New Textiles 2011

The concept of my pattern was based on combining weaving & knitting in one work. I designed a pattern for wrist-warmers where the pattern accommodates straps to fit the wrist-warmers for different sized wrists. The structure to incorporate the straps (goes through the gaps) is not practical and decorative. The straps are woven into these structures which fluffs up the structural element which creates the impression of polka dots as decorative elements when looking from afar.

I found the medium gauge knitting machine easy and quick to use once I remembered the setting the machine was on. Compared to knitting by hand, the pattern builds very quickly. Casting off creates a very neat edge that contributes to the look of the final work.

My Pattern for wrist-warmers (Knit x2)

Cast on 44 needles. Knit 10 rows. Carriage is on the right side. The Russel levers are in position I. Count 4 needles then bring next 4 needles into hold position. Keep alternating 4 needles in knit and hold position for the 44 stitches. Knit 4 rows. Swap the stitches, bring the stitches on hold into knit and the knit stitches into hold. Knit 4 rows. Change the color of the yarn. Knit 8 rows. Bring all the hold needles back into knit. Knit 10 rows.

Count 4 needles then bring next 4 needles into hold position. Keep alternating 4 needles in knit and hold position for the 44 stitches. Knit 8 rows. Swap the stitches, bring the stitches on hold into knit and the knit stitches into hold. Knit 4 rows. Change the color of the yarn.Knit 4 rows. Put all stitches back into knit. Knit 10 rows. Cast off.

Straps (x4)

Braid 14 inch  strips.

Putting the straps on

Weave the straps into the gaps along the point where the colors change. Stitch the straps to the machine knit material.