TOP TIPS FOR STAY-AT-HOME KNITTING ISSUE 158 June 2020
From newbies to experts MAKES FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
Packed with patterns
VAL PIERCE EXCLUSIVE! KNIT KENNY THE RHINO
34 summer knits to make your day!
SIMPLE STYLE
6 FUSS-FREE PROJECTS FOR HOME
KNI T THIS IN S I ZES 8- 2 6
UP TO SIZE 22
Join our nautical knitalong today!
ALL THIS & MORE
INSIDE!
Easy crochet! Try our cute ballerinas
BROTHERS IN YARN
MEN WHO KNIT - IN THEIR OWN WORDS
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BRING THE OUTDOORS IN ENHANCE YOUR KNITS WITH FABULOUS FLORA AND FAUNA TIPS FROM THE TOP
CABLES & CHARTS EXPLAINED
STYLISH TOP BY DEBBIE BLISS £6.99 | June 20 Issue 158
ONE-ROW STRIPES
MASTER AN EASY BUT EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUE
24/04/2020 17:24
EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome!
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Summer is almost here, and although we can’t experience the great outdoors as we normally would, this issue of Let’s Knit has plenty of cheerful, nature-inspired patterns to make up for it. Our fashion collection on page 14 features five exciting garments in zingy, fruit salad shades, and Siân Brown’s Flower Bud wrap on page 32 evokes the beauty of a summer meadow with its use of colour-change yarn. You’ll also find a strawberry wreath (p35), floral-themed plant pot covers (p38) and a blanket festooned with butterfly, bee and flower motifs (p45), plus our guide to more ways to bring the outdoors in via your knitting on page 48. No doubt you’ll have noticed rainbows appearing everywhere recently – a delightful symbol of hope in the current crisis. Join in the trend with our pick of vibrant yarns and patterns on page 56. As the weather hots up we find ourselves turning to cotton yarns and light, airy patterns. Check out our essential summer knitting tips on page 41. Have you noticed the recent trend for ‘knitalikes’? We’ve been so impressed by the amazing skills shown by knitters who’ve chosen to recreate the likenesses of those they love in yarn - enjoy our round-up on page 79.
ABOVE RIGHT: Flower Bud wrap, p32 ABOVE LEFT: Brand new nautical knitalong, p65 CENTRE: Over the Rainbow shopping guide, p56 LEFT: Hot Tips for Summer Knitting, p41 BELOW: Seeing Double, p79
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Happy Knitting
Sarah
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All items from patterns published by Let’s Knit are for personal use only and cannot be sold. Multiple copies of any part of this publication may not be made, and no part of this publication whether in its original form or a reproduction thereof may be sold. All patterns featured within Let’s Knit are reproduced in good faith that they do not infringe any copyright. DISCLAIMER: We recommend that readers use the main specified yarn for every project as this will produce the best results. The alternatives given are suggestions only, and as no two yarns
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are exactly the same we advise readers to swatch an alternative yarn carefully before choosing to use it for their project. The publishers are not responsible for any safety issues arising from any items knitted from patterns contained within Let’s Knit magazine. Please note that toys with small parts are not suitable for children under three years of age. If making a toy for a very young child, omit any buttons and embroider the details instead. Babies should be supervised when playing with toys. Prices are all correct at time of print.
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June 2020
In this issue
21
45
Cover Star
SHOPPING
8 See It, Want It, Love It! Our top picks for June
31 This Month We’re Loving... Crafting From Home
Get creative as we embrace the new normal
44 Long Length yarns
Enjoy our fantastic collection of fibres
56 Over The Rainbow
Celebrate colour with our selection of vibrant yarns
90 Newsflash
Catch up with the latest news in the world of knitting
FOCUS
41 Hot Tips For Summer Knitting
Stay cool and calm with our try-it-now tricks, techniques and pattern ideas
48 Bringing The Outside In Bee & Butterfly Blanket
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Celebrate the great outdoors with our inspirational collection of patterns
68 Meet The Makers
Wave goodbye to stereotypes and say hello to crafters who are redefining masculi-knitty
79 Seeing Double
Spot the difference with our fun lookalikes feature
81 Keep Calm & Cast On Sit back and relax with our mindfulness special
85 What’s The Secret?
Discover top tips for tricky techniques
PEOPLE
10 Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your incredible makes and letters
12 Handmade At Home Stay in and get creative
All-over Lace Cardigan
Kenny The Rhino
Let us help you! WE UNDERSTAND THAT NOTHING IS MORE ANNOYING THAN ERRORS IN KNITTING PATTERNS, SO HERE’S OUR PROMISE TO YOU l Exclusive patterns featured in Let’s Knit have been professionally checked and reproduced with the utmost care. Updates can be found at letsknit.co.uk/pattern-updates l Should you encounter any problems we are more than happy to provide support and assistance. Contact us and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.
BY PHONE: 01206 508622 (office hours only) BY EMAIL: support@letsknit.co.uk BY POST: at the address at the top of page 94 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot offer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
62 Charity Corner
Knitters using their needles to make a difference
Contact us
98 My Life In Patterns
HAVE ANOTHER QUERY? HERE’S HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
IN EVERY ISSUE
l Subscription enquiries/ customer services: 0800 904 7000, aceville@dctmedia.co.uk l Advertising enquiries: 01206 505114, samantha.dean@aceville.co.uk l Online registration/website enquiries: webmaster@letsknit.co.uk
We hear from movie costume designer Liria Pristine
3 Welcome 7 Just For You This Month 28 Subscriptions 50 Teabreak 51 Coming Next Month 61 Read & Relax 78 Reader Offer 82 Giveaways 93 Knitter’s Know-How
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OF GREAT PRIZES ON PAGE 82
PATTERNS
Baby Dress With Lace Skirt
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Bridal Bears
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Strawberry Wreath
Intricate Lace Sweater
Chic Striped Blanket
Cable T-shirt
16 Beautiful Beaded Top 19 Cable T-shirt 21 All-over Lace Cardigan 24 Intricate Lace Sweater 26 Easy Eyelet Vest 32 Flower Bud Lace Wrap 35 Strawberry Wreath 38 Plant Pot Covers 45 Bee & Butterfly Blanket 53 Kenny The Rhino 57 Baby Dress With Lace Skirt 65 Nautical Knitalong 69 Bridal Bears 74 Knitting Kit Dogs 76 Stylish Scrunchies 86 Chic Striped Blanket 88 Crocheted Ballerinas
Beautiful Beaded Top
Easy Eyelet Vest
1 SE 4-P CT AG IO E N
SUMMER SKILLS COLLECTION
Starts on page 14
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JUST FOR YOU THIS MONTH
QUICK & EASY TOY COLLECTION
No. 1 for gifts
You’ll love our Little Rascals play pack, featuring simple patterns for cheeky monkeys in super jaunty jackets, plus sleepy pups that are clearly dreaming of running off with the knitted sausages! Designed by LK favourite Sachiyo Ishii, the leaflet for Miley, Max and Monty is inside the yarn box, while the instructions for Dottie and Darcey – and their bestie Danny – can be found on page 75. Now that we’re spending more time at home, a brilliant collection of Comfy Socks and Slippers patterns is just what we need, check out this issue’s pattern book extra!
Knit Max, Miley and Monty!
THIS MONTH’S
YOUR BONUS PATTERN BOOK! Ten socks and slipper patterns to start today!
LOVE YOUR YARN KIT? GET MORE!
150g bumper kit with extra-soft yarn for only £7.99*! Simply visit magazinestoyou.com or call 0800 904 7000 *T&Cs: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
FREE* YARNS IN RAINBOW SHADES!
*UK customers only, just pay postage
Boost your stash with this bright and beautiful yarn pack. Worth £6.99, you’ll get eight fabulous shades for your next project. Whether you are looking to make toys, pom-poms, bunting, blanket squares or baby knits, there are plenty of ideas for this great collection! Find out how to claim your yarns on page 74.
EXCLUSIVE
Treats you’ll love ONLY IN LET’S KNIT
Adorable toy patterns Limited edition super soft yarn 16-page pattern book extra Save money at top online stores! FREE* rainbow yarn pack
Find over 1,700 fabulous knitting patterns at letsknit.co.uk
Coming next issue! YOUR FAVOURITE TOYBOX TREASURES! Knitted in heritage pastel shades, these playtime pals are childhood classics. Designed by Sachiyo Ishii and Laura Telfer, you’ll love Henrietta Hippo, Eric the Elephant, plus Abi, Emily and Jodie, the three adorable mice!
DON’T MISS
JULY ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 4TH JUNE
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YOUR 14 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL
The Summer Skills
Collection
MAKE THIS YOUR FIRST LACY GARMENT!
DISCOVER NEW TECHNIQUES WITH THESE FIVE FABULOUS KNITS
PAGE
16
Beaded Batwing Top
TRY KNITTING WITH BEADS IN THIS ELEGANT SWEATER
PAGE
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Easy Eyelet Vest
lovely N LINaE y rn
Add a touch of sparkle!
Cool summer style
From beautiful beads and bold twisting cables to dainty eyelets and all-over lace, this collection has plenty to keep your mind and needles busy. Summer is the season for crisp fibres with excellent stitch definition, and these designs will allow you to show off your yarn to its full potential. If you’re already familiar with any of these stitch effects, now is the time to hone your skills and become a knitting expert! 14
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THE STYLE
Edit
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LOSE YOURSELF IN A DETAILED PATTERN FOR MINDFUL KNITTING
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All-over Lace Cardigan
Cable T-shirt
Perfect for summer fab
RETRO
Designed by Debbie Bliss
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ADD SOME PIZZAZZ WITH PRETTY LACE PANELS
feel
Intricate Lace Sweater
TERRIFIC TWISTS MAKE THIS A WINNER FOR TEXTURE FANS!
Make a statement
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BLOOMS
BRIGHTEN UP YOUR LIVING SPACE WITH NICOLA VALIJI’S SEASONAL WREATH
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We can all agree there’s never been a better time to focus on the positives and embrace joy in every form. One fantastic option is to knit this cheerful wreath and use it to transform your home. Decorated with butterflies, bees, flowers and strawberries, it features all of our favourite summer essentials. Even newbie knitters should give this one a go as the project is split into manageable sections. What’s more, if you need help with the I-cord, you can find a handy tip panel over on the pattern for Kenny The Rhino.
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The new season might not be shaping up as we originally thought, but since nobody told the weather, the warmer temperatures mean we can still switch over to cooling fibres and lightweight garments and accessories. Read on for our guide to your next few months of knitting joy!
KE EP CO O L!
Don’t get all hot and bothered, check out our pick of temperature-regulating yarns, cool vests and super summer tops!
This simple eyelet vest is from King Cole pattern 5626 and knitted in Giza Sorbet 4ply, which is a pure cotton yarn in gorgeous print shades! James C. Brett It’s Pure Cotton
Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo + Cotton
Tape yarns are lovely and drapey, making this easy What’s Love top from Wool and the Gang a fantastic hit for summer. Rico Creative Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton DK
Stay perfectly regulated with this fabulous cold-shoulder knit from Stylecraft. Featured on leaflet 9739, it’s shown here in Regatta DK, a new cotton blend yarn in bold colours!
The clever cut-away shaping in this simple top means you’ll be ready for the next heatwave! The design is called Johnny and features in Rowan Magazine 67.
These yarns and patterns are also good year-round picks for those of you who regularly overheat or are experiencing what we call, ‘Caribbean moments’!
BE SU N SA FE We’re not just talking about the SPF when you’re sunbathing in the garden (or in the shaft of light through the kitchen window), exposing yarns to direct sunlight for too long can cause the colours to fade and the fibres to weaken.
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CELEBRATE THE SIGNS OF SUMMER WITH THIS GORGEOUS HOME ACCESSORY This clever design by Julie Ferguson has been worked in panels, with each using around 70g of the main yarn colour, so it is easy to increase or decrease the size to fit your purpose. Our version features nine panels which is the perfect size for setting out on the lawn for an alfresco lunch!
meet our DESIGNER “Blocking the blanket will neaten your panels, but do it with care as too much steam can damage acrylic blends”
LK DESIGNER, Julie
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YOU’LL LOVE THIS NEW ADDITION TO YOUR KNITTED MENAGERIE!
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Val Pierce’s latest character might look like a rough-and-tumble sort of fellow but he loves nothing more than snuggling up with a good book. His favourite stories are all about dragons - hence the button on his dungarees. Kenny is relatively straightforward to knit, using simple shaping techniques, so he’s an ideal project for anyone looking to boost their skills.
Famil y FUN!
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Lovely in LACE TREAT YOUR YOUNGSTER TO JO ALLPORT’S PRETTY PROJECT
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KID’S
pattern This delightful dress is the perfect combination of beautiful and breathable, featuring pretty lace detail in a colourful, lightweight yarn. Although this is a fantastic project for knitters who already have experience under their belt, if you are a newbie crafter who is looking to learn the basics, why not sign up to our comprehensive How To Knit video course at letsknit.co.uk/knitting-courses
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NICELY NAUTICAL Part One
JOIN OUR FABULOUS NEW KAL AND MAKE SIÂN BROWN’S GORGEOUS OCEAN-INSPIRED BLANKET
pattern Since most of us can’t get out to the seaside at the moment, we’ve chosen to bring the coast much closer to home! This fabulous nautical-themed knit gives you the chance to learn two fresh stitch patterns in each of the next six issues, then assemble them into a gorgeous blanket. Share your progress on social media using #LKknitalong - we can’t wait to see your snaps! The yarn details given are for the complete project. Look out for part two in the next issue, on sale Thursday 4th June.
Brand new KNITALONG
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This adorable duo would make a fabulous gift for a happy couple on their special day. Dressed in their wedding finery, this cuddly pair would be cherished as a unique memento. They could also work as a precious gift for a little one, but be sure to take the precaution of missing out the earrings and embroidering the eyes. You could also skip the step of sewing the bride’s dress to her body as this will give your child the option of playing dress up.
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Bridal BEARS
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great ADVICE “This happy couple, in all their wedding finery, are ready to walk down the aisle. The bears would make a great gift for a groom or bride-to-be.”
LK DESIGNER, Susie
Johns
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LEARN WITH US
GREAT FOR IMPROVERS
CHUNKY YARN
6MM, 6.5MM NEEDLES
MEASUREMENTS & SIZES 125cm wide x 110cm long
KNIT KIT
Super STRIPES
KNIT A STYLISH THROW WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM JO ALLPORT
Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Re:Treat Chunky Roving, shades (A) Pure, seven 100g balls, (B) Escape, (C) Mellow, (D) Bliss, two 100g balls of each Needles: 6mm, 6.5mm, both circular Tapestry needle
Stripes are one of the easiest forms of colourwork, but you’ll notice that they are usually worked over an even number of rows. Single-row stripes would mean cutting and rejoining, right? And no-one wants loads of ends to sew in. Well, it turns out that there is a much simpler solution. Jo Allport is here with her handy photo tutorial to show you what to do. Go on, give it a try!
TENSION SQUARE n 14 sts x 19 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Stocking stitch n 6.5mm needles
FOR ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 97
ABOUT THE YARN
West Yorkshire Spinners Re:Treat Chunky Roving is a wonderfully soft pure wool yarn from Kerry Hill sheep. It’s reared and sheared here in the UK and comes in 11 soothing shades. Wash your items by hand to avoid felting. It has an RRP of £6.50 per 100g (140m) ball. For stockists, visit wyspinners.com
NEED AN ALTERNATIVE? The featured yarn knits to a standard chunky tension. If you are sensitive to wool, try alpaca or synthetic substitutes.
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“When changing colour on the right side, pick up the new yarn behind the one that is being dropped, and on the wrong side, pick up the new yarn in front of other. This makes for a neater edge.”
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