Help for a new knitter!?
I’ve got the yarn – homespun Angora (rabbit wool) that will turn out “hairy” after being worn a while. It’s the fun kind with the different widths. I’ve got the needles. I was told to use size 15. Now I need a simple pattern to make a thin scarf that is for decoration only – not warmth. I am a beginner who has only used a knifty knitter loom. What do you suggest? Simple knit stitch the whole way? Help please. I don’t want to mess this up!
You don’t need anything fancy for this type of yarn, the halo from the angora opening up will obscure it. Garter stitch (knit ever stitch, every row) is preferable because it won’t roll. You’ll only need about 12 stitches for a narrow scarf on this size needle, too, so your yarn can go a long way, and ripping out this type of yarn is a real PITA, just as ripping out mohair can be, the fibers mat together and it really puts a lot of wear and tear on angora which is a very soft yarn to begin with. I wouldn’t recommend stockinette stitch, it will roll and you’ll end up with a little tube rather than a nice scarf.
Editing here at the request of ryanker:
While I agree that it is important for novice knitters to learn to use both knits and purls, I don’t agree that this is the right project for it. All stockinette stitch rolls, it is the result of the geometry of the two stitches. Knit stitches are rectangular and purl stitches are square. Yes, I know, all squares are rectangles, I may have studied geometry in the ’60′s but that much hasn’t changed. The yarn wants an even tension and an even amount of yarn and the difference in the geometry of the faces makes it stress on itself to curl up. Will the amount of curl given the size of the needles be great? I think it will be more than you might expect, especially since we are looking at a rather narrow scarf. Again, the halo effect of angora will obscure any patterning done by alternating stitches. Given also that angora tends to be a fragile fibers, it is one of the more fragile animal fibers, unnecessary stress can cause it to age prematurely and can cause pilling. Yes, I’ve knit with angora, I have a number of friends who raise angora rabbits and I’ve spun some of it as well. Since it constantly sheds–lets go of fiber–the stress and repeated ripping out can cause it to break.
I have knit a number of these skinny scarves, more than I wish I had, but they were quite popular for several years, and found that 15 stitches of a *worsted weight* type yarn on a size 13 needle (smaller needle, more stitches = about the same width, basic gauge calculation). This is why I suggest that number. If you want to test for width, use a similar gauge or grist (diameter) yarn that is a bit less prone to pilling and test with that first.
When all is said and done, it is knitter’s choice for a lot of these, but with some yarns simpler is better–angora, sari silk yarn, mohair among others. Fancier stitch patterns, even just plain old stockinette show to their best advantage on smooth yarns.
BTW, just so you all have some idea of the breadth of my experience, I started knitting in the 1950′s at the age of 4, which, yes, does make me only 57. I have knit all sorts of things from the simple, plain garter stitch afghan squares of my childhood out of Red Heart to quiviut lace hats. I’m currently knitting an Aran sweater, a pair of twined knitting socks, and just finished a Bavarian miniature hat. I also spin my own wool, from my own sheep, dye, hook traditional rugs, crochet, and dabble in weaving. While fiber arts are not my livelihood, they are my passion.
ShopCast #12: Pollika
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