gypsy wagon knits basics: knit and purl stitches

gypsy wagon knits basics: knit and purl stitches

by | May 4, 2021 | gypsy wagon knits

My name is Tracy, and I am excited to share tips and techniques, patterns, and knitting info — yarn and book reviews, products, and all kinds of knitting fun!   And Stay tuned for our new YouTube Gypsy Wagon Knits Basics videos on the Gypsy Wagon Knits YouTube Channel! (link below)

Welcome to the basics of knitting series! This is the third video, and I’m going to show you the purl stitch. Knit (K) and purl (P) make up the majority of knitting, and when combined, produce the traditional stockinette stitch show in the first photo.

My goal is to help you learn all the steps to make a hat. So stay tuned for more! 

If you missed the previous videos, click below:

  1. Long-tail cast-on:  CLICK HERE 
  2. The Knit Stitch: CLICK HERE 

Hope you found my video on the knit and purl stitches useful.  Coming up in the next post, I will show how to combine the stitches to make a ribbing… like for a hat!

Click Here to find my patterns on Ravelry!
Click Here to find my knitting videos on YouTube!

Thanks for stopping by! Click HERE to get 50% off a pattern of your choice when you use the coupon code HAPPY at checkout on my Ravelry Page.

recent knitting posts:

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gypsy wagon knits basics: the knit stitch

gypsy wagon knits basics: the knit stitch

by | May 2, 2021 | blog, gypsy wagon knits

My name is Tracy, and I am excited to share tips and techniques, patterns, and knitting info — yarn and book reviews, products, and all kinds of knitting fun!   And Stay tuned for our new YouTube Gypsy Wagon Knits Basics videos on the Gypsy Wagon Knits YouTube Channel! (link below)

Welcome to the basics of knitting series! This video is the second in the series and picks up after the long-tail cast on. Watch as I show you the basic knit stitch.

If you missed the first video – the long-tail cast-on, CLICK HERE to see it.

Hope you found my video on the knit stitch useful.  Coming up in the next post, I will show the garter stitch and stockinette stitch.

Click Here to find my patterns on Ravelry!
Click Here to find my knitting videos on YouTube!

Thanks for stopping by! Click HERE to get 50% off a pattern of your choice when you use the coupon code HAPPY at checkout on my Ravelry Page.

recent knitting posts:

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gypsy wagon knits basics: long-tail cast-on

gypsy wagon knits basics: long-tail cast-on

by | May 2, 2021 | blog, gypsy wagon knits

My name is Tracy, and I am excited to share tips and techniques, patterns, and knitting info — yarn and book reviews, products, and all kinds of knitting fun!   And Stay tuned for our new YouTube Gypsy Wagon Knits Basics videos on the Gypsy Wagon Knits YouTube Channel! (link below)

This is the first cast-on that I learned that creates a nice tidy edge.   It is called the long-tail cast-on, and although there are several variations of the long-tail cast-on, I think this is the easiest.  I made this little video to show you how it is done.

Click Here to find my patterns on Ravelry!
Click Here to find my knitting videos on YouTube!

FREE RIVER HAT PATTERN (CLICK HERE)

FREE CANYON HAT PATTERN (CLICK HERE)

Thanks for stopping by! Click HERE to get 50% off a pattern of your choice when you use the coupon code HAPPY at checkout on my Ravelry Page.

recent knitting posts:

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gypsy wagon knits: yarn weight guide

gypsy wagon knits: yarn weight guide

by | Apr 30, 2021 | blog, gypsy wagon knits

Yarn Weight can be a very confusing subject for some knitters. Even more confusing — there are different names for each weight! Here is some basic information to help you along with choosing the best yarn for your next knitting project.

 

There are 8 Standard Yarn Weight classifications. Yarn Weight refers to the thickness of the yarn, not by the weight of the skein or ball. And the type of fiber will factor into how many meters are in the skein. For Instance, a meter of mohair weighs less than a meter of wool, and therefore, a 50g skein of mohair will have more meters of yarn on it than a 50g skein of wool. So, best to always check both the weight and meters on the label

This is the standard weight legend that you will commonly see on a yarn’s band.

 

yarn weight

Yarn Weight

Lace (0)

This lightest weight yarn is lace. Most knitters use lace for openwork lace patterns — It is very fine and delicate, amazingly, can be quite strong. On order to create the open patterns, you need larger needles.

  • Recommended needle size for Lace is 1.5 – 2.25 mm or 000-1
  • 600 – 800m per 100g, on average
  • Gauge: 8 – 8.5 sts = 1″ on US 1-3 needles
  • Wraps Per Inch: 33 – 40
  • 1 or 2 ply
  • For LACE Yarn– CLICK HERE

Super Fine (1)

This is super popular for projects like lightweight lacy socks, scarves, and shawls. It is sometimes called fingering yarn, or sock yarn. There is a lot of yarn on each skein. 100g is usually enough for a pair of socks. There is a huge range, with some called light fingering”

  • Recommend needle size for super fine is 2.25 – 3.25 mm, US 1 – 3
  • Gauge: 7.5 – 8 sts = 1″
  • Wraps per inch: 14
  • 3 or 4 ply
  • For SUPERFINE Yarn– CLICK HERE

 

Fine (2)

Also called as sport weight or baby yarn. This is just slightly heavier than the thicker superfine/sock yarn. Fine yarn is excellent for lightweight sweaters, baby clothes, and scarves. Knitters can use 3.25 – 3.75 mm needles when handling sports weight

  • Recommend needle size for fine is 3.25 – 3.75 mm, US 3 – 5
  • 300 – 350 m per 100g, on average
  • Gauge: 6 -7 sts = 1″ on US 4 needles
  • Wraps per inch: 12
  • 3 or 4 ply
  • For FINE Yarn– CLICK HERE

Light (3)

Typically called DK, double knitting, or light worsted. DK is an enormously popular yarn weight for sweaters, accessories, blankets, and shawls.

  • Recommend needle size for light is 3.75 – 4.5 mm, US 5 – 6
  • 220 m per 100g, on average
  • Gauge: 5.25 – 6 sts = 1″
  • Wraps per inch: 11
  • 8 ply
  • For LIGHT Yarn– CLICK HERE

Medium (4)

Very common, and just slightly heavier, it is also called Worsted, or Aran — I feel that Worsted is a bit lighter, and Aran is on the heavier side of the medium range. Very common for heavier sweaters, like Irish Guernseys and Jerseys.

  • Recommend needle size for light is 4.5 – 5.5 mm, US 7-9
  • 120 – 200 m per 100g, on average
  • Gauge: 4 – 5 sts = 1″
  • Wraps per inch: 8 – 9
  • 10 ply
  • For MEDIUM Yarn– CLICK HERE

Bulky (5)

Often called chunky, this is thick and warm. Great for outerwear and accessories like hats and scarfs. Other types of bulky yarn are craft and rug, but these are generally not suitable for clothing.

  • Recommend needle size for light is 5.5 – 8 mm, US 9 – 11
  • 80 – 120 m per 100g on average
  • Gauge: 3 – 3.7sts
  • Wraps per inch: 6 – 8
  • 12 – 16 ply
  • For BULKY Yarn– CLICK HERE

Super bulky (6)

Also called Roving and Jumbo. These yarns knit up quickly, and are perfect for hats, scarves and bulky sweaters. are perfect for hats and scarves for they knit up very quickly.

  • Recommend needle size for light is 8 – 12.75 mm, US 11 – 17
  • Under 80 m per 100g, on average
  • Gauge: 2 – 3 sts on US 11 needles
  • Wraps per inch: 5 – 6
  • unknown ply
  • For BULKY Yarn– CLICK HERE

I am Currently Working On:

12 sweaters

Sweater#4

of 12 Sweaters for 2021

Pattern: Love Note

Cascade Sarasota

DK Weight

Colorway: No 11, Anthracite

Needles: Knitter’s Pride Dreamz  US 10

 

Details comming soon!
Ravelry Link

FREE RIVER HAT PATTERN (CLICK HERE)

FREE CANYON HAT PATTERN (CLICK HERE)

Thanks for stopping By! Click HERE to get 50% off a pattern of your choice when you use the coupon code HAPPY at checkout on my Ravelry Page.

 

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Beach Hat

Beach Hat

by | Nov 11, 2020 | blog, gypsy wagon knits

A slouchy comfortable to wear hat knit up in worsted weight. Easy to memorize 6-row pattern incorporates Knit together and yarn overs on one row for the waves, and an easy cable on another for added interest. Easy to see where you are — so no pattern watching with this. Perfect for solids, variegated and long stripes. Makes a fast gift. Great beginning lace project.

There are two versions — regular beanie style, and a slightly longer style.

Size: 8” flat across, and 7.5″ or 9.5″ tall (unstretched) –slightly snug fit to show off the lace pattern.

Materials:

*100 g.(200-220yds) light to medium worsted
Needle: US7 36″ circular for Magic Loop, or 16″ circular and set of DPS needle or size needed to obtain soft drape and gauge.

Gauge: 5.5 Sts per inch as knit in Beach Chart

This will fit most heads. For larger heads, go up 1-2 needle sizes. You should still have enough yarn on a 100 gr skein

DIRECTIONS:

Cast on 88 sts loosely, using knitted cast on, cable cast on, or similar stretchy cast on. Divide for Magic Loop — 44 on each needle– or use a smaller 16″ circular needle & place marker for BOR.

**Magic Loop How-To Video: https://youtu.be/1mqIqRdJc68

Engish Ribbing: *KTB, P* around for 6 rows.
*KTB = Knit stitch through the back

Begin Beach Chart.

Repeat 8 times for the shorter version, and 10 times for the longer. .. or until the desired length.

Begin Decreases according to Beach Decrease Chart:

** If using a short circular needle, switch to DPNs when needed

 

Break end leaving a long tail. Using a needle, run tail around through the remaining 8 Sts, twice around, and pull tight. Pull yarn to inside of the hat and tie off.

Weave in ends. And Enjoy!

beach hat

Supplies & Yarn Options for Hats — CLICK HERE

 

NEEDLES: 7US 32″ circular needle for Magic Loop (see a short video on this page), –OR– a smaller 16″ circular needle and a set of corresponding US7 DPNs.

beach hat

Ravelry users: Coupon code at checkout for FREE Canyon Hat Pattern: beach 

-or- go HERE for instant checkout!

CLICK HERE to download the BEACH HAT pattern PDF for Free!

Be the first to hear about all the free patterns and promos that I will be running. Sign up below, and I’ll be sending an email out, with the coupon code to use on MY STORE, Gypsywagon Knits, on Ravelry , and other special offers! If you are not on Ravelry, Respond to my welcome email, and I can send you specials directly!!

Check out more knitting information, tips and techniques on my main KNITTING page. You can also get links to the yarn I used for the Bulky Version of the Canyon Hat (top photo), and some really cool needles. There is also a link on how to do the MAGIC LOOP technique that I used for the hat. But, you can also knit this up with Double Pointed Needles, and/or a small circular.

The advantage of Ravelry — for those not on it, is that you will automatically get updates. And plus… it is the BEST resource for knitters and crocheters!

 

MORE FREE HAT PATTERNS:

FREE RIVER HAT PATTERN (CLICK HERE)

FREE CANYON HAT PATTERN (CLICK HERE)

MORE KNITTING POSTS:

2022 day 5

2022 day 5

by | Jan 7, 2022

 Day  5   Day 5 was a busy one.  All the regular stuff, plus a trip to the Post Office to mail something to Holly, the beautiful daughter of a fellow "woolie" -- someone who also did the 100 day dress challenge. I had a pleasant trip to Trader Joes, and while...

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2022 day 3

2022 day 3

by | Jan 5, 2022

 Day  3   Day 3 was still pretty cold... but I managed to get out in the garden and yank out some of the frozen nasturtiums and dahlias.  They looked so pretty right up to the freeze. Not so much anymore.  Salvador Dali called and wants his nasturtiums back. They...

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2022 DAY 2

2022 DAY 2

by | Jan 3, 2022

 Day  2 Cold and rainy here on day 2  in Portland, Oregon.  But not super cold like the last few days.  Not freeze your new garden pipes cold, like yesterday.  My bad, I should have insulated the above-ground pvc pipe to the new system.  Luckily, we installed a...

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Most Common Knitting Abbreviations

Most Common Knitting Abbreviations

by | Aug 23, 2020 | blog, gypsy wagon knits

Knitting abbreviations — these are the most common ones that modern knitters use.  Sure… there are probably thousands more… but for the basics, I have tried to include the everyday knitting abbreviations.

When you first start to knit… It all looks like a foreign language. And still, as an experienced knitter, I am sometimes an unusual term or abbreviation that I find in a knitting pattern or book still STUMPS me.. There are too many to list all abbreviations here. Each knitting culture has its own stitches — so that the stitches you would find for Japanese knitting, would have some different stitches than Aran knitting. But these abbreviations, for the most part, are the most commonly used throughout the knitting world

MOST COMMON KNITTING ABBREVIATIONS

knitting abbreviations
knitting abbreviations
knitting abbreviations

To download a PDF of this chart, click HERE!

Knit Charts: Alternative to Text Instructions Publishers and authors also use stitch charts aside from using words to describe a pattern stitch. Stitch charts illustrate how a lace, color work or pattern will look once it is knitted. This means you can easily identify errors when using stitch charts

Hope you find these knitting abbreviations to be helpful!

Check out more knitting information, tips and techniques on my main KNITTING page. And Pick up your FREE pattern for the CANYON HAT HERE and the RIVER HAT HERE!    here is also a link on how to do the MAGIC LOOP technique that I used for the hat.

“…the number one reason knitters knit is because they are so smart that they need knitting to make boring things interesting. Knitters are so compellingly clever that they simply can’t tolerate boredom. It takes more to engage and entertain this kind of human, and they need an outlet or they get into trouble.”

“Knitters just can’t watch TV without doing something else. Knitters just can’t wait in line, knitters just can’t sit waiting at the doctor’s office. Knitters need knitting to add a layer of interest in other, less constructive ways.”

― Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

 

CHECK OUT MY RECENT POSTS!

2022 day 6

2022 day 6

by | Jan 8, 2022

 Day  6   Day 6 was all the way up in the low 50s, so I took advantage of the pleasantly balmy weather to get the 250 tulip bulbs that I had ordered late into their intended spot.  I can't wait until spring comes. Tulips do really well up here in Portland, and...

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2022 day 5

2022 day 5

by | Jan 7, 2022

 Day  5   Day 5 was a busy one.  All the regular stuff, plus a trip to the Post Office to mail something to Holly, the beautiful daughter of a fellow "woolie" -- someone who also did the 100 day dress challenge. I had a pleasant trip to Trader Joes, and while...

read more
2022 day 4

2022 day 4

by | Jan 6, 2022

 Day  4   Day 4  warmed up a bit. And not a bit too soon for me.  It was still chilly, but up in the 40s.  And that gave me a little bit of time to get things straightened up outside.  I still haven't gotten the tulip bulbs in, but that is coming...next warm...

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