I-Cord Bind Off with Cable Twist - Knitting Tutorial

Today I am sharing a video tutorial that I created to show a fascinating bind off that I just tried for the first time. I was making a shawl for myself, and I had a cable running up one side of it. When it came time to bind off, I decided to try an I-cord bind off. If you've never done an I-cord bind off, you can find a tutorial here.

I really liked how it looked, especially with a cable twist thrown in, but I didn't like how long it took. I realized that by using 2 dpn's, I didn't have to transfer the I-cord stitches back onto the left needle. I could just slide it on over to the other side of the dpn, and keep going. It was so much faster, and I got into a really good rhythm and finished it much more quickly than I thought it would take. I decided that I needed to make a video to show my method.

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL

Here are some more details to help you get the perfect I-cord bind off for your project:

I used 6 knit stitches before decreasing at the end of the I-cord. Typically 2-3 stitches are used, but I needed to match the 4 stitch cable on the other side of the shawl. Since the I-cord pulls some of the stitches around towards the back, a 6 stitch cable on the I-cord looked more like the 4 stitch cable on the side of the shawl.

Some I-cord tutorials show a Knit 2 together through the back loop (K2togtbl), but I used a Purl 2 together (P2tog) to give the cable a little more definition from the rest of the I-cord.

The bind off looked perfect after I blocked my shawl. I highly recommend blocking your knit shawls. It prevents curling, and really helps define those gorgeous cables. 

I hope this tutorial is informative and helpful! If you try out this method, feel free to tag me @craftsbysarahliz so I can see your beautiful work! I will be typing up my shawl pattern soon, so be on the lookout for the pattern.

Happy Knitting!

-Sarah Liz

Quick Crochet Flower - Free Pattern

Occasionally I will treat myself with some special yarn. Lately I've been loving hand dyed yarn. I got some beautiful yarn from Wearable Personality (go check out her new yarn shop Fashion Fiber Co.) and I made my Helena Cowl pattern. I only had a little bit of yarn left, and I hate to let such pretty yarn go to waste.

I chose to use the remaining yarn to make flowers for my 3 daughters. They love hair pretties, and I had just enough yarn left to make the 3 flowers. I attached 2 of them to hair clips for my older daughters, and attached the last one to a nylon headband for my youngest.

Materials:
Small amounts of yarn (I used worsted weight #4 yarn)
Desired hook size (I used a size H 5mm hook)
Scissors
Needle for weaving in ends
Optional - hair clips or nylon headbands

Abbreviations (US terms):
Sl st - Slip Stitch
CH - Chain
Ch-sp - Chain Space
SC - Single Crochet
HDC - Half Double Crochet
St(s) - Stitch(es)

Notes:
This flower is worked in the round.
Repeat sections will be noted with * *
Magic Ring Tutorial

Instructions

Make Magic Ring

1. *SC in ring. CH 3.* Repeat * * until you have 5 SC. CH 3, sl st to first SC to join. Pull ring tight to close. (you should have 6 Ch 3-sp)

2. Sl st into 1st ch 3-sp. *CH 1, 3HDC in ch 3-sp. CH 1. Sl st into same ch 3-sp. Sl st into next ch 3-sp.* Repeat * * around, making your final sl st into the first ch 3-sp to join. (6 petals)

3. *Sl st into the ch 1 in the first petal. Make 1 SC in each of the HDCs in the petal. Sl st into the last ch 1 of the same petal. Sl st into the next petal's ch 1.* Repeat * * for each petal. 

Cut yarn. Weave in ends, attaching them to clips or headbands as desired.

I would love to see your crochet flowers! Tag me on Instagram @craftsbysarahliz so I can see your work! Your support of my small business is truly appreciated!

*Permissions*

-You are free to sell what you make from this pattern. I would appreciate links back to my blog, Ravelry, or Etsy shop to credit me as the designer. 

-You may not use my photos.

-You may not sell this pattern or any part of this pattern, distribute it, or claim it as your own.

© 2020 Sarah Gross - Crafts by Sarah Liz

Helena Cowl - Free Crochet Pattern

I received some beautiful hand dyed cotton yarn from my friend Liana at Wearable Personality. I knew I wanted a cotton scarf or cowl right away. I did some Pinterest searches and came across a beautiful stitch pattern from Annie's Attic that I just had to use. This cotton yarn is so soft, and my cowl is perfect for transitioning to spring from the heavy wool scarves and cowls that I use in the winter.

Size:
My finished cowl measures approximately 7.5 inches tall, and 28 inches around.

Materials:
Size H (5 mm) Crochet Hook
Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn #4 (I Love This Cotton) Approximately 150 yards
Scissors
Needle for weaving in ends
Tape Measure – For checking gauge, and length of cowl

Gauge:
16 sts in DC, 8 rows = 4 inches 
Check your gauge and adjust needle size accordingly.

Adjusting the pattern:
This stitch pattern uses a multiple of 12 sts plus 2. I chained 38 for my cowl. You can adjust the number of your starting chain to make your cowl wider or thinner.

This stitch pattern is a 4 row repeat. I made 48 rows total. You can adjust the number of rows that do to make your cowl longer or shorter around.

Abbreviations (US Terms):
CH – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
DC – Double Crochet
TRC – Treble Crochet
V-St – V Stitch (see notes)
CL-St – Cluster Stitch (see notes)
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sk – Skip
Ch-Sp – Chain Space

St(s) – Stitch(es)

Notes:
CH 4 counts as TRC
CH 3 counts as a DC.
CH 1 does NOT count as a st.
This cowl is worked in rows. Turn at the beginning of each row.
Instructions that are inside parentheses are meant to be worked all in the same stitch, or chain space.
Repeat sections will be noted with * *

Tutorials:
Magic Ring Tutorial: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/459085755768457963/
V-St:  (DC, CH 1, DC) all in the same stitch.
V-Stitch Tutorial: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/459085755768457925/

Special Stitches:
Cluster Stitch (CL-St): 
Yarn over, insert hook and pull up a loop.
Yarn over, draw through 2 loops (2 loops remaining on hook).
Yarn over, insert hook and pull up a loop.
Yarn over, draw through 2 loops (3 loops remaining on hook).
Yarn over, draw through all remaining loops on hook.

Instructions:

CH 38

1. SC in 2^nd Ch from hook. *Ch 2, sk the next 2 starting Ch, V-st in the next Ch. Ch 2, sk the next 2 starting Ch, SC in the next Ch.* Repeat * * across. (6 total V-sts)

2. CH 4 (counts as TRC), turn. *In next V-st Ch-Sp (CL-St, Ch 1, CL-St, Ch 1, CL-St). Ch 1* Repeat * *, working in each V-st Ch-Sp across until the last V-st. In the last V-st Ch-Sp, (CL-St, Ch 1, CL-St, Ch 1, CL-St). TRC in last SC in row. (18 total CL-Sts)

3. CH 1, turn. SC in same st as turning Ch. *Ch 1, SC in next Ch-Sp.* Repeat * * across. SC in top of Ch 4 from previous row. (19 total SCs)

4. CH 3 (counts as DC), turn. DC in next Ch-Sp. *Ch 1, DC in next Ch-Sp.* Repeat * * across. DC in last SC. (19 DCs, 1 CH 3 which counts as a DC. 20 total)

5. CH 1, turn. SC in same st as turning Ch. *Ch 2, Sk 1 DC and 1 CH, V-st in the next DC. Ch 2, Sk 1 CH and 1 DC, SC in the next Ch-Sp.* Repeat * * across, but make your final SC into the top of the Ch 3 from the previous row. (6 total V-sts)

Repeat rows 2-5 until desired length. I did 48 rows total.

Finishing:
Sl st ends of cowl together to form a loop.
Weave in any remaining ends.

 

I would love to see your Helena Cowls! Tag me on Instagram  @craftsbysarahliz so I can see your work!

I hope you enjoy my pattern. Your support of my small business is truly appreciated!

*Permissions*
- You are free to sell what you make from this pattern. I would appreciate links back to my blog, Ravelry, or Etsy shop to credit me as the designer.
- You may not use my photos.
- You may not sell this pattern or any part of this pattern, distribute it, or claim it as your own.

© 2020 Sarah Gross - Crafts by Sarah Liz

Liana Cup Cozy - Free Pattern

I recently purchased some amazing hand dyed yarn from my friend Liana. She has a small business called Wearable Personality, and she makes some amazing yarn. I had been eyeing her gorgeous yarn for a while, and finally treated myself to a skein of Winter Berry on bulky. I made myself a hat and instantly fell in love! You can purchase the hat pattern on my Ravelry.

I had a little bit of yarn left over and could not bring myself to just store it away in my stash. And that is how the Liana Cup Cozy pattern was born! You can find the free cozy pattern below, or you can download the free pdf by clicking the button below.

GET THE FREE PDF

Finished Size:
Finished cozy measures approximately 3-3.25 inches wide

Materials:
Size 9 (5.5mm) US needles
Bulky Weight Yarn #5 (Lion Brand Color Made Easy) Approximately 50 Yards
Or alternatively, a thick Worsted Weight or Aran Weight will work with minor gauge differences.
Stitch Markers
Cable Needle
Scissors
Needle for weaving in ends
Button – 1 ¼ inch
Tape Measure – For checking gauge, and length of cozy before finishing

Gauge:
16 sts in garter stitch, 24 rows = 4 inches
I tend to knit tightly so check your gauge and adjust needle size accordingly.

Abbreviations:
CO – Cast on
K – Knit
P – Purl
C3F – Cable 3 Front
St(s) – Stitch(es)
RS – Right Side
WS – Wrong Side
BO – Bind off

Notes:

- I use the long-tail cast on to begin the project.

- I use locking or clasp stitch markers to mark the cable rows so I know how many rows I’ve done in between.

- Repeat sections will be noted with *  *

- I use the Cable Cast on for one of the button-hole rows.

Special Stitches:

C3F – Cable 3 Front: (a cable worked over 6 stitches)

Slip 3 stitches onto cable needle.
Hold the cable needle in FRONT.
Knit the next 3 stitches on the left needle.
Knit the 3 stitches that are on the cable needle.

Tutorials:
Long-tail Cast On: https://www.theblueelephants.com/2018/04/knitting-for-beginners-long-tail-cast-on.html
Cable Cast on (for button-hole rows): https://stitchesnscraps.com/tutorial-cable-cast-on/ 

Instructions:

Using size 9 needles

·     CO 12 (long-tail cast on)

1.    Knit across (RS)
2.    Knit across (WS)
3.    Knit across
4.    Knit across
5.    K1, P1, K8, P1, K1
6.    K1, P1, K1, P6, K1, P1, K1
7.    Repeat row 5
8.    Repeat row 6
9.    K1, P1, K1, C3F, K1, P1, K1
10.  Repeat row 6
11.   Repeat row 5
12.  Repeat row 6
13.  Repeat row 9 (cable round)
14.  Repeat row 6
15.  Repeat row 5
16.  Repeat row 6
17.  Repeat row 5
18.  Repeat row 6
19.  Repeat row 5
20. Repeat row 6
21.  Repeat row 5
22.  Repeat row 6
23.  Repeat row 9 (cable round)

Repeat rows 10-23 until you reach desired length, ending with a RS row. I used my favorite mug to test the length and needed 10 ½ inches. Now work the button-hole rows.

- Knit across (WS)

- Knit across (RS)

- K4, BO 4, K4

- K4, Cable Cast-on 4, K4

- Knit across

- Bind off knitwise

Finishing:
Weave in ends. Attach a button on the side of the cup cozy. Make your favorite hot beverage, wrap your mug or cup in your brand-new cup cozy and enjoy!

I would love to see your Liana Cup Cozies! Tag me on Instagram @craftsbysarahliz so I can see your work!
I hope you enjoy my pattern! Your support of my small business is truly appreciated!

*Permissions*
- You are free to sell what you make from this pattern. I would appreciate links back to my blog, Ravelry, or Etsy shop to credit me as the designer.
- You may not use my photos.

- You may not share this pattern, but please share my pattern links so your friends can get it too.

- You may not sell this pattern, distribute it, or claim it as your own.

© 2020 Sarah Gross - Crafts by Sarah Liz