The first stranded knit sweater I purchased was back in 1977 and I have been smitten with stranded knitting ever since. Over the years I have, for the most part, knit smaller projects; children’s sweaters, mitts, cowls, hats, and the like.
In 2023, I took the plunge and knit a top down designed kofte. The Agnes, by Kristin Wiola Øldegård (seen below), was a great introduction to stranded knitting. If I were to do it again though, I would have chosen a pattern without a steek. Not because they are difficult, but because it was a lot more work and took a lot more time. I think a pullover would have made for a better first project.
In 2024, I chose a kofte with a different construction method. This Fana pattern is a bottom up design by Rauma wool.
I am not quite sure why yet, but I think I prefer bottom up designs. So, this year’s project, Alfred, is a bottom up design by Helles Siggerud.
I thought I would take a few minutes to list a few things I have found helpful along my stranded knitting journey:
- Nimble Needles on Youtube. Norman’s slow motion video on the Old Norwegian Cast On technique. The video is clear, concise, and easy to follow. This cast on technique is both attractive and has the right amount of elasticity for ribbing.
- Suzanne Bryan’s Youtube videos on knitting buttonholes.
- Using a Nostepinne to rewind the balls. Centre pull Nostepinne balls stays in tact better than balls wound using a ball winder.
- When I finish winding each ball I weight it, write the weight on the band, and tuck the band inside the centre of the ball. This allows me to find knots before I am in the middle of a long row. It also gives me an accurate weight. I have had some balls weigh in a little on the light side at 47 grams and others have been more generous at 56 grams.
- Worldknits’ website has knitting increase and knitting decrease calculators. This is an extremely useful tool.
- KnitAble’s website has an increase/decrease over rows calculator.
Enjoy folks!