How to Design Your Own Motif for Knitting
Select the number of stitches that the work will need., Sketch out a motif using a pencil on graph paper., - the next step will be to graph it., Square up the free flowing design., Adjust as necessary to make sure it looks squared and still...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Select the number of stitches that the work will need.
It helps to choose a convenient number of stitches to repeat, such as
10. -
Step 2: Sketch out a motif using a pencil on graph paper.
Use curved lines as needed
- the design is free-flowing at this stage. , Use an eraser to remove any errors until you are happy with the design. , Follow the most obvious graph squares and put a cross in each square that permits outlining and infill of your design. ,, If you find that the spacing between the motifs is too great, for example, 6 stitches or more, add a fill-in pattern between each motif.
Suitable fill-ins can be lines, crosses, shapes, V's, etc.
Their purpose is to reduce the number of stitches a color has to carry across the back. , This might seem like extra work, but it is worth it to see whether or not the motif will work.
Knit a 30-stitch sampler.
If it works, great
- go ahead.
If not, back to the drawing board. , Samplers can be used for small craft projects such as pin cushions, doll's clothing, etc. -
Step 3: - the next step will be to graph it.
-
Step 4: Square up the free flowing design.
-
Step 5: Adjust as necessary to make sure it looks squared and still resembles the motif that you want to knit.
-
Step 6: Copy the squared motif a few more times in a row to get an idea of the spacing required.
-
Step 7: Make a sampler.
-
Step 8: Make adjustments to the graph as needed and make another sampler.
Detailed Guide
It helps to choose a convenient number of stitches to repeat, such as
10.
Use curved lines as needed
- the design is free-flowing at this stage. , Use an eraser to remove any errors until you are happy with the design. , Follow the most obvious graph squares and put a cross in each square that permits outlining and infill of your design. ,, If you find that the spacing between the motifs is too great, for example, 6 stitches or more, add a fill-in pattern between each motif.
Suitable fill-ins can be lines, crosses, shapes, V's, etc.
Their purpose is to reduce the number of stitches a color has to carry across the back. , This might seem like extra work, but it is worth it to see whether or not the motif will work.
Knit a 30-stitch sampler.
If it works, great
- go ahead.
If not, back to the drawing board. , Samplers can be used for small craft projects such as pin cushions, doll's clothing, etc.
About the Author
Laura Rodriguez
Experienced content creator specializing in creative arts guides and tutorials.
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