The Ladies' Knitting and Netting Book

Small Feather Pattern

Cast on any number of stitches that will divide by 13. Begin with the thread forward knit 1 stitch, bring the thread forward knit 1 stitch, thus increasing 2 loop stitches, knit 2 stitches taken together, twice, knit 1 stitch, this is the centre stitch of one stripe, decrease twice, increase twice, and repeat these 13 stitches all round. Knit 3 rounds. Repeat these 4 rounds.

Double Eyelet Knitting

Cast on any number of stitches that will divide by 7. Begin with the thread forward, knit 1 stitch, decrease by taking 2 stitches together, knit 1 stitch, decrease 1 stitch, increase 1 stitch, repeat these 7 stitches all round, and knit 2 rounds plain. Repeat these 3 rounds.

Gouty Shoes

For the sole cast on 10 stitches and knit 3 rows. Knit on, increasing 1 stitch near the middle of every alternate row until you have 20 stitches. Increase every 4th row, until you have 24 stitches. Knit 12 rows. Increase twice, 1 stitch in every 5th row. Knit 8 rows. Decrease 4 times in every 4th row. Decrease 8 times, 1 stitch in every 2nd row; twice, 1 in every 4th row. Knit 4 plain rows. Increase 9 times, 1 stitch in every 4th row. Decrease 4 times, 1 stitch in every 4th row. Decrease 3 times, 2 stitches in every 2nd row. Decrease 2 stitches in every row until only 5 stitches are left, which are to be cast off.

This is to be knitted with very coarse cotton, wound double, and needles No. 16.

For the upper part cast on 11 stitches, with needles No. 8, and coarse lambs’-wool; increase 2 stitches in every row until you have 25 stitches. Increase 2 stitches in every other row until you have 31, then 2 stitches in every 3rd row until you have 37. Knit 2 rows plain. Knit 12 stitches backwards and forwards until long enough for the quarter. Cast off 13 stitches and knit the remaining 12 backwards and forwards, to correspond with the other side. Sew up the back and fasten in the sole on the wrong side.

To increase and decrease in Double Knitting

In double knitting you cannot very well increase oftener than every 3 rows, as you do not complete the increase in less than 3 rows. In the 1st row knit 1 stitch behind wherever you wish to increase; in the 2nd row do the same to the stitch adjoining, and in the 3rd row when you come to the increase, knit 1 stitch, and pass the next upon another needle, bring the thread forward slip a stitch and replace the one from the 3rd needle, knit it, and continue the row. You will perceive that you cannot increase less than two stitches at once.

Decreasing in double knitting can be done in 2 rows. In the 1st row knit 2 knitting stitches together passing the farther one over the intervening stitch, bring the thread forward and slip 2 stitches (instead of 1). In the 2nd row 2 knitting stitches will come together, knit them taken together. You cannot decrease less than 2 stitches at once.

Double Knitted Soles

Cast on 14 stitches, knit in double knitting 2 rows, increase 2 stitches in 3 rows (as directed in the preceding pattern) until you have 24 stitches. Knit 6 rows, then decrease 2 stitches every 2 rows until you have but 10 stitches left. Knit 8 rows. Increase until you have 20 stitches. Knit 6 rows. Decrease 2 stitches in 2 rows until you have 12 stitches left, decrease 4 stitches in 2 rows twice and cast off the remaining 4 stitches.

Lambs’-wool Boot

Cast 32 stitches on each of 3 needles, knit round 2 stitches plain and 2 ribbed alternately until it is 4 inches long, then take another coloured lambs’-wool and knit 2 rounds of 2 stitches plain and 2 ribbed, decrease in the middle of one needle 1 stitch on each side of a rib for 20 rows; knit 3 inches more without decreasing, then 2 inches with the 1st color, 1 inch with the 2nd, and fasten off by drawing the lambs’-wool through 2 stitches at a time and knotting it. Sew up the boot at the bottom.

Baby’s Lambs’-wool Cap

Cast on 60 stitches. Knit 3 or 4 rows plain. Knit about 20 turns in double knitting; this will make it 14 inches in length and 7 inches in depth. Knit 12 turns plain and 10 turns double knitting. Knit 2 or 3 turns plain knitting, reducing the number of stitches so as to form the crown. Fasten it up a little way behind, turn back the first part of double knitting, and run a ribbon through it.

Baby’s Hat

Cast 2 stitches on each of 3 needles; knit 2 rounds. Knit 1 round increasing at the back of every stitch. Rib 2 rounds. Knit 1 round increasing at the back of every stitch, and 1 round without increase. Rib 2 rounds. Knit 1 round increasing 3 stitches on each needle, and 1 round plain. Rib 2 rounds. Knit and rib 2 rounds alternately, always increasing 3 stitches on each needle in the 1st plain knitted round, until you can count 7 ribbed welts. Knit 2 rounds and rib 2 rounds alternately without increasing any more for 15 welts. Knit round increasing 5 times on each needle, knit 1 plain round. Continue to knit and rib in the same manner increasing 5 stitches on each needle in the 1st knitted round until the brim is broad enough, perhaps about 13 welts, and cast off.

Have the hat made very stiff, and dried on a shape.

Baby’s Stockings

Cast on 25 stitches; knit a row, increase a stitch at the end. Knit 3 rows increasing at the end of each. After this increase, at the end of every other row only, until there are 36 stitches on the needle. Take off 14 stitches on a 3rd needle and knit the 22 that are left (beginning at the sloping side) backwards and forwards until there are 10 ridges, cast on 14 stitches and make this side like the other by decreasing. When this is done, put the 14 stitches on the needle again, take up 10 stitches in the middle and 14 at the side, knit 4 rows. Knit 2 stitches, increase a stitch, knit the rest increasing again in the last stitch but two. Knit 4 plain rows. Increase as before; continue to knit 4 plain rows and to increase 2 stitches in the 5th until there are 50 stitches. Knit 4 rows and decrease every 5th until there are 40. Purl and knit every alternate 2 stitches for 14 rows; finish with 4 plain rows. When knitted, the stocking must be sewn up and a ribbon run through it to tie it round the ankle.

Baby’s Gaiters

Cast on 18 stitches; knit a row; knit a row increasing a stitch at the end; knit a row. Knit a row increasing 1 stitch at the end. A plain row. Increase every other row until there are 30 stitches on the needle. Knit 18 beginning from the sloping side, (take off the remaining 12 on a third needle,) knit backwards and forwards until there are 10 ridges, cast on 12 stitches and decrease in the same proportion as you increased to make the sides match. When the foot is finished, take the 12 stitches from the 3rd needle, take up 10 stitches in the middle and 12 on the side and knit the legging as in the last pattern. Sew it up and bind the foot with white ribbon.

Baby’s Spencer

Cast on 12 stitches, knit 8 rows, counting the casting on row as one. In the 8th row make 2 holes, (1 near the straight side and one in the middle of the row) by bringing the wool forward and knitting 2 stitches together. Increase a stitch at the end of this row and every 4th row afterwards, until you have 22 stitches. Knit 8 rows, at the end of the 8th row decrease a stitch; knit 4 rows and decrease again at the end of the 4th; after this, decrease every other row until there are only 14 stitches: knit a row and cast off. This is one side of the back; make the other to match it.

The front. Cast on 64 stitches, knit 16 rows, making holes in the 8th row as before directed, then increase by making 2 stitches in 1 six times every other row, about 14 stitches from the beginning and end of the row. Knit a row. Knit 6 stitches backwards and forwards decreasing a stitch every other row (with the needle on which the other stitches are) until only 2 are left; cast them off: if the wool be left loose it need not be broken off. Knit the stitches on the needle and make the other end like that which is finished. Knit 28 rows, gradually decreasing until only 36 stitches are left; then knit 12 stitches backwards and forwards for 24 rows, cast off the 12 stitches and repeat the same at the other end of the row. Sew on the backs, take up the stitches down the back, knit 6 rows and cast off. On one side leave holes for the buttonholes. Take up the stitches round the neck, knit 4 rows, make holes for the string, knit 4 rows and cast off.

The sleeve. Cast on 16 stitches. Increase gradually until you think it wide enough; decrease towards the wrist, knit and rib 2 stitches alternately for about an inch, and finish with 4 plain rows.

Baby’s Stays

Cast on 204 stitches. The 6 first and last stitches are knitted every row: knit and rib the rest, knitting 6 stitches then ribbing 6. Knit 60 rows, ribbing those stitches in 1 row which were knitted in the last. After 60 rows have been done, knit and rib 60 stitches, and, instead of finishing the row, turn back and cast off 6 stitches, knit and rib the rest. Decrease 1 stitch at the beginning of the next row (consisting of 54 stitches), rib and knit it. Knit and rib the next row. Decrease at the beginning coming back. Repeat the last 4 rows. Then cast off 12 stitches, knit and rib the rest. Decrease 1 stitch, rib and knit the others. Cast off 12 stitches, knit and rib the rest. Decrease 1 stitch, knit and rib the rest. Cast off 6 stitches, rib and knit the rest. Knit and rib the row. Cast off 6 stitches, knit and cast off the 12 remaining. One side of the back is now finished. Begin to knit with the stitch next to the last of the 6 cast off under the arm. Knit and rib 90 stitches, turn back and cast off 6, knit and rib the rest. Decrease 1 stitch at the beginning of every row until 76 stitches only are left. Decrease 1, rib 6, knit 6, rib 6, knit 6. Cast off 24, rib and knit the remainder. Decrease 1, rib and knit the rest. Cast off 6, knit and rib the rest. Decrease 1, rib and knit the rest. Cast off 6, rib and knit the rest. Rib and knit 12, cast off 6. Knit these 6 stitches backwards and forwards for the shoulder strap. Make the other side of the front and back to match, bind the stays with ribbon, and sew on strings.

Baby’s Sock

To appear like a shoe and stocking. Eight steel needles, 4 No. 14, and 4 No. 20, and fine German lambs’-wool are required.

Cast 14 stitches on one of the coarse needles, with double lambs’-wool, knit 14 turns, loop 12 stitches on the same needle, 28 on the second and 12 on the third, and pick up the 14 loops on the cast on side of the piece of knitting; you will now have 80 stitches in all on the needles. Knit 6 turns, decrease 1 stitch at the end of each row until you have only 70 stitches. Decrease 2 stitches in the middle of the row, knitting 1 plain stitch between; continue thus decreasing 2 stitches for the heel in the centre of every row, and one at the end for the toe, until you have 60 stitches left. Decrease 2 stitches in the middle, divide the stitches in halves, 29 on each needle, and join it by knitting the two rows together ending at the toe. Pick up 14 loops on the instep, and 56 round the top of the shoe, with a different color knit one round and cast off; this is to look like the binding, and completes the shoe.

For the stocking use the fine needles and single wool. Take up 14 stitches on the instep, behind the chain stitch (or coloured binding). Knit 1 plain row taking up a stitch from the side and knitting that and the last stitch together. Purl 1 row knitting the last stitch and a side stitch together. Knit the next row, bringing the wool before the needle every stitch and knitting 2 stitches taken together. Knit these last 2 rows alternately until you have 12 rows of holes, remembering to take up a stitch at the side and knit it with the last stitch. Then take up 34 stitches round the shoe, behind the chain stitch, continue the pattern as on the instep, when you have 12 rows of holes above the binding, knit 1 plain round adding a stitch after every third stitch, making in all 64 stitches, knit 12 rounds of knitting, and purling 2 stitches alternately. Cast off. Make a small rosette of ribbon, and sew it in front of the shoe.

Netted Curtain

With a mesh 1 inch wide net 130 stitches. 195 rows will complete the curtain.

Moorish Brioche or Cushion

Choose any number of colored wools, or if preferred, two that contrast well. Two needles, No. 12.

Cast on 60 stitches, bring the wool forward, slip a stitch, knit 1, (by this you increase by a loop stitch,) bring the wool forward, slip a stitch, knit 1; repeat these stitches to the end of the row. 2nd row: bring the wool forward, slip a stitch, knit the loop made last row with the next stitch, bring the wool forward, slip a stitch, knit the loop and stitch together; repeat these stitches to the end of the row. Knit 6 more rows in the same manner, the stitch is the same throughout. Fasten on the 2nd color, bring the wool forward, slip a stitch, knit 1, bring the wool forward, slip a stitch, knit 1. Now instead of continuing the row, turn back. Bring the wool forward, slip a stitch, knit 1, bring the wool forward, slip a stitch, knit 1. Continue to increase the number you slip and knit by 4 every time, until all the 60 have been knitted. Knit 8 rows of the 1st color, and proceed as before. Twelve of these divisions will make the cushion large enough. Sew it up at the side. Net a fringe with double coarse lambs’-wool to the narrow part, and run in a string to tie it tightly together under the fringe. Make a round cushion, and cover it with the knitting.

A Blanket

Cast on 30 stitches; knit a few plain rows for the edge; then begin with the wool forward, slip 1 stitch taking it under so as not to twist it, knit 1 stitch, repeat these 2 stitches to the end of the row, and you will find you have increased 15 stitches; repeat this row with this only difference, that in future you knit the loop and stitch under it together.

These strips done in squares of different colors are very pretty.

Blanket in strips

Cast on 32 stitches, knit 7 rows common knitting; then begin double knitting,5 knitting 4 stitches plain on each side for a border, knit about 24 rows, knit 8 rows plain and then double knitting again; continue these squares until the piece is long enough. It is very pretty if the squares are done in different colors.

Netted Lace

Begin on a straight foundation with a mesh No. 16. Of course the number of stitches will depend on the length that is wished for. 216 will make about a yard.

Net 24 plain rows. Take a mesh ¼ of an inch wide, or a trifle wider, net 3 stitches in the 1st stitch, pass 2 stitches, net 5 stitches in the next, pass 2, and net 5 stitches in every 3rd stitch to the end of the row. Take the small mesh and net every stitch you have increased as a single stitch, and finish with another row on the small mesh.

Puff Netting

Begin your netting on a foundation that will divide by 10. Net 9 stitches, net 9 stitches in the 10th; repeat to the end of the row. Net 3 rows, 1 stitch in every stitch. In the next row (which will make the 5th from the increase), take the first 9 stitches as 1 stitch, net the following 9 stitches, repeat to the end of the row. Begin again.

A Cool Night-cap

Begin on a round foundation of 71 stitches; net 3 plain rounds. In the 4th round, net 5 stitches, net 5 stitches in the 6th stitch; repeat this all round. Net 2 rounds, netting one stitch in every stitch. In the next round take the 5 plain stitches as one, net 5 stitches, repeat all round. Begin again with the 4th round (increasing 5 stitches after the decrease). When the cap is deep enough net one round putting the cotton twice round the mesh; run a ribbon in at the top and bottom, and tie the top string tight.

Suspenders

Cast on 18 stitches, and knit about 6 rows in double knitting with the thread once round the needle, knit 9 stitches, take off the other 9 on another needle, and knit the first 9 backwards and forwards until it is long enough for a button-hole; take back the cotton and knit up the other 9 until both are even, (the loop which is left from carrying the thread down can be sewn in afterwards); knit 6 more rows double knitting, and 2 rows double knitting with the thread twice round the needle. Knit 1 row of plain knitting, increasing 1 stitch in every 2, which will make in all 27. Then in the front row; knit the 2nd stitch first, drawing it over the 1st, knit the 1st, knit the 4th and 3rd, 6th and 5th, and repeat the same to the end, which will be 1 knitted stitch. Back row; purl the 1st stitch, taking 2 stitches together as if you were going to decrease, but pick up again the stitch nearest to the right hand and purl it: repeat this to the last stitch, which is to be purled. Repeat these 2 rows until you think it long enough, then begin double knitting, decrease to 18 stitches again, knit about 2 inches and finish in a point.

These suspenders are firmer and less elastic than those given in the first series.

Parisian Net Knitting

This pattern is very pretty for a foot-muff, blanket, or sofa guard.

Take German lambs’-wool of two colors that contrast well; pink and white form a pretty mixture.

Cast on an even number of stitches, and with the white wool knit several rows before beginning the pattern. 1st row; fasten on the pink wool forward, knit the first stitch with the white wool, pass the pink round the needle bringing it forward again, and purl the next stitch with it; pass the purled stitch on to the left-hand needle and knit it with the white wool, knit 1 stitch with the white, pass the pink wool round the needle, purl 1 stitch and pass it back on to the left-hand needle, knit it and the following stitch with the white wool; continue the same to the end of the row. 2nd row; purl the white stitches with the white wool, and slip the pink loops, taking care not to twist them or change the side which is forward. 3rd row; knit the white stitches with the white wool and slip the pink loops. 4th row; purl the 1st stitch with the white wool, turn the pink wool (which is now behind) round the needle, and with it knit the pink loop and following white stitch taken together, slip the stitch on to the left hand needle and purl it with the white wool, purl 1 stitch with the white, pass the pink wool round the needle, and knit with it the pink loop and following stitch taken together, slip it on to the other needle and purl it with the white wool, repeat the same to the end. 5th row; knit all the white stitches with the white wool and slip the pink loops. 6th row; purl the white stitches with the white wool and slip the pink. 7th row; knit 1 stitch with the white wool, pass the pink wool (which is forward) round the needle and with it purl the pink loop and following white stitch taken together, observing to take the pink loop by the under side, slip the stitch on to the left hand needle and knit it and the following white stitch with the white wool; repeat the same to the end of the row: as the 7th row takes the place of the 1st, continue with the 2nd row.

Diamond Knitting

Cast on 14 stitches for each pattern. 1st round: knit 12 stitches, knit 2 taken together, and bring the cotton forward; repeat the same. 2nd round: knit 2 stitches taken together, knit 9, knit 2 taken together and bring the cotton forward, knit 1 and bring the cotton forward again. 3rd round: knit 2 stitches taken together, knit 7, knit 2 taken together, bring the cotton forward, knit 3, and bring the cotton forward again. 4th round: knit 2 stitches taken together, knit 5, knit 2 taken together, bring the cotton forward, knit 5, and bring the cotton forward again. 5th round: knit 2 taken together, knit 3, knit 2 taken together, bring the cotton forward, knit 7, bring the cotton forward. 6th round: knit 2 stitches taken together, knit 1, knit 2 taken together, bring the cotton forward, knit 9, bring the cotton forward. 7th round: knit 3 taken together, bring the cotton forward, knit 5, bring the cotton forward, knit 2 taken together, knit 4, bring the cotton forward. Begin again.

Four Patterns, for D’Oyleys, Toilet Covers, Baby’s Quilts, or Basket Napkins

Two needles, No. 22 or 23, and very fine knitting cotton.

Cast on a number of stitches that will divide into an even number of threes. Knit and rib 3 stitches alternately for 3 rounds. In the next 3 rounds, rib and knit 3 stitches alternately.

Cast on a number of stitches as for the last pattern. Knit and rib 3 stitches alternately for 2 rows. The following rows begin so as to bring the first ribbed stitch over the last knitted: this is to make the ribbed and knitted ridges go in diagonal stripes.

Cast on a number of stitches that will divide by 10. Knit 1 stitch, rib 9, repeat the same to the end of the row. 2nd row: rib 1 stitch, knit 7, rib 2. 3rd row: knit 3, rib 5, knit 2. 4th row: rib 3, knit 3, rib 4. 5th row: knit 5, rib 1, knit 4. 6th row: knit 4, rib 1, knit 5. 7th row: rib 4, knit 3, rib 3. 8th row: knit 2, rib 5, knit 3. 9th row: rib 2, knit 7, rib 1. 10th row: rib 9, knit 1. Begin again.

Cast on an even number of stitches. 1st row: knit every stitch with the cotton twice round the needle. 2nd row: begin by dropping one twist of the 1st stitch, knit the rest of this stitch with the 1st twist of the next, taking them together; finish the row, knitting 2 threads taken together, knit the last stitch. Begin again.

Mazaniello Cap

Cast on 30 stitches. 1st row is purled. 2nd row, slip the 1st stitch and knit the row taking two stitches together to the last stitch which knit. 3rd row; slip the 1st stitch, purl the next, raise a loop between this stitch and the next and purl it, repeat these 2 stitches to the end. 4th row; knit plain. These 4 rows form one stripe of diamonds. Take the second colored wool and purl 1 row, repeat the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rows. Repeat these 8 rows until you have 15 stripes of diamonds in each colour: Cast off.

Pick up 60 stitches on the side of the piece you have been knitting; (i. e. 2 in each stripe of diamonds). Take first the 2nd color and afterwards the 1st, and repeat the 4 rows as given above, until you have 7 stripes of one color and 6 of the other. Cast off loosely. This piece, when the cap is finished is wrong side outwards as it is to be turned up all round.

To finish the crown, pick up 60 stitches on 3 needles and with the 2nd color repeat the pattern, observing that its right side must be the right side of the cap, (consequently the wrong side of the piece at the bottom). In the 4th round reduce 1 stitch in every 4. Repeat the pattern with the 1st colors. In the 4th round, knit 2, knit 2 taken together, repeat to the end of the round. In the 4th round of the 3rd round of diamonds reduce every other stitch. In the 4th round of the 4th round of diamonds, thread a worsted needle with the wool and pass it through all the stitches, draw them up tight and fasten off.

The cap may be finished with a cord and tassel to match in colors, or with a tassel only.

Muff, in Spots or Stars

Two wooden needles, No. 10, and for a small muff 1 ounce of blue and 1 ounce of black fleecy. Double that quantity for a large size.