Needlecrafts - Knit, Basic Pint-sized Cardi

Large image | Mamy Factory, Paris
Inset image | Le Petit Bateau

A simple, yet stylish cardigan is another basic garment pattern that's a must not only for adults but also for children.
A cardigan is the perfect, soft layer for kids. They're comfortable, easy to move in and every child should have these in their wardrobe, just like mommy.
The featured pattern, like the basic cap-sleeved cardi, lends itself to many different types of yarns and looks.
Use up your ends and make a striped style, a tweed for fall and of course cotton.
Also, like the basic cap-sleeved cardi, you are knitting the body in one piece. Easy peasy and a great shower gift.
Choosing different stitch patterns for this simple garment will give the beginner practice with their knitting skills.
If you are a crocheter, finishing all the edges with a scalloped edge or make simple eyelet holes for small buttons.
Read further for schematics, pattern, buttonhole tutorials, finishing tips and other helpful sites.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knitting a Side to Side Basic Top

Image | here
Note: this pattern has been adapted from the pattern on Kat Coyle's Blog

Another interesting basic top you can add to your library is knitted from side to side. There are several reasons for liking this pattern.
The basic garment style, a sleeveless shell takes on a totally new appearance by adding panels.
Knitting in a variety of yarn types can also create contrast in texture.
Add bottom panels and you have tunic length. Add the collar panel and you have a funnel neck. Folded in half, the collar has a more traditional look.
Basically you are knitting two squares for the body. That's it! Again, you can't get any easier than that.
Create directional dimension by knitting texture patterns that have a stripe effect. Look to the many rib stitch patterns for this effect.
Different colours for the panels create visual excitement such as marls or variegated with solids.
Heavy textured yarn on top in stocking stitch and smooth yarn for bottom panels in garter or moss stitch.
Once more, the possibilities are endless.

Read further for pattern, style and finishing tips and helpful sites.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knitting the Basic Top

Image | Phildar 16

Having a library of adaptable, basic garment patterns is something I've always believed to be useful.
The first of these basic garments is the cap sleeve top.
This pattern can be made in cotton or cashmere, take you from winter to summer and is ideal for layering.
The pattern itself is very simple and if you read further, I've rendered four different possibilities for this style.
Basically you are knitting the body in one piece. Presto, a top! You can't get any easier than that.
Knitting short or long sleeves makes it different. Choose different colours for the front and back breaking the colours at the shoulder. You now have a colour blocked top.
Choosing different stitch patterns also differentiates the garment parts. Stocking stitch bottom, garter yoke. Garter sides, moss stitch middle panel.
The possibilities are endless.

Read further for pattern, style and finishing tips and helpful sites.

Continue reading...