Bond Buzz, Issue #52
January 19 , 2009
Free from Bond America

With the holidays now a pleasant but distant memory and the winter’s chill upon us (there have been way too many days here that have dipped below the zero mark), what better time is it than to get back to your machine and knit up a few sweaters to chase the chill away.

Before we get to today’s technique, I’d first like to thank all of you who wrote in requesting learning how to add paillettes to your knitting.  I definitely plan on doing that, but I’d like to do it closer to a holiday season, so I’m thinking October or November.  I wanted to let you know that I have not forgotten, just wanted to make more seasonally appropriate.

Winter is a great time for having pockets.  I experienced this firsthand this past weekend when I went to the NY Botanical Garden with my daughter and granddaughter.  As not unexpected for a 2-year old, despite cold temperatures, keeping on mittens just wasn’t going to happen and it wasn’t worth the possible resulting temper tantrum to force the issue.  Solution:  pockets.  A deal was struck:  “If you keep your hands in your pockets, you don’t have to wear your mittens.”  That’s what grandmothers are for: compromise based in experience – and a personal love of pockets.  And thank goodness for the warmth of the Conservatory where the word “mittens” doesn’t even come to mind.  Dontcha just love that layered look??

So this issue is about how to insert knit-in-as-you-go pockets.  It’s super-easy, but there are a number of photos since, as you’re knitting in the pocket, it may seem as if it’s not right but it is.

INSERTED HORIZONTAL POCKET

Our technique project, designed by Kathy Perry, is a pocketed scarf, embellished with cording made on the Embellish-Knit. 

Note that, while you would think you should use claw weights to hold down the pocket, for this technique, it’s important there is no weight on the pocket lining as you attach it to the garment.

Here’s how:

• First make the pocket linings:
  • Using WY, CO (open method) the number of sts called for in pattern for pocket lining. Knit 6 rows.
  • Change to MY and knit the number of rows called for in pattern. Knit 6 rows WY. Remove from machine. Set aside.

Work garment to bottom row where pocket will be placed. Hang the first row of pocket lining sts on the needles where the pocket is to be placed. (The pocket will be upside down, with the right side facing you, and there will be 2 sts on each pocket needle.

Remove WY. Knit 2 rows.

COR.  When you roll out the side edges of the pocket, you’ll see there is a small stitch over a long stitch that’s repeated up the edge of the pocket lining.

Pick up the long stitch on both sides of the pocket lining and hang them on their respective needles.  Knit 2 rows. 

Continue attaching the loops of the lining as you knit up. The wrong side of the pocket will end up facing you.

When the top of the lining is reached, knit 6 rows WY on the pocket sts only and remove from needles.

Hang the last row of the pocket lining sts on the empty needles. Remove WY from lining. Knit across all needles and continue knitting the garment.

Here’s what the pocket will look like on the right side after it’s been removed from the machine:  a nearly invisible pocket!

Pocket border: After project is completed and removed from machine, hang the pocket sts from WY on the machine and add a border finish of your choice. Kathy added 4 garter stitch rows (2 ridges).

Now here’s the pattern for the scarf:

POCKETED SCARF

designed by Kathy Perry

FINISHED SIZE: Approx 10" wide x 62" long / 25.5 cm X 157.5 cm

YARN
NaturallyCaron.com Country from Caron® International (25% Merino Wool, 75% Microdenier Acrylic, 3oz/85g, 185yds/170m): 9 ounces. Shown in: #0009 Renaissance Rose

KEY PLATE
USM/ISM KP#2 or appropriate tension to obtain gauge
Suitable for USM/ISM/Bond Classic or 6.5 to 9 mm knitting machine

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Single prong transfer tool
Latch tool
Waste Yarn (WY)
Yarn needle
Crochet hook G-6 (4 mm)
Optional: Embellish Knit! for I-cord design on pockets

GAUGE
In Stockinette stitch, 18 sts and 22 rows = 4”/10 cm

KNIT STITCHES USED
Stockinette stitch (St st): Knit side = right side
Garter stitch: Knit 2 rows and reform sts on last row. Repeat once.

CROCHET STITCHES USED
Single crochet (sc)

NEEDLES REQUIRED 42

NOTE: Scarf is 42 sts and pocket/pocket lining is 30 sts

POCKETED SCARF (make 2 pieces)

• Pocket lining: See technique Step 1. Using WY CO 30 sts. K 6 R. COR. RC=000. Change to MY and K to RC=042. K 6 R WY.  Set aside.
• Scarf: Using closed Method, CO 42 sts. COR. RC=000.
• Work 4 R Garter stitch (convert every stitch on every other row).
• K to RC=016.
• Pocket: Follow technique instructions. Continue to RC=171.
• BO back stitch or remove to WY for center back seam.

FINISHING

• Add 4 rows Garter stitch to pockets for borders.
• Join center back seam.  
• Work 2 rows sc on sides of scarf.
• Using yarn needle, weave in ends.
• Optional: Using Embellish Knit! add I-cord decoration if desired. I-cord can also be made on machine (See Bond Buzz #33).
• Steam lightly.

POCKET SHORT-SLEEVED VEST
Using the pocket insertion method just covered in this Buzz, this vest, in a popular silhouette of a short-sleeved cardigan or vest (depending on your definition of "vest"), is a quick-to-knit project that enables you to make perfect pockets. And the I-cord accents make it really special.

Enjoy!

Cari Clement
Bond America

P.S. As a subscriber to Bond-Buzz, I'd like to invite you to subscribe to the FREE e-mail newsletter—Caron Connections from Caron® International. Just visit the Caron site (http://www.caron.com) and enter your email address. It's that easy. As a subscriber to Caron Connections, you'll receive monthly emails filled with the latest inside scoop on Caron's new fashion yarns and free patterns.