The fun thing about novelty yarns like Athena (left, red) and Dazzle (right, blue) is you can work a very simple pattern but end up with an eye catching project because the yarn does all the work for you.You also have a lot of flexibility because the yarn will work nicely with a variety of needle sizes allowing you to make either a dense fabric or an airy one.
To start I wanted a simple scarf pattern that would be suitable for an enthusiastic beginner.
To work the pattern you only need to know how to cast on, work the knit stitch, and cast off. Some people find novelty yarn a little tricky to work with when they first get started because it can be hard to see the individual stiches, so I would suggest you already know how to knit before you plunge in with these yarns.
Athena Garter Stitch ScarfSize: 3" wide by 50" long, including fringe. (Scarf will stretch and get slightly longer with wear.)
Materials:
Yarn: Athena by Knitting Fever (80% Polyester, 20% Nylon. 82 yds/25 g), 1 ball.
A second ball can be used to make a longer scarf.
Needles: US 13
Gauge is not important for this project.
Note: Begin by cutting 44 strands each 11" long for fringe. Set aside.
The Pattern:
Cast on 15 stitches.
Work in garter stitch (knit every stitch on every row) until almost out of yarn.
Cast off.Using 2 strands for each fringe, attach at 11 points along each end of the scarf.
If you use only one ball of yarn you might not have to weave in your ends because they will blend in with the fringe. If you use two balls of yarn you'll have to weave in the ends in the center of the scarf where you changed balls (obviously).
I tied my scarf in a loose knot. You could also wear it untied. A longer scarf will give you more wearing options.
Sally forth and prepare to receive compliments
.No Knit Necklace
Another option for using the yarn is to make this simple necklace.
I laid out 10 loops about 25 inches long which gave me 20 strands. Don't cut the loops. Carefully pick them up and give them a few twists to give the bundle stability. Clip them together in the back to close the necklace. You should be able to buy necklace clasps at the craft store.
See? Even non-knitters can enjoy this yarn.
The scarf is really pretty - a great 1-night last-minute gift idea. I'd been leery of those yarns, but they seem to be on sale everywhere so may have to try it! There seems to be a lot of "floaty" detail to it, which really is eye-catching.
ReplyDeleteIt did work up very quickly.
ReplyDeleteOf all the novelty yarns I think these ladder styles are easiest to work with for seeing what you're doing.
I find that with eyelash yarn it can be hard to see your stitches.