Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

The weather outside is frightful, but we here at KB Chat can enjoy it all from the comfort of our armchairs and our looms!  This month’s stitch represents a flurry of snowflakes, falling from the skies…or whip it up in a pretty blue to escape the cold days of winter with a glimpse of the endless stars of the Milky Way.  This stitch is a super easy one technically, as it consists of only knits and purls—it just takes a bit of attention to keep track of each row’s stitch pattern. 😉

In this monthly column we’re going to be working on some exciting new stitch patterns, as well as a few new techniques thrown in for good measure.  My intention for our yarn play is to provide all the know-how for you to be able to work the new stitch; any charts, photos, or videos you may need; as well as a pattern to create an 8” x 8” square.  As we go along in our looming journey, we should be able to create lovely pieced afghans with our squares, as I like to know that we’re going somewhere while swatching, don’t you?  You can think of it as our Stitch Sample Afghan—a stitch dictionary right at your fingertips, keeping your legs warm, lol. 😉

Snowy/Starry Skies Square

Items Needed

Loom: Authentic Knitting Board Adjustable Hat Loom: 2 rounded pieces + 3 peg connectors, with pegs in all holes for a 3/8” gauge.  The Sock Loom 2 or the All-n-One Loom could also be used.

Yarn: approx. 75 yards Worsted Weight (Sample uses Berroco Vintage in Mochi)

Notions: Loom tool, yarn needle, scissors.  (Also helpful: peg markers, row counter)

Pattern Notes:

This versatile stitch pattern would apply itself very nicely to pretty much any type of project.  To work this pattern in the round for a hat, use the Repeating Pattern Rows chart, and make sure to read it from right to left for each row, rather than alternating sides each time.  Also, cast onto your loom in a clockwise direction, using a number of pegs that is divisible by 16—the number of stitches required for each pattern repeat.

For flat pieces of a greater size, begin with the Set Up Rows (increasing as necessary), then simply increase the number of Repeating Pattern Rows inside the garter stitch border for the length and width required, then complete with the Finishing Rows.

When the pattern uses the term “knit” or “k”, please use the true knit stitch or the u-stitch, not the e-wrap.

The abbreviation “rep” stands for “repeat”.

Repeating Pattern Rows

Here is the entire pattern chart for the 8” x 8” square:

Everything you need to know about knitting your square is included in the above chart.  Believe it or not, you can actually create your square without looking at another thing!  For help with reading charts, please see the Stitchology I post for a detailed explanation, and you’ll be ready to go!

But, don’t worry…I am also providing you with the step by step instructions below. 😉

Step by Step Instructions:

Cast onto your loom from left to right, using a total of 37 pegs. (Sample uses Chain Cast On)

Set Up Rows

Row 1:  p37

Row 2:  k37

Row 3:  p37

Main Pattern Rows

Row 4:  k6, p1, *k7, p1, rep from * twice, k6.

Row 5:  p2, k1, *p1, k5, p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k3, rep from * once, p2.

Row 6:  k4, *p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, rep from * 3 times, k1.

Rows 7:  p2 *k3, p1, k1, p1, k3, p1, k5, p1, rep from * once, k1, p2.

Row 8:  k6, p1, *k7, p1, rep from * twice, k6.

Row 9:  p2, k3, p1, k1, p1, k13, p1, k1, p1, k11, p2.

Row 10:  k12, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k11, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k4.

Row 11:  p2, k1, *p1, k5, p1, k4, p1, k4, rep from * once, p2.

Row 12:  k3, *p1, k5, p1, k4, p1, k4, rep from * once, k2.

Row 13:  p2, k10, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k11, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k2, p2.

Row 14:  k5, *p1, k1, p1, k13, rep from * once.

Row 15:  p2, k4, *p1, k7, rep from * twice, p1, k4 p2.

Row 16:  k2, *k3, p1, k1, p1, k3, p1, k5, p1, rep from * once, k3

Row 17:  p2, k2, *p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, rep from * twice, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k2, p2.

Row 18:  k3, *p1, k5, p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k3, rep from * once, k2.

Row 19:  p2, k4, *p1, k7, rep from * twice, p1, k4, p2.

Row 20:  *k13, p1, k1, p1, rep from * once, k5.

Row 21:  p2, k2, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k11, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k10, p2.

Row 22:  k2, *k4, p1, k4, p1, k5, p1, rep from * once, k3.

Row 23:  p2, *k4, p1 k4 p1 k5 p1 rep from * once, k1 p2.

Row 24:  k4 p1 k1 p1, k1, p1, k11, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k12.

Row 25:  p2, k11, p1, k1, p1, k13, p1, k1, p1, k3, p2.

Rows 26-47:  Repeat Main Pattern Rows 4-25.

Rows 48-58:  Repeat Main Pattern Rows 4-14.

Finishing Rows

Row 59:  p37

Row 60:  k37

Row 61:  p37

Bind off all stitches loosely. (Sample uses the Basic Bind Off)  Weave in ends and trim close to work.

Block to an 8” x 8” measurement.

Afghan Notes:

If you are intending this square to be part of an afghan, you may wish to make up to 3 or 4 additional squares.  We will be sharing at least 12 of these patterns for you to use in your blanket.  Use the following general measurements to decide how many of each of the 8″ x 8″ squares you will need, rounding up as necessary:

• Baby Blanket: 30″ x 36″
• Children: 42″ x 48″
• Lapghan: 36″ x 48″
• Twin Bed Afghan: 60″ x 85″
• Queen Bed Afghan: 90″ x 95″