9.16.2006

bonnie: learning how to do smocking


after a little bit of preparation and a couple of false starts, i finally worked out the smocked waistband for bonnie. i am loving how this is turning out. it definitely decreases the width of the sweater, but it still has enough ease to fit nicely. and i actually like how it looks when it's pulled fairly taut width-wise.

it was a little confusing at first, but i finally figured out how to do it. after basting across with scrap yarn to form your horizontal guides (the gray horizontal lines), you simply weave the needle up through the vertical rib. then you insert your needle from the right rib to the left rib and join them together.

from there, you work diagonally, weaving up through the stitches and joining the ribs. once i got the hang of it, it was fun.

and it produces such a pretty, satisfying fabric.


p.s. i was all worried about this yarn being too bulky. yes, i could have used a nice DK (d. bliss cashmerino would have been yummy), but i think this is going to work out just fine.

14 comments:

OLGAJAZZY said...

Kate, great job with the sweater, I never done smocking so your visual tutorial is really helpful! Looks Sooo Yummy! And I also like the way this yarn behaves in a knit garment =)Makes the smocking somewhat distinct.

Anonymous said...

looking great! I have no idea what you're doing with the smocking (never done it) but I love the way it's turning out.

Carson said...

That's amazing.
congratulations on finally figuring that out!

I spent quite a bit of time poring over the pics and your narrative trying to follow exactly how that needle-weaving works..i think i know what you've done..i'm amazed that the purls in between the ribs aren't distorted.
It looks fantastic.
Bonnie is gunna be great.

knitlit kate said...

i was in such a rush to do this post, i didn't write out a very clear tutorial...but i will do that soon. can you tell i'm excited??

Amy said...

This is so impressive! I can't wait to see the final project.

jenna said...

So glad this is working out the way you wanted!! It looks beautiful!

Anonymous said...

that is so neat-o! it's looking lovely, can't wait to see it finished!

Nora said...

Amazing concept. I love everything about Bonnie - definitely the nicest project I've seen on a blog in a long time.

Macoco said...

The smocking looks fabulous - I'd never heard of that technique before, but it looks great. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Anonymous said...

it looks gorgeous dahling, can't wait to see it in person!

Lara 900 said...

ooh, vow, that is a great technique, thanks for sharing!

Alice said...

thanks for that - I've seen a few bonnie type sweaters on the blogosphere and have been trying to work out how the smocking's done

Stacey said...

wow - that is beautiful! I'm doing smocking while I'm knitting, and it really looks similar, but your's really has that "finished" look - beautiful!!!

Clotilde M said...

I'd seen smocking on knitted garments but not diamonds. Your work is lovely! Thanks for sharing.

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