Knitting is something I have wanted to feature on the show since day one, but I realize that it's not really a made-for-television subject. However, when I began reading and hearing about how knitting is making a comeback and is showing up in home fashions, as well as clothing fashions, it seemed like we should at least give it a try. So we did.
As I mentioned on the show, having someone give you a hands-on lesson is the best way to learn but by demonstrating how easy it is, I thought it might stimulate an interest. Start with some 4-ply knitted worsted yarn and medium sized needles (6-8 will work) and you'll be knitting up pillows in no time.
As for you "already" knitters, you could see that the pillows I showed went from one extreme to the other. . .very basic, very easy, using nothing but the garter stitch, to the beautifully patterned, multi-colored versions sent by the folks at Classic Elite Yarns. Take your pick. . .then knit yourself a pillow.
For the following pillows, figure your gauge with the type of yarn and size needles you want to use. Count the sts. per inch and multiply that number by the widths of the pillows.
Button Pillows
Materials:
1 skein Caron Natura Wintuk or worsted weights equivalent; color #901 Off White
size 10 needles
size of pillow: 11" x 15"
size of knit piece: 16-1/2" x 22"
Steps:
- Cast on 50 sts. and work in a garter st. until piece measures 22" slightly stretched. Bind off.
- Fold crosswise and stitch up one short end and across the long end. Insert pillow form. Sew up remaining seam. Add decorative buttons along one end.
For the following pillows, figure your gauge with the type of yarn and size needles you want to use. Count the sts. per inch and multiply that number by the widths of the pillows.
Tube Pillow Materials:
one 3-1/2 oz. skein Patons Decor
two 3-1/2" skeins cotton yarn
size 13 needles
pillow form
The pillow is knitted using two strands of yarn: one knitting worsted weight acrylic and one of cotton.
Steps:
- Measure length of pillow plus the depth. Cast on the number of sts. according to your gauge and knit every row until piece fits around pillow comfortably. Sew seams to form a tube. Leave the ends open.
- With a needle, run double strand of yarn around each end of the tube. Insert pillow. Pull yarn at each end and tie.
Center Flap Pillow Materials:
one 6 oz. skein Lion Brand Homespun yarn
size #10 needles
pillow form
Steps:
- Cast on number of stitches according to your gauge swatch and knit every row until piece is twice the length of your pillow plus 4". Bind off.
- Fold piece so the ends overlap 2" and stitch along top and bottom edges.
- Turn piece right side out and insert pillow form.
Knitted Pillows Without Knitting Cut up an old sweater and make a slipcover for a pillow form. Most sweaters are knit using the stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) and are smooth rather than ridged. If you prefer the ridged look, simply turn the sweater to the wrong side. This also works if the sweater is stained or simply too "tired" looking on the right side.
The style of slipcover you make will depend a great deal on the size of the sweater and whether you want to make both sides knitted or if you prefer to use fabric for the back side. In any case, treat the knitted fabric as you would any fabric, but allow a bit extra in your measurements so that you can take two rows of stitching instead of one around the outside edges. A plain slipcover, tube pillows, envelopes pillows, or tie-on can be made.
Resources Ethnic Pillow Kit - Classic Elite (Model #: 8633-30)
Classic Elite Yarns
Check Website for local retailer.
Website:
www.classiceliteyarns.com
I Taught Myself Knitting kit includes book
Wright's (Wm Wright Co.)
Website:
www.wrights.com
yarn
Caron International
Website:
www.caron.com
yarn - Chenille Sensations, Homespun
Lion Brand Yarn Co.
Website:
www.lionbrand.com
yarn - Paton
Available at independent yarn shops.
Patons Yarns
Website:
www.patonsyarns.com
Also in this Episode
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