Knitting 12 Knitted Mitered Squares to Mix & Match Modular Mix ™ Edie Eckman Build mitered squares one by one to create a beautiful afghan! Simple stitch combinations • Easy-to-follow diagrams and instructions 121083 Modular Mix ™ Edie Eckman T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s 3 Mixed Miters 6 Modular Mix Afghan Module 2, 11 Module 1: Garter Square page 12 12 Module 2: Garter Square With Stockinette Stitch Center 13 Module 3: Garter Square With Yarn Overs 14 Module 4: Stockinette Square 15 Module 5: 2x2 Ribbed Square 16 Module 6: Slip Stitch Square 17 Module 7: Rectangle With Stockinette Stitch 18 Module 8: 4-Mitered Square 19 Module 9: Partial Garter Square 20 Module 10: Garter Stitch & Eyelets Square Module 5, 21 Module 11: Seed Stitch Square page 15 22 Module 12: Garter Welts Square General Information 23 Abbreviations & Symbols 24 Standard Yarn Weight System 25 Knitting Basics 26 Meet the Designer 26 Special Thanks Module 3, 27 Photo Index page 13 Module 10, Module 11, Module 6, page 20 page 21 page 16 22 Modular Mix M i x e d M i t e r s Mitered squares make compelling knitting. They can needle. Three sizes of blocks are given. Numbers for be done quickly and often without a lot of thought, the small block are given first, with numbers for the yet there are terrific design possibilities. Even novice medium and large blocks in parentheses. knitters can get into the act, using nothing more The beginning numbers for each module vary complicated than knit stitches and k3tog decreases. depending on the stitch pattern used in that The basic idea is simple: The cast-on edge creates module. While it would be easiest if the beginning two sides of a square, then double decreases at numbers were the same for each size module, you the center of the knitting bends the cast-on edge, would find that the characteristics of the stitches creating an approximately 90-degree corner. in that example might make the module smaller or The result is that the selvage edges become larger than others with the same number of stitches. the other two sides of the square, but the more This isn’t a problem with using the same module for exciting result is that simple stripes and other stitch an entire project, but it can be challenging when patterns also turn into right-angle designs. Mix in mixing stitch patterns modularly. Therefore, in this simple stitch patterns and you have even more booklet each of the 12 modules has been designed design options. to result in a piece that is roughly the same size so that they can be mixed and matched. Furthermore, putting the mitered pieces together is a breeze! For the most part, you can simply pick up stitches from existing shapes and continue knitting. This booklet provides 12 basic mitered designs, each in three sizes, as well as various decrease options, suggestions for color choices, and tips for making each mitered creation your own. Finally, the Modular Mix Afghan pattern brings together many of these techniques in one large project. Materials You can use any type of yarn for mitered knitting, although the weight of the yarn and your needle size will of course affect your gauge and the drape of the fabric you make. In most cases straight needles or circular needles used for knitting back and forth will work, although for Module 8 you’ll need a set of five double- point needles. As you start to make the modules, a locking/opening stitch marker or two will be useful, although after you become familiar with the techniques you may find you don’t need them as often. Gauge & Module Size With mitered knitting, gauge is often stated by giving the size of an entire module, rather than by stitches and rows. All sample modules were made using worsted-weight yarn and a size 9 (5.5mm) Modular Mix 3 As a rule, modules that are predominantly garter Because of stitch patterning, some modules require stitch or seed stitch begin with 13 (26, 52) stitches that this starting number be a certain multiple per side, plus one (or more) corner stitch(es). of stitches on each side. For example, Module 6 Modules that are predominantly stockinette stitch, requires beginning with a multiple of 4 plus 1 slip stitch or ribbing need a few more stitches and stitches. This could be 9, 13, 17 stitches, or any thus begin with 14 (28, 56) stitches per side, plus one multiple of 4, plus 1: 4 x 20 = 80 stitches, plus (or more) corner stitch(es). 1 = 81 stitches. The three sizes presented in the book are based Techniques on using a worsted-weight yarn (CYCA 4-Medium) It’s helpful to be familiar with several different types and size 9 (5.5mm) knitting needles. Sizes are of cast-ons and double decreases in order to be able approximate. to choose the best one for a particular circumstance. The finished sizes are: Long-tail cast-on: The long-tail cast-on creates a Small square = 3 x 3 inches stable edge for beginning the first square. The first row after the cast-on will be a wrong-side row (see Medium square = 6 x 6 inches page 25 for directions). Large square = 12 x 12 inches Cable cast-on: The cable cast-on is a good choice Your gauge and module size may be different based for adding stitches to existing stitches already on on your yarn and the number of stitches you choose the needle (see page 25 for directions). to begin with. Purl cable cast-on: In constructing mitered pieces that are connected, often you will need to cast on Changing the Number of Stitches stitches so that the wrong side (purl side) of the The instructions for each module below tell you how cast-on is facing. This is where the purl cable cast-on many stitches to begin with, as well as the number comes in. of stitches for each side, but it’s easy to change the number of stitches you begin with if you understand *With RS facing, insert the RH needle from back to a little about the construction of the squares. front between the first 2 sts on LH needle, yo and draw a new st through between the existing sts; With the exception of Modules 7 and 8, the place new st onto LH needle; rep from * for desired cast-on or beginning number is made up of number of cast-on sts. one corner stitch, plus two sides with an equal number of stitches. To figure the number of stitches Decreases per side, just do a little math. Take the beginning Each type of decrease described below creates a number, subtract one corner stitch, then divide the slightly different look. Experiment with all of them resulting number by two to get the number to see which you prefer. You may like the look of an of stitches per side. all-garter stitch decrease, created by keeping the 105 cast-on stitches – 1 corner stitch = 104 stitches centered mitered stitch as a knit stitch on both right- and wrong-side rows, or you may prefer to purl the 104 stitches ÷ 2 sides = 52 stitches per side mitered stitch on wrong-side rows to create a more Module 7 has two short sides and one long side that prominent stockinette stitch “spine” along the miter. is twice as long as each short side, so 106 cast-on Using a stitch marker in the center stitch of the miter stitches – 2 corner stitches = 104 stitches and moving it up on each row will help you keep 104 stitches ÷ 4 sides = 52 stitches per short side track of where to put the decreases. 52 stitches x 2 = 104 stitches per long side Knit 3 together (k3tog): Knit next 3 sts tog, yo and draw the new st through all 3 sts; drop 3 sts from Module 8 has four sides and four corners, so 212 LH needle. cast-on stitches – 4 corner stitches = 208 stitches When worked on the right side, this double decrease 208 stitches ÷ 4 sides = 52 stitches per side creates a right-leaning decrease on the right side. 4 Modular Mix P3tog (purl 3 together): Insert needle pwise into The first module of any project will, of course, next 3 sts tog, yo and draw the new st through all require you to cast on the full number of stitches, 3 sts; drop 3 sts from LH needle. but from that point on, you’ll be picking up stitches from existing modules. To pick up stitches from When worked on the wrong side, this double existing blocks, with right side facing, pick up one decrease creates a right-leaning decrease on the side’s worth of stitches from the upper edge of one right side. block, pick up one stitch in the corner between PDD (purl double decrease): Slip next 2 sts one at existing blocks, then pick up the remaining side’s a time kwise, insert LH needle from right to left into worth of stitches from the edge of the next block. these same 2 sts and slip them back to LH needle In the examples in this book, sometimes you’ll be tog, p3tog. matching stitch-for-stitch and row-for-row in your This double decrease is usually worked on the wrong pick-ups, but sometimes you will have to adjust the side. It is a centered decrease, leaning to neither the pick-up rate to be able to pick up the right number left nor the right; viewed from the right side, the of stitches, depending on which block you are center stitch remains in the front center of the two working. Sometimes you’ll be casting on a portion decreased stitches. of the stitches, then picking up stitches from an existing module. Other times you may be picking up S2pp (slip 2, purl 1, pass slipped sts over): Insert RH stitches from an existing module or modules, then needle from left to right into back loops of next 2 sts casting on additional stitches. tog and slip them to LH needle, p1, pass 2 slipped sts over the purl st. Directionality This is another centered double decrease worked on The most prominent feature of a mitered module is the wrong side. As in the PDD, when viewed from the direction of the diagonal line of decreases. With the right side, the center stitch remains in the front the exception of Modules 7 and 8, all of the modules center of the two decreased stitches. Use either have a single diagonal line that runs from the center the s2pp or the PDD, whichever you find easiest of the cast-on or beginning stitches outward. to execute. You can change the direction of this line by choosing S2kp (slip 2, knit 1, pass slipped sts over): Slip to pick up and work stitches not just from the lower next 2 sts tog kwise, k1, pass 2 slipped sts over and left edges, but from other directions as well. the knit st. Look at these examples. The red line indicates the stitches that were cast on or picked up, while the This double decrease is worked on the right side and black arrow shows the direction of the miter. creates a centered double decrease on the right side. If you purl the center stitch on the wrong-side rows, The Modules you’ll get a stockinette stitch miter on the right side. Instructions for the modules are included on the Note that if you use the stockinette stitch miter, following pages, along with tips and construction you may find that the “spine” gets a bit too long in notes unique to each one. The photographed samples comparison with the stitches around it. If so, just take are all size medium. ● an extra decrease somewhere along the way. Working From Previous Modules One of the great things about mitered modules is that they can be picked up and knitted from existing modules. No seams needed! The arrangement of shapes and the order in which you knit them will offer different situations that require either casting You can change the direction of this line by choosing to pick up and work stitches not just from on stitches, picking up all stitches from existing the lower and left edges, but from other directions as well. Look at these examples. pieces, or some combination of picking up and The red line indicates the stitches that were cast on casting on stitches. or picked up, while the arrow shows the direction of the miter. Modular Mix 5 M o d u l a r M i x A f g h a n This Afghan uses all the module shapes and sizes together on one colorful project. If you find you don’t like a particular color choice or module placement, choose another. There are plenty to choose from, or use your own colors to craft this one-of-a-kind afghan. Slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over Skill Level (s2kp): Slip next 2 sts tog kwise, k1, pass 2 slipped sts over to dec 2 sts. Finished Measurement Special Technique 48 x 60 inches Purl Cable Cast-On: *Insert needle from back to front between first 2 sts on LH needle, yo and draw a Materials new st through between the existing sts; place new • Plymouth Yarn Encore (worsted st onto LH needle; rep from * for desired number of weight; 75% acrylic/25% wool; cast-on sts. 200 yds/100g ball): 4 balls each purple #452 (A), red #453 (B), Pattern Notes pumpkin #175 (C), green #462 (D) Afghan is worked in sections, picking up stitches • Size 9 (5.5 mm) needles or size needed from previous squares. Read general instructions to obtain gauge for mitered blocks before beginning. • Size 9 (5.5 mm) double-point needles (set of 5) for Module 8 There are 20 large Blocks (A–T) in the afghan; • Locking stitch markers some of these blocks are a single large module, while others are made up of a number of small and medium modules. Refer to the assembly diagram Gauge and block detail diagram for the order of knitting 17 sts and 34 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in garter st. the pieces. The first several blocks are described 17 sts and 26 rows = 4 inches in St st. in detail, while subsequent blocks are presented graphically. Refer to photo for color sequence, or Small square = 3 inches; medium square = 6 inches; create your own. large square = 12 inches. In the block detail diagram, the number in each To save time, take time to check gauge. block refers to the Module number (1–12) and the letter refers to the size (S, M, L). The red line indicates Special Abbreviations the beginning stitches of the module, while the Knit 3 together (k3tog): Knit 3 sts tog. black line indicates the direction of the miter. Knit 5 together (k5tog): Knit 5 sts tog. Block A Purl double decrease (PDD): Slip next 2 sts one Long-tail cast on 105 sts for large size. at a time kwise, insert LH needle from right to left into these same 2 sts and slip them back to LH Work Module 2 to end, changing colors as indicated needle, p3tog. in photo or making your own color choices. Purl 3 together (p3tog): Purl 3 sts tog. 66 Modular Mix Modular Mix Block B This block is made up of several small- and medium- sized modules. It is one of the more challenging ones to work because it includes many different modules, but it helps you to understand the way the rest of the afghan is structured. After this block, you’ll find the others easy to work. Refer to the block detail diagram (page 10); the small red numbers indicate the order in which the modules are worked, as described below: 1. Pm halfway up right edge of Block A. Long-tail cast on 26 sts, pick up and knit 1 st at lower right corner of Block A, pick up and knit 26 sts evenly spaced to marker, remove marker—53 sts for Module 3 medium size. Pm in center st and move it up each row. Work Module 3 to end. 2. Pm at right edge of Block A, halfway between previous module and top edge of Block A. With RS facing, beg at center top of previous module, pick up and knit 14 sts along top edge of previous module, pick up and knit 1 st in corner, pick up and knit 14 sts evenly spaced along Block A to marker, remove marker—29 sts for Module 4 small size. Work Module 4 to end. 3. With RS facing, beg at upper right corner of previous module, pick up and knit 13 sts along top edge of previous module, pick up and knit 1 st in corner, pick up and knit 13 sts evenly spaced along Block A to corner—27 sts for Module 1 small size. Work Module 1 to end. 4. Pick up and knit 14 sts along rem top edge of first module in this Block, pick up and knit 1 st in corner, pick up and knit 14 sts to corner—29 sts for Module 11 size small. Work Module 11 to end. 5. Pick up and knit 13 sts along top edge of previous module, pick up and knit 1 st in corner, pick up and knit 13 sts to corner—29 sts for Module 5 size small. Work Module 5 to end. 6. Pm halfway up right edge of medium module. Long-tail cast on 13 sts, pick up and knit 1 st in lower corner of module, pick up and knit 13 sts evenly spaced to marker, remove marker—27 sts for Module 1 size small. Work Module 1 to end. 7–9. Continue in this manner to work three additional small modules. 10. Long-tail cast on 13 sts, pick up and knit 1 st in corner of last module, pick up and knit 26 sts along top edge of 2 small modules, pick up and knit 1 st 8 Modular Mix in corner, pick up and knit 13 sts in next module small module; pick up and knit 1 st in corner, pick up to corner—54 sts for Module 7 size small. Work and knit 26 sts along remaining side of Block C— Module 7 to end. 106 sts for Module 7 medium size. 11. Beg at center top of previous module, pick up Blocks E & F and knit 13 sts along top edge of previous module, Refer to block detail diagram (page 10) and module pick up and knit 1 st in corner, pick up and knit 13 explanations to add Blocks E and F. sts evenly spaced along Block A to corner—27 sts for Module 1 small size. Work Module 1 to end. Block G 12. Beg at corner of Module 7, pick up and knit Pms at top center of Block C and at center of right 13 sts along top edge of module, pick up and knit edge of Block F. Beg at a point halfway between 1 st in corner, pick up and knit 13 sts along previous marked st on Block C and corner, and using dpns, module to corner—27 sts for Module 1 small size. pick up and knit 13 sts to corner, pick up and knit Work Module 1 to end. 1 st in corner, pick up and knit 26 sts evenly spaced to marker; turn, Purl Cable Cast On 54 sts, pick up Block C and knit 1 st at center top edge of Block C, pick up Long-tail cast on 56 sts, pick up and knit 1 st in and knit 13 sts to beginning—108 sts for Module 8 corner of Block B, pick up and knit 56 sts evenly size medium. Work Module 8 to end. spaced along edge of Block B—113 sts for Module 6 Work rem modules in this block in the same manner. large size. Work Module 6 to end. Blocks H–T Block D Continue, referring to block detail diagram and 1. Pms 1/4 and 1/2 the way up right edge of Block C. module explanations to add Blocks H through T. Long-tail cast on 40 sts, pick up and knit 1 st at lower right corner of Block C, pick up and knit 13 sts evenly Finishing spaced to first marker, remove first marker—54 sts Weave in ends. Steam block lightly. ● for Module 7 small size. Work Module 7 to end. 2. Beg at center top of previous module, pick up and knit 13 sts along top edge of previous module, pick up and knit 1 st in corner, pick up and knit 13 sts evenly spaced along Block C to marker, remove marker—27 sts for Module 9 small size. Block Block Block Block Work Module 9 to end. Q R S T 3. Beg at upper right corner of first module, pick up and knit 13 sts along top edge of rectangle, pick up Block Block Block Block and knit 1 st in corner, pick up and knit 7 sts evenly spaced along previous module to corner, turn; Purl M N O P Cable Cast On 6 sts—27 sts for Module 9 small size. Work Module 9 to end. Block Block Block Block 4. Long-tail cast on 26 sts, pick up and knit 1 st in I J K L Block Block Block Block corner, pick up and knit 20 sts along side edges of Q R S T rectangle and small square; turn; Purl Cable Cast On Block BBloclkocBklock BBloclkocBklock Block 6 sts—53 sts for Module 11 medium size. Work M N O P E F G H Module 11 to end. Block Block Block Block I J K L 5. Long-tail cast on 26 sts, pick up and knit 1 st in Block BBloclkocBklock BBloclkocBklock Block upper right corner of previous module, pick up and E F G H A B C D knit 26 sts evenly spaced across top of medium- Block Block Block Block module; turn; Purl Cable Cast On 6 sts, turn; pick up A B C D and knit 7 sts evenly spaced along top of first small AFGHAN ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM module; turn; Purl Cable Cast On 6 sts, turn; pick up AFGHAN ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM Work blocks in order shown, starting with and knit 7 sts evenly spaced along top of second Block A and ending with Block T. Work blocks in order shown, starting with Block A and ending with Block T. Modular Mix 9