Biggie Braids is a simple cabled hat is a super thick yarn for a FAST and satisfying knit! It takes one skein of yarn, fat needles, and makes for a very satisfying little project. It also makes for an impressive looking holiday gift without a lot of labour.
We used one skein of Malabrigo RASTA, a pillowy-soft, hand-dyed merino wool, but you could also use the same amount of Cascade SPUNTANEOUS (also a super-soft merino wool but not hand-dyed), or LionBrand WOOL EASE THICK & QUICK (a machine washable blend of wool & synthetic).
Many thanks to Erica for taking this project from idea to realization!
I think On the C Train has become my default hat pattern for exploring yarn combinations! I’m sorry if you’re getting sick of it, it’s just easy and versatile and free and simple to adapt … and patterns that work make me happy!
This time round I was looking to combine a worsted weight yarn, the new Cascade 220 SUPERWASH HAND PAINTS, with a strand of kid-mohair, Drops KID-SILK. Combining the two creates a softer, fuzzier texture, and it can also create a depth of colour not otherwise available in the base yarn. In a hand-painted yarn like Cascade 220 SUPERWASH HAND PAINTS it also gives you an opportunity to shift the colours, make them darker or lighter, or bring out certain colours and make them POP! Keep reading below for more about combining, as well as the colours that play well together.
If you love the idea of combining but want a different project, see below for a few recommendations that will work with these yarns. Turmeric and Rooibos are made with a different yarn that’s been discontinued but are still my favourite visions of what can be done when you combine a hand-paint with a coloured kid-mohair.
Modifications
I had lots of yarn to work with, so I made the hat with a warm turned-up brim (just knit for an extra 2.5″ to 3″) , but you can make yours like the originl version if you like.
I knitted the brim with 4.5mm/US7 needles to make it a bit tighter and a bit warmer, and to keep it more elastic and resilient. You can skip this if you like, it isn’t necessary.
You can add a Pom-Pom or go without, it’s all about your own style!
To make a larger size cast on an extra 8 sts, to make a child size cast on 80 sts.
Size
One Size, comfortably fits a medium (22″) head.
To make a larger size cast on an extra 8 sts, to make a child size cast on 80 sts
When you combine a regular yarn with a kid-mohair a few things happen …
The tension gets thicker, so you can go up a needle size (usually by 0.5mm for hats or mittens, or 1 mm or more for projects knitted at a regular tension like a sweater or a blanket, or more than 1mm for something looser like a shawl).
The colour shifts slightly. If the mohair is a lighter colour the project will look lighter, if it’s brighter it’ll brighten it up, and if it’s darker it’ll have a darker cast.
The texture changes and gets a bit softer, fuzzier, and takes on an aura.
For this project I used a neutral greyish-white which blended well with the background undyed colour of the base yarn and mellowed the overall colour out. If I’d wanted to bring out the orange speckles I could have used KID-SILK colour 32 Raspberry, or to make the teal more dominant I would use KID-SILK colour 24 Petrol. You can see my colour recommendations below and on our website for Cascade 220 SUPERWASH HAND PAINTS.
The Easy Garter Scarfy Wrap is the brainchild of my friend Jo, and I’m very grateful that she came up with this simple solution because it’s GREAT! This wrap drapes like a big scarf, but is also equally wearable as a little wrap. The pattern is almost totally brainless; it’s a great second or third project for a beginner knitter, but it also works equally well for more experienced knitters hanging out on the patio with a beer or a cocktail.
You can choose one of our colour combinations, put together something from your own inspiration, or combine the two and use our palette as a jumping-off point and curate your own perfect colour experience. We’re happy to help you any way we can. We stock the yarn, Sandnes Garn Double Sunday, all year round.
This kit can be used for any kind of scarf or wrap project. 4 balls of Sandnes Garn Double Sunday is enough for a conventional 6″ wide double-wrapped scarf (about 6 feet long (of 1.8m). For a standard triangular shawl (like Boneyard) you’ll need 5 skeins or more.
Sandes Garn Double Sunday is a 100% merino, DK weight yarn (a mainstay of designer PetiteKnit). Double Sunday is an affordable merino from Norway that is NOT superwash, but can go in the machine on delicate (see below), or just do a simple no-rinse hand-wash in Eucalan or Soak wash.
Sandnes Garn’s supplier has guaranteed that the wool does not come from sheep that have been subjected to mulesing. For machine washing, the manufacturer recommends that all wool garments be washed separately on a wool program, to ensure the gentlest treatment. Due to the unique absorbency of the merino wool, it is important to centrifuge hand-knitted garments well before drying them on a flat surface, preferably on top of a towel. They do not suggest using a laundry bag when washing hand-knitted wool garments, as this creates friction that can cause the garment to felt.
The base pattern calls for 250g (or about 500m) of DK weight yarn, but it’s easy to make your scarfy-wrap bigger … you just keep knitting and it’ll keep growing (where there was an opportunity I expanded the colour palettes offering to 6 and 7 ball colour combos). There’s enough yarn in the basic 5 colour combo for a nice sized scarf (at least 7 inches wide x 6 feet long). If you want to use our colour palettes as guidance and want to make a sizeable gradient wrap I suggest getting two kits.
Skill Level
Beginner (a great project after you’ve made a scarf)
We chose two colours that are close together but not exactly the same, which creates some depth of colour and vibrance in the finished piece. I’m including some colour combinations below.
Modifications
To make an adult size large (23″ to 24″ head circumference): 1. cast on 96 sts, 2. knit an extra inch before you begin the decreases (begin decreases at 9”); 3. begin the decrease section by working in 1×1 rib pattern for 21 sts, P3tog, then continue in the same logic.
If you want a folded brin knit for an extra 2.5″ to 3″ from cast-on edge
Size
One Size (fits medium-sized head: for a large see modifications above/in pattern)
14.5” circumference (before blocking and unstretched), 10.25” height
French Macaroon is an adorable and simple little pullover for babies & toddlers! I love it because it’s a great basic sweater for less experienced knitters. It’s knit in garter stitch, which is a great texture for coloured, self-striping and hand-painted yarns. We’ve used Schoppel Edition 3, a super soft and spongy, machine washable merino yarn that changes colour by itself. For a light, cotton version of this project try using Berroco Vivo. If coloured yarns aren’t your thing that’s ok too, the pattern is actually designed in solid colours (see below).
Tutorials
The pattern comes with a list of video tutorials to help you with any skills that might be new:
Looking for a matching hat for the new macaroon in your life? Try Tiny Tot or if you want something a bit more interesting to use up your coloured yarn (like Schoppel Edition 3 or Berroco Vivo) try Tensfield.
Adult ruffle socks? Yes, please! Designed with Berroco Vintage Sock, this pretty pair of sockies will become your new favourites. Berroco Vintage Sock is a soft, comfortable, resilient, machine-washable, fingering weight yarn that features a wide colour range and incredibly soft feel.
Size
Approximately (7, 8)“ / (18, 20.5) cm around foot (unstretched), (9, 10½)” / (23, 26.5) cm from toe to heel.
Lambertville is a pair of dainty ruffle socks for kids. Keeping little feet warm and stylish, these socks are worked from the toe up.
Size
(2–4, 6–8, 10–12)
Shown in size 6–8
Approximately (7½, 8½, 9½)” / (19, 21.5, 24) cm from toe to heel, (4, 5, 6)” / (10, 12.5, 15) cm from heel to ruffle, (3¾, 4½, 5¼)” / (9.5, 11.5, 13.5) cm around (unstretched)
Maybe you like your ruffles small … no problem, we got ‘ya covered!
The Ruffle Socks are worked from the cuff to the toe. At the beginning of the cuff a ruffle is worked followed by a folded edge. The socks are worked in stockinette stitch. The heel is shaped with short rows.
Size
EU shoe sizes: 35/36 (37/38) 39/40 (41/42) 43/44
US women’s shoe sizes: 5-6 (6½-7½) 8-9 (9½-10½) 11-12
Maybe you like your ruffles small … no problem, we got ‘ya covered! The Ruffle Socks Junior are worked from the cuff to the toe. At the beginning of the cuff a ruffle is worked followed by a folded edge. The socks are worked in stockinette stitch. The heel is shaped with short rows.
You’ll need to start your project on two sets of 32″ to 40″ needles and then when your project gets large enough you can move to one really longneedle. See all our past project notes and hacks HERE.
Two sets of 3.5mm/US4 – 32″circular needles(start with two sets of 32″ to 40″ needles and then when your project gets large enough you can move to one really long60″ needle)
Stitch Markers (locking or fixed, but not split-ring markers)
The Great Lakes Throw is a super simple blanket anyone can whip up QUICK! It’s made with super bulky weight Cascade Cotton Puff and knits on 15mm/US19 needles for maximum satisfaction. The yarn is a soft, machine-washable cotton tube with a springy polyfil core (like the stuff in pillows and stuffed animals), giving it body and ease of use (it’s also allergy friendly and vegan).
The pattern is a simple, elegant, reversible rib, suitable for all knitters from beginners on up. Sizes range from a baby blanket to king-sized bed. Each ball of Cascade Cotton Puff is 200g/7.05oz, so while this technically isn’t a ‘weighted blanket’, it has some weight to it! Our sample is the Medium Throw 45″ x 60″ and is knit in colour 04.
Size
Baby (Medium Throw, Large Throw, Twin Bed, Double Bed, Queen Bed, King Bed)
Inches: 35 x 42 (45 x 60, 55 x 70, 65 x 90) {85 x 90, 95 x 100, 105 x 100} inches
Centimetres: 87.5 x 105 (112.5 x 105, 137.5 x 175, 162.5 x 225) {212.5 x 225, 237.5 x 250, 262.5 x 250) cm
Our sample is the Medium Throw 45″ x 60″ and is knit in colour 04
Alternately use a super bulky weight yarn that calls for 12mm/US17 to 15mm/US19 needles and knits at 8 sts/4”(10cm): 485 (890, 1270, 1925) {2520, 3125, 3455} metres OR 532 (977, 1393, 2112) {2765, 3429, 3791} yards
How adorable are these little chickens?! These hens knit up quickly with about 25m of worsted weight yarn (or two strands of a DK or Sport weight held together – about 50m) and are perfect for creating a cute and festive atmosphere. And when they hide a chocolate egg, it’s even more fun! Or use one to keep your soft-boiled eggies warm? Or just keep them around the house and invite them for a coffee clutch …
Yarn Options
I like the idea of rustic, tweedy-looking chickens using Drops Soft Tweed hold 2 strands together with 5mm/US8 needles).
Tybee is a simple, new free baby cardie pattern knit with using Berroco Vivo, a multi-colored, self-striping 100% cotton. Vivo is perfect for baby & kid knits, as it’s super soft, light, machine washable, and ever so pretty! the 100% cotton is breathable and prefect for transitional weather.
Construction
The body is worked in one piece from the bottom-up to the underarms, then divided for back and fronts. The sleeves are worked in the round to underarms, then joined to body so that yoke is worked in one piece.
Simpler Pattern Options
If you like the idea of a baby sweater in this yarn but you want something simpler, try one of the following:
Berrooc Modern Cotton is a super soft and slightly silky yarn that’s perfect for spring and summer projects. It’s a machine-washable blend of pillowy Pima cotton and silky Modal viscose/rayon, which also makes it a perfect choice for people sensitive to animal fibres and vegans. Modal is a sustainable cellulosic fibre sourced from plants (like bamboo or Lyocell), and is a bit cooler to the touch than plain cotton (a good thing if you tend to run warm, or live in a warm climate).
Modern Cotton is a Worsted weight yarn, meaning it works up on 4.5mm/US7 knitting needles or a 5mm/H crochet hook, and you can substitute it in patterns that call for a similar weight yarn.
Red Bud Isle is a pretty summer tank with a nifty cross-over in the back. The Tank is worked from the bottom front hem upwards, increasing along edges of the back body and adding a single stripe near the hem and a set of stripes at the chest. Stitches are then cast off to separate into front and back strap sections. Front body is finished first and each strap is turned into an i-cord. Back body pieces overlap and strap stitches pick up stitches to join together back body pieces to create the fixed overlap. The final stitches are worked into i-cord for each strap.
Size
Finished bust: 84 (92, 102, 112, 116, 127) cm OR 33 (36, 40, 44, 46, 50)”
To be worn with 5 cm / 2” positive ease
Model has 81.5 cm / 32” bust, stands 165 cm / 5’5” tall, and is wearing size 2.
Materials
Berroco Modern Cotton: Main Colour 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5) skeins (shown in Piper 1603), and Contrast Colour 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1) skein (shown in Point Judith 1645)
I admit, I love Norah Gaughan … her designs always engage me, they’re creative, sometimes architectural, but always different from everything else out there. Simple eyelets make a basic top both pretty and a teensy bit avant-garde. This top will be extra flattering on anyone with smaller shoulders. Plus, this particular pattern is FREE!
Misha and Puff don’t have a large repertoire of patterns, but their classic, vintage-inspired knits are simple, beautiful and fun. This easy, open little cardie is a versatile layering piece for warmer weather. Seamless, top-down construction and a hint of texture at the yoke make it a fun and satisfying knit. This classic cardigan construction is certain to be a go-to favourite. There is also a pattern for a matching Bonnet.
Size
0-6m (6-12m, 12-18m, 18-24m, 2-3y)
Finished bust: 18 (19 3⁄4, 20 1⁄2, 21 1⁄4, 22)” OR 46 (50, 52, 54, 56) cm
This simply styled FREEBIE baby blanket combines bands of colour and texture in a modern ‘sampler’. It’s available in a knit (right) as well as a crochet (left) version.
Throw Blanket
To make a larger blanket you just need to add more stitches:
CROCHET: The pattern stitch is a two-stitch repeat so you can change the stitch count at the beginning by a multiple of two stitches and the pattern will still come out right.
KNIT: The pattern is a multiple of 4 plus 2 stitches, so ass stitches in a multiple of 4 to make your blanket bigger.
For a full throw size (Crochet: 62.5″, Knit: 61″) buy twice as much yarn and start with Knit: 278 sts, or Crochet: 224 chain.
There is something very beautiful and special about this vintage-inspired baby blanket … I may be sentimental because it resembles the blanket my great-grandmother made for me. I think a fabric this simple and pretty requires a fibre with a little bit of a fancier aesthetic, like Berroco Modern Cotton (or a merino like Cascade 220 Superwash Merino). The trefoil border is a simple corchet stcrochet stitch, and the pattern comes with free youtube videos.
This mesh bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!
