DIY Network

Simple and Flared Ruffles Simple and Flared Ruffles From "Knitty Gritty" episode DKNG-107

These basic ruffled edges begin with a combination of knit and purl rows that create ribbing. The ruffled effect is achieved by decreasing the number of stitches either gradually or all at once.

advertisement

Simple Ruffled Edge

This edge is created by decreasing stitches dramatically all at once (figure A).

Knit-O-Meter Rating: Beginner

Materials
Westminster Fibers/Jaeger's Mohair Art yarn
Size 6 (4.00 mm) bamboo knitting needles

Cast on a multiple of 6 sts (figure B). Work K3 P3 Rib (K3, P3 across) until piece measures approx. 1-1/2" from beg. To close up ruffle, work one row of decreases as follows: *K3tog, P3tog. Repeat from * across. Continue in Stockinette Stitch for the rest of the piece.

The sweater shown for this project features the simple ruffled edge on the the sleeves and the hem (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Flared Ruffle Edge

A more elaborate ruffle can be achieved by decreasing stitches gradually over several rows (figure D).

Materials
Brown Sheep Yarn Company's Cotton Fleece yarn
Size 6 (4.00 mm) bamboo knitting needles

Note: SSK means slip the next 2 sts one at a time knitwise, then insert the point of your LH needle into them and knit them together.

Row 1 (RS): P2, *K10, P2. Repeat from * across.
Row 2: K2, *P10, K2. Repeat from * across.
Row 3: P2, *SSK, K6, K2tog, P2. Repeat from * across.
Row 4: K2, *P8, K2. Repeat from * across.
Row 5: P2, *SSK, K4, K2tog, P2. Repeat from * across.
Row 6: K2, *P6, K2. Repeat from * across.
Row 7: P2, *SSK, K2, K2tog, P2. Repeat from * across.
Row 8: K2, *P4, K2. Repeat from * across.
Row 9: P2, *SSK, K2tog, P2. Repeat from * across.
Row 10: K2, *P2, K2. Repeat from * across.
Continue in Stockinette Stitch for the rest of the piece.

Figure E

The flared, ribbed sweater is knit using the same technique as the edging. The carefully spaced and executed decreases create the easy, swingy shape (figure E).

Knit Bit: Frustrated with your mohair getting stuck together all the time? Here's a tip: Just take it and put it in the freezer for about an hour or so. It'll be good to go.

RESOURCES :

Hot Knits: 30 Cool, Fun Designs to Knit and Wear
By Melissa Leapman
ISBN: 0-8230-2338-9
$19.95
Watson-Guptill Publications
Website: www.watsonguptill.com

Westminster Fibers/Jaeger's Mohair Art yarn
Suggested retail price: $7.95
Consult your local yarn store for availability.

Brown Sheep Yarn Company's Cotton Fleece yarn
Website: www.brownsheep.com
Brown Sheep Company
Website: brownsheep.com

Muench Yarns' Samoa yarn
Suggested retail price: $6.25
Muench Yarns
Website: muenchyarns.com

Patons' Classic Wool yarn
Suggested retail price: $5.25
Patons Yarns
Website: www.patonsyarns.com

Frayed-Edge Poncho
Needful Yarns Poncho Pattern #195
Needful Yarns (USA)
Website: needfulyarnsinc.com

GUESTS :

Melissa Leapman
Author and needlework expert
E-mail: melissa.leapman@gmail.com