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WIN PRIZES WORTH £7,300
ISSUE 137 Xmas 2018
MAKES FOR all skill levels
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
ES! Z I S T L U D A KIDS &
29 FAB FESTIVE PATTERNS!
£6.99 | Xmas 18 Issue 137
ALL YOU NEED FOR CHRISTMAS
Cosiest scarf EVER!
Decs everyone will LOVE
IFTS G & S Y O T E 18 CUT MAK THIS IE SIZESN 6 – 28 !
The ultimate GIFT GUIDE! 60 ESSENTIAL BUYS FOR KNITTERS
LOVE THIS!
EASY KNIT PATCH
ER! P M U J S A M QUICK X
LEARN WITH US
TOP YARN GUIDES
NEWBIE CORNER
CIRCULAR KNITTING AND TWOCOLOUR CAST-ON EXPLAINED
SPARKLY FIBRES AND BEST CHOICES FOR BABY
DINOSAUR HAT THAT’S PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS
EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome!
14 45
TOP LEFT: Unicorn stocking, p45
New Christ mas
ABOVE RIGHT: Our Christmas Collection starts on page 14 LEFT: Baby Elf Set, p57 BELOW: Look out for this symbol on projects that would make great Christmas gifts!
Lte ELF
KNIT ZOË HALSTEAD’S FESTIVE OUTFIT FOR YOUR FAVOURITE HELPER! Words can’t quite express how much we adore this three-piece set; from the tip of the very long hat to the bells on the ends of the pointy-toed shoes, it’s simply delightful. The pattern its ages 0-18 months so your small person will deinitely look the part this Christmas. There’s a touch of intarsia colourwork around the yoke of the cardigan, if you’ve not tried this method before, read our panel before you begin. Don’t forget to send us your photos using the details on page 10!
57 letsknit.co.uk
Great GIeFaT! id
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We’ve gone all-out for Christmas this month! Whether you enjoy knitting quick and easy patterns or are searching for the perfect garment to wear over the festive period, then we’re conident you will ind exactly what you want in this issue. Starting on page 14, our Fashion Edit includes something for you all, from a sleek stylish sweater with gorgeous ribbon-backed detail to a stunning pink jumper with clever yoke pattern. You’ll also ind a red sparkly number that’s perfect for the big day! We know how much you love making toys – and it is the season of gift-giving after all – so once you’ve worked up Santa and Mrs Claus with your fabulous kit, you’ll ind the cutest little snowmen on page 36, a sweet Husky dog on page 52 and adorable crochet hippos on page 104. Bring a sprinkle of magic to the festive season with our unicorn stocking (p45). These fabulous creatures won’t be put in the shade whatever the time of year! This is just one of many exclusive patterns you’ll ind inside, including the wonderful Baby Elf set on page 57. Finally, our deputy Adrienne has rounded up the most amazing gifts any knitter could wish for on page 49, so whether you are compiling your own wish-list or one for a friend, it is the perfect excuse to make a cuppa, put your feet up and sit back and enjoy. Merry Knit-mas, everyone!
Sarah
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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
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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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Christmas 2018
In this issue 22
45
Easy Present Cushion
41
SHOPPING 8
See It, Want It, Love It Our Christmas favourites
Must-knit Unicorn Stocking
30 Sparkly Yarns Brighten up your life with our stunning selection
49 60 Great Gifts Everything a knitter wants for Christmas
61 Red Pear Lovely yarns in warm maroon hues
93 Baby Yarns Keep your little one warm this winter
FOCUS 34 10 Reasons To Get Excited About Christmas Hype up the big day with this festive list Snowy Dec Collection
36
64 Christmas A to Z Our favourite things about this time of year
79 Knitting In The Round Learn to use circular and double-pointed needles
83 We Love Pom-Poms Find out why we love lufy balls!
Cover Star
99 Q&A Central Your knitty questions answered
PEOPLE 10 Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your fantastic makes and letters
12 Out and About
Glitzy Jumper
Where to go and what to do
68 Charity Corner
Let us help you!
Contact us
Wonderful knitters who craft for a cause
114 Last Word We chat to Dr Who fan, Brigid Cherry
WE UNDERSTAND THAT NOTHING IS MORE ANNOYING THAN ERRORS IN KNITTING PATTERNS, SO HERE’S OUR PROMISE TO YOU l Exclusive patterns featured in Let’s Knit have been professionally checked and reproduced with the utmost care. Updates can be found at letsknit.co.uk/pattern-updates l Should you encounter any problems we are more than happy to provide support and assistance. Contact us and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.
BY PHONE: 01206 508622 (oice hours only) BY EMAIL: support@letsknit.co.uk BY POST: at the address on page 110 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot ofer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
HAVE ANOTHER QUERY? HERE’S HOW TO GET IN TOUCH l Subscription enquiries/ customer services: 0330 333 0042, crafts@magazinestoyou.com l Advertising enquiries: 01206 505114, samantha.dean@aceville.co.uk l Online registration/website enquiries: webmaster@letsknit.co.uk
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IN EVERY ISSUE 3 Welcome 7 Free For You This Month 28 Subscriptions 56 Teabreak 71 Read & Relax 84 Coming Next Month 91 Reader Ofer 80 Bumper Giveaways 109 Knitter’s Know-How
Knit our super-cute husky pup!
31
WIN! WIN! WIN! OVER £7,300 OF FAB PRIZES ON PAGE 80
PATTERNS Christmas Pudding Hat
85
52 57
54
Baby Elf Set your new Christmas classic
Winter Lace Top
Hot Water Bottle Cover & Sock Set
No Sew Yoke
Bow Sweater
16 19 22 24 26 31 36 41 45 52 57 62 68 73 85 89 95 100 104
Glitzy Jumper Winter Lace Top No Sew Yoke Bow Sweater Rudolph Red Scarf Christmas Pudding Hat Cute Decorations Present Cushion Unicorn Stocking Lemmy the Husky Baby Elf Outit Starry Night Necklace Charity Corner Advanced Lace Cardigan Hot Water Bottle & Sock Set Yarn Cake Hat & Scarf Beginners’ Dinosaur Hat Cosy cabled hat Crochet Hippos Rudolph Red Scarf
1 SE4-P CT AG IO E N
THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Starts on page 14 05 letsknit.co.uk
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL SET JUST FOR YOU
Knit Santa & Mrs Claus with your
No for gi.f1ts
FIVE BALL YARN KIT! We fell in love with Santa and Mrs Claus the minute they jetted into LK HQ. They were designed exclusively for LK by Louise Watling and we’re sure you’ll agree she has captured the cutest expression for this festive duo. Of course they travel everywhere together so there is enough yarn to make the couple. The snowy white ultra-soft leece yarn is perfect for adding those all-important details and the warm yellow makes a tiny sack and trims Santa’s belt perfectly. We love seeing your makes so please do share your photos on social media. Find the details on page 10.
ONLY
IN
THIS MONTH’S Find the patterns to make Santa & Mrs Claus ONLY IN YOUR BONUS PATTERN LEAFLET!
LOVE YOUR FREE YARN KIT & WANT MORE? Special offer!
EXCLUSIVE Knitty Treats ONLY IN LET’S KNIT
Buy an extra pack that includes 160g of yarn for £7.99*
3Classic character patterns 3Special selected colours 3Super-soft ‘snowy’ yarn 3Just-for-you pattern leaflet
Simply visit letsknit.co.uk/santa or call 0800 923 3005.
Plus ree patterns and more at letsknit.co.uk
*T&Cs: postage charges apply. Limited stock available
EIGHT FREE* TOY YARNS! This colourful DAISY kit is the perfect addition to your stash. You’ll get eight 15g balls of soft DK yarn, two sets of safety toy eyes plus metal crochet hooks in sizes 3.5mm and 4mm – perfect for crocheting a sweet gift this Christmas. Find out how to claim your kit over on page 91. *UK customers only, just pay postage
Coming next issue! RUDOLPH & FRIENDS Amazing ive-colour pack – includes lufy yarn plus 23 Christmas patterns in a special bonus booklet. Make Rudolph and Dasher the reindeer, or our cute elves, Santa or robins.
Let’s Knit November issue is on sale Thursday 25th October 2018 07 letsknit.co.uk
YOUR 14 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL
The CHRISTMAS
Collection
PAGE
19
GET SET FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!
Winter Lace Top
A SEQUIN YARN BRINGS INSTANT CHRISTMAS CHEER LOVE THE ELEGANT LACE DESIGN
PAGE
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P rety psels
Glitzy Jumper
Whether you’re a Christmas traditionalist or are looking for a modern twist, you’ll love this stylish set. We’ve gone all out glam with Pat Menchini’s cherry red cable classic – the sequins are part of the yarn – but for an understated festive feel, choose a bold, deep pink or on-trend winter pastels. Unusual cut-out details can transform a simple sweater into a fashion must-have, and a sweet bow is the perfect finishing touch!
et ive favurte 14 letsknit.co.uk
THE STYLE
Edit
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Rudolph Red Scarf
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24 Bow Sweater
EASY KNIT AND PURL PATTERN
KNIT YOURSELF A TRUE NORDIC CLASSIC
Fb fshion knt 8-22
No seams o sew!
DRESS UP FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY!
PAGE
22 No Sew Yoke
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If your ‘currant’ winter hat has seen better days, you should definitely get this sweet thing on your needles. We’re just pudding it out there, but we think desserts as fashionable headgear are going to be a big trend this season! Knitted in a soft blend of acrylic and wool, this joyous make will keep you and your little ones super warm. What better way to spread Christmas cheer than with the nation’s favourite Yuletide afters on your head?
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HAVE SOME FUN WITH SUSIE JOHNS' CHARMING FESTIVE HEADWEAR!
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This cute cushion is the ideal finishing touch to your festive décor. We love that the colours veer away from traditional festive reds and greens to a more pastel palette that will look fantastic in your home with a silver and pink colour scheme. Knitted in a soft, acrylic yarn, it’s perfect for cosy evenings in and the glitzy yarn gives it an extra special sparkle that we love at this time of year!
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GIVE THE GIFT OF GORGEOUS KNITTING WITH JANE BURNS’ STUNNING DESIGN
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pattern
hrstms MAGIC LOVE THE UNICORN TREND WITH NICOLA VALIJI'S SPECIAL STOCKING
We know a few people who’d love to hang up one of these on Christmas Eve! The unicorn craze is still going strong and designer Nicola has done a fabulous job of bringing the trend into the most wonderful time of the year. This sweet design uses basic stitches but there are quite a few elements and a bit of shaping too. If you’re not a confident stitcher, practise embroidering the eye on a test swatch first.
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KNIT ZOË HALSTEAD’S FESTIVE OUTFIT FOR YOUR FAVOURITE HELPER! Words can’t quite express how much we adore this three-piece set; from the tip of the very long hat to the bells on the ends of the pointy-toed shoes, it’s simply delightful. The pattern fits ages 0-18 months so your small person will definitely look the part this Christmas. There’s a touch of intarsia colourwork around the yoke of the cardigan, if you’ve not tried this method before, read our panel before you begin. Don’t forget to send us your photos using the details on page 10!
57 letsknit.co.uk
• EXCLUSIVE
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Berry
Lacy Cardi
CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS'S IMPRESSIVE KNIT! Lace knitting always looks impressive, and while the stitches aren’t difficult in themselves, you do need a certain level of concentration to avoid making mistakes. This statement number certainly isn’t a TV knit but is definitely well worth the effort. Shape the shoulders using short-row shaping for a step-free and professional-looking finish.
s! Your skill
SKILLS NEEDED
4 WORKING FROM A CHART 4 SHORT ROWS 4 SIMPLE LACE
DISCOVER HOW TO:
4 WORK A ONE-ROW BUTTONHOLE 4 WORK A THREE-NEEDLE CAST OFF
73 letsknit.co.uk
ADVANCED PROJECT
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SPONSORED BY
DECK YOUR HALLS! This fun and colourful pom-pom garland is so easy to make and will instantly transform any room into a palace of lufy goodness. Make 39 pom-poms using DK yarn from your stash. Download the full instructions for free at topcrochetpatterns.com
Don't miss this!
MAKE A STATEMENT! This eye-ca tching jacket by Rachel Burke is from her colourful and inspiring book, Be Dazzling (£8.99 , Hardie Grant). There are ideas for pom-pom earrings, a necklace, tote bag and more, along with other glitzy makes using gems and tinsel! hardiegrant.com/uk
Get your Pom-pom Christmas magazine, on sale Thursday 15th November! It's packed full of fun makes and ideas and comes with a free pom-pom maker. Find out more at makeittoday.co.uk
WE LOVE
Pom-Poms CELEBRATE COLOUR WITH THESE FABULOUS PROJECT IDEAS!
GET CRAFTY! Whether you're making a little or a lot of lufy decorations, the Multipom is the perfect tool. The clever design allows you to make several identical pom-poms in one go. Have a go with one of these great Starter Kits which include the tool, plus yarn, tapestry needle and a how-to guide. £16.99, multipom.com
SEND SEASON'S GREETINGS We've just found the perfect Christmas card design! These bright winter mittens are decorated with a lufy pom-pom and are full of seasonal cheer. What's more, your money goes to a good cause! £3.99 per pack from selected Oxfam stores or at oxfam.org.uk
ACCESSORISE! Add a lufy inish to your knits with these 100% vegan pom-poms from Rowan! They're incredibly soft and come in ive diferent colours. Each one has a handy ribbon so you can easily attach it to your latest project. £24 from 0845 519 4573, deramores.com
CHOOSE A FLUFFY YARN Sirdar Snuggly Sweetie is a brilliant textured yarn that is covered in little pom-poms. You only knit using the string part of the yarn, so practise the technique before starting your project. For stockists and to ind out more, visit sirdar.co.uk
EMBRACE YOUR WILD SIDE
CREATE FOR CHRISTMAS Puddings are the perfect festive motif and this fab pom-pom craft kit is from Wool Couture Company. It includes all the yarn you need, plus cable ties and a wooden wreath template to attach your pom-poms to. It costs £19.99 from woolcouturecompany.com
We've been blown away by the incredible creatures featured in Pom-Pom Animals by Trikotri (Nippan Books). There are 45 super cute makes to try, from cats and rabbits to red pandas and more! Get your copy from amazon.co.uk
These cheery pom-pom ideas would all make great gifts! Find more fabulous knitty suggestions on p49.
83 letsknit.co.uk
Don’t miss our
NEXT ISSUE LET’S KNIT NOVEMBER ISSUE ON SALE THURSDAY 25TH OCTOBER
US FESTIVE L P BUMPER PATTERNS
CHRISTMAS YARN KIT
23
to choose from!
IN YOUR 16-PAGE PATTERN BOOK! INCLUDES LIMITED EDITION FLEECY YARN!
GO GLAM WITH OUR EASY-WEAR PARTY KNITS
No for gi.f1ts
KNIT OUR ELVES, SANTA, SNOWMEN, REINDEER AND MORE!
DESIGNETTE COLOURWORK SWEATER
ALSO in this issue...
KNIT-IN-ANIGHT HAT
1 Sachiyo Ishii’s toy dinosaurs 2 Classic baby cardigan 3 Quick-knit Christmas decs 4 Yarn cake lace sweater 5 Be empowered by knitting 6 Our favourite faux fur yarns 84 letsknit.co.uk
Projects subject to change
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Taty TOES
GET COSY AND CO-ORDINATED IN JULIE FERGUSON’S MATCHING SET Staying in is the new going out and why would you want to go anywhere when you have this sweet pair to snuggle up with? A cuddly hot water bottle cover and matching socks is the perfect addition to that effortless comfy lounge wear look that we absolutely love. With a Scandi-inspired star motif and the soft blue and cream shades, you’ll really be getting your hygge on this winter.
Check out the clever cables on the reverse of the hot water bottle cover!
great ADVICE “If you are not familiar with Kitchener Stitch, you can close the toe using a three-needle cast-off”
LK DESIGNER, Julie
Ferguson 85 letsknit.co.uk
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STRIPES GET ALL WRAPPED UP IN JULIE FERGUSON’S MATCHING SET Knitted in a soft aran yarn, this striped duo is the cosiest accessory set you’ll need this season. Worked on 5mm needles, this classic design knits up quickly and would make a perfect gift for anyone who adores autumn hues, in fact you could knit a set for the whole family this Christmas! The colour combination in this striking cake yarn creates a delicious striped effect that adds a gorgeous dash of colour to any outfit.
great
ADVICE
Coat, £34.99, New Look
“There is enough yarn to make three or four hats depending on size (the large size is approximately 80g) but each one will look different because of the way that the colours are repeated in the yarn”
LK DESIGNER,
Julie Ferguson 89 letsknit.co.uk
Easy
Dino Hat KNIT FIONA GOBLE'S SWEET AND SIMPLE WINTER WARMER This roar-some hat is certainly going to bring a smile to the lucky toddler you make it for. It’s made in a chunky yarn so it grows really quickly and will be really cosy during the colder weather. There are some new techniques for you to try, including working through the back loop and picking up stitches, but we’ll talk you through these as you go along.
Great GIeFaT! id
DISCOVER HOW TO:
4 USE STITCH MARKERS 4 PICK UP STITCHES 4 DECREASE 4 WORK THROUGH THE BACK LOOP
PLUS
4 SIZES IN DIFFERENT COLOURS TO HELP YOU 4 EXTRA GUIDANCE WITH OUR BRILLIANT TIP! PANELS over the page 95 letsknit.co.uk
LEARN WITH US
oy cbed
BEANIE
KNIT A TWO-COLOUR CAST-ON FOR THIS FAB WINTER WARMER C L U S I V E TO
MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
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Yarn: Rowan Cocoon, shades (A) 802 Alpine, (B) 813 Seascape, one 100g ball of each Needles: 6.5mm, 7mm Cable needle Tapestry needle
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KNIT KIT
TENSION SQUARE n 14 sts x 20 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Single rib n 6.5mm needles n 17 sts x 19 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Cable patt n 7mm needles
SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS C6F: sl next three sts onto cn, hold at front, k3, then k3 from cn
FOR ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 113
ABOUT THE YARN Rowan Cocoon is a chunky roving-style yarn that blends 80% merino with 20% mohair. It has a soft halo and is really cosy. Projects should be washed by hand. It costs £9.49 per 100g (115m) ball from 0845 519 4573, deramores.com
20% OFF AT DERAMORES WHEN YOU SPEND OVER £20. USE CODE HOHOHO
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It’s the little details that bring a professional-looking finish to any knitted project and this snug accessory has a pretty colourwork edge. Follow our guide on the right where Jo Allport will show you how to do it in simple steps. This hat uses a classic cable twist for added texture and is a brilliant unisex design that would make a perfect Christmas gift.