START OUR TWO-PART BABY SET TODAY ISSUE 161 Sept 2020
Discover Chevrons
THEY’RE SO EASY!
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
Make it special!
DESIGNER STYLE: SWEATER IN SIZES 8-26
43 Patterns TO KNIT & ENJOY
DONE IN A DAY!
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9 PRACTICAL MAKES FOR HOME O TR AL E R CI E SP
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FUN IDEAS FOR YOU & YOURS
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01 LK Sept20 Cover 161.indd 1
RIVETING READS
MEET TV STARS BLACK GIRL KNIT CLUB
START AFRESH FOR AUTUMN PLAN OUT YOUR NEW-SEASON KNITS
WORSTED WONDERS
HOTTEST BUYS IN OUR NEW FAVOURITE WEIGHT
14 VINTAGE-INSPIRED PATTERNS £6.99 | Sept 20 Issue 161
TOY TIME
MAKE A CHEEKY PIRATE FROM STASH YARN 17/07/2020 15:43
EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome!
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The past is an endless source of inspiration. For our retro-themed issue, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing how the colours, shapes and styles of yesteryear still look great today, and you can see the results in the Retro Collection which starts on page 14. Along with some distinctly groovy garments we have homewares, accessories and even a baby set with a vintage flavour. For more inspiration, check out our Blast From The Past feature on page 34. As well as harking backwards, this issue also looks forward: our September reset starts on page 55 and here you’ll find some great ideas for planning your new season knits with some fun challenges thrown in. Talking of which, have you ever embarked on a mystery project? If you’re a crochet fan who fancies something a little bit different you’ll find it on page 86. Talking of looking forward, our Cast On For Christmas campaign begins on 1st August. Don’t miss your free Christmas Planner chart, which you can download right now from letsknit.co.uk/ castonforchristmas. New resources are provided every week, so be sure to follow us on social media so you don’t miss out. And if you’re wondering what to cast on, Kelly Menzies’ Hypnotic Hat on page 68 would make a great gift for somebody!
55 ABOVE RIGHT: The Retro Collection, p14 ABOVE LEFT: The September Reset, p55 CENTRE: Mystery crochetalong, p86 LEFT: Download your free Christmas Planner BELOW: Hypnotic hat, p68
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All items from patterns published by Let’s Knit are for personal use only and cannot be sold. Multiple copies of any part of this publication may not be made, and no part of this publication whether in its original form or a reproduction thereof may be sold. All patterns featured within Let’s Knit are reproduced in good faith that they do not infringe any copyright. DISCLAIMER: We recommend that readers use the main specified yarn for every project as this will produce the best results. The alternatives given are suggestions only, and as no two yarns
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are exactly the same we advise readers to swatch an alternative yarn carefully before choosing to use it for their project. The publishers are not responsible for any safety issues arising from any items knitted from patterns contained within Let’s Knit magazine. Please note that toys with small parts are not suitable for children under three years of age. If making a toy for a very young child, omit any buttons and embroider the details instead. Babies should be supervised when playing with toys. Prices are all correct at time of print.
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17/07/2020 17:01
September 2020 SHOPPING
In this issue
26
45
Cover Star
8 See It, Want It, Love It! Our top picks for September
43 Ready For Retro
Stock up your stash with our collection of classic colours
48 Worsted Weight yarns
Enjoy our fantastic collection of fibres
67 This Month We’re Loving... Autumn Accessories
Get set for fall with our range of seasonal yarns and patterns
88 Newsflash
Catch up with the latest news in knitting
FOCUS
34 Blast From The Past
Step back in time with our collection of retro knits
Chunky Baskets
55 The Quick and Easy September Reset
Start afresh for the new season
31
63 The British Knitting & Crochet Awards 2020 Have your say and vote for your favourites
75 A Day In The Life Of Black Girl Knit Club We hear from the creative minds behind this amazing group
81 Keep Calm & Cast On
Sit back and relax with our mindfulness special
89 What’s The Secret?
Discover top tips for tricky techniques
PEOPLE
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10 Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your incredible makes and letters
12 Handmade At Home
Button Detail Top
Boho Bag
Let us help you! WE UNDERSTAND THAT NOTHING IS MORE ANNOYING THAN ERRORS IN KNITTING PATTERNS, SO HERE’S OUR PROMISE TO YOU l Exclusive patterns featured in Let’s Knit have been professionally checked and reproduced with the utmost care. Updates can be found at letsknit.co.uk/pattern-updates l Should you encounter any problems we are more than happy to provide support and assistance. Contact us and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.
BY PHONE: 01206 508622 (office hours only) BY EMAIL: support@letsknit.co.uk BY POST: at the address at the top of page 94 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot offer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
Contact us HAVE ANOTHER QUERY? HERE’S HOW TO GET IN TOUCH l Subscription enquiries/ customer services: 0800 904 7000, aceville@dctmedia.co.uk l Advertising enquiries: 01206 505114, samantha.dean@aceville.co.uk l Online registration/website enquiries: webmaster@letsknit.co.uk
04
Find out how to get creative indoors
78 Charity Corner
Knitters using their needles to make a difference
98 Life On The Grid
We hear from crochet queen Vanessa Mooncie
IN EVERY ISSUE 3 Welcome 7 Just For You This Month 28 Subscriptions 50 Teabreak 54 Coming Next Month 76 Reader Offer 85 Read & Relax 92 Giveaways 93 Knitter’s Know-How
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WIN! WIN! WIN!
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OVER £1,000 OF GREAT PRIZES
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ON PAGE 92
PATTERNS
Vintage Vibes Knitalong
37 Joeseph the Pirate
al
Baby Blanket Tutorial
Zig-zag Sweater
90
Padded Hangers
Polo Neck Top
16 Scallop Jumper 19 Sixties Sweater 22 Polo Neck Top 24 Zig-zag Sweater 26 Button Detail Top 31 Boho Bag 37 Padded Hangers 41 Terrific Teacosy 45 Chunky Baskets 51 Joseph The Pirate 58 Knitted Fox Set 68 Hypnotic Patterned Hat 71 Vintage Vibes Knitalong – Part One 82 Nautical Knitalong – Part Four 86 Mystery CAL– Part One 90 Baby Blanket Tutorial
Sixties Sweater
Scallop Jumper
1 SE 4-P CT AG IO E N
e
THE RETRO COLLECTION
Starts on page 14
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JUST FOR YOU THIS MONTH
FLUFFY EYELASH YARN PACK
No. 1 for gifts
Give your cuddly critters some character with our fab and fluffy yarn! You’ll find some great toy pattern suggestions in your Festive Friends Collection bonus booklet, including brand new Sammy the Sloth and his little sister by LK favourite Sachiyo Ishii. The pattern collection also features more jolly toy patterns to get you started on your Christmas gift knits and decorations. Don’t forget to share your photos of your finished projects using the details on page 11.
THIS MONTH’S
YOUR BONUS PATTERN BOOK! 18 festive toys to start your Christmas knits!
LOVE YOUR YARN KIT? GET MORE!
150g bumper kit with special fluffy yarn for only £7.99*! Simply visit giftstoyou.com or call 0800 904 7000 *T&Cs: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
EIGHT FREE* YARNS!
*UK customers only, just pay postage
Create a rainbow of colour with this brilliant yarn pack, worth £7.99! These mini balls of DK goodness are just the thing for quickknit toys, pom-poms, and stocking fillers, and you can get yours for free*. There’s even a special bonus pattern download, just for you. Find out more about how to claim this offer on page 77.
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Super soft eyelash yarn Festive Friends toy pattern book Cast On For Christmas campaign Eight FREE* yarns + bonus
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Find over 1,900 fabulous knitting patterns at letsknit.co.uk
Coming next issue! SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS!
Get in the Christmas mood with three adorable characters! Choose to make Belle, Ralph or Ted using your yarn pack – you’ll find four classic shades inside. You can even pick your favourite festive motif thanks to our bonus chart designs!
DON’T MISS
OCTOBER ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST
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YOUR 14 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL
The Retro
Collection KNIT BACK IN TIME WITH OUR FIVE PATTERN PICKS
FRAN MORGAN PROVES THAT BRIGHT IS BEAUTIFUL!
LOVE COLOUR BLOCKING WITH OUR COSY KNIT
Cool classic
PAGE
22
EASY
Polo Neck Top
colourwork
Super comfy
Be inspired by classic styles with our fab fashion edit. These patterns all embrace elements from years gone by but are knitted in modern yarns and gorgeous autumn shades to ensure you’ll be bang on trend for the new season. Make a statement with bold patterning - it doesn’t matter whether you prefer to do it with cables or colourwork because we’ve got both!
PAGE
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Scallop Jumper
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THE STYLE
Edit
PAGE
24
CHOOSE COMFORT AND COLOUR FOR THE AUTUMN SEASON
Zig-zag Sweater
PAGE
26 Button Detail Top
S izes 8-26 PAGE
19
Sixties Sweater
DAINTY CABLES ARE AN IDEAL CHOICE FOR THIS ELEGANT TOP
S imple shape perfect for
NEWBIES
V intage look
THIS BEGINNERFRIENDLY MAKE IS EASY TO KNIT AND EASY TO WEAR
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17/07/2020 15:51
Boho CHIC
CHANNEL THAT SEVENTIES SPIRIT WITH LUCINDA GANDERTON’S ZIG-ZAG BAG We just adore this colour palette: the yellows, greens, oranges and browns. As well as being a classic 1970s combo, there’s also something of the bus seat cover about it which brings back more than a few memories. This project transforms this colour scheme from the number 37 to retro high street style. The chevrons are really easy to work too, read our information panel to find out more.
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ACCESSORY
pattern
Hanging
HOME
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TRANSFORM YOUR WARDROBE WITH NICOLA VALIJI’S HOME ACCESSORIES
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If you have used lockdown as an opportunity to overhaul your home and in particular your wardrobe, why not take your revamp one step further with these fantastic knitted hangers? Unlike their plastic alternatives, they won’t pull at your garments and accessories. Instead, the soft covering will help to protect your favourite pieces. What’s more, if you opt for yarn shades that complement your bedroom décor, you will be left with a colourful clothing rail that will be the envy of every fashionista!
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TO • E X C L US
Time for TEA
SIÂN BROWN RECREATES A CROCHETED CLASSIC WITH CLEVER KNITTED STITCHES Every crafter knows the importance of a good tea break. Taking just a few minutes to sit back, relax and perhaps flick through your favourite knitting magazine is an essential part of the creative process. That’s why we’ve decided to celebrate tea breaks in the best way possible – with a beautiful knitted cosy of course! This design uses a lace stitch that emulates the look of a classic crocheted cosy for delightful retro style.
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HOME Pattern
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Great
ADVICE “After working your tension square, do not cut the yarn. Record the information, unravel the yarn and reuse it for the project. Use the jog trick to prevent a step between rounds when working purl stitches.”
LK DESIGNER,
Charmaine Fletcher 45 letsknit.co.uk
TOY
pattern
JOSEPH The Pirate ANCHORS AWEIGH WITH THIS CHEERFUL CHILDREN’S CHARACTER
Arrrrr! After sailing the seven seas our ardent explorer has landed on faraway shores and is ready to dig for buried treasure! Joseph, made by Nicola Valiji loves nothing more than setting his motley crew to work washing the deck while he lays in the shade of a palm tree. Our cheeky pirate is made using basic stitches with little shaping so he’s perfect for beginners.
Quick FUN KNIT!
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Which toy will you make?
Don’t miss our...
Next issue
OCTOBER ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST
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MYSTERY CHRISTMAS YARN PACK + DOWNLOAD BUNDLE!
FOUR SOFT TOY YARNS + Festive Toy Trio
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FAB ALSO! PATTERNS INSIDE!
THE TOUCH OF CLASS COLLECTION
Simple and sophisticated knits for the new season
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4 WHAT’S NEW: THE LATEST YARNS AND PATTERN RELEASES 4 CELEBRATE THE BEST NATURAL FIBRES 4 CRACKING IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS KNITTING
PLUS! QUICK-KNIT CHRISTMAS PATTERN BOOK EXTRA
pattern picks
Great for gifting sleep set 4 Easy 3 ves glo d an hat y cos r pe Su 2 ket jac 1 Chanel-inspired s 6 Snowman wreath by Val Pierce on ati cor de e lob wg sno eet Sw 5 ap wr multi-coloured 54 letsknit.co.uk
The Quick & Easy
September Reset GET READY FOR A FRESH START AND A BRAND NEW SEASON
The summer has flown and we’re welcoming in the autumn with its warm colours, crisp leaves and cosy knits. It’s also the start of a fresh school year and a new post-lockdown outlook. What better time to reboot, recharge and reset. Turn over for our exciting ideas to spark your creativity in knitting and beyond!
55 letsknit.co.uk
Vote online at letsknit.co.uk/awards
VOTE NOW win prizes! T
he British Knitting & Crochet Awards 2020 are now in full swing! In partnership with Stitchtopia Craft Holidays from Arena Travel, these awards are voted for entirely by you. With over 24,000 votes cast last year, they’re the biggest in the knitting and crochet world!
The second stage of voting is well under way so don’t miss your chance to have your say! We counted your nominations and compiled a shortlist of your top picks and this is the juicy bit. Simply pick your favourites online at letsknit.co.uk/awards. Every voter will be in with a chance of winning prizes including an 1800g bundle of yarn, subscriptions to top titles My Weekly and The People’s Friend, knitting and crochet books and more – a total prize value of over £200!
1800G OF YARN
SUBSCRIPTIONS TO TOP TITLES TO BE WON!
The People’s Friend is the magazine of choice for anyone who loves feel-good quality fiction. Every issue contains seven short stories and two exclusive serial instalments, as well as recipes, knitting patterns, gardening advice, health, travel and so much more. My Weekly prides itself on being your feel-good read – every issue is packed with engrossing fiction, delicious recipes and fantastic advice from a range of experts. Whether it’s fashion, beauty, health, or money, My Weekly has it covered. There are interviews with all the celebrities who matter to you, brain-teasing puzzles and much more.
LK Editor Sarah Neal with winners from last year’s British Knitting & Crochet Awards: (top) James McIntosh and Dr Thomas Ernst from Knit And Nibble, (above) Lisa from For The Love of Yarn
WHAT TO DO
Head over to letsknit.co.uk/ awards and vote for your favourites from the shortlist. Then fill in your details to be entered into our prize draw! Voting closes 26/08/2020.
A WORD FROM OUR PARTNER
“Arena Travel is proud to present Stitchtopia craft holidays – a wonderful collection of creative holidays uniquely crafted with you in mind! From knitting and crochet to quilting and embroidery, our craft holidays are specially created for small groups of like-minded people, embracing all things creative. Each holiday has been carefully designed by our dedicated team of travel experts, who share a passion for crafting.
The attention is in the detail and we ensure every crafter enjoys a seamless travel experience as they explore the textile heritage of some of the world’s most exotic destinations, as well as the rich textile traditions around our own UK shores. Every holiday is accompanied by a well-known and enthusiastic expert, and with their friendly guidance lies the opportunity to learn new and different crafting techniques.” Find out more at stitchtopia.co.uk or follow @stitchtopiauk on social media.
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H 40+ online videos to watch and learn at your own pace H 1 ,800+ tried, tested and approved patterns H Member-only exclusives and early access patterns H3 0+ new designs H PLUS! Vouchers, exclusive competitions, secret Facebook added each month community, weekly newsletter and much, much more
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KNIT AN HEIRLOOM BABY SET FROM JANE BURNS
Beginning with a delightful romper suit and cute little bonnet, we’re thrilled to bring you this two-part project, knitted in soft Falkland Island wool. Designed by Jane Burns, there’s a dainty eyelet motif which co-ordinates the set and we adore the nature-inspired colour palette. The set fits ages 0-24 months. Remember to factor in growing room when choosing which size to make.
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LEARN WITH US
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LEARN A CLEVER EFFECT WITH JO ALLPORT
GREAT FOR IMPROVERS
SPORTWEIGHT YARN
3.25MM NEEDLES
MEASUREMENTS & SIZES 72cm x 72cm
KNIT KIT
Yarn: Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino, shade 103 Camel, seven 50g balls Needles: 3.25mm Tapestry needle n 25 sts x 34 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Stocking stitch n 3.25mm needles
SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS
MB: make bobble - [k1, p1, k1] all in one st, turn, p3, turn, pass second and third sts over the first st, then k this st tbl (yfwd) three times: wrap yarn round needle three times (yfwd) four times: wrap yarn round needle four times
FOR ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 97
ABOUT THE YARN
Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino blends 57% wool, 33% acrylic and 10% cashmere for a luxurious baby-friendly sportweight yarn. You can machine wash it at 30°C on a gentle cycle. Choose from 18 shades. It costs £4.99 per 50g (130m) ball from 01925 764231, blacksheepwools.com
KNIT AN
heirloom
NEED AN ALTERNATIVE?
You could knit this pattern using a 4ply or DK yarn, just change the needle size to suit. This will slightly alter the dimensions of the blanket
With its neutral colourway and dainty stitch effect, this blanket is sure to be a hit with modern mums and traditionalists alike. The pattern is created by slipping certain stitches leaving long strands. Designer Jo Allport has put together a fantastic step-by-step photo tutorial to show you how it’s done.
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