Pages

Monday, December 26, 2011

Zig Zag or Chevron Stitch

                               This sample knit as per pattern below, in Lily Sugar n Cream Cotton Yarn on US Size 6 needles
This sample was knit in Lily Sugar n Cream on US Size 9 needles, all in garter sitch
This sample was knit in Lily Sugar n Cream on US Size 10 needles, and I used a YO instead of  KFB to increase



This stitch pattern was requested by one of my YouTube friends!  Before I get into the details, I want to share a short story about this stitch pattern with you.  Back when I first began knitting, I came across this particular stitch, I think on a website.  The picture of the stitch did not show the points at the bottom of the fabric, just the middle of the sample.  I did not know the stitch would cause the fabric to come to points, and so as I was knitting my scarf, and the points were forming, I was a little concerned but not much.  I figured that I could block it into shape! (I don't know why I thought the fabric was not supposed to do this, but I did.) I was using a cheap acrylic yarn, and of course blocking did not help.  So I decided to iron it instead.  No matter how hard I tried, I could not get rid of those points!  I did do a pretty good job of completely flattening the yarn though.  I never wore the scarf, and am not even sure what ever happened to it.  At some later time, I came across this stitch pattern again, where someone did show the points in their picture, and I felt like a complete idiot.  So, just incase you, dear knitter, are not aware that this stitch pattern will produce lovely points on your fabric, I have made sure that the points are included in the sample pictures above.

Now.  Here are the details.  The instructions below will give you fabric that looks like the first picture, with the black and white yarn.   You certainly are not limited to only two colors, or to switching colors after Row 4.  Feel free to use as many or few colors as you like, and switch them as often as you like.  

You may also see this stitch pattern named Afghan Stitch - there are a number of variations on this stitch pattern.  Whatever you call it, or whatever particular method you use, you will end up with something that looks like the pictures above.

And I always assume that you will be watching the video, in which I usually tell you what the abbreviations are for, but if not:

KFB = Knit into the front and back of the next stitch
SSK = Slip the next two stitches knitwise, one at a time, and then knit them together through the back loop.  I actually like to slip the second stitch purlwise, but most of the time patterns will instruct you to slip both knitwise.  Either way will work, but I find that by slipping the second stitch purlwise, it makes the stitches a bit neater
K2tog = Knit the next two stitches together as if they were one

Cast on a multiple of 14 + 2

Rows 1 and 3:  Purl all stitches
Rows 2 and 4: K1, KFB, K4, SSK, K2tog, K4 *KFB, KFB, K4, SSK, K2tog, K4* Repeat from * to last 2 stitches, KFB, K1

Repeat these 4 rows for the pattern.  

And here is the video.  Enjoy!




12 comments:

  1. OHH! I've never see the YO option instead of the KFB! I cant wait to try this one out!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am just learning this pattern, but I can't figure out how to switch colors when knitting the rows. Help???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All you have to do is drop the first color and pick up the new color, and begin knitting with it on whatever row you change colors.

      Delete
  3. hello. i seem to be losing a stich at the end of each row (not purl row) im down to 25 stitches! started with 30. please help!
    this is a great tutorial btw. mine already looks great but is starting to disappear on the left hand side?!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi, thank you for this. I have a question regarding casting on. Do I just cast on a straight line of 14/ 28/ etc. or is there another method?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You just cast on using whatever method you prefer - long tail, Twisted German, backward loop, whatever - in a multiple of 14 + 2. The fabric will naturally make the chevron points as you work the pattern.

      Delete
  5. Entendí perfectamente su vídeo.No comprendo ingles ,pero una imagen
    vale 1000 palabras.Gracias.
    Hice 18+2 para acentuar la curva.
    Cariños.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Quite y agregue 3 puntos.
    Gracias por la idea.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Super cute & perfect for this winter. Does anyone have tips on turning this into a hat or a beanie? Could I start with an inch 1x1 rib & then knit this pattern on top? Would I use the same pattern if I knit in the round?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Is there a special way to cast off to create the peaked edges? Or can you just use any cast off method?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Mack-a-doodle, the standard knitted bind off works perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This pattern is so much better than the usual ripple pattern! I made a small sample and there is some curling at the bottom. Should there be a few rows of garter stitch or will it stop curling after several rows?

    ReplyDelete