Snow Time, Show Time Coasters

 

This month we explore Armenian (aka "lock-stitch") stranded colorwork with a coaster project.  One of the features of this style of knitting is that the floats are supposed to peak through, giving the whole project a heathered look.  Pieces are usually knit flat with this type of knitting, and floats are caught every 3rd stitch, though some patterns may call for floats being caught every other stitch.  The catch stitches are moved by one each row, so that the floats don't stack up on top of each other. 

You may either glue or sew the felt backing onto the coasters before finishing the selvedges.   

Click here to download the pdf version.

Video tutorials are down below to get you started.

Additional monthly color charts are available for download here.

Finished Dimensions 

Width: 4”
Length: 4”

Gauge: 32 sts and 32 rows = 4"

Supplies - Included in Box

  • Yardage Estimates for one coaster
    • MC (Gentian): 15 yds
    • CC1 (Verdigris): 15 yds
  • Felt backing

      Supplies - Not Included

      • Needles: 3mm needles
      • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

      Special techniques

      Whip Stitch:
      Thread a tapestry needle with a 36" length of yarn and insert from underneath the coaster about 1/4" in from the edge. Pull the needle through to the top, wrap around the edge and re-insert from underneath just adjacent to the first stitch. Continue to wrap around the edge for a clean finish.

      Watch the tutorial videos below on the Armenian Knitting technique and whip stitching selvedges. 

      Abbreviations

      beg – begin(ning)
      bet – between
      BO – bind off
      CC – contrast color
      CO – cast on
      cont – continue
      est – established
      k – knit
      p – purl
      patt – pattern
      rep – repeat
      RS – right side
      st/sts – stitch(es)
      WS – wrong side

      Colorwork Charts         

      Directions

      Construction Notes

      • Use two high-value contrast colors for snowflake motifs. If using other colors than Gentian and Verdigris, check the value contrast with a black and white photo. The whipped-stitch edge may be worked in any color you prefer. All Coasters are worked flat with the Armenian Lock Stitch technique.
      • In two-handed colorwork, the foreground color (Yarn B), is always held in the left hand when knitting or purling.
      • Cast on and bind off with the background color (Yarn A) as indicated by the chart.

      With Yarn A, CO 33 sts with the long-tail cast on method.

      Row 1 (RS): Pick up Yarn B and k first row of chart with both yarns, catching floats every third stitch.

      Row 2 (WS): P across with both yarns, making sure CC (Yarn B) shows on the RS, and catching floats every third stitch.

      Rep these two rows while working chart, rotating the float catches by one on every row. BO all sts with standard bind off.

      Finishing

      Block and weave in ends. Glue felt backing to center of coaster. Whip Stitch around all selvedges.  


      Armenian Lock Stitch - two hands

       

      Whip Stitch Finishing

       

       

      I was inspired to try out this technique after reading this updated version of a 1927 pattern from Schoolhouse Press:

       https://www.schoolhousepress.com/media/wysiwyg/bowknotsweaterforknitters.pdf

       

      Enjoy!

       

       

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