W NE OK! LO
10 EASY
FLOWER PATTERNS
ISSUE 119 June 2017
Knit Sachiyo Ishii’s ADORABLE AARDVARK
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
Get Set For Summer
12 Wearable
£5.99 | June 17 Issue 119
Makes for Warm Days VAL PIERCE EXCLUSIVE Meet Rnioe! t he pla
FUN FRUITY SPECIAL 3 GREAT PROJECTS
e m o h e h t or f s t c 8 Proje
QUIRKY KNITS YOU’LL LOVE l BEACH HUT FISH DECS l NURSERY MOBILE l NAUTICAL TEACOSY
DON’T
MISS!
BEGINNER’S PATTERN
SIMPLE SHAWL IN STEP-BY-STEP
COOL COTTONS
DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVOURITE FIBRE
REALLY EASY SCARF BOUDOIR CUSHION
GLAMOROUS MAKE BY ERIKA KNIGHT
LOVE YOUR This month's free gifts
FREE YARN KIT?
Get Two Kits!
You can order a bumper pack that includes 150g of yarn, for only £6.99*
SWEET & EASY HIPPO PATTERN + GREAT VALUE YARN PACK
– best for gifts!
75g of lovely yarn inside! Make&Share
Knitted up one of our great free gifts? Show us what you’ve made on Facebook and Twitter, or email adrienne.chandler@aceville.co.uk
TO ORDER SIMPLY VISIT letsknit.co.uk/ lola
You’ve loved knitting our unicorn kit from issue 117! LK reader SARAH HARRINGTON
*T&C’s: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
FREE PATTERN!
LK reader MEL BROWNE
LK reader MANDY HORTON
I’m easy to knit! Mermaid Tail Knitting Pattern To claim your free pattern download, please visit letsknit.co.uk/mermaid and quote code LKN617*
Don’t forget to visit www.letsknit.co.uk for more fabulous free toy patterns!
Marcel the cow
LK reader CAROLINE HUNTER
Easy puppy trio
LK reader JUDITH TOWNSEND
Sidney Owl
*T&C’s: offer ends 9th June 2017
07 www.letsknit.co.uk
TMFG.indd 7
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BEACH HUT DECS
GONE Fishing
Measurements & Sizes 12cm x 22cm
Knit Kit Yarn: Stylecraft Special DK, shades (A) 1722 Storm Blue, (B) 1019 Cloud Blue, (C) 1218 Parchment, (D) 1099 Grey, one 100g ball of each Needles: 4mm Beads: 6mm, black, two per fish Tapestry needle Sewing needle Thread: black Felt: white Safety toy stuffing
Tension square • 20.5 sts x 29 rows • 10cm x 10cm • Stocking stitch • 4mm needles
For abbreviations see page 92
About the Yarn
15% OFF Stylecraft Special AT BLACK SHEEP DK is a soft yarn WOOLS! USE that is 100% CODE LK119 acrylic. It comes in an incredible 73 different colours, from bright and bold hues to pastel shades. You can machine wash at 40 degrees and cool tumble dry if preferred, but you may prefer to handwash this project. It costs £1.89 per 100g (295m) ball. 01925 764231, www.blacksheepwools.com
Need an Alternative? These delightful little fish can be made using any spare DK from your stash!
Dive into the deep blue with Nicky Fijalkowska’s fantastic fish
G
et down to the beach with your knitting needles and step into summer this issue with our spectacular, sea-worthy striped fish! The perfect accessory for your beach hut, these charming little creatures are perfect as a summertime project, being both simple to knit and lovely to look at while you relax in the warmer weather in your beach hut.
Start knitting here... BODY AND HEAD
NOTE: for second fish replace yarns A and B with yarns C and D Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on four sts £ Row 1 (RS): (kfb) to end. Eight sts £ Row 2 and all WS rows: p £ Row 3: (kfb, k2, kfb) twice. 12 sts £ Row 5: (kfb, k4, kfb) twice. 16 sts £ Row 7: (kfb, k6, kfb) twice. 20 sts £ Row 9: (kfb, k8, kfb) twice. 24 sts £ Rows 10-14: beg with a p row, work in st st Change to yarn B £ Row 15: (kfb, k4, kfb) four times. 32 sts £ Row 16: p Change to yarn A and cont in two– row stripe patt throughout £ Rows 17-34: beg with a k row, work in st st £ Row 35: (k2tog, k12, k2tog) twice. 28 sts £ Row 36 and all WS rows: p £ Row 37: (k2tog, k10, k2tog) twice. 24 sts £ Row 39: (k2tog, k8, k2tog) twice. 20 sts £ Row 41: (k2tog, k6, k2tog) twice. 16 sts £ Row 45: (kfb, k6, kfb) twice. 20 sts £ Row 46: p £ Cast off
£ Row 12: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 14 sts £ Rows 13-14: k Work the foll rows on first seven sts on your needle £ Row 15: k5, k2tog, turn. Six sts £ Row 16 and all even-numbered rows: k £ Row 17: k4, k2tog, turn. Five sts £ Row 19: k3, k2tog, turn. Four sts £ Row 21: k2, k2tog, turn. Three sts £ Row 23: k1, k2tog, turn. Two sts £ Cast off these two sts. Re-attach yarn to inner edge of rem seven sts on your needle £ Row 1: k2tog, k5. Six sts £ Row 2 and all even-numbered rows: k £ Row 3: k2tog, k4. Five sts £ Row 5: k2tog, k3. Four sts £ Row 7: k2tog, k2. Three sts £ Row 9: k2tog, k1. Two sts £ Cast off
TAIL Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on eight sts £ Rows 1-3: k £ Row 4: kfb, k to last st, kfb. Ten sts £ Rows 5-7: k £ Row 8: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 12 sts £ Row 9-11: k
DORSAL FIN Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on three sts £ Rows 1-2: k
£ Row 3: kfb, k to end. Four sts £ Row 4 and all even-numbered rows: k £ Row 5: kfb, k to end. Five sts £ Row 7: kfb, k to end. Six sts £ Row 9: k1, k2tog, k to end. Five sts £ Rows 10-11: k £ Row 12: k2, k2tog, k1. Four sts £ Rows 13-14: k £ Row 15: k1, k2tog, k1. Three sts £ Row 16: k £ Row 17: k1, k2tog. Two sts £ Row 18: k £ Cast off
FRONT FIN Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on three sts £ Rows 1-2: k £ Row 3: kfb, k to end. Four sts £ Row 4 and all even-numbered rows: k £ Row 5: kfb, k to end. Five sts £ Row 7: k1, k2tog, k2. Four sts £ Row 9: k1, k2tog, k1. Three sts £ Row 11: k1, k2tog. Two sts £ Cast off
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Stripy fish.indd 1
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GORGEOUS CABLES EXCLUSIVE TO
Look fashionable and fresh in our
ELEGANT SUMMER TOP L
ightweight, easy-to-wear garments will be your saviour this summer, so prepare for this gorgeously detailed top to become a wardrobe staple. This neutral number is deceptively simple to knit with very little shaping and the cotton fabric will keep you cool. The eyelets give this classic shape an elegant edge. Simply pair with your favourite maxi skirt and strappy sandals for a beach-ready feel!
meet our DESIGNER “The simple shape is easy to wear, and the small twist cables with eyelets in a fresh white cotton give it a summery look.� SIAN BROWN
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Eyelet top Sian Brown.indd 21
28/04/2017 09:00
BERGERE DE FRANCE COTON FIFTY, shade 20075 Bourgeon. £3.49 per 50g (140m) ball from 0845 544 2196, www.loveknitting.com
DROPS BABY MERINO, shade 08 Cerise. £2.65 per 50g (175m) ball from www.purplesheepyarns.co.uk BAG CHARM, £15, 0333 240 7306, www.dunelondon.com TOP IN STYLECRAFT SUNDAE DK Pattern 9245 costs £2.50 from 01924 565740, www.woolnstuff.co.uk
TOP, £17.99, 0344 499 6690, www.newlook.co.uk
STYLECRAFT SPECIAL DK, shade 1435 Bright Pink. £1.79 per 100g (295m) ball, from 0845 519 4573, www.deramores.com
WONDERFUL
Watermelon GIVE YOUR WARDROBE A FRUITY MAKEOVER WITH THESE MOUTHWATERING SHADES! WEST YORKSHIRE SPINNERS WENSLEYDALE GEMS, shade Tourmaline. £8.50 per 100g (225m) ball from 01535 664500, www.wyspinners.com
ROBIN CHUNKY, shade 091 Emerald. £1.75 per 100g (300m) ball from www.awoollytail.com
LIPSTICK, £7.99, 03456 710 709, www.superdrug.com
CARON SIMPLY SOFT, shade 9769 Kelly Green. £4.75 per 170g (288m) ball from 01376 743123, www.sconch.com
BAG, £47, 01162 489345, www.zatchels.com
RICO CREATIVE COTTON ARAN, shade 40 Light Green. £1.89 per 50g (85m) ball from 0800 505 3300, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk
SHOES, £25, 0344 500 8877, www.debenhams.com DEBBIE BLISS COTTON DK, shade 58 Fuchsia. £4.05 from 01829 740903, www.laughinghens.com
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knitwise
The thumb cast-on method, also known as the long-tail cast-on, gives a relaxed edge that’s ideal for ribbed cuffs like those on socks. Here’s how you do it: Leaving a long yarn tail about four times the circumference of your finished project, make a slip knot and place it on the needle Step 1: Wrap the tail yarn around your thumb
EXCLUSIVE TO
1
Step 2: Insert the needle underneath the strand coming in front of your thumb to make a loop on the needle, then wrap the working yarn from left to right around the needle 2
Step 3: Transfer the loop from your thumb to the end of the needle, remove your thumb and pull tight 3
meet our coming next issue DESIGNER WATERMELON COASTER
£ Rnds 11-13: k Change to yarn C £ K every rnd until foot meas 3 (3.5, 3.5) cm less than desired foot length
Shape Toe
Repeat Steps 1-3 until all stitches are cast on, remembering your slip knot will count as the first stitch
Rm, k to marker, this is the new beg of rnd £ Rnd 1 (dec): * k1, ssk, k to three sts before marker, k2tog, k1, sm, rep from * once more. 52 (56, 60) sts £ Rnd 2: k to end, slipping markers £ Rep Rnds 1-2 until 36 (40, 44) sts rem
“These socks use a very small amount of yarns B, C and D so are great for stash busting. The seeds are worked using stranded colourwork, but it’s also possible to Swiss darn them, giving a nice slightly raised texture.” JANE BURNS
£ Rep Rnd 1 until 20 sts rem Slip ten sts onto one dpn and rem sts onto a second dpn £ Graft toe using Kitchener st [see page 94] LK
27 www.letsknit.co.uk
AND MAT SET BY JANE BURNS July issue of Let’s Knit is on sale THURSDAY 8TH JUNE
Add a crafty touch to your home with
KNITTED WALL ART Jane Burns’ easy i-cord design
EXCLUSIVE TO
“You can also use a Prym knitting mill to make this cord and complete this project super quickly!” Designer Jane Burns
W
ondering what to do with that single ball of yarn in your stash? Well, here’s something a bit different. This simple yet stylish design is made from a long i-cord. Craft wire is then threaded through and bent to shape. You could try out other words, such as ‘love’ or someone’s name. We’d love to see your photos, send them to us using the details on page 51.
Measurements & sizes 13cm tall x 27cm wide
You will need:
YARN: Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK, shade 0491 Twinkle, one 50g ball NEEDLES: 5mm, double-pointed, set of two CRAFT WIRE: 2mm wide, 3m PLIERS
For abbreviations see page 92
Start knitting here
Using 5mm needles, cast on four sts Row 1: k4, slide these four sts to other end of needle, pull yarn tightly across back of work Rep Row 1 until work meas 130cm Cast off
To make up Cut length of wire 130cm long, feed wire through i-cord straightening as you go. Sew ends of i-cord closed. Bend wire to form ‘home’, using photo as a guide. Sew a couple of stitches to secure sensitive spots LK
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YARN SHOP
Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK costs £5.80 per 50g (116m) ball from 0131 558 1747, www.mcadirect.com Oasis silver alumunium wire costs £6 from 0330 026 1400, www.hobbycraft.co.uk
EASY NURSERY KNIT
Sweet Skies Decorate the nursery with Susie Johns’ adorable mobile
B
irds, clouds and a smiley-faced sunshine make this a charming addition to any baby’s room. It’s a lovely unisex design and would be a thoughtful gift for a baby shower. The shaping is quite straightforward so you don’t need to be an expert knitter. Pin the items in place on the ring to get it to balance before stitching them in place. If mounting the mobile over a cot, make sure it is out of the baby’s reach. EXCLUSIVE TO
meet our DESIGNER “Instead of grouping these knitted shapes as a mobile, they could be hung individually from the edge of a shelf or strung, evenly spaced, along a length of cord, as novelty bunting.” SUSIE JOHNS
43 www.letsknit.co.uk
EASY KNIT TOY
Rio the Plane
EXCLUSIVE TO
Val Pierce’s high-flying fellow is ready for the holiday season!
J
et off to knitting paradise with our adorable aeroplane! Rio is fun and easy to knit as he only uses simple increases and decreases. We love the zesty colours but you could opt for a single shade or a more traditional scheme. If you’re giving him to very young children, make sure you attach all the parts really securely for safety reasons.
meet our DESIGNER “If you can’t crochet, then make the eyes using circles of white and black felt and sew them on afterwards.” VAL PIERCE
47 www.letsknit.co.uk
Rio the Plane.indd 2
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COMING UP IN THE JULY ISSUE OF 3 CUTE TOYS FOR
YOUR FREE YARN KIT Exclusive eyelash yarn inside Includes 5 Balls of Yarn
STAY COOL WITH OUR EASY SUMMER KNITS!
MAKE MILO AND HIS FRIENDS! ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Love quirky to ys
Knit for baby
l Lacy
Projects subject to change
cold-shoulder top l Colourful holiday knits l Crochet dress for toddlers
Learn to knit socks
ple style Choose sim
Easy strip y toys
ON SALE THURSDAY 8TH JUNE
49 Download hundreds of free knitting and crochet patterns today! www.letsknit.co.uk
SUMPTUOUS SILK SHAWL
Darjeeling Dreams Knit Joan Forgione’s stunning lace edged design!
L
ess can sometimes be more when it comes to lacy knits, as demonstrated by this gorgeous design. The main body of the shawl is simple garter stitch, which is then bordered by a lovely lace panel. The final edging is worked from side to side and you cast off the border as you go.
53 www.letsknit.co.uk
BRIGHT SUMMER FASHION EXCLUSIVE TO
Dress to impress in Jo Allport's
COLOURBLOCK JUMPER S
tand out for all the right reasons in this flattering number, knitted in a cool cotton yarn. This fresh summer design combines different textures and colours to create a unique, eye-catching garment. Pair it with a neutral skirt or jeans and let the sweater do the talking.
meet our DESIGNER “I love mixing colours and textures. These colours remind me of summer and the hint of texture on the body and sleeves makes it much more interesting to knit. Adding a slipped stitch pattern to the yoke finishes it off nicely. This jumper will take you through the summer, perfect for beach days when a T-shirt just isn't enough!” JO ALLPORT
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CUTE & QUIRKY TOY
Perry
EXCLUSIVE TO
the Aardvark
Sachiyo Ishii’s oh-so-stylish critter
A
Blouse, £39, Monsoon; Jeans, £24.99, T.K. Maxx
ardvarks are native to Africa so it’s no surprise Perry needs a sweater for the British summertime. The self-patterning yarn makes it a super snazzy garment for this suave mammal. He is pretty straightforward to knit with basic decreases used to shape the body. The jumper is worked in a 4ply yarn and has a back opening that is fastened with a popper – this means you could make a whole wardrobe of stylish sweaters for Perry!
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EASY HEIRLOOM
Bright Stripes Snuggle your little one up in this beautifully crafted baby blanket
T
here’s nothing quite like knitting for a new baby, particularly a new addition to your family. This modern, stripy baby blanket is a great choice for a bouncing baby boy or girl with it’s gender neutral green and purple stripes, but equally you could change the colours to personalise the design for your little one. It also gives you the opportunity to sharpen up your skills at lace edging in patterns. Happy knitting!
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EXCLUSIVE TO
Colourful Cottons Be bold and vivacious with these stunning cotton yarns
C
otton is a great choice for a summertime yarn with its soft, cool feel and lovely drape. It is great to wear in a garment and it is easy to wash after a long summer’s day whilst also promising a luxury feel. We love to be vibrant in the summer and these red cotton yarns will have us standing out and oozing summer elegance.
Beautiful feel
Perfect for summer
Absolute bargain
Soft sheen
Great stitch definition 71 www.letsknit.co.uk
GREAT FIRST GARMENT!
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Rico textured shirt.indd 2
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