Did you all have a fantastic Independence Day Weekend? I couldn’t let this month go by without developing a stitch that at least hinted at a patriotic theme. So I decided after finally hoisting my flag up the pole and switched the in ground flagpole lighting on, I thought about what stitch I could create that seemed more patriotic than the rest. The Flag Stitch definitely resembles our own stars and stripes, but it is also a wonderfully rhythmic geometric design suitable for pretty much any type of project. Best yet, it is super easy to work up as it consists of only knits and purls-perfect for a quick knit during those hot summer days!

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. 😉 To find all the previous stitches in this column, simply click here.

 

Flag 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 Berries)

Notions: Loom tool, yarn needle, scissors. (Also helpful: peg markers, row counter & blocking pins/pad)

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 8-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. Complete by adding the same number of extra Set Up Rows at the end that were added at the beginning.

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 39 pegs. (Sample uses Chain Cast On)

Set Up Rows

Row 1: P39

Row 2: K39

Row 3: P39

Main Pattern Rows

Row 4: K39

Row 5: P2, k35, p2

Row 6: K4, p7, *k1, p7, rep from * twice, k4.

Row 7: P2, k8, p1, *k7, p1, rep from * twice, k2, p2.

Row 8: K4, p1, k3, p3, *k1, p1, k3, p3, rep from * twice, k4.

Row 9: Rep Row 7

Row 10: Rep Row 8

Row 11: Rep Row 5.

Row 12: K39

Row 13: P39

Row 14: K39

Row 15: P39

Row 16-63: Rep Rows 4-15

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″

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave a note for Bethany Dailey below in the comments! 🙂