She pulled out an almost-completed sweater worked from the top-down, along with her knitting pattern. “I’m all ready to start binding off, but I’ve never encountered this particular phrase before,” she said, pointing to the last line. I took a closer look at the pattern and saw the words, “bind off in pattern.”

Unless otherwise stated, most patterns work on the assumption that you will bind off in the normal way, where you knit two stitches, then pass the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle, and repeat. This works great for lots of stitch patterns, especially stockinette. However, with stitch patterns that incorporate a mix of knit and purl stitches, it can look a little bit disjointed. For example, take a look at the photo below. Here, I used Maya to knit a swatch with a knit 2, purl 2 rib and worked the standard bind off:

If I bind off in rib, instead of knitting every bind off stitch, the bind off will more closely match the stitch pattern. So, for binding off a knit 2 purl 2 rib, you would work each as if you were still ribbing. You would knit the first two stitches, pass the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle, then purl the next stitch instead of knitting it. By continuing to purl the purl stitches from the rib, and knit the knits, the bind off will blend in more easily with the rest of the ribbing:

In most cases, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. Depending on the pattern, you may end up preferring the look of a standard bind off versus binding off in pattern. Don’t be afraid to try both and see which one you like better. It’s nice to have options!

It is SO great to see all of the newest patterns right there, front and center on the pattern search page. I am very visual. Give me pictures over words for speed and ease of use (and here I am going on and on in words….) BUT, what if you are searching for something in particular?  What if you are looking for an easy pattern for a crocheted hat? There are hundreds of patterns and dozens of pages to scroll through. It’s time to explore the powerful search tools on the left hand column of our search page.

To find an easy crocheted hat, I’ll first check off crochet in the “Type of Pattern” category.

Under “Project Type,” I’ll go for hats/scarves/gloves. I love that the list tells me how many items are in each category and it changes with each new choice I make. Plus, I see that the results (all the photos on the right) update instantly.

I’ll skip a few categories and check off easy under “Skill Level.”  I’m down to 26 choices, which is a manageable number to choose from.

Ok, I’ve found the hat pattern I want (it’s Peel, BTW).  Now I am looking for a knit bag and I’m planning to use Berroco Ultra Alpaca (my favorite yarn). I’ll want to reset all filters and start over.

Let’s see – “Type of Pattern” – knit, “Project Type” – bags, “Yarns Used” – Ultra Alpaca (I need to put my cursor over the yarn list and scroll down  to find that one), I can skip yarn weight since I already determined the actual yarn (but that could come in handy in another search), Since I’m down to 18 results, I’m skipping the last 3 categories as well, but be sure to check them out.

Here are my results:

I really love Aho , but it’s a tight race between Aho and a bag I designed my first year at Berroco, Brea.  I also like the tongue in cheek aspect to Signature bag, which sports subtle B’s (for Berroco).

What will you be searching for?

Melody’s latest design is the oh-so-sweet Strawberry Shorts Set made with Berroco Comfort Chunky available as a knitting or crochet pattern! Either way, it’s a great project for beginners that works up quickly because of the thicker yarn!

Tell us how you came up with this design? 


knit version

Last summer, I found a hat box with a strawberry design all over it that I knew would be perfect for newborn photos. I never could seem to get the right inspiration for a matching outfit, though. This year as I was going through all my summer props, I picked it back up and just knew I had to make a Strawberry Shorts Set…kind of like Strawberry Short Cake!

What was the process like? 


Doing both a knit and crochet version is always fun – I love laying the two finished pieces next to each other and picking out what I like more about each one. I always find myself wishing there was a great way to combine the two and take the best of each.

What’s your favorite project you’ve ever made?

I have a really hard time choosing a favorite project. One that does stand out to me, though, is my Boho Baby Hat and Pants Set. I love working with thin yarn on huge needles or hooks! I’ve always been a fan of those lacey looking projects.

crochet version

Any knitting disaster stories?

When I first started knitting, I had no idea that patterns even existed (which may be why I got into the designing mode). I set out to make my new nephew a baby blanket with very little knowledge and no pattern. I ended up with something that looked like a table runner with very large holes in it where I had dropped stitches. I still gave it to my nephew though I think my in-laws thought I was totally crazy to be handing them this ratty table runner as a blanket for their new baby!

What’s your favorite thing about knitting?

My favorite thing about knitting is that feeling of accomplishment you get after finishing a project. That’s probably why I focus on baby and children designs…they go so much faster. It is so fun to have a vision and be able to see it through on my knitting needles. I was never a very creative, or artsy person growing up, so I feel like knitting has opened a whole new world of creativity for me.

So many of you fell in love with Dori Kershner’s Cabana Blanket last week…now three of you will get to crochet one of your own! Congratulations to Leda, Renee Zinck & Christine H. Please contact me (apalumbo@berroco.com) within the next week to claim your prize!

Elle.com 

I love the shape and fluidity of this oversized top from Isabel Marant.  It looks like this top is filet done with a fine thread.  Maybe we can capture some of the feeling of the piece – the different blocks of pattern and the size and shape  with knitting and of our spring yarns. Our piece will look quite different, probably unrecognizable, but this beautiful top has my brain churning.  We’ll keep this on file as a styling inspiration too. The tank and shorts are really nice with a loose knit top.  Sometimes runway looks don’t translate well to everyday, but this look certainly does.

I’m blown away by the neckline on this dress by The Row. I often admire the look of a halter neckline, but stop short of incorporating one in a sweater design because its use is so limited.  A halter is great if you are very young or on the beach but otherwise it’s not going to fly with most knitters. I love the combination of halter and fluttery sleeves here.  I am pretty sure I’ll find a way to incorporate this idea into the Spring ’14 pattern collection.

Style.com

The latest collection from Donna Karan (Resort 2014) has so many inspiring pieces, none of them knitwear. I love the diagonal seaming on this dress and I can see imitating the lines in a tank top or fitted tee.  I’ve sketched over my screen to give an indication of what I am thinking. The length would change a bit and I’ll have to decide  on a lot of details, like finding the right stitches to make the idea knitable.

You might have noticed that not all of these inspirations are from the latest season. I’m still finding great inspiration from the Spring ’12 and ’13 runways even thought we are designing for Spring ’14.  Our goal is to make patterns that seem modern and new, while being something you’ll wear for many years to come.

How do you feel about runway fashion?  Do you love trolling for what’s new?

Though it’s an extremely popular stitch pattern, stockinette stitch has a natural tendency to curl in on itself ( my swatch knit in Fuji, pictured above,  is already curling! ). It doesn’t mean the knitter has done anything wrong – it’s just what stockinette does. Sometimes, this can be a design element. Overby’s neckband is just five rounds of stockinette left alone so it will roll, creating a nice casual effect. Brail, our stripey summer scarf, is worked entirely in stockinette, allowing it to roll in on itself and keep the wrong side of the fabric hidden.

Left to right: Overby and Brail

If rolling is not desired, the most effective option for controlling it is to edge the stockinette with a stitch pattern that lies flat (like garter stitch or ribbing). The edging will need to be substantial enough to counteract the natural pull of the curling, so you’ll need more than just a couple of rows. Trial and error is the best way to determine how many rows of edging will be required to control the roll. Some yarns will curl less than others, since both construction and fiber content directly affect the amount of spring and bounce in a yarn. Your stitch gauge will also impact the amount of curling. If you knit very loosely on large needles, the fabric will curl less than if it’s knit tightly on small needles.

One final step that can control stockinette curling is blocking. Steaming or wet blocking your knitting can help relax the curl and flatten out the fabric. This can really help if you’re preparing to seam garment pieces worked in stockinette. The curling may not be completely eliminated, but blocking can loosen the rolling and make it easier for you to sew the seams.

The super fashionable shape of Espenson is also super easy to knit.  Knit  in one piece and mostly stockinette stitch, the minimal finishing and fun self striping yarn make it great as a first project.

Oriona is the perfect sweater for someone who wants something a little bit different. Stockinette stitch keeps it easy and the shaping is pretty simple. I like that there is no ribbing or added finishing.

Garter stitch is the ultimate in easy since you knit every row and don’t have to purl at all!  On top of that I happen to be crazy about the way it looks. Avocet -B is made entirely in garter stitch. There are some seams to sew in the end, but no added finishing. Knitting a garment in pieeces has the advantage of less to rip out when you find that your gauge wasn’t quite on or you goofed 5 rows down.

What did you knit as your first project?  Do you think I am crazy to recommend full sweaters to beginners?

The look and feel make this crocheted baby blanket perfect for a day at the beach. And you don’t have to worry about getting it dirty because Berroco Weekend is a machine washable yarn! The pattern alternates between a few basic stitches, so it’s interesting, but still easy enough for a beginner crochet project.

Cabana Blanket by Dori Kershner

Did you design this for anyone in particular?  

I designed it as a shop sample. We have noticed that crochet has gained popularity in the shop. Many of our knitters have learned to crochet. I wanted to create something that had more than one stitch pattern in it but was easy enough for a beginner. We always strive to inspire our customers with fresh designs, and this is one of them.

Any funny knitting stories?  

I’ve been known to get my yarn caught up in the occasional flight attendant and make its way down the aisle of an airplane. I also got stuck in an elevator once and was thrilled to have my knitting with me. It goes with me everywhere.  I’ve been caught knitting at traffic lights, on the beach, even on ski lifts!

If you could knit something for anyone in the world it would be?  

I WOULD LOVE to have Adam Levine (lead singer in Maroon 5 and judge on “The Voice”) commission me to knit him a custom-fit sweater! He seems to love wearing cardigans on the show.

What’s your favorite thing about knitting?  

I love having a portable hobby that I can do anywhere, at any time. Also, I LOVE finishing a project and having the tangible result of my efforts that requires nothing but my enjoyment!

Win a Cabana Blanket Kit!

Dori is giving away three digital copies of her Cabana Blanket pattern and Berroco will provide the yarn!

Enter to Win: Tell us what you like best about Dori’s design in the comments below.

Rules: Comments will be accepted through Thursday, June 13. Only residents of the U.S. and Canada are eligible to win. Winners will be announced on Friday, June 14 in our next Knitter’s Spotlight post. They will have one week to claim their prize.

Luckily, we have plenty of spares in the design office. I borrowed a pair, I wound my first hank and cast on (way too tightly, I might add).

Before I go any further, I should probably explain that this is not just my first time leading a knit-along…it’s my first knit-along period. So to recap, I have no needles and no experience. It should be an interesting month!

Let the KAL begin!

Things went more smoothly once I got into the pattern stitch. By the fifth row, I had a good rhythm going and I was even starting to predict the next step. I love this pattern! I hadn’t paid much attention to the design details prior to casting on, so I found it very unexpected but at the same time very logical. I’m also really enjoying working with Berroco Karma! It’s not my first tape yarn, but Karma’s mesh construction is so unique and interesting to work with.

I quickly noticed that I’d forgotten a k2tog.

I knit through the entire pattern once without issue and decided to do it once more before finishing for the day. I was at the end of row 19 when I realized I had four stitches remaining instead of two. I looked back and found my mistake – a missing k2tog in the second repeat. When it comes to lace or eyelet knitting, I’ve found I really have to say each stitch in my head to prevent ripping out. I hate ripping out lace! This way, I still forget the occasional yarn over, but when I say it the next time, I realize it’s been a while and find my mistake. I had started out this way, but I guess I got sloppy. More accurately, I was distracted by certain people in the design office (cough, Amanda) talking about food.

Here’s how my Herbie looks after two complete repetitions:

my Herbie

Are you planning to participate in the Berroco Karma Knit-Along? Check out the Berroco Lovers forum on Ravelry for more details. I’ll be posting regular updates and pictures I as work on my Herbie!

At its most basic, the difference lies in where the colors are in your pattern. If the colors run across the width of your knitting, you’ll be working stranded, or Fair Isle knitting. If the colors are more blocked off, and don’t show up throughout the row, then you’ll be doing intarsia knitting.

Stranded knitting is defined by knitting patterns in alternating colors, and stranding the colors not in use along the back of the fabric. Traditional Fair Isle knitting follows specific rules regarding how many colors are used, and are limited to only two colors per row. The term has since become looser over the years, and now often refers to any stranded knitting pattern. To give you an idea of what this looks like, here are a couple of our patterns that use stranded knitting techniques:

From left to right: Calico Blanket, Tolmie, Buss

In intarsia, a sizeable section of stitches are worked in only one color before changing to a new color, and it’s not necessary to strand the unused colors along the back of the fabric. Instead, you’ll have patches of color in certain areas. Here are some patterns featuring intarsia for reference:

From left to right: Moravia , Lukchun, Moderne

Working either stranded knitting or intarsia is an easy way to step up your knitting skills – it adds interest to plain stockinette and opens up a wide range of exciting possibilities! When you’re ready to start trying out either of these techniques, be sure to check out our how-to videos, Stranded Basics and Intarsia Basics, for extra guidance.

When the first grandchild arrived about two years ago, the team at Berroco was in the middle of putting together Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Babies and Toddlers. I managed to whip up a pile of prototypes of what became the Orangelo bib. I made them different sizes by starting with one less stitch in each segment for each size.

Just a few months later, a second baby had me knitting a Solaria blanket (from the same book). I knit the original sample for the book while I was designing it, and found the pattern to be kind of addictive. I knit the second one in Remix (instead of Comfort Chunky) for a change of pace.

Now, I am sadly quite behind on my baby knitting. The first two grandchildren are growing so quickly and I haven’t had time to knit anything else for them, yet.  Happily, they both have many other knitting and crocheting admirers and seem to have a good supply of hats mitten and sweaters to hold them over for quite a while.  For now, I am concentrating on knitting for another new arrival who came in April, and two babies due this summer!!!

When it comes to deciding what to knit for a little one, there is so much to choose from on the Berroco site!

Knitted toys are a good option—beloved favorites that could easily become cherished keepsakes as children grow up.  Or I may just surprise everyone by going back to the craft I learned first and crochet a blanket.  This one, called Butterfly Blanket, was inspired by a depression era quilt made from old dresses and flour sacks.

To learn more about the inspiration behind the Comfort Baby book, check out the gorgeous video Amanda and I made together providing a bit of background about the design process.

Even though we featured this about a year ago, I think it’s worth repeating!