If you’re getting bored of garter and stockinette stitch, try something new! I personally love experimenting with the textures of different stitches. Looking through the many stitches on StitchFinder, I always ask “What can I make with that stitch?” The truth is I have too many ideas! Belts, scarves, shawls, blankets, maybe add a little lace here or a cable there… So I thought I’d share a few ideas with you.
First of all, when you’re experimenting with a new stitch, you really should do a gauge swatch. But it’s not so bad, you’ll get the hang of the stitch and you can create a washcloth or squares for a patchwork blanket! Once you know the gauge you’ll be able to make a better decision about what to make and how many stitches to cast on.
Making anything square or rectangular with your new stitch will be a cinch! Just decide on the length and width of your project and divide by the length and width of a repeat in your gauge swatch. Just make sure you’re starting with the right number of stitches for your stitch pattern (for example, if your stitch pattern says “chain a multiple of 6 + 3” and you want 10 repeats you would chain 63). From there you can make scarves, shawls, blankets, or pillow covers! If you make a long skinny strip and add two D-ring to one end you’ll have a belt! If you knit a rectangle, fold it in half, sew two sides together, and add a strap, you have a purse!
You can also add a new stitch to an existing pattern or idea. Substitute stockinette for a more textured stitch; switch out one lace pattern for another or switch cables. By simply switching up the stitch you use you keep your projects interesting!
Millie Taylor
Please tell me what the stitch is in your latest article, “add a stitch of interest.”
Jess Says: Hi, Millie. That’s the Leaves of Grass pattern from our StitchFinder. Click here to see the pattern.
Janet
Just wanted to let you know you made a grammatical error in paragraph 3. You said “just make sure your starting…..”. You should have said “just make sure YOU’RE (you are)starting…”.
I really enjoy the website, especially Lola. I can so often relate to her (don’t know if that is good or bad!).
Lindsey says: Janet, thanks for catching my error! I’ve fixed it in the body of the post.
Millie Taylor
Thank you for your response to Leaves of grass. It is a lovely stitch. I use different stitches to make washcloths for personal use and gifts and have made many from your Stitchfinder and will make one from Leaves of Grass.
Design 102: Designing with Squares | Lion Brand Notebook
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