in loose ends. 

Lastly, feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or find something confusing in the pattern.

Happy crocheting/knitting! follow me on Instagram @wiams_crafts and Twitter @wiamscrafts to see my upcoming projects.

Read More