WORTH OF YARN!
771753 489022
£6.99 | Mar 19 Issue 142
9
ISSUE 142 Mar 2019
WIN A YEAR’S 0 3
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
Sweaters & cardies
that ANYONE CAN KNIT Easy•Fun•Stylish
KNIT A CROWD OF COLOURFUL CATS! great value yarns!
UP TO SIZE 30!
MINI SKEINS SPECIAL
LOVELY MAKES FOR HOME
NO-SWEAT YOGA SOCKS
KNITTING FOR KIDS OUR PICK OF PATTERNS FOR TODDLERS AND BEYOND
YARN CAKE CUSHION
LOVE THIS!
FANCY FOOTWORK
BAG A BARGAIN
BOOST YOUR SKILLS!
CROCHET YOURSELF A PAIR OF PRETTY SLIPPERS
UP TO 15% OFF YOUR FAVOURITE YARNS
LEARN BRIOCHE STITCH IN STEP BY STEP
EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome!
14 84
53 ABOVE RIGHT: The Easy Knits Collection, starts on p14 ABOVE LEFT: learn brioche stitch, p84 CENTRE: mini skein special, p53 LEFT: Knitting For Children, p65 BELOW: nominate in our 2019 awards and win a year’s worth of yarn, p60
60 65
We all like to take things easy now and then, so whatever level of knitter you are, we know you’ll ind something to enjoy in our Easy Knits Collection which starts on page 14. These stylish yet straightforward makes are perfect for TV knitting or as something simple to take along to a knitting group. Our spring cardi (left) is such a breeze you’ll probably want to make one in every colour – although be warned, the yarn comes in 52 shades! If you fancy trying something more tricky you’ll love our brioche tutorial on page 84. This stitch takes some practice but results have a real wow factor! Starting on page 53 is our mini skeins special, where you’ll ind our favourite tiny yarns (25g and under) plus natty project ideas, including Julie Ferguson’s hat and mitts for kids on page 57. Talking of knitting for kids, turn to page 43 for great advice on how to ensure your eforts get a good response. Want to win a year’s worth of yarn? Who wouldn’t! Enter the draw by nominating in our 2019 awards, either online or using the form on page 60. Finally, we’re delighted to be able to share with you a copy of My Weekly magazine, which is packed with everything from celebrity gossip to creative cookery. Happy Knitting
Sarah
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sarah.neal@aceville.co.uk
U! O Y R O F E FRE
Get Let’s Knit delivered straight to your door FREE* Knit and Nibble book, plus 600g of yarn
Yarn Shop Day 2019 takes place on Saturday 27th April. For more information visit letsknit.co.uk/ yarnshopday
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All items from patterns published by Let’s Knit are for personal use only and cannot be sold. Multiple copies of any part of this publication may not be made, and no part of this publication whether in its original form or a reproduction thereof may be sold. All patterns featured within Let’s Knit are reproduced in good faith that they do not infringe any copyright. DISCLAIMER: We recommend that readers use the main speciied yarn for every project as this will produce the best results. The alternatives given are suggestions only, and as no two yarns
We hope you enjoy your complimentary copy of My Weekly magazine. Find out how to subscribe on page 9.
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Visit us at letsknit.co.uk
are exactly the same we advise readers to swatch an alternative yarn carefully before choosing to use it for their project. The publishers are not responsible for any safety issues arising from any items knitted from patterns contained within Let’s Knit magazine. Please note that toys with small parts are not suitable for children under three years of age. If making a toy for a very young child, omit any buttons and embroider the details instead. Babies should be supervised when playing with toys. Prices are all correct at time of print.
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JUST FOR YOU THIS MONTH
Knit our Easy Easter Friends! Celebrate the changing seasons with these adorable mini makes. Why not knit a traditional springtime companion such as a joyful bunny, a cheerful chick or a loveable sheep? Alternatively, you could do something different with a quirky caterpillar or a tiny turtle. Take a look at your bonus booklet to find these pretty patterns and more. With five pastel yarns at your disposal, there is no time to waste – which cute critter will you make?
No for gi.f1ts
THIS MONTH’S Find the pattern to make our Easter Friends in your BONUS PATTERN BOOKLET
LOVE YOUR YARN KIT? GET MORE! Order an extra pack that includes 150g of yarn for £7.99*! Simply visit letsknit.co.uk/Easter or call 0800 923 3005. *T&C’s: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
FREE* YARN KIT WORTH £6.99! Brighten up your stash with this free* Sweetie yarn kit! This incredible pack includes 3mm bamboo needles, a 3mm metal crochet hook and six beautiful shades of yarn. You can access our fantastic ofer over on page 56. *UK customers only, just pay postage
EXCLUSIVE
Treats you’ll love ONLY IN LET’S KNIT
3Yarn pack worth £7.99! 3Five yarns in diferent colours 316 patterns to choose from 3Love the springtime shades 3Only in Let’s Knit Find more fantastic toy projects at letsknit.co.uk
Coming next issue! SUPER-CUTE LARRY THE LAMB! Using your five different yarn colours, you can create an adorable springtime playmate. This fun knit uses a range of different techniques and we think he would make a fantastic last-minute Easter gift.
DON’T MISS 07 letsknit.co.uk
APRIL ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 14TH MARCH
YOUR 14 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL PAGE
The EASY KNITS
Collection
16 Easy Textures Jumper
FABULOUS FUSS-FREE GARMENTS TO RELAX AND ENJOY
ADD INTEREST WITH A MIX OF STITCHES
PAGE
19 Simple Spring Cardi
omfy and tylsh
NEW SEASON STYLE IN VIBRANT COTTON
e b r d r Wa tape
Whether you’re a nervous newbie or an expert who needs to wind down at the end of a busy day, there’s a place in every knitter’s life for an easy, undemanding project. These five stylish garments feature no fussy colourwork or elaborate shaping, instead letting clever textures and simple lines do the talking. Pick a bold shade to buoy your mood and feel the wellbeing wash over you as you relax into these meditative makes!
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E
THE STYLE
Edit CLEVER CRISS-CROSS EFFECT
PAGE
26 Everyday fshion
Vintage Chic Cardi
Garter Stitch Diamond Jumper
PAGE
24 EASY-KNIT, EASY WEAR MAKE
Sizes 8-30
Perect fr einers PAGE
22
TIMELESS KNIT THAT'S PERFECT FOR SPRING
Boatneck Sweater
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TOY
Colourful
pattern
KITTIES SIVE
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This quirky collection of cats can be used as toys or home decorations, so is well-suited to cat-lovers of all ages. The pattern is a fun way to learn new techniques, including the make one increase and shaped decreases. There’s also the opportunity to have a go at stripes, if you’re feeling brave!
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GO WILD FOR LUCINDA GANDERTON’S SIMPLE MAKES
HOME
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L Small Flowers: join cast on edge to form a circle. Sew one Small Flower to each bird’s tummy, use yarn D to embroider a stem with leaves. Use yarn E to embroider small buds to lower centre. Fold two 36cm and one 26cm length of ribbon in half, then attach them to top of each bird. Place birds onto wooden dowel and sew ribbons to secure.
petals by brining yarn from back to front through centre of lower ive times, pulling tightly each time. Fasten of. Use yarn C, E or F to embroider little buds to top of each lower. Attach one leaf to back of each lower. Sew six lowers to stem with a lower in between. Sew a 58cm piece of ribbon to top of dowel, stitch to secure ends, attach two lowers to each side. Glue stem with lowers around dowel LK
LU
Make three twisted cords (approx 30cm in length) in same colour as Body of bird. Fold in half, sew Legs to underside of bird.
pattern
COMBINE your crafty skills!
Flowers for Dowel: Sew row edges together from gathered cast of edge down to cast on edge, gather around cast on stitches and secure. Using yarn from lower centre, make ive
great
ADVICE “Make sure you hang the birds at different levels and pin the ribbon on first to get the length correct”
Next issue
LK DESIGNER,
EASTER EGG BIRDHOUSE BY NICOLA VALIJI
Nicola Valiji
April issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 14TH MARCH
35 letsknit.co.uk
ACCESSORY
patterns
Let ’s
SHOP! HIT THE HIGH STREET WITH A HANDMADE BAG FROM STYLECRAFT We’ve all got used to taking a reusable bag when we head out and about; make yours even more special by knitting your own! Here are two really easy patterns that can be knitted up in next to no time - even by newbies. They’re both worked in super chunky yarn on big needles. All you need to know is how to cast-on, knit, purl and cast-off! There is a cheeky decrease row but we’ll show you how to do that over the page.
“If you wish to make the bag slightly firmer, apply iron-on interfacing to the wrong side of the lining fabric before stitching it in place.” LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
eco y s a E
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WE LOVE JANE BURNS' COLOURFUL AND COSY KNIT! Combining rainbows with butterflies was always going to be a magical move and this children's garment couldn't get any cuter. The body is knitted flat and the sleeves are knitted in the round, so you will get to experiment with two different techniques. The rainbow detailing will also require you to move between colours, which is a handy skill to master. If you have a little one in your life who deserves a treat, this adorable project has got you covered!
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Buterlies & ainbows
KIDS'
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Funky STRIPES JULIE FERGUSON’S COOL COMBO IS PERFECT FOR ON-THE-GO KIDS Little imaginations are captivated by bright colours and this vibrant hat and mitts set is sure to tick all the right boxes. It uses ten tones that will make your youngster stand out in the crowd and the slouchy-style beanie is cosy yet comfy. Designer Julie has opted for tube armwarmers, but you could easily leave a thumbhole when sewing up if you prefer.
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Simpe olurwrk Cushion THIS VIBRANT KNIT IS SO MUCH EASIER THAN IT LOOKS! Inject some colour into your living space with this eye-catching make from Bernat. Although the number of shades looks a little intimidating, you are actually only using two yarns throughout the entire project. Yarn cakes have a built-in colour change so do most of the hard work for you. We’ll talk you through all the techniques needed – turn over to get started!
DISCOVER HOW TO:
4 USE CIRCULAR NEEDLES 4 WORK IN THE ROUND 4 MASTER FAIR ISLE COLOURWORK
PLUS 4 PROJECT IDEA FOR YOUR TENSION SWATCH 4 HANDY HINTS AND EXTRA ADVICE IN OUR TIP! PANELS over the page 71 letsknit.co.uk
LEARN WITH US
Learn GREAT FOR IMPROVERS
DK YARN
4MM NEEDLES
MEASUREMENTS & SIZES To fit head: 50 (56) cm
KNIT KIT Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Illustrious, shade 303 Sea Glass, 1 (2) 100g balls Needles: 3.25mm 4mm Fur pom-pom Tapestry needle
TENSION SQUARE
BRIOCHE STITCH STAY STYLISH IN JO ALLPORT’S TEXTURED POM-POM HAT The unpredictable British weather means it’s still too soon to pack away those woollies. That’s good news for us because we’ve got this gorgeous pattern for you to try! The lovely textured effect is called Brioche Stitch and expert designer Jo Allport has put together an easy-to-follow photo tutorial so you can learn how to do it. • EXCLUS
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n 22 sts x 28 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Stocking stitch n 4mm needles
XC
West Yorkshire Spinners Illustrious is a luxurious mix of Falkland Island wool and alpaca, making for a soft and warm DK weight yarn. It can be machine washed and costs £9.99 per 100g (225m) ball from 0845 519 4573, deramores.com
15% OFF AT DERAMORES WHEN YOU SPEND OVER £20. USE THE CODE RIOTCHUNKY
LOOK! Special discount packs with all the yarn you need are available at deramores.com/ collections/lets-knit
“Make sure you slip all slip stitches purlwise to get a neat finish” LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
p Step-by-ste GUIDE! 84 letsknit.co.uk
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ABOUT THE YARN
LU
FOR ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 97
TO MAKE UP
TEXTURED Loop Stitch
“Why not practise your loop stitch before you get started? You could always make up a square and then use it as an ecofriendly duster”
Sew up Body seam from top to bottom, stuing as you go. Sew up Head seam, stuf and sew onto the top of the Body. Sew up ear seams and sew onto Head. Sew up arm and leg seams and sew into position on Body. Using black thread, sew two black beads onto the face for eyes. Embroider a mouth and nose using yarn C LK
LK editorial assistant Libby Loughnan
Next issue KNIT BARNABEE BY VAL PIERCE April issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 14TH MARCH
87 letsknit.co.uk