Bind off using crochet hook

Recently I had to bind off my knitting using knitting needles. Only then I realized that I hadn't done that for ages. It felt really difficult and inconvenient. So I thought I would put up some pictures in this blog how I do bind off with crochet hook. If you have never tried that you might want to give it a go. It is an extremely easy, fast and very effective method to produce neat bind off edge just as in the picture below.

I basically use crochet hook instead of right hand knitting needle and work bind off as if to do single crochet by inserting crochet hook into next stitch on the left to bind off. Pictures explain that a lot better.

 

WIP this Sunday

Here is what I have been working on this weekend. It is a short sleeved Butterfly cardigan similar to this. Hope to get it done by tomorrow.

NKR - wombats :)

NKR - Not Knitting Related.

We went camping on the weekend and that was the first time I saw wombats that close in their natural environment not some wildlife park. Pictures could have been better but it was dusk already. My camera is not that good at capturing shots with poor lighting.

Christmas Is Coming To Town

Christmas feeling came to me unbelievably early this year. I am playing with various yarns to make small Christmas trees to hang on the actual Christmas tree, put under nice hot mug of tee or mulled wine, or send as season greeting to someone dear.

If you would like to make your own hand knitted Christmas tree, this is how to do it:

You will need:

• About 13m DK or worsted weight yarn (but you can use any yarn as it will affect only the size of motif).
• 3.5mm needles. I used double pointed bamboo needles, but again, use whatever needles you like
• Tapestry needle to weave in ends
• Crochet hook (optional to make crocheted tie)

Finished Christmas tree measurements:
About 10cm/4" wide and tall in DK weight yarn

Abbreviations:
K = knit
P = purl
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
k2tog = knit two together
CO = cast-on

Download .pdf chart

1. Cast on 21 sts. I used Long Tail Cast-On method but it really doesn't matter which method you are using as long as you have working yarn at the beginning of the right side of work to start Row 1. The cast-on bumps (like as for purl stitches) should face wrong side and neat chain should be at right side. If you don't have working yarn on right and chain on right side of your work after cast-on, knit one extra row before starting to follow instructions (as I had to do with Long Tail Cast-On method used).

Long Tail Cast-On (RS)

Long Tail Cast-On (WS). Knit one row to start with RS on Row 1.

2. Start knitting your Christmas tree in garter stitch. You have to knit all rows. To shape Christmas tree you have to knit together two last stitches of every row.

Beginning of Row 1 (RS)

Note: Make sure you knit neat edge. Slip the first stitch (selvedge stitch) without knitting as if to knit and then leave working yarn between 1st and 2nd stitch of the row. Do so in all rows except where mentioned otherwise in pattern.

Selvedge stitch

Selvedge stitch edge

So the bottom part of your tree is knitted as follows:
Row 1 (RS): K21
Row 2: (WS): K19, k2tog

Row 3: K18, k2tog

Work at the end of Row 3 (RS)

Row 4: K17, k2tog
Row 5: K16, k2tog
Row 6: K15, k2tog
Row 7: K14, k2tog
Row 8: K13, k2tog
Row 9: K12, k2tog
Row 10: K11, k2tog
Row 11: K10, k2tog
Row 12: K9, k2tog

Note: Knit all k2tog stitches loosely.

3. Start shaping the middle part of tree:

Work at the beginning of Row 13 (RS)

Row 13 (RS): K8, k2tog, CO 5 sts. Use E-Loop Cast-On method.

End of Row 13 (RS)

Beginning of Row 14 (WS)

Row 14: K1 (selvedge st), P4, K7, k2tog, CO5 sts. Use E-Loop Cast-On.

Row 14 (WS): Knit selvedge stitch

Row 15: K16 (incl. selvedge st), k2tog

Work at the end of Row 15 (RS)

Row 16: K15, k2tog
Row 17: K14, k2tog
Row 18: K13, k2tog
Row 19: K12, k2tog
Row 20: K11, k2tog
Row 21: K10, k2tog
Row 22: K9, k2tog
Row 23: K8, k2tog
Row 24: K7, k2tog

4. Start to knit top of the tree:

Work at the beginning of Row 25 (RS)

Row 25: K6, k2tog, CO3. Use E-Loop Cast-On.
Row 26: K1 (selvedge st), P2, K5, k2tog, CO3. Use E-Loop Cast-On.
Row 27: K10 (incl. selvedge st), k2tog
Row 28: K9, k2tog
Row 29: K8, k2tog
Row 30: K7, k2tog
Row 31: K6, k2tog
Row 32: K5, k2tog
Row 33, K4, k2tog
Row 34: K3, k2tog
Row 35: K2, k2tog
Row 36: K1, k2tog
Row 37: K2tog


Pull yarn through the last stitch in the length of tie to hang it and fix knot around it. You can also do crochet chain tie.

Fix knot around tie

Weave in the ends and lightly block. Now your Christmas tree is ready for decorations - let your imagination go wild :)

Done!

Below are few of decorated Christmas trees. Kids love doing that :)

Check out Ravelry projects:

Yellow breezy top for a little girl

This is a version of drop stitch sweater adult version. Size 4 in sunflower yellow and short sleeved is just about right for those hot summer nights.

Loose fit knitted sweater as dark as red wine

This was beautiful yarn to work with. Merino and silk blend with a bit of sheen in it and so soft! Lovely indeed.

New summer new yellow dress

To celebrate the arrival of summer I managed to finish this yellow dress. It is a bit longish right now. Good to know that kids grow fast :)

Pretty yarn photos

When I have too many works in progress and need a bit of intervention I browse my knitting folders at my PC. Many of pictures are saved from somewhere on the web long time ago and unfortunately I can't find original source any more. But those are just beautiful and inspirational.

Pretty stripes
Stash room any knitter wish for
Perfect yarn balls just awaiting to be knit from
and even Christmas ring for obsessed yarn lover :)