Wednesday, December 8, 2004

SUPER STARS



I like knitting stars but wanted to improve the pattern used for yesterday's hat topper to use stockinette stitch instead of garter stitch and to pair the double decreases. I think these are a bit nicer - the small one was done in Regia and size 0 (US) needles and the other two are sport weight yarn and size 4 (US) needles.

Here are my pithy instructions. These are a fun holiday ornament or gift adornment that can be knit up in minutes. Stars are also terrific as a pom pom substitute for a child's cap.

((NOTE: Pattern has been updated to reflect some errors
Susan found. Sorry about that!))

Materials: Small amount of yarn and straight needles in a matching needle size

Right Side Double Decrease (RSD): Slip one knitwise, K2TOG, PSSO

Wrong Side Double Decrease (WSD): P2TOG, return decreased stitch to left needle, pass second stitch on left needle over the decreased stitch, return stitch to right needle

CO 55 stitches.

Row 1 (Wrong Side): P4, *WSD, P8, repeat from * to last 7 stitches, WSD, P4. (45 stitches remain)
Row 2 (Right Side): K3, *RSD, K6, repeat from * to last 6 stitches, RSD, K3. (35 stitches remain)
Row 3: P2, *WSD, P4, repeat from *, end WSD, P2. (25 stitches remain)
Row 4: K1, *RSD, K2, repeat from *, end RSD, K1. (15 stitches remain)
Row 5: WSD, repeat across row. (5 stitches remain)

Cut yarn and leaving a 10" tail, draw through remaining 5 stitches and pull tight. Sew side seam.


ABBREVIATIONS

K - knit
P - purl
St - stitch
Sl - slip
DPN - double-pointed needle
RS - right side
WS - wrong side
K2TOG - knit two stitches together
SSK - slip 1, slip 1, knit two together
PSSO - slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over
REP - repeat