One of my favorite crafts every year is a knitted sampler blanket that I make throughout the year. I love showing off knitting stitches, especially old patterns that I find in out-of-print books. It is also an exercise that helps me maintain my gauge no matter what size needles I am using or what stitch patterns I am using.
Gauge is the way a knitter makes an item a certain size. Some knitters use a very tight hand, while others hold their yarn very loosely. Making the same pattern and number of stitches, the results can be two entirely different sized items.
When I first learned to knit, I would make a sampler of the main stitch patterns and “get my gauge.” Using a ruler, I would measure the number of knitted rows in an inch and the number of stitches along the needle in an inch. This is the gauge.
For example, at the beginning of any knitting pattern, you will see, “Gauge: 8st and 4rows to the inch.” This means that 8 stitches should fill an inch on the required size needle and specified size of yarn. The knitter should have 4 finished rows to the inch.
I will knit the pattern, “get my gauge,” and adjust my pattern accordingly. It’s far easier for me to do that. For other knitters, practicing to meet the gauge given in the directions is easier. Since I don’t always use the same size yarn or needles, I frequently rewrite or adjust patterns.
One example is a sweater that I made in high school. I decided that an Aran pattern I found would be perfect in silk yarn on fine needles. I spent a couple of weeks making samplers out of the stitch patterns. Since silk is very slippery, pieces made with it seem to “grow.” Once I had my gauge, I purchased enough to make the sweater and worked carefully. The results were spectacular. Aran patterns in silk are simply stunning; the light plays off the cables magnificently. When I outgrew the sweater, I gave it to a friend’s daughter. An Aran pattern is a pattern from Ireland.
Around Christmas time, I pulled out a box of samples that I had knit throughout the year and sewed them together to make a blanket. I sorted them by colors and the size of yarn. When I make samples now, I store them in labeled bags so I don’t have to spend time sorting.
Here are a few of my favorite sample patterns. Knit them to find your personal gauge and make a blanket of your own.
If you do not know how to knit, UTube and a multitude of books are available with lessons. If you have a friend that knits, perhaps he or she will teach you.
Crochet or sew along the outer edge to finish the blanket. You can add fringe, tassels or knitted edging as well.
Most patterns given in knitting use a specified number of stitches. This can be listed as “multiple of 6 plus two,” which means to make the stitch pattern 3 times, you need 20 stitches- 18 (6×3) plus 2. Once you know your gauge and the size you want to make your sample blocks, you will know how many stitches you need.
Basic Cable:
**This will teach you to use a cable hook. When you see directions to “cable x number of stitches to the back,” slip those stitches onto the hook and hold the hook in back of the work. Knit the prescribed number of stitches and then knit the ones on the hook. Easy.
This cable needs 8 stitches to make the cable. You need stitches on either side to create space between the cables, or you can place them side by side. Make samples of each.
Cast on 10 stitches.
Row 1: Knit 2 stitches, cable 4 to front (read the **), knit 2 stitches
Row 2, 4 and 6: Knit across
Row 3, 5 and 7: Knit 2, purl 8, knit 2
Row 9: repeat row 1
Continue this pattern until you reach the size you want. You can add more stitches on either side if you want.
Not all cables are made from 4 stitches. Use 1, 2, or more. Play with the pattern.
Moss Stitch:
This is a popular Aran filler stitch. It is beautiful in any size yarn. It is knitted over an odd number of stitches. If you want to fill a space in your pattern and all you have is an even number, knit one of the stitches next to the last pattern or seam and then make the pattern.
Row 1: *Purl 1, knit 1, repeat from* across. This means to repeat the pattern inside the asterisks.
Row 2: same as row 1.
Garter Stitch:
This is one of the oldest patterns. It is springy and soft. Knit all stitches and rows. You can have an even or odd number of stitches.
Stockinette Stitch:
This uses either an even or odd number of stitches. One side looks like garter stitch and the other side resembles rows of chains.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
The edges of this work will curl somewhat. You can add stitches to enclose it with a frame of garter stitch if you like.
Create your blanket from these simple stitches. Practice with varying the cables and lay out your sample squares until you have a design that suits you.
Sew the squares together using your favorite sewing stitch. You can use a sewing machine or a yarn needle with the same color or contrasting yarn.
Vary the blanket by knitting your samples in rows or in varying lengths. You can indeed make different rectangles and sew them together as a log cabin pattern, for example.
This is a great way to use up leftover yarns and those you can find at yard sales.
Have fun making unique gifts for any time of year. Just remember to keep at least one for yourself.
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects, RV’ing and more.
