The knitter who's an advanced beginner is familiar with knitting two stitches together. This is a simple technique for decreasing stitches. However, by knitting and purling more than two stitches together, the knitter creates an attractive lace design. The little shell pattern isn't difficult and is a great way to practice this technique. Here's how.
Instructions
The Simple Rows
1. Choose yarn in a light color, such as white, yellow or pink double-knit (DK) or sport weight. It's easier to gather multiple stitches together when you see them clearly and don't mess with bulky yarns.
2. Pick needles that are comfortable to manipulate. One size larger than what the ball band suggests is appropriate. That will open the yarn-overs a little bit but not make purling multiple stitches together too awkward.
3. Cast on 23 stitches so you can practice the little shell pattern 3 times. You work it across a multiple of seven stitches plus two extra. One complete pattern sequence takes up four rows.
4. Knit across the first row of the pattern and purl the second.
5. See the next section for instructions on the pattern row.
The Pattern Row
6. Start the third row by knitting two stitches, one after the other.
7. Follow this sequence for the length of the pattern row: yarn-over, purl one stitch, purl three stitches together, purl one stitch, yarn-over, knit two stitches. Follow the detailed instructions in the next steps for making yarn-overs and purling three stitches together.
8. Shift the yarn from the back to the front of the work to make a yarn-over. Bring it over the right needle. Hold the yarn around the needle with your thumb and forefinger before you make the next stitch. This keeps the yarn steady so it doesn't pull too tight.
9. Slide the three stitches you want to purl together close to the left needle's tip, being careful they don't slip off. Make sure to insert the needle into all three stitches. Gently pull on the yarn after making the stitch so all three are even.
10. Purl the fourth row to complete the pattern.
11. Bind off after 28 rows. Carefully stretch the swatch so you don't distort the little shell pattern but the eyelets open neatly.
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