Teach Yourself VISUALLY Circular Knitting

259 Pages·2011·106.18 MB·English

by  Melissa Morgan-Oakes

Untitled-1 1 3/26/11 12:12 AM
Circular
Knitting
by Melissa Morgan-Oakes
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Teach Yourself VISUALLY™ Circular Knitting
Copyright © 2011 by Melissa Morgan-Oakes. All rights reserved.
Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2011924893
ISBN: 978-0-470-87426-4
eISBN: 978-1-118-07588-3
Printed in the United States of America
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Praise for the Teach Yourself VISUALLY Series
I just had to let you and your company know how great I think your books are. I just
purchased my third Visual book (my first two are dog-eared now!) and, once again, your prod-
uct has surpassed my expectations. The expertise, thought, and effort that go into each book
are obvious, and I sincerely appreciate your efforts. Keep up the wonderful work!
—Tracey Moore (Memphis, TN)
I have several books from the Visual series and have always found them to be valuable
resources.
—Stephen P. Miller (Ballston Spa, NY)
Thank you for the wonderful books you produce. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I
discovered how I learn—visually. Although a few publishers out there claim to present the
material visually, nothing compares to Visual books. I love the simple layout. Everything is
easy to follow. And I understand the material! You really know the way I think and learn.
Thanks so much!
—Stacey Han (Avondale, AZ)
Like a lot of other people, I understand things best when I see them visually. Your books
really make learning easy and life more fun.
—John T. Frey (Cadillac, MI)
I am an avid fan of your Visual books. If I need to learn anything, I just buy one of your
books and learn the topic in no time. Wonders! I have even trained my friends to give me
Visual books as gifts.
—Illona Bergstrom (Aventura, FL)
I write to extend my thanks and appreciation for your books. They are clear, easy to f ollow,
and straight to the point. Keep up the good work! I bought several of your books and they are
just right! No regrets! I will always buy your books because they are the best.
—Seward Kollie (Dakar, Senegal)
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Credits
Acquisitions Editor
Pam Mourouzis
Project Editor
Suzanne Snyder
Copy Editor
Marylouise Wiack
Technical Editor
Tamara Stone-Snyder
Editorial Manager
Christina Stambaugh
Vice President and Publisher
Cindy Kitchel
Vice President and Executive Publisher
Kathy Nebenhaus
Interior Design
Elizabeth Brooks
Kathie Rickard
Photography
Matt Bowen
Special Thanks…
I am very grateful for the generous support and contributions of the compa-
nies who gave their products for use in this book
● Berroco ● Lorna’s Laces
● Blue Moon Fiber Arts ● Schaefer Yarn Company
● Buffalo Gold ● Spirit Trail Fiberworks
● Foxfire Fiber ● Valley Yarns
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About the Author
Melissa Morgan-Oakes has often been told by her mother that she has “a
head just full of useless information,” and hopes that comes through on the
following pages. One person’s useless is another person’s necessary! Author of
the bestselling 2-at-a-Time Socks and Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks, and a nation-
ally respected knitting instructor and designer, Melissa brings the unique skill
and energy of a self-taught knitter to all of her endeavors. She lives, works
and maintains a lifestyle blog (www.melissa-knits.blogspot.com) from her
small farm in Western Massachusetts where she lives with her husband, pets,
a hundred-odd chickens and a half a million or so honey bees.
Acknowledgments
This book is dually dedicated to my father Dan Morgan and my husband Gene
Oakes who continue to be my biggest inspiration and strongest support
whether I am writing knitting books or chasing chickens, among many other
things.
Special thanks to Cindy Kitchel, Pam Mourouzis, and Suzanne Snyder at
Wiley Publishing, my wonderful technical editor Tamara Stone-Snyder, and
“Agent Linda” Roghaar of Linda Roghaar Literary Agency, without all of whom
this project would not have seen the light of day.
To my sample knitters Mary-Alice Baker, Mary Kubasek-Haber, Dena Childs,
Sara Delaney, Kristen Gonsalves, and Katy Wight; my undying gratitude for
the handiwork you put in on this project.
To Clara Parkes, Kathy Elkins, Mary, Kristen, and anyone else I tormented
with tantrums and whines; thank you so much for listening to, encouraging,
commiserating with, and cajoling me when the moment required it.
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Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Circular Knitting
About Circular Knitting ................................4
The Pros and Cons of Knitting in the Round ...6
Needles for Circular Knitting ...................... 11
Basic Yarn Information .............................. 19
The Best Yarn to Use While Learning ........... 21
Other Tools You Will Need .......................... 22
CHAPTER 2 Circular Knitting Methods
Cast On for Circular Knitting ....................... 28
Work with Double-Pointed Needles ............. 32
Work with One Circular Needle:
Traditional Method ................................. 39
Work with One Long Circular Needle:
Magic Loop Method .....................................46
Work with Two Circular Needles .................. 56
Bind Off in the Round ................................ 65
Summary of Circular Knitting Methods ........ 69
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CHAPTER 3 Special Techniques for Circular Knitting
Solutions to Common Problems .................. 72
Join Yarn When Knitting in the Round ........ 80
Work Charts in the Round .......................... 83
Work with Color in the Round ..................... 85
Create False Seams .................................... 88
CHAPTER 4 Starter Projects
Before You Begin ...................................... 92
Simple Ear Warmer .................................... 93
Double-Thick Potholder .............................. 95
Fingerless Mitts ......................................... 99
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Table of Contents
CHAPTER 5 Planning a Project
Choose a Size ...........................................104
Select Yarn for a Project ...........................106
Choose a Stitch Pattern .............................113
Gauge and Swatching ................................114
CHAPTER 6 Simple Projects
Simple Circular Cowl .................................124
Hats for Children ......................................129
Hats for Grown-ups ...................................133
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