88751 The Knitters Bible3

Basic square

Cast on 8 sts and arrange on 4 necdles. Round I and every foli alt round Knit. Round 2 (increase round) Knit into front and back of every st. 16 sts.

Round 4 (Knit into front and back of next st. k2. knit into back and front of next st) 4 times. 24 sts.

Round 6 (Knit into front and back of next st. k4. knit into back and front of next st) 4 times. 32 sts.

Continue in this way. working two morę stitches between increases on every increase round. Check frequently to make surę the square is lying fiat and if not work another knit round between increase rounds.When the square is the required size. cast off loosely. Knit two large squares for a bag or cushion. Work several smali squares and join them together for a throw or bedspread.

Morę circles...

A circle kmtted like this can be used m different ways. A smali circle makes the top of a beret Continue working in rounds and make a smali circular rug or join two circles together for a cushion or an unusual bag.

Because the eight increases are worked in the same place on each round. the shape will be octagonal rather than a true orcie. The bigger you knit the circle. the morę pronounced this shape will be. At this point, work 16 increases in the increase row by dividing the stitches between increases in two.

For example. after working the round (k 14. knit into front and back of next st) 8 times. there will be 16 stitches between increases.The next round will be (k7. knit into front and back of next st) 16 times. Work three knit rounds between increase rows.

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Square on two needles

An increase is worked before the first stitch on every row (see page 36).

Cast on 3 stitches.

Row I Purl.

Row 2 (RS)Yo.k3.

Row 3 Yo. p4.

Row 4 Yo. k5.

Row 5 Yo. p6.

Continue in this way until the side of the square is the required length. ending with a WS row. A decrease is now worked at the start of every row (see page 28-9)

Next row Ssk. k to end.

Next row P2tog, p to end.

Continue to decrease until 3 sts remain. sk2po. Fasten off.

Dependmg on the gauge (tension). the square may be morę of a diamond. Błock it to shape or work m a pattern that has morę rows to the 4m (lOcm). A traditional use of this square is called Garden Rot or Grandmothers Garden where several different pattems are worked. When the squares are sewn together. the diagonal pattems across the square form diamonds (see page 138).