Patterns clockwise from top left:
​Bracklinn Crop
Crosshill Cardigan
Loch Katrine Shawl
Corrieshalloch Top
Corran Cami

Patterns clockwise from top left:
Summer Lace Tank
Pollokshaws Cardigan
Sineabhar Shawl
Mabie Forest Shawl
Chance Inn Cardigan

We're having a little mini sale to celebrate Valentine's Day! Our three most heart filled patterns are half price with coupon code VALENTINE24.

Here's a wee description of each of the patterns..... 

Loveheart Crop is a super cute cropped tee with little "double nupps" that look just like hearts. It's a yoked top, but worked from the bottom up (so the hearts aren't upside down!) There are nine sizes to keep things inclusive, and it's the perfect Spring knit in 4ply yarn.

Rather than lace, this time the hearts are stranded colourwork. Fairisle Hearts is a top down, seamless yoked sweater with a classic fairisle design. Just like Loveheart Crop, there are nine sizes to choose from.

Another fairisle design, my Alpinist Hot Water Bottle Cozy is incredibly quick to knit in super chunky yarn. Always a great option for gift knitting, a true heartwarmer!

My new pattern, Crosshill Cardigan, is live! It's a top down, seamless waterfall cardigan designed for miniskeins (but still beautiful in a single colour). The main colour is Mulberino Yak 4ply in navy and the contrast colours are a set of Mulberino Shfades, both from Orchidean Luxury Yarns.  The cardi comes in nine sizes, to fit chests approximately 28-60". It's open at the front so there's a bit of leeway between sizes. 

The cardigan is worked from the top down using a modified raglan construction before splitting for the sleeves and body at the underarm. The body is worked down to the hem before picking up the sleeves stitches and working down to the cuff. We work a series of eight bands of lace from top to bottom, these could be worked in eight different colours, maybe one contrast colour, or the whole cardigan could be worked in a single colour.
 
And what's the inspiration behind the name? Crosshill is the area in Glasgow where my parents stay, and a firm favourite of my daughter. This makes it one of the few places where I’m able to get any knitting done while she’s awake!
​

I made a post on 1st Jan looking at trends for garment designs on Ravelry, so I thought I’d do a follow up for accessories. I really love looking at data and hope this is useful for my fellow knitwear designers as well as people just deciding what to knit next!

 I used Ravelry’s “hot right now” pattern search, filtered for accessories, only paid for patterns and “new to Ravelry”. I feel like free patterns skew the results – they’re not necessarily “hot” because of the pattern but because of the price tag! I included “new to Ravelry” this time as well. When I did my garment design trends post at the start of January I didn’t do this and I think I got a lot of patterns which have been at the top of Ravelry for months if not years, rather than reflecting current trends.

I only looked at the top 50, so this is more of a snapshot than a definitive study, but I think it gives a good picture of what’s popular right now.

There are definitely categories that I think I could break down further – knit and purl in particular covers a huge range of fabric types from simple stocking stitch to complex textured patterns. When I wrote the post analysing garment trends, I only included one fabric type per garment because there were so many other variables (fit, neckline, sleeve length, hem length….). For accessories, I only had a main category, then one layer of refinement – e.g. neckwear is the main category and that’s refined into scarf, triangular shawl, cowl etc. So I felt like I had more bandwidth to include more detail on the fabric type. I assigned two fabric types to each accessory (if required). This meant I could have e.g. lace and cables rather than picking the more prominent one. I also broke down colourwork into stranded, mosaic, stripes etc.

Broad Garment Types

• Neckwear 52%
  
• Headwear 52%
  
• Socks 18%
  
• Hands 6%
  
• Torso 4%
  

Yarn Weight

• 3ply 12%
  
• 4ply 30%
  
• Sport 12%
  
• DK 36%
  
• Worsted 2%
  
• Aran 4%
  
• Bulky 2%
  
• Super Bulky 2%
  

Fabric Type

• Colourwork 38%
  
• Knit and Purl 18%
  
• Lace 15%
  
• Cables 13%
  
• Textured 12%
  
• Brioche 3%
  

Colourwork Type

• Stranded 50%
  
• Stripes 20%
  
• Slip Stitch 15%
  
• Modular 10%
  
• Woven 5%
  

Number of Colours

• One 48%
  
• Two 34%
  
• Three 8%
  
• Four 4%
  
• Five plus 4%
  
• Choice 2%
  

• Neckwear
  
• Triangular Shawl 42%
• Cowl 23%
• Rectangular Shawl 8%
• Scarf 8%
• Neckerchief 8%
• Collar 8%
• Crescent Shawl 4%

Headwear

• Hat 60%
• Balaclava 20%
• Headband 20%

Torso

• Cape 50%
  
• Poncho 50%
  

Hands

• Fingerless Mitts 67%
  
• Mittens 33%
  

There were a lot more complex fabric types than I found in the garment trends -lots of colourwork, textured patterns, lace and cables. I think this must be because there’s such an abundance of free basic accessory patterns out there, if you’re going to pay for an accessory pattern, you want it to be something special. Whereas even basic sweaters are normally “pay for” – a lot of work goes into grading for multiple sizes and getting the fit right for even a stocking stitch sweater. Neckwear was most popular – this is always great for gifting, one size fits all, versatile in terms of what stitch patterns you can use or which weight of yarn.

The yarn weights that turned up most often were fingering and DK weight – these accounted for two thirds of all patterns. This is maybe a little surprising given the time of year – I do love aran and chunky weight accessories when it gets really chilly. I think it’s explained by the nature of the fabrics – lace and especially colourwork often work better with finer yarns. A chunky cowl with a stranded fairisle pattern might be simply too bulky to be comfortable. If I hadn’t filtered out free patterns I think there would be a lot more heavier weight yarns in simpler stitch patterns.

Colourwork is in! Over half of the patterns used more than one colour, and over a third used colourwork techniques (stranded colourworks, stripes, slip stitch, modular colourwork and woven knitting). The most popular colourwork technique was stranded colourwork by a large margin – fairisle is definitely on trend for Winter 23/24.
The three most popular categories, with each type making up 10% of the patterns surveyed, were:

Colourwork socks
Cabled/Textured Headwear
Colourwork Cowls
 
While neckwear is the most popular category overall, colourwork is definitely the most used fabric type. Since it’s easier to work colourwork in the round it makes sense for colourwork cowls to be so popular. The next two most popular categories, each at around 7% of patterns surveyed were:

Lace Socks
Lace Triangular Shawls

I wonder if this also ties in with the kind of yarn people were gifted – I know if I’m ever asked what yarn I’d like as a gift I ask for 4ply or laceweight since you only need one skein to make an accessory. Although I have been known to ask my parents for a sweater quantity of aran weight yarn, I wouldn’t ask anyone else to splash out potentially £100 on a gift! Then these lighter weight yarns lead to pattern sales for delicate lace designs. Just a thought!

We've just released our Bracklinn Sweater pattern and had a little extra yarn left over. The mornings have been a little bit chilly here in Glasgow so I decided to knit up a new hat. This took less than two days to knit up and that's while working and looking after a toddler - so super speedy! 

I knitted that Bracklinn Sweater pattern while the wee one was just a new born (I actually started it when I was nine months pregnant) and now she's nearly 18 months. It just goes to show how busy new mums are, not much time for pattern writing!! Although now that her sleep's settled down I'm getting a bit more done in the evenings, that first year sleep deprived year just went past in a blur! The Bracklinn Sweater buttons up the sides for easy breastfeeding (or medical device access), although we give instructions for a button free version too. It's available in nine sizes to fit bust 30" to 62", it's top down and totally seamless and knits up super quickly in gorgeous Illimani Yarns Amelie. It's inspired by our Bracklinn Crop - which might be a better option for those in a climate warmer than Scotland!

But that's enough shameless promotion of the paid -for sweater pattern!! Here's the instructions for the free hat pattern:

Suggested Yarn: Illimani Yarns Amelie
Colourway Grey (56% silk, 40% alpaca, 4% merino) 150 m/164 yds per 50 g skein:
One skein required 150 m/164 yds
 
Dimensions 
Size S (M, L)
Circumference: 51 cm/20.5" (58 cm/23", 64 cm/25.5")
Height before decreases 17.5 cm/7" (20 cm/8", 22.5 cm/9") 
 
Needles: 6 mm/US 10 dpns/75 cm/30” circular needle for magic loop or as required to achieve correct gauge, 5.5 mm/US 9 dpns/75 cm/30” circular needle for magic loop.
 
Gauge: 14 sts and 20 rows = 10 cm/4” in stocking stitch with 6 mm/US 10 needles after blocking.
 
Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, one stitch marker for end of rnd.

Notation
k: knit
p: purl
st(s): stitches
rnd: round
CO: ​cast on
pm: place marker
k2tog:  knit the next two stitches together
yo: bring yarn over needle
3-3 gather: k3tog without slipping them off the left needle, then yo, k3tog into the same three sts. Slip the 3 sts off the left needle

Lace Pattern
Rnd 1: *k1, yo* to end of rnd.
Rnd 2: *k1, drop yo from previous rnd* to end of rnd
Rnd 3: *3-3 gather* to end of rnd*
Rnd 4: *k1, yo* to end of rnd
Rnd 5: *k1, drop yo from previous rnd* to end of rnd

CO 72 (81, 90) sts using a knitted cast on or your preferred method. Join in the rnd ensuring sts are not twisted and pm for beginning of rnd.
Rnd 1: k1, p1 *k2, p1* to last st, k1.
Repeat rnd 1 13 (15, 17) more times for 14 (16, 18) rnds of ribbing.

Now knit every rnd for 5 (6, 7) rnds.
Work lace pattern for 5 rnds.
Knit for 3 (4, 5) rnds.
Work lace pattern for 5 rnds.
Knit for 5 (6, 7) rnds.
Hat should measure 17.5 cm/7" (20 cm/8", 22.5 cm/9")  from cast on edge. If you prefer a longer, slouchier hat then just knit every rnd until desired length is achieved.
​Now work decreases as follows:
Rnd 1: *k7, k2tog* to end of rnd.
Rnd 2: knit
Rnd 3: *k6, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 4: knit
Rnd 5: *k5, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 6: knit
​Rnd 7: *k4, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 8: knit
Rnd 9: *k3, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 10: knit
Rnd 11: *k2, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 12: *k1, k2tog* to end of rnd
Rnd 13: *k2tog* to end of rnd.

Cut working yarn leaving a 25 cm/10" tail, thread this through all the remaining sts to secure them, pull tight and sew firmly into the inside of the hat. I like to sew over the little hole at the top a couple of times before weaving in the loose end on the inside of the hat.

​Block if desired and you're ready to go!

Here's one last picture of  our Bracklinn Crop pattern that inspired it all!!

We’ve just released our Glen Shiel Cardigan knitting pattern! It’s classic cardigan with a pretty lace pattern and a cosy shawl front. The lace pattern is simple and straightforward, and it knits up fast with DK yarn and larger needles. This is a perfect winter warmer – one you’ll want to snuggle up in every day! Available in eight sizes to fit bust from 30 – 60”.
 
This cardigan is worked in one piece from the hem up to the underarms, then stitches are divided and we work the two fronts and the back separately, then we rejoin fronts and back with a three needle bind off at the shoulder. Pick up stitches round the armhole for sleeves which are worked flat and seamed, and to finish off pick up stitches round the front of the cardigan for a shawl collar. Shown in size 85-90 cm/34-36” on a model with 34” bust.

Here's the nitty gritty details:
Yarn: Wool and the Gang Sugar Baby Alpaca (100% Baby Alpaca 116 m/127 yds per 50g) DK weight
Colourway: Margaux Red
Meterage 850 (950, 1125, 1290, 1500, 1690, 1930, 2150) m
Yardage 935 (1045, 1240, 1420, 1650, 1860, 2130, 2365) yds
 
Dimensions (Metric)
To fit bust: 75-80 (85-90, 95-100, 105-110, 115-120, 125-130, 135-140, 145-150) cm
Across Back: 40 (45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75) cm
Length Armpit to hem:46 (46, 49, 49, 52, 52, 55, 55) cm
Upper Arm Circumference: 30 (35, 35, 40, 40, 45, 45, 50) cm
Sleeve Length 48 (48, 51, 51, 54, 54, 57, 57) cm
 
Dimensions: (Imperial)
To fit bust: 30-32 (34-36, 38-40, 42-44, 46-48, 50-52, 54-56, 58-60)”
Across Back: 16 (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30)”
Length Armpit to hem:18.5 (18.5, 19.75, 19.75, 22, 22, 23.25, 23.25)”
Upper Arm Circumference: 12 (14, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20)”
Sleeve Length 19 (19, 20, 20, 21.5, 21.5, 23, 23)”
 
Needles: 5 mm/US 8, 100 cm/40” circular needle, set of 5 mm/US 8 DPNs or spare 5 mm/US 8 circular needle
 
Gauge: 16 sts and 26 rows = 4”/10 cm in main lace pattern after blocking.
 
Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, holder or waste yarn for holding live stitches.
 
It’s available on Etsy, Ravelry and here on our website.

We’ve also got a fab test knitting opportunity!

Dip in the Lily Pond is a pretty hat pattern in an unusual stitch pattern. A versatile knit with a wide range of sizes from newborn to adult large, and three colourwork options letting you create beautiful and unique hats for every occasion. Perfect for using mini skeins or leftover odds and ends of sock yarn too! The pattern uses dipped stitches which look just like waterlilies, hence the name of this pattern.
 
To find out more, visit our group on Ravelry. If you’d like to test knit but you’re avoiding Ravelry due to their ongoing issues with accessibility, please get in touch via email. Go to our homepage and click “contact” at the bottom of the screen.
 
For current test knitters, here’s the tutorial video:

Techniques
Joining bound off and cast on edges
This cushion is knit in the round, sewn up along the top, blocked, a cushion pad inserted, and then sewn up along the bottom. I sewed the top and bottom up as follows:

Lay cushion cover flat, with beginning of round at the right. We will join the first stitch at the front right with the first stitch at the back, then the second stitch at the front with the second stitch at the back etc. until all front stitches are joined to the back stitches.

To do this, thread a darning needle with a long thread in colour C7. Secure the thread to the wrong side of the cushion at the beginning of the round by sewing over one spot a few times. Then bring the needle behind the first stitch at the front from right to left, then behind the first stitch at the back from right to left (as you look at it). Pull the thread tight. Then bring the needle behind the second stitch at the front from right to left, then the second back stitch from right to left, pull the thread tight. Keep going across from right to left until all stitches are joined.