Littletheorem
  • Home
  • Shop
  • About
  • Blog
  • Newsletter
  • Home
  • Shop
  • About
  • Blog
  • Newsletter
Search

Tiny Hoop 1 - Knit your own Artwork

3/17/2025

8 Comments

 
Picture
My Tiny Hoop 1 pattern is live! A beautiful piece of textile artwork that knits up in around an hour. It combines short rows, lace stitches and open space to make a gorgeous piece of hoop art. Using less than 30m of laceweight yarn, this is perfect for using up odds and ends from a larger lace project.
I’ve always thought of lace knitting as an art form. A light and delicate shawl with complex stitch pattern, knitted with skill over many hours, certainly seems to meet the definition of artwork- it’s juts wearable too. I’m taking this a little bit further with my Tiny Hoop series and delving into the world of fibre arts.
 
I’ve used Meadow Yarn’s Bray Lace for this piece, in colourway “A Whisper Woven Through It”, it’s a handdyed silk mohair blend that I also used for my Suilven Cowl. The shine of the silk and halo of mohair is the perfect yarn for showing off the delicate lace stitches. Any laceweight yarn would work well though! I’m all for a bit of anti-consumerism and this is a great pattern for using up what you’ve already got in your stash.

Picture
​Here's all the pattern details for this knitted masterpiece:
 
Suggested Yarn: Meadow Yarn Bray Lace (72% Mohair, 28% Silk ) 420 m/460 yds per 50 g skein:
Colourway: A Whisper Woven Through It
Meterage: 25 m
 
Yardage: 27 yds
 
Dimensions
To fit 10 cm/4” embroidery hoop.
 
Needles: 3.25 mm/US 3 straight needles or as required to achieve gauge. We recommend sharp lace needles if using laceweight mohair.
 
Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows = 10 cm/4” with 3.25 mm/US 3 needle in stocking stitch after blocking
 
Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, pins and blocking board for finishing, 10 cm/4” embroidery hoop.
Skills Needed: knit, purl, yo, yo2, dropping yos, knitted and purled increases and decreases (k1fb, k2tog, ssk, p2tog, ssp), 3-3 gathered stitches (instructions given) cast on and bind off, working flat, and blocking.
 
I hope this inspires you to see knitting in a different way! You can find the pattern on Etsy, Ravelry and here on my website.
 


It’s available at a 50% discount with coupon code KNITART until midnight (GMT) on 24th March. Happy Knitting!
Picture
8 Comments

New Pattern Release - Goldenacre Cardigan

11/5/2024

6 Comments

 
A collage of pictures of Goldenacre Cardigan by littletheorem, lace panels down back, sleeves and fronts on a backdrop of twisted ribbing with a shawl collar
Goldenacre Cardigan is here! It's a top down lace cardi with a saddle shoulder construction and a cosy attached shawl collar. Knitted in cosy worsted weight yarn, this is the perfect autumn cardi. There are two lace designs, a wide panel running down the back, with mini versions running down the sleeves and fronts, all set of with neat twisted, slip stitch ribbing. I love how much this looks like brioche stitch - but much easier to knit! There are nine, size inclusive chest sizes, plus a choice of three body lengths and two sleeve lengths so there's lots of customisation for the perfect fit!

It's available at a 50% discount with coupon code GOLDEN50, valid until midnight (GMT) on 11th November.
A view of the back showing large lace panel and smaller lace panels down the sleeves.
Here are all the details:
​Suggested Yarn:
Malabrigo Rios (Worsted) (100% superwash merino wool)
192 m/210 yds per 100g skein. Colourway: Almond Blossom.
 
Meterage
Body Length 1: (490, 530, 560) [620, 655, 1005] {1105, 1150,
1205} m
Body Length 2: (710, 760, 810) [910, 955, 1215] {1335, 1400, 1460} m
Body Length 3: (845, 905, 965) [1090, 1150, 1530] {1685, 1765, 1845} m
 
Yardage
Body Length 1: (535, 580, 615) [680, 715, 1100] {1210, 1260,
1320} yds
Body Length 2: (775, 830, 885) [995, 1045, 1330] {1460, 1530, 1600} yds
Body Length 3: (925, 990, 1055) [1190, 1260, 1675] {1845, 1930, 2020} yds
 
Dimensions (Metric):
Size: (1, 2, 3) [4, 5, 6] {7, 8, 9}
To fit chest approximately: (70, 80, 90) [100, 110, 120] {130, 140, 150} cm with around 20 cm positive ease
Across Back Underarm to Underarm: (46, 49, 53) [61, 64, 68] {76, 79, 83} cm
Length Underarm to Hem, Body Length 1: (18, 17, 16) [15, 13, 27] {26, 25, 24} cm
Length Underarm to Hem, Body Length 2: (33, 32, 31) [29, 28, 37] {36, 35, 34} cm
Length Underarm to Hem, Body Length 3: (43, 42, 41) [39, 38, 52] {51, 49, 48} cm
Upper Sleeve Circumference: (30, 33, 36) [36, 40, 44] {48, 51, 55} cm
Sleeve Length from Underarm: 45 cm (with instructions for longer sleeves)
 
Dimensions (Imperial):
Size (1, 2, 3) [4, 5, 6] {7, 8, 9}
To fit chest approximately (28, 32, 36) [40, 44, 48] {52, 56, 60}” with around 8” positive ease.
Across Back Underarm to Underarm: (18, 20, 21) [24, 26, 27] {30, 32, 33}”
Length Underarm to Hem, Body Length 1: (7, 6¾, 6¼) [5¾, 5¼, 10¾] {10¼, 9¾, 9½}”
Length Underarm to Hem, Body Length 2: (13¼, 12¾, 12¼) [11¾, 11¼, 14¾] {14¼, 13¾, 13½}”
Length Underarm to Hem, Body Length 3: (17¼, 16¾, 16¼) [15¾, 15¼, 20¾] {20¼, 19¾, 19½}”
Upper Sleeve Circumference: (12, 13, 14½) [14½, 16, 17½ ] {19, 20½, 22}”
Sleeve Length from Underarm: 18” (with instructions for longer sleeves)
 
Needles: 5.5 mm/US 9 75 cm/30” circular needle or as required to achieve correct gauge, 4.5 mm/US 7 needles for cuffs only.
 
Gauge: 16 sts and 24 rows = 10 cm/4” in 1x2 Twisted Ribbing after blocking.
 
Extras: Crochet hook for weaving in loose ends, clip type stitch markers, stitch holder or waste yarn for holding stitches, you may find a row counter useful

PictureGoldenacre Cardigan by Littletheorem, showing details of lace pattern running down sleeves and fronts
6 Comments

New Pattern Release - Brocken Spectre

10/1/2024

6 Comments

 
Picture
My latest pattern, Brocken Spectre, is live! It’s a cropped cardigan with a gorgeous zigzag lace design at the shoulders. Knitted with a strand of silk blend 4ply and alpaca blend lace (Titus Fingering and Lowther Lace from Eden Cottage Yarns) gives a subtle shine, beautiful halo, and unsurpassed cosiness for the colder months. It’s totally seamless, knitted from the top down, has both charts and written instructions and comes in ten size inclusive sizes.
 
A Brocken Spectre is an optical illusion that you sometimes see at the summit of a mountain on a foggy day – your own enormous shadow in the mist with a rainbow halo. I’ve only seen one once! The zigzag of the lace pattern over the stocking stitch reminded me of misty mountaintops.

Brocken Spectre is half price with coupon code BROCKEN50, valid until midnight (GMT) on 7th October.
Picture

The knitty gritty...

Construction: We cast on stitches at the shoulders and work the lace pattern down the upper back before increasing for a little armhole shaping. Stitches are picked up at each shoulder for the fronts where we continue with the lace pattern and work armhole shaping to match the back. We then join all stitches at the underarms and work down to the hem, after making a zig-zag transition from lace to stocking stitch. Increases are worked at the inner edge of both fronts for a little extra cosiness! We pick up stitches around both armholes and work sleeves down to the cuffs. Cuffs, hem and front edges are finished with neat twisted 1x1 ribbing.

Suggested Yarns:
Eden Cottage Yarn Titus Fingering (75% superwash extrafine merino wool, 25% mulberry silk) 400 m/436 yds per 100g skein, colourway: Penine Mist held together with Eden Cottage Yarns Lowther Lace (75% Baby Suri Alpaca, 25% Mulberry Silk) 300 m/328 yds per 50g skein, colourway: Ink.
 
We recommend substituting any 4ply yarn (especially if it has a bit of a sheen) and a fluffy laceweight yarn such as a mohair/silk or alpaca/silk blend. Please check both gauges and adjust needle size as required.
 
Please note meterage and yardage are for both yarns, e.g. size 1 requires 470 m of fingering weight and 470 m of laceweight yarn.
 
Meterage: 470 (490, 525, 600) [680, 720, 760] {920, 975, 1015} m.
 
Yardage: 515 (535, 575, 655) [745, 785, 830] {1000, 1060, 1105} yds.
 
Dimensions (Metric):
Size: 1 (2, 3, 4) [5, 6, 7] {8, 9, 10}.
To fit Chest Circumference approx: 70 (75, 80, 90) [100, 110, 120] {130, 140, 150} cm.
Garment Chest Circumference: 86 (89, 96, 109) [114, 121, 128] {143, 152, 158} cm
Across Back Underarm to Underarm: 33 (36, 38, 42) [42, 46, 48] {53, 57, 61} cm
Front width level with Underarm: 26 (26, 29, 34) [36, 38, 40] {45, 48, 49} cm
Length Underarm to Hem: 30 (30, 30, 30) [33, 33, 33] {35, 35, 35} cm.
Upper Sleeve Circumference: 26 (26, 30, 35) [39, 44, 48] {53, 56, 61} cm.
Sleeve Length from Underarm: 40 cm.
 
Dimensions (Imperial):
Size: 1 (2, 3, 4) [5, 6, 7] {8, 9, 10}.
To fit Chest Circumference approx: 28 (30, 32, 36) [40, 44, 48] {52, 56, 60}”
Garment Chest Circumference: 34 (35½, 38, 43½) [45½, 48, 51] {57½, 60½, 63½}”
Across Back Underarm to Underarm: 13 (14½, 15, 17) [17, 18, 19] {21, 23, 24}”
Front Width Level with Underarm: 10½ (10½, 12, 14) [15½, 17½, 19] {21, 22½, 24½}”
Length Underarm to Hem: 12 (12, 12, 12) [13, 13, 13] {14, 14, 14}”
Upper Sleeve Circumference: 10½ (10½, 12, 14) [15½, 17½, 19] {21, 22½, 24½}”
Sleeve Length from Underarm: 16”.
 
Needles: 5.5 mm/US 9 75 cm/30” circular needle or as required to achieve correct gauge.
 
Gauge: 16 sts and 24 rows = 10 cm/4” in stocking stitch after blocking, 13 sts and 18 rows = 10 cm/4” in lace pattern (Chart/Written Instructions A) after blocking.
 
Extras: Crochet hook for weaving in loose ends, clip type stitch markers, stitch holder or waste yarn for holding stitches, you may find a row counter useful.
 
Pattern Difficulty: Moderate
 
Skills Needed: Work flat and in the round; knit and purl; knit into back loops, cast on and bind off; knitted and purled increases and decreases, yo’s, pick up and knit. 

Lace Pattern in Focus

You might recognise the lace pattern from my Aonach Cardigan, Suilven Hat and Cowl, Eyebright Shawl and Northumbria Shawl. It’s absolutely a favourite of mine. I do think it looks great in this yarn combination though, and it knits up quickly too!
Picture
Patterns clockwise from top left: Northumbria Shawl, Suilven Cowl, Aonach Cardigan, Eyebright Shawl and Suilven Hat.
6 Comments

Birthday Sale!

9/24/2024

2 Comments

 
collage of knitting patterns by Littletheorem Knits
The Littletheorem Knits Birthday Sale is here! All my patterns are half price with coupon code BIRTHDAY24, you can use it on Etsy, Ravelry, Payhip and my website until midnight (GMT) on 1st October. You’ll find lace, cables, colourwork, garments and accessories. Maybe something to knit for yourself for the colder winter months or get a head start on your gift knitting for the festive season!

Coming soon...

Picture
​Brocken Spectre is due for release next week! It’s a luxuriously soft cardigan with a stunning stitch pattern at the shoulders. Holding a strand of merino and silk 4ply yarn together with alpaca and silk blend laceweight yarn gives unsurpassed softness and a subtle shine. This works perfectly with both the open, airy lace pattern and simple stocking stitch.
 
A Brocken Spectre is an optical illusion that you sometimes see on foggy mountaintops – your own enormous shadow in the mist with a rainbow halo. I’ve only seen one once! The zigzag of the lace pattern over the stocking stitch reminded me of misty mountaintops
2 Comments

New Pattern Release - Spring Snowfall Sweater

9/17/2024

0 Comments

 
modern cable sweater knitting pattern
Spring Snowfall is finally here! A gorgeous top down, cabled sweater with a yoked construction. Striking cables look great with this five colour fade in DK yarn from Black Elephant Yarns, and would look lovely in a single colour too. There are instructions for nine sizes with two options for body length. It's seamless, worked in the round, with a little short row shaping in the yoke for the perfect fit.

And it's available at a 50% discount with coupon code SNOWFALL50, valid until midnight (GMT) on 23rd September.
five colour fade cabled sweater
I will never get bored of narrow, twisted stitch cables on a background of reverse stocking stitch, they look so good with any yarn. Even funky multicoloured yarns that look fab in the skein, but a bit rainbow-vomit when knitted up look great in this stitch. There are instructions on which row to change colours based on a five colour fade, so no guesswork involved.​
Cable knit pattern down sleeve
And here's the nitty gritty on construction method, materials, techniques, etc...

Construction
We work from the top down using a yoked construction. The cabled patterns have increases built in which are worked down to the underarm. Short rows are worked at the lower back yoke for an improved fit and extra stitches are cast on at the underarm. We work body stitches down to the hem with options for different body lengths, then work sleeve stitches down to the cuff.
 
Suggested Yarn:  Black Elephant Yarns Winter Fade DK
5 x 115g skeins 100% superwash merino 230m/251 yds
 
Total Meterage (Cropped Version): (575, 625, 640) [855, 900, 945] {1130, 1170, 1210} m
Total Meterage (Full Length Version): (680, 745, 800) [1000, 1060, 1115] {1315, 1375, 1465} m
Total Yardage (Cropped Version): (625, 680, 700) [930, 985, 1030] {1235, 1280, 1320} yds
Total Yardage (Full Length Version): (745, 810, 875) [1095, 1160, 1220] {1440, 1500, 1600} yds
 
Dimensions (Metric):
Chest Circumference: (77.5, 87.5, 97.5) [107.5, 117.5, 127.5] {137.5, 147.5, 157.5} cm
Yoke Depth: (19, 21, 22.5) [24, 25, 26] {27.5, 29, 30} cm
Length Underarm to Hem (Cropped Version): (34, 32.5, 30) [36, 35, 34] {37.5, 36, 35} cm
Length Underarm to Hem (Full Length Version): (40, 39, 37.5) [42.5, 41, 40] {44, 42.5, 42.5} cm
Upper Sleeve Circumference: (26, 29, 31) [35, 37.5, 40] {44, 46, 49} cm
Sleeve Length from Underarm: (44, 42.5, 47.5) [46, 45, 44] {47.5, 46, 45} cm
 
Dimensions (Imperial):
Chest Circumference: (31, 35, 39) [43, 47, 51] {55, 59, 63}”
Yoke Depth: (7½, 8½, 9) [9½, 10, 10½] {11, 11½, 12}”
Length Underarm to Hem (Cropped Version): (13½, 13, 12) [14½, 14, 13½] {15, 14½, 14}”
Length Underarm to Hem (Full Length Version): (16, 15½, 15) [17, 16½, 16] {17½, 17, 17}”
Upper Sleeve Circumference: (10½, 11½, 12½) [14, 15, 16] {17½, 18½, 19½}”
Sleeve Length from Underarm: (17½, 17, 19) [18½, 18, 17½] {19, 18½, 18}”
 
Needles: 4.5 mm/US 7 75 cm/30” circular needle or as required to achieve correct gauge.
 
Gauge: 18 sts and 28 rows = 10 cm/4” in stocking stitch after blocking.
 
Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, cable needle, clip type stitch markers, holder or waste yarn for holding stitches, you may find a row counter useful.
 
Pattern Difficulty: Moderate to fiddly. There are separate instructions for multiple sizes included in many of the lines of the pattern. I’ve tried to make this as clear as possible, but it is a complicated pattern.
 
Skills Required: Work flat and in the round; knit and purl; knit into back loops, cast on and bind off; knitted and purled increases and decreases, including knitting into back loops. Cable knitting including knitting into back loops, pick up and knit (instructions given), work short rows (instructions given).

Coming Soon....

Two new patterns are in the works, with a little bit of luck these will be released in October and November. Although with a five month old baby at home, delays are to be expected! 
Goldenacre cardigan fake brioche lace knitting pattern
I'm going a bit girly-girly for winter. Brocken Spectre is a super fluffy cardigan with a delicate lace pattern at the shoulders. It's knitted up with a 4ply silk blend and laceweight alpaca held together for an extra cozy, fuzzy, knitted hug. Goldenacre Cardigan is knitted up in a twisted slip stitch rib pattern, designed to look like brioche lace. It's got saddle shoulders for continuous lace from neckline to cuffs and an attached shawl collar for toastiness. Let nobody say I didn't prioritise toastiness. 
modern cable knit pattern

Aaaand, one last look at how stunning these cables are!
Remember to use coupon code SNOWFALL50 before 23rd September to get the pattern for half price!
0 Comments

New Pattern Release - Auldhouse Sweater

2/17/2024

0 Comments

 
Crew neck sweater knitting pattern with modern lace design
Auldhouse Sweater is live! It's a super simple, slightly cropped sweater with a gorgeous lace pattern, and it's 50% off with coupon code AULDHOUSE50.

Auldhouse is top down with short row shaping at the shoulders for the perfect fit. It's totally seamless with instructions for nine sizes - we always try to be size inclusive! There's advice on how to change the sleeve circumference and length too. The lace pattern looks impressive, but it's straightforward to knit. Cuffs, hem and the classic crew neck are finished with neat twisted ribbing

I normally name patterns for places I’ve visited recently – in the past it was usually mountains I’d climbed in my last adventure. Now at eight months pregnant, my patterns are being named after places closer to home. Auldhouse is just down the road from my house and the location of a fantastic toddler group – how times change!

 
Auldhouse Sweater is available at a 50% discount until midnight (GMT) on 22nd Feb using coupon code AULDHOUSE50 on Etsy, Ravelry, Payhip and the Littletheorem Knits Website.

Coming soon...

cabled sweater knitting pattern, five colour fade
Spring Snowfall Test Knit

This weekend we'll be looking for test knitters for this beautiful cabled sweater.  If you want to test knit, follow me on Instagram and watch out for the test call! 
0 Comments

Valentine's Day Mini Sale

2/12/2024

0 Comments

 
Knitting Pattern Hearts. Fairisle Hearts. Lace Hearts knitting patterns
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

Heart lace cropped tee knitting pattern
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.
heart shaped double nupps
Heart shaped double nupps

Fairisle Hearts Sweater

Heart pattern fairisle sweater knitting pattern
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.

Alpinist Hot Water Bottle Cozy

Fairisle heart knitting pattern
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!

You can find all these patterns on Ravelry as well, they're grouped into a Valentines Day Bundle. Use the same coupon code - VALENTINE24 for a 50% discount.
0 Comments

New Pattern Release - Crosshill Cardigan

2/8/2024

0 Comments

 
Crosshill Cardigan knitting pattern by littletheorem collage - a top down cardigan in 4ply yarn with lacy stripes
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. 
Picture
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!
​
Waterfall front cardigan knitting pattern using miniskeins
Crosshill Cardigan is available at a 50% discount with coupon code CROSSHILL50 until 15th February 2024.
0 Comments

New Pattern Release - Arnprior Cardigan

2/1/2024

0 Comments

 
Arnprior Cardigan knitting pattern by Littletheorem Knits
Arnprior is live! This super cosy cardigan is the perfect "quick to knit" pattern for winter wear. Living on Scotland's seemingly permanently cold and rainy west coast sometimes it seems like winter will never end, this is a great one to knit when you need something toasty and you don't want to spend a month knitting it! The simple but stunning lace pattern looks great at shoulders and cuffs,  and the twisted ribbing adds interest to an otherwise easy stocking stitch knit.

Arnprior Farm becomes a fabulous pumpkin patch in the Autumn and is a firm favourite of my daughter. This cardigan is so quick to knit that I managed to finish the bulk of it on the drive to and from Arnprior this year. The beautiful pink and orange tones of the yarn are perfectly reminiscent of sweet treats at the pumpkin patch.
Lace knitting with superchunky yarn
The cardigan is knitted from the top down. We cast on stitches across the upper back and work down to the underarm, knitting the lace pattern as we go and working armhole shaping at the outside edges. Then stitches are picked up at each shoulder and worked down to the underarm, with armhole shaping to match the back and increases at the inside edge too. There's a little twisted rib edging at the inside edge to stop the fronts curling.

Then we work all stitches down to the hem, and pick up stitches round the armholes for the sleeves. Hem and cuffs are worked in twisted 1x1 rib, and there's another repeat of the lace pattern at the cuffs too.
Superchunky lace cardigan knitting pattern
We've tried to be as size inclusive as possible here, so there are 11 different sizes so hopefully everyone can pick a cardigan that fits. We include guidance on ease and instructions on how to change the sleeve length.

There's a schematic showing all measurements and a disgram showing how to work the upper body too.
Twisted Rib edging on a superchunky knit cardigan
Arnprior is available at a 50% discount until midnight (GMT) on 7th February 2024 with coupon code ARNPRIOR50.
0 Comments

    Archives

    March 2025
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    March 2022
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    July 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018

    Categories

    All
    Accessories
    Baby
    Bump Pic
    Colourwork Knitting
    Coupon Code
    Cropped Knits
    Data
    Discount Code
    Finished Object
    Free Patterns
    Gardening
    Garment Construction
    Glasgow
    Hat Pattern
    Hoop Art
    How To
    Knitting
    Knitting "hot Right Now"
    Knitting Pattern Design
    Knitting Patterns
    Knitting Pattern Trends
    Knitting Tutorial
    Lace Knitting
    New Pattern Release
    Oversized Knits
    Recipe
    Saddle Shoulder
    Sale
    Scotland
    Summer Knitting
    Test Knit
    Textile Art
    Top 10
    Top 5
    Travel
    Winter Knitting Patterns
    WIP
    Work In Progress
    Yarn

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Shop
  • About
  • Blog
  • Newsletter