MODERN KNITTING CRAFT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21084, 9 July 1938, Page 11

MODERN KNITTING CRAFT

STRIKING COSTUME DIAGONAL STRIPES

Materials: About 211 b of 4-ply wool In a good colour. Knitting needles No 11, and one crochet hook No 3.

Cut and Measurements: The costume, of course, must fit perfectly, and to ensure this a pattern should be cut in fairly strong paper, according to the diagram, but using the measurements of the person for whom the costume is intended. Check the measurements before cutting the pattern.

The pattern: The costume is knitted in diagonal stripes, and these run in different directions on the different parts. It can be said that the pattern consists of three plain, and two purl alternately, but instead of the purl and plain stitches being immediately above stitches of the same kind row after row, they are one further to the right or left as the case may be, making the diagonal stripes in the direction necessary for the different parts.

The black squares represent the plain stitches, the white, purl stitches, and the crossed squares are the edging stitches. Notice particularly the diagrams for the jacket back, the sleeves and the skirt, and the different manner in which the stitches are distributed in the centre where the diagonal stripes meet. One is quickly accustomed to the pattern it soon becoming apparent that the pattern repeats Itself every sixth- row.

Instructions

The skirt: Use the continental method for reckoning the number of stitches necessary, i.e. crochet a chain long enough to stretch across the bottom of the skirt, count the stitches, and cast on the same 'number for the knitting. Begin the pattern immediately, in this case the stripes running up and together. Knit according to diagram No 1, and decrease with suitable intervals on each side. When the work measures 26J inches divide into three parts, half the stitches being in the middle, and a quarter at each side. The skirt can be knitted in one and shaped by turning in afterwards, but a much better fit is obtained by knitting according to the pattern. After dividing the work, knit another 5 to 51 inches, and cast off. The skirt front and back are knitted in exactly the same manner.

The jacket—left front: In this piece the stripes run upwards and outwards. Use the same method for reckoning the number of stitches necessary as previously, and knit according to diagram 11. This piece should be knitted exactly to the paper pattern, decreasing at the outer edge to the waist, and increasing at the front edge until the corner is nicely rounded. After this the front edge is knitted quite straight right up to the neck, but at the outer edge it will be necessary to increase in accordance with the paper pattern from the waist up to the armhole.

The armhole: This is made by casting off 7 stitches, and then 1 stitch every other row, until another 3 stitches have been cast off, making 10 stitches in all. The neck is fashioned according to the paper pattern, and the shoulder is cast off in three separate lots.

The right front: This is knitted in the same manner as the left front, but it must be remembered that though the stripes run upwards and outwards, yet, being the opposite side, the pattern will work in the opposite way. i.e. according to diagram 111.

The back: The pattern used for the back and sleeves is the same one, the pattern going from the middle upwards and outwards. Knit according to diagram IV. The number of stitches to be cast on should be reckoned in the usual manner. Decrease on both sides until the waist is reached and from the waist to the armhole increase until you have the original number of stitches. For the armhole cast off 7-8 stitches on each side and then 1 stitch at the beginning of each of the following into three equal lots. The neck is cast off in one lot, but the shoulders are each cast off in three different lots.

The sleeves are knitted to the same pattern as the back. Increase on both sides according to the paper pattern. When the decreasings are reached, cast off 6 stitches on each side and then decrease evenly until there are 24 stitches left. These are cast off in one lot. To make up: When all the parts are finished, damp and stretch over the paper pattern. As you see in the illustration the jacket is edged with

a knitted border. This is made by knitting a strip of 16 stitches in stocking stitch. The length of this piece can. be reckoned by measuring along the front, bottom and neck of the jacket. When all the parts are quite dry begin sewing them together. A petersham must be added to the skirt waist, and the jacket front piece and back sewn together before attempting to sew the sleeves. Sew in the sleeves, and then with small careful stitches sew on' the border. Belt and buttons should match. Sew the buttons on the left front and loops for them on the right. Press all the seams under a damp cloth.