This week, it’s back to the afghan squares. Over the next several weeks, you are going to be given different patterns that you can incorporate into an afghan. You will knit each pattern into a square and when you have the desired number, you can sew them together. Not only will you have a finished attractive piece of beauty and practicality, but you will have learned various patterns that can be used in sweaters, scarves, dresses, skirts, Afghans, etc. Each pattern stitch will have a number for purposes of identification.

I will intersperse these various patterns with other items for variety.
What you must decide is how wide and how long you want each square; also what size needles you wish to use. I recommend size 8 or 9. You will need to do a swatch of each pattern before beginning your square so that you know how many stitches to use to get the width you want. Use the same size of yarn in various colors of your choice - 4 ply worsted weight is recommended.
Each square will have a black border. This sets the squares off really well and when you sew them together, gives it a nice finished look. Each square will be started in the same way with a border incorporated as part of the square. Remember that you must add 4 stitches when casting on to be used for the border.
Intarsia method: When joining two colors of yarn, always pick up the new yarn from under the yarn just used to avoid holes.
THIS IS TO BE USED WITH EACH SQUARE. Begin by casting on the required number of stitches in black and knit 2 rows. Always knit two stitches in black before beginning pattern row and knit the last two stitches in black. Use a separate ball of black yarn on left hand side, and on both sides, use the intarsia method to join the border stitches and pattern stitches.
This week, I‘m giving you directions for two squares.
Square No. 2. Horizontal ribbing or Welting (Often called Quaker stitch). Any number of stitches.
Row 1: knit. Row 2: purl. Row 3: knit. Row 4: knit. Row 5: purl. Row 6: knit.
Starting with row 1, repeat these six rows.
Square No. 13. Brioche Stitch, any even number of stitches.
Set up row - Do not repeat: *yo, slp, k1, repeat from * across.
Working row: *yo, sl1p, k2tog (the stitch and the yo), repeat from * across. Repeat this working row throughout.
This square will look the same on both sides.
On both squares, repeat the designated rows until you have the desired length. Knit 2 rows in black and cast off.
I will be teaching a knitting class in my home the last Saturday in October from 9:30 to 11 a.m. If you wish to attend or if you have any questions, please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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