Difference between Knitting & Crochet

Knitting is a craft. Since many generations back, this craft is practiced home. Actually knitting is part of the act of preparing a nice fabric, with the help of thread like yarn and wool. The mechanics of knitting are simple, like that of crochet in which loops or stitches have to be pulled in between each other in specific ways so as to result in a fabric print.
Knitting actually differs from crochet in a couple of ways. Generally in the case of crochet, multiple stitches are active, meaning that they all are in use at the same time. These active stitches are used to hold the fabric being crafted, onto the needle till another loop passes through them with the help of a second needle. The second point is that in crochet only a single needle is required; whereas in the case of knitting, two needles are necessary.
You can create a fabric with the help of needles, by hand or you can get the fabric with the help of machine. But the thing is that if you want different patterns and designs, at the end you have to knit by hand. To produce a long length of fabric, make use of two straight needles this type is called flat knitting. On the other side if you want a flawless tube, you have to make use of the circular or double pointed needles in circular knitting.
To get different patterns and styles you can make use of different yarn and knitting needles with the help of different colors, texture, and weight or integrity. Basically there are two types of knitting which are weft knitting, versus wrap knitting and another type is flat knitting versus circular knitting.
In weft knitting zigzag design of yarn, can be found all over length of the fabric. This design will follow to the adjacent columns instead of rows. On the other hand in case of the wrap knitting zigzag design will follow all over the length of the cloth in adjacent rows instead of columns. The next type is flat knitting versus circular knitting. In circular knitting you will get flawless tube, in this knitting is used to cast the circles of stitches which are joint. On the other side of it in flat knitting fabric is knitted from interchange sides. This will become the right side in the flat stitching.
These are the basic types of knitting, and for knitting purposes you can make use of some yarn that acts as the thread of fabric. You can also use a number of knitting tools for the creation of different patterns in the fabric. These knitting tools are knitting needles, ancillary tools, etc. using different stitches that result in getting you different patterns as the end product.

Popularity: 12%

Knitting information from Magazine

During the 17th and 18th century, the Scottish Isles main occupation was knitting. Colorful patterns were made by using Fair Isle technique. The Industrial Revolution brought a major development in the knitting. The British government published a booklet by the name “Make do and mend” that supplied knitting patterns for people to knit sweaters, gloves for the Army and Navy.
Knitting has undergone a vast change. There are lot of magazines and online publications for knitting. Adirafil is an online publication that has free patterns, yarn information etc. This site is accessible in four languages (English, Spanish, Italian and French). It is published four times in a year, and it gives information about guild news, free patterns etc. Creative Design school publication gives knitting lessons and instructions. Family circle Easy knitting & Crochet is published four times a year which can be subscribed online. Heels and Toes Gazette is published quarterly and gives information about sock knitting, sock patterns and knitting tips.
InKnitters is a quarterly magazine published under Machine Knitters source. This magazine is mainly featured on patterns and articles about knitting. Interweave magazine is published by Interweave Press. It is a quarterly magazine. Knit N Style can be subscribed online and it is published six times a year. It deals with free patterns and bulletin boards.
Knit Net is an online knitting magazine, which gives more about retailer information, great patterns and articles. It is published five times in a year and its issues are available on CD ROM. KnitScape Magazine is published two times in a year and under the publishers of Interweave Press. Knitters Review is updated every week because it gives the latest information about yarns, shops and techniques of knitting. Knitting digests features about the latest patterns and designs in the knitting. It is published six times in a year.
Knitting now, has three issues in a year which gives information about patterns and technical support of knitting. Knitting Universe is a famous magazine that is published four times a year. It also gives information about nice patterns and techniques of knitting. The European Yarn Company publishes Lana Grossa and it is issued seven times in a year. This is an online magazine. Machine Knitters Source is a magazine published 6 times in a year which mainly features on articles about machines.
Machine knitting monthly, is a website, which is updated every month and features about news and reviews, articles, hints and tips. MagKnits, is published with free patterns. Piecework Magazine is also published by Interweave Press, which is published two times in a month. There are projects on knitting, embroidery and crochet, stitch, basket, lace and other craftwork. Rebecca is German knitting magazine that gives information about free patterns and technical support.
Rowan is published twice in a year that gives information about patterns of Rowan yarns. Sandar is a knitting magazine that is published monthly. Spinoff magazine is a quarterly magazine that deals with articles of spinning and knitting.

Popularity: 8%

Knitting stitch comes before Knitting

Knitting is a really fun hobby! You can get complete satisfaction by creating something very beautiful yourself. Don’t worry, even if you have forgotten all you learned in your school days, you can easily start knitting all over again. Here are some tips to start knitting.
To start, try to knit with help of plastic needles and light weight yarn, till you get evenness and accuracy. Begin knitting: first cast on. To cast on, make a slip loop over the left needle then pass right needle through loop from left to right yarn under and over right needle then draw yarn through the loop and transfer the loop to your left needle, continue this till you get a number of stitches on left needle.
There are basic five stitches you should know before you start knitting. These five stitches are “knit stitch”, “knit two stitches”, and “the purl stitch”, “stockinette stitches” and “yarn over stitches”.
Let’s start with basic knit stitch. To start with basic knitting, the most common stitch is the knit stitch, for this pass right needle, through the first stitch of the left hand needle. Now wind yarn over crossed two needles over right hand needle. Just gently pull through loop. After that just slip over first original stitch from left needle to right hand needle. Repeat the whole procedure till you transfer all stitches from left needle to right needle.
If you wish to have effect like a twisted rib, you just have to knit into the back of the knit stitch. For back stitch, just insert needle into back of the stitch of left hand needle. With this back knit stitch you can even create awesome textured stitch patterns.
Second basic stitch is a Purl stitch; this pattern created with purl stitch will look like a brick face, when viewed from purl side of pattern. First you have to take the yarn in front of the needle, then insert right hand needle in the first stitch on left hand needle. Wind yarn around back of right hand needle from right to left, then just draw loop backward which will allow stitch to sleep off left needle to right hand needle. The main thing to remember about this stitch is that you have to take the yarn in front of needle. Continue till all stitches are transferred from left needle to right needle.
Third basic stitch is a Stockinette stitch. This is commonly used stitch for sweater and socks. This is simple stitch, has a combination of two basic stitches, Knit stitch and purl stitch. You have to knit one row with knit stitch and one row of purl stitch. If you want to increase the stitch then knit one stitch in regular fashion, but do not slip the stitches off the left needle, after that knit another stitch through back of same stitch and slip stitch off left hand needle.
In order to knit together two stitches. Just have to decrease a stitch just knit two stitches together or you can even two purl stitches together. For making even stitches, decrease at edges knit the second and third stitches together.
You can start knitting with five stitches and start knitting!

Popularity: 8%

What Modular Knitting is?

Knitting is a skill of turning threads into pieces of cloth. A traditional knitting technique gets a new and easier roll, so if you don’t have an experience with knitting before, it will be much easier. Knitting is done by stitching those threads into each other. Knitting may be hand made or machine made. By hand, there are many styles and ways. So many different fibers and needles are used to make those different varieties of cloth pieces, such as table cloths, handkerchiefs and etc.
According to the research results it has been found that a woman in Virginia, her name is Woods Bellamy, invented a type of knitting in the year 1940 it was “number knitting” later known as “modular knitting”. In this method with the use of small knitting pieces, you can combine to get a single large piece. She used different shapes, for knitting such as squares, triangles, parallelograms, and rectangles.
For this type of knitting she was using graph paper, first all plots were made, these are lay outs, that are then converted in to the fabric patterns in successions and knitting creates parts one by one, beginning of each knitting part by knitting it to preceding part. Bellamy obtained just ideas and few patterns of modular knitting snot a full modular knitting concept. Bellamy may have know some another inventor of modular knitting, at that time there was not that much growth for knitting, so her interest brought her to a level where she known as inventor of “number knitting”.
If you know the basics of knitting, and you know how to cast on, blind off, knit, increase and decrease, all the twists and turns are used in modular knitting, it may happen sometimes that you’re stitching is complete, and there remains a gap in between, these stitches you can easily add some more stitches or even release those stitches, to make them in equal in numbers. So this is the advantage associated, with modular knitting, this method is flexible compared to others, so you don’t have to waste your time in rearranging the stitches.
Modular knitting normally involves creating individual patterns, which are squares, triangles, diamonds and combinations of them to create fine pieces, then stitching another piece, then all are combined together to create a beautiful modular pattern. By using modular knitting techniques, you can knit skirts, scarves; the art of yarn can be used here to create hexagonal shapes and that too in many different colors.
Even if you are beginner with modular knitting, you will feel comfortable. The new techniques that are used nowadays will help you, to knit shapes continuously without cutting yarns and picking up stitches it’s very easy compared to old methods. So by using this kind of knitting, you will be able to create your own funky clothes, for your family members, like kids, husband, and grandparents, all of them will look extraordinary in these clothes. They are also better options for gifts, anyone will be happy to receive such beautiful gift.

Popularity: 8%

Got used to by Knitting

Knitting is a famous craftwork. In fact, knitting turns thread or yarn into cloth. Knitting consists of loops. These loops called stitches are obtained by pulling the thread through each other. Knitting is either done by hand or by machine. There are numerous and methods in hand knitting. In some, the end product may be entirely different and in some produce it may be similar. Flat knitting does the length of the cloth and the circular knitting produces a seamless tube. Using different yarns, needles, color, texture and weight produces different end products.
History:
In the year 1527, the first knitting guild was started in Paris. Hand knitting went out of fashion many times but it started its revival in the 21st century. The number of women knitters increased about 150% in the year 2002 and 2004. International communities are also formed for knitting. There are networks where people share techniques and patterns and also run competitions.
Types of Knitting:
Weft knitting and warp knitting are the two major varieties of knitting. Weft knitting requires only a single yarn. One yarn for every stitch is used in warp knitting. Weft knitting is done either by hand or machine whereas warp knitting is done by machine generally.
Circular knitting is otherwise called as knitting in the round. It creates a seamless tube. A set of four or five double pointed needles is used for doing circular knitting. Flat knitting is used to produce rectangular pieces of cloth. Two straight knitting needles are used in this type and stitches are made in rows and horizontal lines. Hats, socks, mittens and sleeves are made by using circular knitting. Scarves, blankets and front and backsides of sweaters are made with flat knitting.
Texture:
Flat stockinette stitch is the most common texture for the knitted garment and knit stitches worked flat is used for machine made stockings and T-shirts. Simple textures are made using knit and purl stitches, garter stitch, ribbing and moss and seed stitches. There is more number of complicated patterns in which slip stitch and heel and linen stitches are used. Small eyelet holes can also be created in the fabric. The use of yarn also changes the appearance of the garment. If the yarn is thick, the stitches will be more visible and if the yarn is thin, the texture will be finer.
Process:
The process of casting on begins a piece of knitting. It is the creation of stitches on the needle. Different methods of casting on are used. Thumb method and double needle method are the various methods in cast on. Thumb method is ideal for picking up stitches and double needle method produces firm edge on the border. The two styles of knitting are continental style and English style. In the English style yarn is held in right hand whereas in continental style the yarn is held in the left hand. Knitting needles, knitting machines are the tools used for knitting.

Popularity: 8%

Ways to handle Knitting Group Meeting

Learning how to knit? Bitten by the knitting bug? Now, it’s time to meet more people who are hooked on knitting! Fix mistakes in your knitting also. Get the most out of your knitting group meeting. I’ll tell you what to expect from a knitting group meeting, show you 7 ways you can feel comfortable among experienced knitters. Have fun making new friends to share knitting ideas and projects.
Here are 7 ways you can feel comfortable in a knitting group meeting:
1) Talk with other knitters, don’t stay quiet.
Don’t just show up and knit your projects! You can do that at home, right? The first time I went to a knitting group, I thought people just sat together and knit in silence. Was I wrong! It’s more like a group of friends getting together to chat, and they happen to be knitting.
You’ll be surprised how the other members in the group want to get to know you. It’s their way of making you feel welcome. You’ll be doing the same when members come for the first time to your knitting group meeting. Be prepared to answer questions like, “how long have you been knitting,” “where do you buy your yarn,” “where do you live,” and “big plans for the weekend?”
2) Ask them what they think of LYSs (Local Yarn Shops).
If you’re a new knitter, get a list of LYSs near you to see and touch the new yarn brands, buy yarn or just go to their day-long sales. Bring the list of your LYSs and ask them what they think of a certain LYS. Members in the group are glad to tell you about their shopping experience at an LYS. You’ll hear comments like “the staff was standoffish, the staff is so friendly, too pricy for me, basically same yarn at my LYSs, not worth the trip.”
This info is useful when you’re driving to the LYS to buy yarn. If you’ve been to an LYS before, please share with them how you were treated, what you bought, or just what you liked about the LYS. For example, the first time I went to a knitting group, 2 of the members worked in an LYS!
3) Help a new knitter with their project.
People go to a knitting group to knit, but also to learn from experienced knitters. For example, be kind enough to put your project down for a second, and help another new knitter with their project, like fixing “holes” or extra stitches on a needle.
I remember that my first time at a knitting group meeting, I only knew how to cast on and knit in garter stitch. I had finished my scarf but didn’t know how to cast off. I asked a member if she could show me how to cast off my scarf, and she kindly put down the hat and the 4-needles, to show me to cast off! Wow, talk about being nice!
4) Bring a simple knitting project to knit.
You’re at the meeting to meet knitters, share tips, and knit. If you bring long, complicated patterns that require you to count stitches every row and focus too much, then stay at home to do it. The idea is to join the conversation, and be friendly. I recommend bringing a knitting project like a dishcloth, sock, scarf, or shawl that has 1 or 2 patterns or in garter stitch. For instance, a member in one of the meetings said, “I brought something mindless to knit.” It was a long scarf in garter stitch.
5) Bring your list of written knitting patterns.
A member or you might get an idea for knitting project at the meeting. If you’re a regular member, a member might even give you yarn as a gift and you would want to knit that moment. Sometimes, you might not be sure of a basic pattern, like a chevron, feather and fan, or horseshoe. You’ll be glad someone or you has a list of basic patterns written down in theknitting bag.
6) Bring some of your WIPs (works in projects).
Every knitter struggles to finish a project because there’s always a new more exciting project to start. Encourage them to finish their WIPs. Don’t forget to tell them what’s on your needles! Not just to show off, but to get their opinions and tips. For example, one of your WIPS is a lacy scarf in mohair yarn. They will gladly tell you what they think of the yarn you’re using, compliment you on the idea, and ask you about it days later until you finish it.
7) Meet at upcoming knitting events.
If you’re a new knitter, you don’t need to be shy at a LYS event. Why go by yourself to a knitting store sale, event or knitting show? Have fun by going with friends. Planning to go to a knitting event? Ask the members if they’re going and meet them there!
After attending a knitting group meeting, you’ll want to go to the next one. I hope these 7 ways will help you feel comfortable in a knitting group meeting. Remember to get to know the members in your group, make a simple knitting project, and meet them at a knitting event. Knitting doesn’t have be a lonely, sometimes frustrating experience

Popularity: 6%

Knitting Pattern for learners

How knitting began
Knitters were first believed to have begun their craft in the first few centuries AD. Egyptian artifacts and art have led many historians to credit the creation of knitting as a way to design clothing to the Egyptians. Since the craft is quite simple, it caught on and spread to other cultures rather quickly. By the middle of the 1500s, the first knitting groups had been established in France.
Patterns for knitting: garter stitch scarf
First-time knitters and those new to the craft often start with a pattern like the garter stitch scarf. This simple pattern is quite basic in that is requires only the knit stitch. The end result, however, has a more complicated looking ribbed design and is an attractive fashion accessory that makes an ideal gift for loved ones.
Patterns for knitting: stockinet stitch scarf
The stockinet stitch scarf pattern is one that is simple for even the most novice knitters to learn, and is a good transition pattern for those hoping to graduate from basic to more intermediate patterns. The finished scarves are quite attractive, but tend to curl up on the edges. This can be used as the fashion and design in which these scarves are designed, or try knitting the stockinet stitch scarf with fuzzy yarn.
Patterns for knitting: baby blankets
Many knitters first become interested in the craft so that they can create blankets for their friends and family. Baby blanket knitting patterns are available, and because of the square design, are quite simple for beginners. The baby blanket pattern is highly customizable in both size and design. A baby blanket is the perfect place to practice more complex pattern stitches. And if you decide to go larger, be sure to try to the square afghan patterns. The stitches are much the same as the baby blanket design, but the final product is nearly twice as large.
Patterns for knitting: party wrap patterns
Ready for a knitting challenge? When it’s time to move on to a more difficult stitch, try out the party wrap pattern. This design is circular and requires a few more advanced stitches to make it the end product come out correctly. However, the design is especially good for beginners because it helps to hide and camouflage any minor mistakes that are made in the creation of the party wrap.
Patterns for knitting: washcloths
When you want to create some products that offer more functionality and usability, consider checking out a washcloth pattern. These usually utilize the basic stockinet stitch, which makes them ideal for beginners. And with their small size, it will take even a newcomer very little time to complete the project and enjoy that rush of accomplishment and success.
The basics of knitting
Learning the art of knitting is relatively simple, and is enjoying a surge in popularity among new generations. Although machines do much of the commercial knitting necessary in the production of clothing, knitting by hand still has a very important role in modern culture. When knitting by hand, the artist also controls the colors, needles, and overall design of the final product.
There are two kinds of knitting - weft knitting and warp knitting. With warp knitting, only one string of yarn is necessary for each stitch. This type of knitting is most often done by hand. However, weft knitting involves multiple yarn strands and is commonly done by machine as part of commercial knitting.
Why use knitting patterns
Patterns for knitting provide a strong outline and foundation for starting any new knitting project. While knitting patterns can offer suggestions for design and color ideas, it is ultimately up to the artist to decide what the final product what look like.
Most new knitters should start with some of the basic patterns listed above and work on mastering basic stitches. Once you learn the basics of knitting, you will want to continue progressing to more advanced stitches and knitting patterns. You may also want to consider finding a local knitting group or meeting online others who share your hobby. Not only will this provide a nice social outlet, but your new knitting friends may also be able to help you locate and use new knitting patterns and new ideas for knitting projects.
Be sure to try using other available resources, such as local craft and hobby stores. There are often professionals and enthusiasts who can help you find great knitting patterns to start with. You can also find great information about patterns for knitting at online message boards, chat rooms, and knitting Web sites.

Popularity: 20%

Knitting Pattern - Cupcake Tea Cozy

This tea cozy will look great but it also has a useful function - it keeps your teapot and its contents nice and warm.
Instructions for knitting a two-color tea cozy.
Abbreviations:
St(s) = stitches
K = knit
P = purl
Inc = increase knit (or purl) twice into stitch
K2tog (or p2tog) = work next two sts together
You will need:
4mm knitting needles
8 ply wool in two colors (base and icing)
Beads (if desired)
Cast on 53 stitches with 4mm needles in base color.
Row 1: *K1, P1, repeat from * to last stitch, K1.
Row 2: * K2, P1, repeat from * to last two stitches, K2.
Row 3-20: Repeat rows 1 and 2 alternately.
Change to cake color.
Row 21: Knit, inc 3 sts evenly along row (56 sts).
Row 22-24: Knit
Continue in stocking stitch until 16 rows in base colour have been knitted, or until desired length has been reached.
Begin shaping as follows:
Row 37: (K6,K2tog) to end.
Row 39: (K5, K2tog) to end.
Row 40: Purl
Row 41: (K4, K2tog) to end.
Row 42: Purl
Row 43: (K3, K2tog) to end.
Row 44: Purl
Row 45: (K2, K2tog) to end.
Row 46: Purl
Row 47: (K1, K2tog) to end.
Row 48: Purl
Row 49: (K2tog) to end
Row 50: Purl (7 sts remaining)
Break yarn and thread through remaining stitches pulling tightly.
Work another piece exactly the same.
Sew two pieces together, leaving openings for the spout and handle. Attach cherry to top. Sew beads randomly to represent sprinkles on the cupcake.
Cherry
Cast on 8 stitches. Knit eight rows stocking stitch.
Cast off.
Sew running stitch around outside edges and gather tightly.
Fill and boil the kettle. Make a pot of tea and enjoy with a cupcake!

Popularity: 20%

Knitting Pattern: Country Chickens Novelty Tea Cosy and Egg Cosy

An unusual novelty tea cosy and egg cosy featuring small stuffed chickens. These cosies would fit right into a country cottage kitchen with the free-range hens roaming around the top. Ideal for keeping the teapot and boiled eggs warm too, children really enjoy them. Taking less than an hour to make they do make a lovely surprise on Good Friday and Easter Sunday when you present someone a hard boiled egg for their breakfast that still has a hen sitting on top of it.
Don’t be fooled into thinking this tea cosy and egg cosy with hens must be difficult to make, because they are really very quick and easy with minimal shaping.
To make the three country hens, tea cosy you will need…
5.5 mm, UK size 5 or US size 9 knitting needles,
3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 4 knitting needles,
50g White double knitting wool,
50g Lemon double knitting wool,
25g Dark Brown double knitting wool
25g Red double knitting wool
Other oddments of hen colored double knitting wool and scraps of felt for the beak.
Knit the Front and Back of the tea cosy to match
Using the white wool and the lemon wool as double thickness yarn and size 5 knitting needles, cast on 28 stitches and work 38 rows in straight garter stitch (Knit each row)
Leave the stitches on a spare needle until later.
Shaping the top…
Using white and lemon wool as a double yarn proceed to knit across the tea cosy front and then tea cosy back as follows…
Shaping the top Row 1: *K5, K2 tog* repeat to end
Next and every alternate row Knit.
Row 3: *K4, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 5: *K3, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 7: *K2, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 9: *K1, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 11: *K2 tog* repeat to end.
Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.
With the front and back right sides together, sew about 9.5cm from the finishing off point down the side seam towards the cast on edge.
At the bottom of each side seam, sew about 3cm upwards. The holes are left for the teapot handle and spout.
Knitting the hens…
Using a hen colored double knitting wool and with size 10 needles, cast on 16 stitches and work 16 rows in stocking stitch (knit a row, purl a row)
Cast off.
To make up the hen…
Fold the square of knitting in half diagonally (with the right sides of the work facing) to form a triangle. Sew along one edge, turn and stuff lightly and neatly over-sew up the opening. With the thread still attached, sew small running stitches half way along the folded side of the triangle. Then insert the needle into the middle of this side and come out at the opposite corner, passing the yarn through on the inside of the hen. Draw up the stitching tightly to the hen’s tail and head a bird like shape, and finish off.
The Hen’s Comb (The red crest on the top of its head)…
With red double knitting wool and sized 10 knitting needles, cast on 7 stitches.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: K1 *Bring the wool round the needle tot he front of the work and K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 3: Purl
Cast off.
To make up the Comb…
Fold the red knitting in half so that the holes form a little scallop edging. Over-sew the long straight edges together and sew into position on the hen’s head.
Finishing off…
Finish off the hen by sewing an eye on either side of its head in dark brown wool. Cut a diamond shape from black felt, fold in half to create a triangle and sew into place. With red wool sew a couple of loops just below the beck for the hen’s wattles.
Make three hens in this way for the top of the tea cosy.
The Nest…
Using dark brown knitting wool and size 5 knitting needles cast on 60 stitches and then cast off.
Sew this long length of knitting to the tea cosy to form four loops, a bit like a flower. These loops make the hen’s nest.
Sew the three hens into position on the nest at the top of the tea cosy.
To Make The Egg Cosy…
With lemon and white double knitting wool and size 5 knitting needles, cast on 27 stitches and work 12 rows in garter stitch.
Shaping the Egg Cosy Top…
Row 1: *K1 K2tog* repeat to end.
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: *K2 tog* repeat to end.
Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.
With the front and back right sides together, sew up the seam.
The Egg Cosy Nest…
Using dark brown knitting wool and size 5 knitting needles cast on 20 stitches and then cast off.
Stitch in a ring at the top of the egg cosy. Finally make a hen to sew at the top of the cosy.

Popularity: 44%

Knitting Pattern: Christmas Robin Tea Cosy

The cheery Christmas robin is no stranger to cold bleak winters. He knows how to keep warm and he will keep the teapot warm too. The festive robin novelty Tea Cosy is quick and easy to make and adds Christmas cheer to the kitchen or breakfast table, he also makes for a very unusual gift.
To make the Christmas Robin tea cosy you will need…
5.5 mm, UK size 5 or US size 9 knitting needles,
50g Brown double knitting wool,
50g Red double knitting wool,
25g White double knitting wool
And scraps of felt for the eyes and beak.
Divide all of the balls of wool into two balls so that the yarn can be used in double thickness but knitted up as a single strand.
The Back
Using double thickness brown yarn cast on 28 stitches and work 38 rows in straight garter stitch (Knit each row)
Leave the stitches on a spare needle until later.
The Front
Using double thickness brown wool, cast on 28 stitches and work 4 rows in garter stitch.
Break the yarn and change to white (again double yarn) Work another 4 rows.
Row 9: Knit 6 stitches with white, Join Red (double yarn) knit in red to last 6 stitches. Knit 6 with white.
Don’t carry the yarn behind the work, instead use separate balls of wool and twist the yarns together when changing colors to avoid leaving holes.
Row 10: K6 white, K16 red, K6 white.
Row 11: K4 white, K20 red, K4 white.
Repeat the last row 21 more times.
Row 33: K5 white, K8 red, K2 white, K8 red, K5 white.
Repeat this row again.
Row 35: K6 White, K6 red, K4 white, K6 red, K6 white.
Repeat this row again.
Work two rows in white.
The Tea Cosy Top
Using brown double yarn proceed to knit across the tea cosy front and then tea cosy back as follows…
Shaping the top Row 1: *K5, K2 tog* repeat to end
Next and every alternate row Knit.
Row 3: *K4, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 5: *K3, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 7: *K2, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 9: *K1, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 11: *K2 tog* repeat to end.
Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.
With the front and back right sides together, sew about 9.5cm from the finishing off point down the side seam towards the cast on edge.
At the bottom of each side seam, sew about 3cm upwards. The holes are left for the teapot handle and spout.
From felt cut out two eyes (Approximately 4cm in diameter) and sew into position.
Cut a 5cm long kite shape from black felt and fold the fabric in half along the long edge and over-sew this edge with small stitches. With the seam at the bottom, flatten out to form a slender pointed beak. Sew into place.
Now the rosy robin can keep your rosy lee piping hot all winter.
This novelty Christmas robin tea cosy fits teapots up to 47cm round and up to 17cm high, a medium sized teapot.

Popularity: 30%