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Expert: Lesley Arnold-Hopkins - 11/7/2009


Question

baby hat 002
I knitted the hat in the attached picture 16 yrs ago when I was first pregnant! I have since lost the pattern but I would like to include the design in something that I am knitting for myself now. The problem is that I can't figure out how to do it!! It appears to be worked over 4 rows (2 white then 2 blue) and it somehow involves making 3 new stitches then slipping the next 3 over(I think). Are you familiar with this stitch and can you shed any light on how it is done. Any advice gratefuly received.

Regards
Patricia

Answer
Hi Patricia,

Thanks for your question and for the picture. If that's a 16 year old hat, it looks fantastic!

I believe that the stitch is "Star Stitch", which is worked over a multiple of 4 sts + 1, as follows:

Row 1 (right side): Knit
Row 2: P1, *p3tog leaving sts on the needle, yrn, then purl the same three sts tog again and this time slip off the needle (known as "make star"), p1; rep from * to end.
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: P3,make star, *p1, make star; rep to last 3 sts, p3

If you're working in the round, the same effect can be achieved by making the star as follows:
K3tog, leaving the sts on the needle, yf, then knit the same 3 sts tog again and this time slip off the needle.

You're right that the colour effect is achieved by 2 rows in each colour. I have also seen this stitch knitted in variegated yarns, which was also very pretty.

I hope that this is the pattern that you're looking for, and that it works well in the project.

Thanks again

Lesley

Lesley Arnold-Hopkins

Expertise

I can answer questions on all types of knitting on needles (ie not loom or machine knitting) including Fairisle, intarsia, lace and basic knitwear design. I can also answer on crochet, including tapestry crochet, but I do not have sufficient knowledge of toys or stuffed animals to call myself an expert.

Experience

I've been knitting and crocheting for over 35 years. In that time I have made a variety of items, incorporating a range of stitch techniques and have designed my own garments. I have had patterns published in the UK (crochet and knitting) and teach both crafts.

Publications
Suite 101

Education/Credentials
BA(Hons)Open (not related to knitting or crochet, but shows my highest level of education)

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