MAKE Your Marks

Knitting designs inspired by the heritage of the in

MAKE Your Marks Patterns by Rachael Elwell With thanks to everyone who has taken Pattern designer / knitting consultant Est.1761 is a programme of part in this project: Rachael Elwell is a visual artist who works activities to inspire and engage local creatively with yarn by knitting, crochet and a communities with the story of the Nanette Aghaeipour, Fiona Banks, Sarah variety of other textile processes, to produce Bridgewater Canal in Salford, funded by Banks, Sonja Bellis, Marilyn Berry, Jean community and public art installations. the Heritage Lottery Fund, Salford City Blainey, Eileen Bonnann, Debbie Bowling, Her work with EST.1761 demonstrates how her Council, Bridgewater Canal Company and Janet Brown, Dorothy Butt, Elizabeth Charnley, passion for teaching craft techniques; combined other partner organisations. Win Collantine, Claire Cribbin, Jane Davies, with her contemporary designs incorporating Shirley Eckersley, Eva Falck-Wall Simpson, historical motifs; and the encouragement of skill Stephanie Finnigan, Joan Flannery, Jenny Garner, sharing within a community setting is at the Christine Greenwood, Jackie Hamilton, Julie heart of all of her project work. Harrison, Jenny Hayes, Joy Heason, Beverley www.artyarnproject.com Hockenhull, Rosa Holland, Dorothy Hulme and Designer her church knitting group, Chris Johnson, Julie Nelson Rhodes Hilary Kimber, Barbara Lashwood, Veronica Le Cheminant, Liz Lowry, Christine Molloy, Book photography Melanie Murray, Julie Nelson Rhodes, Linda Craig Robertson O’Connell, Mary Pickup, Kathleen Playfair, Knitwear models Marilyn Rabbitt, Janet Raven Martin, Anna Mary Pickup and Anna Raynor Raynor, Maureen Reavy, Jean Robinson, Anne Simpson, June Smith, Wendy Smith, Gill Studders, Sheila Thompson, Margaret Waddecar, Angela Walters, Jackie Ward, Joanne Wells, Irene Waterhouse, Smiths Restaurant, Eccles Craft Group, Any Yarn Goes, Knitters from Enfield House, Barton and Kembal House, Eccles

Additional photographs courtesy of The Peel Archive, Duncan Corns and Mark Charnley

Reference Owens, Victoria and the Duke of Bridgewater (Amberley Books 2015) Introduction 1 The Bridgewater Canal in Salford is a place of momentous industrial heritage. Its invention was both a cause and effect of the great world changes of the eighteenth century and from its opening in 1761 it became a catalyst for the Industrial Revolution. In contrast to industrial heritage, knitting is firmly rooted in our domestic heritage. Making things – either on our own or with others; sharing anecdotes; building friendships; is an age-old past-time. Artist and knitter Rachael Elwell has created unique designs inspired by the patterns and shapes that can be found along the canal – the stonemasons’ marks, the architecture and the landscape. By transforming them into modern, usable knitting, the story behind them and the story of the Bridgewater Canal continues. What is more fitting a tribute to the genius of the canal than a stonemasons’ mark Fair Isle tea cosy or a bobble hat?

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Knitters from across Salford By using traditional knitting techniques, . By 1893 increasingly larger have been creating squares using the squares are firmly rooted in our ships were needing to pass through domestic and industrial heritage. The so yet another invention was called for. the new patterns inspired by pairing of Fair Isle techniques with When the new Barton Swing Aqueduct the heritage of the Bridgewater both heritage and modern symbols (in swings it does so whilst keeping hold Canal. These squares have then particular the hashtag) gives the work of its water – the world’s first and only been sewn together around large a contemporary twist, slotting in to the bridge to ever do so. wooden letters to make intriguing, modern resurgence of using traditional eye catching and approachable textile methods to make art. By transforming the hundreds of knitted squares into #SWINGIEST we highlight temporary sculptures. The first of the installations saw Salford’s momentous heritage through #SWINGIEST mounted on what the very homely craft of knitting. remains of the original . This remarkable structure built in 1761, carried canal boats high up over the Makers’ marks and the knitting patterns

So that the stonemasons who built There is a surviving Bridgewater This snippet of information gives an the original aqueduct would be paid, accounts book which gives an insight intriguing glimpse into the building of into how many men were on site and what was a remarkably ambitious feat they carved their own marks into what they were doing when building of engineering. Even though we know the stones. It is these marks which the aqueduct. For 9 May 1761, just little about the men who made it, the have formed the inspiration for the before it opened, there were twenty marks of their existence remain and new patterns in this book. four masons on the books, each paid can be seen today. in the region of 1s 8d per day. On the same date is an entry for a payment of 4s to William Boyle ‘for repairing chisels’. 5 The Thirteen O’Clock Tea Stonemasons’ Snood Nail Maker’s Cushion for Time Tea Cosy The Fair Isle patterns in this Pins book are based on the carvings that stonemasons made into the original Barton Aqueduct. The Duke of Bridgewater As the Industrial Revolution This Stonemasons’ was known to be a took hold, all sorts of Snood ironically doesn’t benevolent employer industries sprang up around have the marks in the but he was also known to the Bridgewater Canal. Nail makers, pattern – instead it focuses keep an eye on his workers. carpenters, blacksmiths, sail makers, on the layers of the One day he noticed that they basket weavers, boat builders ... structure itself – still had not returned from dinner at Much of this has now gone but the standing since 1761. 1pm, claiming they had not heard the footprints can be seen in street and single strike of the clock. The solution house names – Nail Maker’s Cottage was to make the clock strike thirteen so The Duke’s Cut Cushion remains in Worsley to this day. that there would be no mistaking lunch was over. The clock is now in St Mark’s The Inventor’s Tablet Cover Church in Worsley and can still strike thirteen o’clock. The term The Duke’s Cut is an affectionate The Bridgewater Canal was Brindley’s Bobble Hat name for the Bridgewater Canal. a brand new invention – no It was indeed built by one had previously made a the Duke, for his coal canal that wasn’t an existing waterway. It was cutting edge The Bridgewater Canal mines, cut out of the earth engineering so a heritage-inspired was the vision of three and into the landscape. After all tablet cover seems very fitting – low men. One of these was that hard work a sit down on a comfy tech meets high tech and vice versa. James Brindley, the brilliant, cushion sounds most welcome! Or if you are more of a Luddite you unconventional radical thinker who can convert it into a purse or a bag or famously carved a model of Barton a book pouch… Aqueduct from a piece of cheese to show baffled Members of Parliament just what he was talking about when he said he wanted to build a bridge to carry a canal over a river.

The Thirteen O’Clock Tea Time Tea Cosy 7

Materials and tools 36 Pattern instructions slide all of the stitches off the end of Yarns Tension 35 Make two pieces. the knitting needle. 22 sts x 34 Cast on 60 sts Pull tight so the knitted fabric draws 31 rows 33 Use the Fair Isle instructions together at the top and secure with a 32 50g 50g 50g on page 30 to follow the tight knot. 31 30 pattern from row 1 to 36, 10cm ending on a purl row. Finishing 29 50g 50g 50g 28 Place both pieces of knitting together, x 10cm 27 Shaping the top with the right sides facing out. 26 Detach the cream yarn Use mattress stitch sewing method 50g 25 and work in dark grey for on page 32, to sew up the edges of 24 shaping the top of the tea the tea cosy, remembering to leave a 23 Needles and notions Finished size cosy for the following 6 generous size gap for the handle and 22 4mm needles Fits a 6 cup teapot rows. the spout. 21 Cardboard or pom- 44cm circumference Row 1: * k3, k2tog * You may need to measure your teapot 20 pom maker 16cm from cast on Repeat between * to the to see where you need to place the 19 edge to cast off edge 18 end of the row (48 sts) gaps for the handle and the spout. 17 Row 2: P all sts 16 Row 3: * k2, k2tog * Pom-pom 15 Repeat between * to the Using cream yarn, make a pom-pom 14 end of the row (36 sts) following the instructions on page 33 13 12 Row 4: P all sts and sew to the top of the tea cosy. 11 Row 5: * k1, k2tog * 10 Repeat between * to the Blocking 9 end of the row (24 sts) Before sewing up the tea cosy, block 8 Row 6: P2tog all the way both pieces of knitting to reduce the 7 across the row (12 sts) tension curl along the cast on edge. 6 To block your knitting, follow the 5 4 Cast off remaining stitches instructions on page 32. 3 by threading the yarn on to 2 a darning needle. 1 Feed darning needle 6 5 4 3 2 1 through all the stitches and

Brindley’s Bobble Hat 9

Materials and tools Pattern instructions Once you have completed the chart, Yarns Tension Using blue and 4.5mm needles switch back to dark grey and work in 22 sts x Loosely cast on 100 sts. stocking stitch until the work measures 31 rows Row 1: *k2 p2*, repeat across the row. 21cm from cast on edge, ending with a 100g 50g 25g Repeat Row 1 until work measures wrong side row.

7cm. Continue in dark grey to shape the 11cm crown of the hat. Switch to dark grey yarn and 5mm 25g x 11cm needles; work in stocking stitch Shaping the crown (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) for 4 rows. Row 1: k10, k2tog: to the end of the Needles and Finished size notions row, ending with k4 (92 stitches) Circumference: 15 4.5mm & 5mm 50cm (average Row 2: p all sts needles 14 adult head size) 13 Row 3: k9, k2tog: to the end of the row, Cardboard or 12 ending with k4 (84 sts) pom-pom maker 11 Row 4: p all sts 10 9 8 7 Row 5: k8, k2tog: to the end of the row, 6 5 ending with k4 (76 sts) 4 Row 6: p all sts 3 Row 7: k7, k2tog: to the end of the row, 2 ending with k4 (68 sts) 1 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Row 8: p all sts Row 9: k6, k2tog: to the end of the Follow the Fair Isle chart above row, ending with k4 (60 sts) using blue, mustard and cream yarns, Row 10: p all sts referring to the Fair Isle method Row 11: k5, k2tog: to the end of the described on page 30. row, ending with k4 (52 sts) Row 12: p all sts Row 13: k4, k2tog: to the end of the row, ending with k4 (44 sts) Row 14: p3, p2tog: to the end of the row, ending with p4 (36 sts) Pattern notes Stocking stitch To create stocking Finishing stitch, repeat the Fold hat in half with right side facing, following two rows: and sew up from the top to the bottom using mattress stitch. Instructions on Knit for 1 row page 32. Purl for 1 row Pom-pom Using the blue, mustard and cream yarns, make a pom-pom following the instructions on page 33 and sew to the top of the hat. Row 15: k2, k2tog: to the end of the row, ending with k4 (28 sts) Row 16: p1, p2tog: to the end of the row, ending with p1 (19 sts) Row 17: k2tog to the last stitch, k1. Pattern notes Break off yarn leaving a long tail for Sizing If you require a sewing up (10 sts) larger or smaller width hat, the pattern is Cast off remaining stitches by threading written for groups of the yarn on to a darning needle. 10 sts across the row. Feed darning needle through all the Add additions of 10 sts stitches on the knitting needle, sliding for a larger width, or them off as you go. subtract groups of 10 sts for a smaller width. Pull tight, so the knitted fabric draws together at the top, and secure with a tight knot.

Stonemasons’ Snood 13

Materials and tools Pattern notes Yarns Row 8: (Colour A) Purl all sts Changing colours To add Row 9: (Colour C) k1, sl1, *k5, sl1* in a new colour follow the Continue between * across to last st, instructions on page 30. Colour changes are A:50g B:50g C:50g D:50g k1 Row 10: (Colour C) k1, yf, sl1, yb, *k5, frequent throughout this yf, sl1, yb* project. When you reach Continue between * across to last st, a new section of colour, E:50g F:50g G:50g k1 detach the previous colour Row 11: p1, yb, sl1, yf, *p5, yb, sl1, yf* yarn leaving a 15cm tail. Needles and Finished size Continue between * across to last st, notions Width 40cm p1 5mm needles Length before Darning needle Row 12: Repeat Row 10 sewing up: 53cm Finishing Repeat rows 1 - 12 two more times Weave in all loose ends after you using the colour order as follows: have cast off, using the instructions Pattern instructions Row 1 - 8 with A and D on page 32. Cast on 45 stitches with colour A Row 9 - 12 with A and E Place the cast on and cast off edges side by side, with the front side of the Row 1: (Colour A) knit all sts Row 1 - 8 with A and F knitting facing up. Row 2: (Colour A) purl all sts Row 9 - 12 with A and G Use either mattress stitch or whip Row 3: (Colour B) k4, sl1, *k5, sl1* (36 rows in total) stitch from page 32 to sew up Continue between * across to last 4 the snood into a tube. stitches, k4 Repeat all 36 rows a Weave in loose ends Row 4: (Colour B) k4, yf, sl1, yb, *k5, yf, further 4 times until Pattern notes and tie off. sl1, yb* the knitting measures When slipping stitches Continue between * across to last 4 53cm, or repeat the throughout this pattern, stitches, k4 36 row pattern until insert the needle into Row 5: (Colour B) p4, yb, sl1, yf, *p5, your desired length. the front of the stitch, yb, sl1 yf* as if to purl, and transfer Continue between * across to last 4 Cast off all stitches the stitch from the left stitches, p4 and tie off, leaving a to the right hand needle. Row 6: (Colour B) Repeat Row 4 long tail for sewing up Row 7: (Colour A) Knit all sts the snood.

The Duke’s Cut Cushion 15

Materials and tools Yarns Tension Pattern instructions Finishing Diagonally striped squares Lay out all 28 diagonal squares and 22 sts x Using the Diagonal Stripe pattern below the larger central Fair Isle square 31 rows 100g 100g 50g make the following: as illustrated below. Sew each side 12 x up separately using whip stitch

10cm 12 x instructions on page 32 so you have 4 x two 40cm x 40cm squares. 100g 50g x 10cm Cast on 2 sts in 1st colour Needles and Finished size Row 1: k2 sts notions 40cm x 40cm 4mm needles Row 2: Attach new colour. Inc 1 st, k to Darning needle the end of the row 40cm square Row 3: Inc 1 st, k to the end of the row. cushion insert Switch back to 1st colour.

Repeat rows 2 & 3 until you have 24 sts (or work measures 10cm across), changing colour every 2 rows until the end of the piece of knitting.

Decreasing row 1: k2tog, k to the end of the row Row 2: k2tog, k to the end of the row Repeat rows 1 & 2 of decreasing until Pattern notes you have 2 sts left To make sure all of the Cast off 2 sts squares are the same size, Your square should measure 10cm. you may want to note down the final number of Fair Isle chart for centre stitches after the increase Follow the chart on page 16 to make rows so your following the middle panel for the front of the squares have the same cushion. This should measure 20cm number of stitches. square. 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 Place both squares together 48 with front sides facing in and 47 sew up left side, bottom and 46 45 right side edges together. 44 Turn the cushion cover inside 43 42 out so that the right sides are 41 now facing you and insert the 40 cushion into the cover. Sew 39 38 up the final edge to close up 37 the cushion cover and tie off 36 35 the yarn. Neatly weave in any 34 yarn ends. 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Nail Maker’s Cushion for Pins 19

Materials and tools Pattern instructions Back of pincushion Yarns Tension Front of pincushion Cast on 25 sts in red. 24 sts x Using the Fair Isle technique Work the following 30 rows in stocking 30 rows 30 instructions on page 30, and following stitch: 25g 25g 25g chart, knit the front of the pin cushion Row 1-4: red using red, mustard and cream yarns. Row 5: mustard 9cm Row 6-11: red 30 Row 12: mustard x 9cm 29 Row 13-18: red 28 Row 19: mustard Needles and Finished size 27 notions 26 Row 20-25: red 9cm x 9cm 25 3.5mm needles 24 Row 26: mustard Darning needle 23 Row 27-30: red 22 Toy stuffing 21 20 Finishing 19 18 Place both the front and back of the 17 pincushion together, with the wrong 16 15 sides facing outwards. 14 13 12 Using the red yarn and the whip stitch 11 technique from page 32 sew together 10 9 three sides of the pincushion. 8 7 Turn the pincushion the right way round, 6 5 with the right side facing outwards. 4 Place a generous amount of the toy 3 2 stuffing into the pincushion, and sew 1 up remaining side of the pincushion to 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 close. Tie off and weave in loose end.

Materials and tools The Inventor’s Tablet Cover Yarns Tension 21 24 sts x 30 rows 30 Pattern instructions Fastening strap 100g 50g 50g

Cast on 60 sts in blue Cast on 16 sts and work in moss stitch 9cm Row 1: (ws) P all sts as follows Row 2: (rs) Follow chart below for Row 1: *k1, p1* rep between * along 50g x 9cm colour pattern sequence. Refer to page the row to the end 30 for Fair Isle method instructions. Row 2: *p1, k1*, rep between * along Needles and Finished size Repeat chart until piece measures the row to the end notions width 21cm x 40cm (Rows 1 & 2 created moss stitch) 5mm needles length 20cm Final row of body: make a row in plain Work in moss stitch for a further 8 rows. Darning needle blue sts 2-3cm button Cast off all sts in blue. Button hole rows Row 1: k1, p1 for 6 sts. 12 11 Knit 2 sts. Pass the 1st k st Row 4: p1, k1 along the row until the end. 10 Pattern notes over the 2nd k st (as in Continue in moss stitch until the piece 9 If you would like to alter the casting off) *k1 and measures 20cm. Cast off all sts. 8 width measurement of the pass k st over previous 7 6 sleeve, add or subtract 10 knit stitch* three Finishing 5 stitches. This will alter the times. This will cast Fold main body of sleeve in half with right 4 sleeve by approx. 5.5cm. If you off a total of 4 sts. sides facing inwards. Use the whip stitch 3 2 would like to alter the length P1 * k1, p1 * repeat sewing method from page 32 to join the 1 of the sleeve, alter the number from * to the end of left and right hand sides together. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 of times you repeat chart 1. the row. Place the buttonhole end of the strap in Doing this will change the the centre of the front of the sleeve, with measurement by 4cm. Row 2: p1, k1 for 6 sts the cast on edge of the strap 10cm from (until you reach the cast the opening edge of the sleeve, and pin in Pattern notes off sts). Cast on 4 sts place. Organising the yarns during p1, k1 for 6 sts (16 sts). Turn the sleeve over and pin the cast off Fair Isle chart rows. Keep the end of the strap in the centre, 10cm from blue, red and mustard yarns Row 3: Continue in k1, p1 along the row. the end of the back of the sleeve. attached throughout. Yarns to When working the 4 cast on sts, work Using blue yarn and a darning needle, be used later in the chart can through the back loop of each of the carefully sew the bottom edge of the be twisted around yarns being stitches to create a tighter reinforced, strap to the back of the sleeve. On the used at the end of rows, up the button edge. front side of the sleeve sew button in right hand side, until they are place using darning needle and blue yarn. needed. The white yarn will Weave in all loose ends. be detached after row 7 and reattached at row 11. Pattern directory

22 21 20 19 These patterns 18 were designed for the 17 first giant woolly word 16 15 #SWINGIEST. You could 14 use them in your own 13 projects – perhaps 12 11 experiment with adding 10 them into The Duke’s 9 Cut Cushion. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 26 25 24 23 22 22 21 21 20 20 19 19 18 18 17 17 16 16 15 15 14 14 13 13 12 12 11 11 10 10 9 9 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 27 26 23 25 25 24 24 23 23 22 22 21 21 20 20 19 19 18 18 17 17 16 16 15 15 14 14 13 13 12 12 11 11 10 10 9 9 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

22 22 21 21 20 20 19 19 18 18 17 17 16 16 15 15 14 14 13 13 12 12 11 11 10 10 9 9 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 24 24 23 23 22 22 21 21 20 20 19 19 18 18 17 17 16 16 15 15 14 14 13 13 12 12 11 11 10 10 9 9 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

27 27 26 26 25 25 24 24 23 23 22 22 21 21 20 20 19 19 18 18 17 17 16 16 15 15 14 14 13 13 12 12 11 11 10 10 9 9 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Abbreviations, tools and accessories

K Knit Dec Decrease a stitch. Knit, or purl, This list includes all the Scissors two stitches together to decrease 2 A pair of small, sharp scissors is a P Purl necessary tools and accessories stitches into 1. necessity for your knitting tool box. K2tog Knit 2 stitches together. Take you will need to complete all of Sl st Slip stitch. Insert the right hand Dressmaker’s pins the next two stitches on the left hand the knitting projects in this book. needle into the front of the next stitch Usually bought in packs of 30 or more, needle and place the right hand needle Knitting needles on the left hand needle, as if to purl. dressmaker’s pins are very useful to through the front and to the back of Transfer the stitch as it is, across to the Knitting needles come in a large tack knitting projects in place to help both stitches. Knit as you would a right hand needle. variety of gauges, lengths and are you sew up your projects accurately. normal knit stitch. made from all types of materials, from Yf Yarn forward. Bring the yarn to the Toy stuffing P2tog Purl 2 stitches together. Take aluminum and plastic to bamboo front of the work, making sure the yarn Polyester toy filling is the most the next two stitches on the left hand and birch wood. Each pattern in this is moved over the top and between common material used to pad out and needle and place the right hand needle book will instruct you which gauge of the needles from the back to the front. give a 3D form to projects such as through the front of both stitches. straight needle to use for each project. cushions and knitted toys. Purl as you would do for a normal purl Yb Yarn back. Bring the yarn from the You are welcome to use whichever stitch. front of the work to the back, making type you prefer. Pom-pom maker sure the yarn is moved over the top Tape measure Pom-pom makers can be bought from St Stitch and between the needles from the The most useful tape measure to have most craft stores and are a fun and Sts Stitches front to the back. in your toolbox is one which shows quick way to make pom-poms to adorn your projects. St st Stocking stitch: knit 1 row, purl measurements in both inches and cm. 1 row. Repeating this 2 row pattern Darning needle will create a flat surface fabric called You will sew up all of your knitting stocking stitch. projects using a darning needle. Inc Increase a stitch. Knit, or purl, into A darning needle is a large sewing the front and back of the stitch to needle with a blunt end and a large create an extra stitch. eye for threading different gauges of yarn. How to knit 27

Step 1 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Step 3

Step 4

Step 2

Casting on your stitches Step 5: Wrap the yarn around the Step 8: Transfer the stitch from the Top tip! right hand needle, in an anticlockwise right hand needle to the left needle. 1. Make a slipknot To prevent the cast-on direction, and pull the yarn and the Your right needle will become empty The first stitch on your needle for most edge from becoming too right hand needle through the existing and you will have stitches on the cast-on methods is a slipknot. tight, insert the right needle stitch on the left needle. This will left needle. Continue steps 7 and 8 from front to back between create a new stitch on the right needle. until you have the required amount of Step 1: Hold the yarn in your left hand the 2 stitches on the left needle (At this point you will have loops on stitches for your pattern. about 8 inches from the end. With before tightening the yarn. both needles). your right hand, make a circle with Gently pull the working the yarn. If it’s helpful, hold the circle yarn to snug up Step 6: Transfer the stitch from the together between your index finger the stitch. right hand needle to the left needle. and thumb to prevent it from slipping Your right needle will become empty away. and you will have stitches on the left needle. Step 2: With the working yarn behind 2. Casting on stitches: the circle, insert the knitting needle the cable method Step 7: Next cast on stitch through the circle from front to back This cast-on is especially good when – place the right hand Top tip! and catch the working yarn, pulling it you need a firm edge with a very neat stitch between the two The cast-on should through the circle and forming a loop. border. Work loosely, without pulling cast on stitches on be as elastic as the body the stitches too tight. the left hand needle. of your knitting. If needed, the Step 3: With the new loop on the Wrap the yarn around cast-on may be worked using a needle in your right hand, gently pull Step 4: In your left hand, hold the the right needle, needle two or three sizes larger both yarns (the tail and the working needle with the slipknot and hold the anticlockwise, than your gauge needle. yarn attached to the ball) beneath the working yarn to the back of the needle, and pull through Knit the stitches onto the needle, then pull on the working yarn in your right hand. Insert the needle a new loop. smaller needle as you to tighten the new loop so that it fits through the slipknot from front to back. knit the first row. snuggly around the needle). Step 9 Step 11 Step 13 Step 15 Step 17

Step 10 Step 12 Step 14 Step 16 Step 18

Learning the knit stitch need to start the stitch again. Step 14: Make sure the yarn is Top tip! positioned to the front of the needle. Knit stitch (k) Step 13: Slide the stitch on the left The working yarn Insert the right hand needle through The knit stitch is the most common needle off the end of the needle. is always held in front the front of the stitch, from right to left. and versatile stitch of all. Once you have of the needles when making mastered this stitch you’re well on your Repeat steps 9-13 all the way along a purl stitch. In other words, Step 15: Wrap the yarn around the way to creating your first project. your row of stitches until there are no the working yarn will front (right) needle, anti-clockwise. more stitches on your left hand needle. always be between you Step 9: Hold the needle with the cast and the knit fabric Step 16: Using your thumb, push the on stitches in your left hand, and the Swap the needles around, so that the and needle. needle back out the stitch, taking the empty needle (known as the working stitches are once again in your left yarn with it. needle) in your right hand. hand, and the empty needle (your working needle), is in your right hand. Step 17: Slide the stitch on the left Step 10: Insert the right hand needle into hand needle off the end of the needle. Make sure none of your stitches are the first stitch on the left hand needle Learning the purl stitch from the front to the back of the stitch. twisted and that all of your knitting is Step 18: Repeat steps 14-17 along the sat underneath your needle. If it isn’t row until there are no more stitches Purl stitch (p) it’s most likely twisted. on your left hand needle. Swap the Step 11: Wrap the yarn around the back Purl stitch is the exact reverse of the needles around, so that the stitches needle (the right needle), in an anti- knit stitch. Where the knit stitch is are once again in your left hand, and clockwise direction. made at the back of the needles, the Top tip! the empty needle (your working The working yarn purl stitch is made at the front. It is Step 12: Pull the needle towards you needle), is in your right hand. is always held behind only when you start to combine the in a reverse motion, back out of the the needle when making purl stitch with knit stitch (between stitch, bringing the yarn you wrapped Make sure none of your stitches are the knit stitch. In other stitches and rows) that you will see the around the needle with it. It is important twisted and that all of your knitting is words, the knit fabric and results of using the purl stitch in your to keep the yarn wrapped around the sat underneath your needle. If it isn’t the needle will always knitting. needle at this point. If it falls off you it’s most likely twisted. be between you and the working yarn. 29

Step 19 Step 20 Step 21 Step 22

Casting off Increasing and decreasing To decrease ‘dec.’ stitches K2tog: Knit two together The casting off technique finishes the Step 22: Slide the next two stitches last row and secures the stitches so You can alter the number or stitches on your left hand needle together and the needles can be removed. Top tip! in your knitting by increasing and insert the needle into both stitches, as You can use knit or decreasing the number of stitches on if it were all one stitch. Then knit the Step 19: Hold the needle with stitches purl stitch to cast off. your knitting needles. There are many stitch as usual. in your left hand and the empty needle You can even cast off in techniques to learn and the following in your right hand. Hold the yarn in a combination of both stitches two techniques are amongst the most position for the knit stitch, behind if your pattern requires you to do so. common you’ll use in many projects. your work. Knit the first 2 stitches. Many beginner knitters cast off too tightly. The cast off edge should To increase ‘inc.’ Step 20: Insert the left needle from be as elastic as the rest of the Knit into the front and the back of one left to right into the first stitch. Use knitting. If necessary, use a stitch to create two. the left needle to pull this stitch over slightly larger needle size to the second stitch and drop it off the cast off your stitches. Step 21: Knit into the front of the stitch right needle. One stitch bound off; but do not push the loop off the end the second stitch remains on the of the left hand needle. Then take the right needle. Knit the next stitch. right hand needle to the back of the same stitch and insert the needle into Repeat step 20 until you have bound the back of the stitch and knit, making off all stitches from the left needle and sure you push the stitch off the end of one stitch remains on the right needle. the left hand needle this time. Cut the yarn about 4 inches from the stitch, and pull the yarn tail through the last stitch. Remove the needle and pull the yarn tail to tighten. Knitting techniques

Step 23 Step 24 Steps 27-30

Adding in a new colour Step 26: Drop the loose end and carry Fair Isle knitting method (left handed) methods of on knitting with the main yarn. When knitting and purling along a row. For If you are a beginner knitter you can knitting the return row back, the last Fair Isle patterns are made up of small the English knit and purl method simply tie on the new colour after 3 or 4 stitches may seem loose, so contrasting motifs that are repeated please see page 28. detaching the old colour, making sure gently pull on the loose end to tighten across the design of a knitted fabric. the new is placed snug up to the up the stitches. Traditionally the Fair Isle knitting The Continental Method knitting needle. method requires you to swap between The Continental method knit and purl two colours along the row as you knit stitches are made by holding the yarn To add in a new colour without the or purl your stitches. Therefore, you in your left hand. The fundamental need to tie and knot the yarn are required to hold one colour in your action in this method is to scoop the left hand and one colour yarn in your yarn through the stitch on the left hand Step 23: Insert needle into first stitch right hand, using both English method needle, rather than wrapping the yarn (right handed) and Continental around the left hand needle as in the Step 24: Lay the new colour of yarn English method. over the right hand needle and pull through the stitch which will complete Knit stitch: the stitch. Pull all of the ends of yarn at Top tip! Step 27: Hold the yarn in your left the edge of the knitting to tighten up You must carry hand. Shorten up, or wrap the yarn any loose stitches. the unused yarn loosely around your first finger. across the back of the work. Step 28: Insert the right needle into Step 25: For the next 2 to 3 stitches If you strand the yarn too the stitch on the left needle, from left use the main yarn and the loose end of tightly, the fabric will pucker to right. the new colour to make your stitches. and the front of the Step 29: Use your middle finger as a This will weave the loose end into the work will become backstop to scoop up the yarn. knitting. unsightly. Step 30: Bring the yarn through the stitch on the left and slide the stitch off the left needle. 31

Steps 31-34

9 knit row purl row 8 7 knit row purl row 6 5 knit row purl row 4 3 knit row purl row 2 1 knit row 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Purl Stitch: Stranding Fair Isle chart Step 31: Guide the yarn with the index When two colours are used in the finger to the front of your work. same row, it is practical to carry the First stitch Step 32: Insert the right needle into yarn that is not in use across the The pattern chart the stitch on the left needle, from right wrong side of the work. This will starts on the very to left. create a strand of yarn known as a bottom right square. Step 33: Wrap the yarn counter ‘float’. clockwise around the right needle, using the yarn which is wrapped Stranding is most effectively done by around the left first finger. holding one yarn in your right hand Step 34: Bring right needle down and and using the English method, and the through the stitch and slide the stitch other in your left using the Continental off as normal. method.

Top tip! You should not strand the yarn across more than 5 stitches at a time. Knitting techniques

Mattress stitch Whip stitch Weaving

Mattress stitch you) and the knitted fabric will form an Step 3: Move the darning needle to the Blocking invisible seam. Adjust as necessary so top of the work again and insert the Also known as ladder stitch, invisible that the seam lies flat and neat. needle around 5mm along from the Blocking your project will help you seam or vertical grafting, mattress last stitch. Push the needle through to to flatten out and shape your knitted stitch gives the appearance that the Step 5: Finish off by connecting the the corresponding stitch on the bottom fabric. two pieces are one continuous piece. top two corner stitches and weave in piece of knitting and pull firmly. Repeat the remaining yarn on the wrong side. step 3 to sew up your project, finishing Step 1: Using dressmakers pins, pin Step 1: Begin by laying the blocked off by tying off the yarn with a firm your knitting out flat and into shape pieces out side by side with the right Whip stitch knot and weaving in the loose end. onto a flat surface such as an ironing side facing you. board. This is a quick and simple sewing up Weaving in loose ends Step 2: Pull the edge stitch slightly technique which joins two flat pieces Step 2: Fill a spray bottle with warm away from the stitch next to it. You will of knitting together along the edges of Step 1: Turn your work so the wrong water and evenly spray over the see a horizontal bar running between your work. side of the work is facing you and knitting until your knitting is damp. the edge stitch and the next stitch in. thread the loose end of yarn on to a Insert your yarn needle under that bar. Step 1: Thread yarn into the darning darning needle. Step 3: Use your hands to press down needle and place both pieces of gently onto the knitting so the knitting Step 3: Loosely pull the yarn through knitting together, right sides facing Step 2: Make a knot at the end of the soaks up all of the water. the bar and then insert the needle inwards. yarn close to the knitted fabric. under the parallel horizontal bar on the Step 4: Leave to dry overnight, or until opposite piece. Work back and forth, Step 2: Push the darning needle through Step 3: Insert the darning needle the knitting is fully dry. Unpin. inserting the needle under the bar on the top layer of knitting, through the underneath the back loop of the one piece then the other piece until first knitted stitch at the edge of the closest stitch to the knot, without you’ve worked a few rows. work. Push the needle through to the picking up the front loops. Repeat this corresponding stitch on the bottom for about 6 stitches and trim loose end Step 4: Pull the yarn in the direction piece of knitting and pull firmly. close to the knitted fabric. of the seam (rather than out towards 33

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

How to make a pom-pom Continue cutting the yarn all the way with card around. Step 4: Slightly open up the two Step 1: Using sturdy cardboard, cut out cardboard circles. Take a long piece two identically sized circles. The size of yarn and wrap the yarn around the of your circles will be the overall size middle, pulling tight and knotting the of your pom-pom. Cut a smaller hole yarn. This will secure the yarn strands in the centre of each of the cardboard in place. The tighter you can knot the circles, making sure they match up. yarn the better. Step 2: Place the two cardboard Remove the cardboard circles. You circles together and wind yarn around can simply pull the circles away from the two circles. Wrap the yarn over the the yarn, or use your scissors to cut cardboard and through the centre hole. through cardboard to remove if you no Continue to wrap the yarn around the longer need to use these circles. cardboard until the cardboard is no longer visible. Trim the yarn to shape and fluff up the Repeat this step until you have several pom-pom with your hands. layers of yarn and the centre hole has become much smaller. Cut the yarn and tuck the end under.

Step 3: Using a pair of sharp scissors, cut through the yarn around the outer edge of the circle. The scissors should slip between the two cardboard circles. 0cm

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20cm Come along and enjoy what the Bridgewater Canal in Salford, and its surroundings, has to offer.

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@salfordcanal est1761 Out of the Industrial Revolution comes an unexpected Yarn Innovation! Contemporary, practical, beautiful knitted items for you to transform your wardrobe, teapots and technology. All patterns are inspired by Salford’s unique industrial heritage with simple step-by-step instructions to guide you.