Summertime is here and that calls for a stitch that won’t take too much time away from those busy summer schedules to master.  It’s another one of those stitches that consists of only knits and purls—perfect for a quick knit with loads of texture and possible future uses.  This one is truly lovely and reminiscent of the woven crusts on the top of  a scrumptious cherry pie!

In this monthly column we’re going to be working on some exciting new stitch patterns, as well as a few new techniques thrown in for good measure.  My intention for our yarn play is to provide all the know-how for you to be able to work the new stitch; any charts, photos, or videos you may need; as well as a pattern to create an 8” x 8” square.  As we go along in our looming journey, we should be able to create lovely pieced afghans with our squares, as I like to know that we’re going somewhere while swatching, don’t you?  You can think of it as our Stitch Sample Afghan—a stitch dictionary right at your fingertips, keeping your legs warm, lol. 😉 To find all the previous stitches in this column, simply click here.

Lattice and Seed Stitch Square

Items Needed

Loom: Authentic Knitting Board Adjustable Hat Loom: 2 rounded pieces + 3 peg connectors, with pegs in all holes for a 3/8” gauge.  The Sock Loom 2 or the All-n-One Loom could also be used.

Yarn: approx. 75 yards Worsted Weight (Sample uses Berroco Vintage in berries)

Notions: Loom tool, yarn needle, scissors.  (Also helpful: peg markers, row counter & blocking pins/pad)

Pattern Notes:

This versatile stitch pattern would apply itself very nicely to a variety of projects, especially ones that the back side isn’t featured, as the design is best displayed from the front.  To work this pattern in the round for a hat, use the Repeating Pattern Rows chart, and make sure to read it from right to left for each row, rather than alternating sides each time.  Also, cast onto your loom in a clockwise direction, using a number of pegs that is divisible by 14 + 2 sts added at the end—the number of stitches required for each pattern repeat + the number of ending sts to complete the pattern.

For flat pieces of a greater size, begin with the Set Up Rows (increasing as necessary), then simply increase the number of Repeating Pattern Rows inside the garter stitch border for the length and width required. Complete by adding the same number of extra Finishing Rows at the end that were added at the beginning.

When the pattern uses the term “knit” or “k”, please use the true knit stitch or the u-stitch, not the e-wrap.

Repeating Pattern Rows

The blue columns in the above chart represents the added 2 stitches needed to be tacked at the end of the repeating rows to complete the pattern.  This is why the stitch pattern is listed as a repeat of 14+2 stitches.  Stitches 1-14 are repeated as desired, then stitches 15 & 16 are added at the end to complete the pattern.  These last 2 stitches will be implemented below as if there is only one pattern,  with no repeats.

Row 1:  k16.

Rows 2, 4, 6: k2, *(p1, k1) 3 times, k1, rep from * .

Rows 3, 5, 7: k3, *(p1, k1) twice, k3,  rep form * to last 2 sts, k2.

Rows 8 & 10: p14, k2.

Rows 9 & 11: k16.

Rows 12, 14, 16:  rep Rows 2, 4, 6

Rows 13, 15, 17: rep Rows 3, 5, 7

Rows 18 & 20:  *k2, p5, rep from * to last 2 sts, p2.

Row 19: k16.

Here is the entire pattern chart for the 8” x 8” square:

Everything you need to know about knitting your square is included in the above chart.  Believe it or not, you can actually create your square without looking at another thing!  For help with reading charts, please see the Stitchology I post for a detailed explanation, and you’ll be ready to go!

But, don’t worry…I am also providing you with the step by step instructions below. 😉

Step by Step Instructions:

Cast onto your loom from left to right, using a total of 41 pegs. (Sample uses Chain Cast On)

Set Up Rows

Row 1:  p41.

Row 2:  k41.

Row 3:  p41.

Main Pattern Rows

Row 4:  k41.

Rows 5, 7, 9: p2, k2, *(p1, k1) 3 times, k1, rep from * to last 2 sts, p2.

Rows 6, 8, 10: k5, *(p1, k1) twice, k3,  rep from * to last st, k1.

Rows 11 & 13: p2, k2, *p12, k2, rep from * to last 9 sts, p9.

Rows 12 & 14: k41.

Rows 15, 17, 19:  rep Rows 5, 7, 9.

Rows 16, 18, 20: rep Rows 6, 8, 10.

Rows 21 & 23:  p9, *k2, p12, rep from * to last 4 sts, k2, p2.

Row 22: k41.

Rows 23-70: rep Rows 4-22.

Finishing Rows

Row 71: p41.

Row 72:  k41.

Row 73:  p41.

Row 74:  k41.

Bind off all stitches loosely. (Sample uses the Basic Bind Off)  Weave in ends and trim close to work.

Block to an 8” x 8” measurement.

Afghan Notes:

If you are intending this square to be part of an afghan, you may wish to make up to 3 or 4 additional squares.  We will be sharing at least 24 of these patterns for you to use in your blanket.  Use the following general measurements to decide how many of each of the 8″ x 8″ squares you will need, rounding up as necessary:

• Baby Blanket: 30″ x 36″
• Children: 42″ x 48″
• Lapghan: 36″ x 48″
• Twin Bed Afghan: 60″ x 85″
• Queen Bed Afghan: 90″ x 95″

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave a note for Bethany Dailey below in the comments! 🙂