FREE INFINITY SCARF PATTERN FOR BEGINNERS

As promised, here is my free infinity scarf pattern for beginners! You too can knit something trendy and fun. I have been so excited to share this with you all and its finally here!

SEED STITCH INFINITY SCARF

Materials you will need:

• 3 hanks / 300g of Billow by KnitPicks 
• size 11 US straight needles that are at least 10 inches in length
• scissors
• darning needle

Turn your hank into a ball by following my instructions here. If you are an advanced knitter and would like to make a substitution this is a bulky weight super soft pima cotton yarn with a thick and thin texture. If you are not familiar with US needle sizes you can find my conversion chart here. 

Gauge:

6.5 stitches x 8 rows = 2 inches square

I know we haven't talked about gauge yet, so for the purpose of this pattern I only want you to use this as a rough guide. If the gauge of your knitted piece is slightly different that's ok because this is a very stretchy knit.

Pattern:

Cast on 33 stitches (click here for instructions on how to cast on).

This scarf is knit in what's called a seed stitch pattern. This pattern is created by alternating one knit stitch (k1) and one purl stitch (p1). You can find my instructions on how to knit here, and how to purl here. You'll have to remember to bring your working yarn (the yarn you wrap around the needle) from the front of your work to the back of your work when alternating between knitting and purling.

First row: (k1, p1) repeat until one stitch remains on your needle, k1. Turn work over.

Repeat the first row until your scarf measures 62 inches in length or approximately 232 rows (width is 10.5 inches).

Cast off (click here for instructions on how to cast off). Use scissors to break yarn, leaving a long tail of approximately 22 inches for stitching together the two ends of your scarf.

To complete your infinity scarf, lay it on a flat surface and bring the two ends together (while still lying flat) so that they meet. Stitch the two ends together using the tail from your cast off edge. Next darn in any ends using a darning needle. DO NOT trim your ends with scissors without darning them in first as all your hard work will unravel. If this sounds complicated, don't worry, I'll have a post on how to do this later on.

Want to download a printable copy of this pattern? Click here.

Style and wear how you like! I'll post pics soon on the many ways to wear this lovely seed stitch infinity scarf (you can find that post here). Let me know you've cast on by leaving a comment below or tweeting me @tinselmint. I can't wait to see your progress, happy knitting.

Read More »

HOW TO TURN YOUR HANK OF YARN INTO A BALL

Sounds simple, right? Turning your hank of yarn into a ball really is easy, but if its your first time I thought I would give you a simple walk through to show you how its done. Learning how to wind a ball of yarn can be quite relaxing.

If you plan on knitting up the free infinity scarf pattern coming soon this is a step you'll need to take before you can start knitting. I know I said I would post the pattern this week, but my life is full of boxes and packing as I'm getting ready for a big move and thus everything else is on hold. I really can't wait to share it with you, so hang in there. Has your yarn arrived yet? Let's get you started!

First you'll want to unwind the hank and remove the label (if you are turning several hanks into balls keep at least one label for each kind of yarn, that way if you have yarn left over you'll always know what it is).

Using the loop or hole where the label was, pull the hank apart so that it looks like one giant circle.

Next, search for the area where the hank has been secured to keep it from unraveling. Untie the knot and separate the two ends of yarn so they are no longer keeping the hank tied together (with some yarns this will be a thread that once untied can be discarded as it is not attached to the actual hank).

Now were ready to turn the hank into a ball. There are multiple ways of doing this and even fancy ball winders that you can buy to make the work easier. However, for the purpose of first time knitters and those who don't want to splurge on all the bells and whistles there are more affordable options. I like to lay the yarn beside me on the couch or on a bed and wind the ball that way. This method does require a bit a patience but it is the most cost effective, allows you to sit, and doesn't require an extra set of hands.

With your hank laid out in a circle on a flat surface, select one loose end (either will do) and begin by wrapping the yarn around your fingers. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly, we don't want anyone cutting off the blood flow to their precious finger tips or stretching out the yarn. Once you have a a bit of yarn built up on your fingers, you can remove it and start to wind the yarn around its middle.

Work slowly, pausing every now and then to reshape your circle. Keeping your hank circle tidy will help avoid any unwanted tangles. If you do experience a tangle in your yarn, stop immediately and untangle it. If you don't it will only get worse.

Some other methods you may want to try include:

• A SPARE SET OF HANDS - have someone wrap the hank around their hands, holding it in place with their thumbs, while you wind the ball 
• USE TWO CHAIRS - face the chairs back to back a small distance apart and wrap the hank around them, the chairs hold the hank while you wind the ball (this may require you to stand)
• BUY A YARN SWIFT & A BALL WINDER - swifts expand to the size of your hank, clip to a desk or table and a ball winder lets you wind with ease with the turn of a crank (these two will set you back about $70 or more) 

Remember, be patient and go slow. Happy yarn winding everyone!

Read More »

START YOUR KNITTING BAGS!

What's better to get you motivated to knit than a new knitting project bag? My favorite kind of bag to use is a basic tote. They are perfect because they can have multiple uses and there's no fuss or muss (things can get caught up in zippers, Velcro and drawstrings).

After my post on "WHAT'S IN A KNITTING BAG?", a lot of you were asking "where can I get a good project bag?" so, I wanted to show you a couple of my project bags as well as a few options that I've been lusting after.

My two favorite knitting bags I received as gifts. One is a basic cotton tote with the oh-so-popular "Keep Calm and Carry On" slogan printed in red on the front and the other is a light weight denim tote with a handy pocket stitched on the front. Most of the time these bags house my knitting projects, but I also like to use them for day trips, trips to the beach, and farmers market shopping.

"Endless Summer" Tote $20 and "Thunder in Our Hearts" Tote $20
Photos courtesy of Fieldguided

Here are a couple of my favs from Toronto based duo Geoff and Anabela who make up Fieldguided. Their handprinted totes are 100% unbleached cotton and feature fun text. How hip would you look carrying your knitting project around in one of these totes? The two above sell for $20. You can shop their entire selection online here.

"High-Fiber" Tote $16
Photo courtesy of Fringe Supply Co. credit: Michelle Lee Willson

Another tote I absolutely love is this on from Fringe Supply Co. What makes this the perfect knitting bag is the reminder: "Wool is an Essential Part of Any High-Fiber Diet". Its 100% organic cotton to boot! You can purchase this "High-Fiber" Tote here for only $16. Also be sure to check out Karen Templer's blog Fringe Association. She has some great tips and interesting posts for all knitters!

"Notions" Tote $26
Photo courtesy of Ravelry

Last but not least, is this colourful number from Ravelry (an online community for knitters, crocheters, fiber artists and creators...also the number one resource for knitting patterns in my books). I love the wide strap for easy carrying on this tote as well as the graphic that features many of the tools and supplies you might find in one's project bag! Selling for $26, this "Notions" Tote is 100% cotton and features and inside pocket for storing small items that might otherwise get lost in the bottom of your knitting bag. You can find it here.

I hope this helps any of you who are looking for a new project bag or at least provides a bit of inspiration. If you are feeling adventurous and you enjoy sewing the PurlBee has a turtorial on how to make your own here.

What do you use for storing your knitting? Care to share? Tweet me @tinselmint or share a photo on instagram @tinselmint. I love hearing from you so be sure to leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Read More »