PRACTICAL GUIDES
Pattern UPDATES Here at LK we try our hardest to make sure our patterns are free from errors, but sometimes they do slip through the net. You can find out pattern updates on our website at www.letsknit.co.uk. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have any queries about one of our patterns, please call 01206 508622 (office hours only) or email support@letsknit.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
LK112 November Lace Detail Sweater, p69 The symbols for yfwd and k2tog have been accidentally switched on the Chart key. The circle symbol represents yfwd and the / is for k2tog.
AT A LOOSE END? Follow these steps for weaving in any tails of yarn: 1. Thread the yarn on to a tapestry needle and work with the WS of the project facing upwards. 2. Insert the needle under the loop of each stitch, and draw it through. Work it up
and down the loops of the stitches for 8cm. An alternative method is to weave through the back of the stitch, splitting the strand of yarn as you sew. 3. Cut the yarn close to the fabric. NOTE: In colourwork, weave the yarn tails into the matching colour section.
SUBSTITUTION There are many reasons to want to substitute the yarn given in a project, from price to colour selection, but there are some important points to remember. n Choose a yarn with a similar tension to the suggested yarn. Match the tension given on the ball band of the yarns, as the pattern may use a different stitch. Remember to do a tension square in the new yarn before you begin. n Consider the fibre content of the yarn and how this might affect the finished project. For example, cotton yarn will knit up very differently to a wool yarn.
n Don’t forget to check the care instructions of your new yarn. Not all yarns are machine washable. n Look at the meterage of the new yarn, rather than the weight of the ball. Not all 50g balls have the same meterage and you don’t want to run short when nearing the end of your project.
ON THE BLOCKS Blocking is the process of stretching and shaping your finished items to create the correct dimensions from the pattern and even out your stitches. It is also really useful for ensuring that pieces to be joined fit well together. There are a few different ways to achieve this, so check the information on the yarn ball band and pick the most suitable option. Wet blocking: dampen the pieces so that they are wet through and gently squeeze out the excess water. Lay out the pieces and pin them to the correct
measurements, then leave them to dry. For delicate fibres and lace projects, you can just spritz the pieces with a water spray, rather than submerging them fully. Steaming: lay a damp cloth over your work and gently iron over the top – do not iron directly on to your knitting. Continue to iron until the cloth is dry. Another option is to gently hover over your work with the iron and apply steam until the knitting relaxes, this is good for delicate projects and textured stitches. Pin to the desired measurements and allow to set.
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