Printer-friendly version

Simplified multi-color knitting with color charts. Stitch sequences numbered. Each row knitted across and purled back in the same colors.

Knit right and left socks, if you wish. Sock sizes 10 to 13. Your own choice of number may be embroidered. This pattern also suitable for working into a sweater or dress design. Instructions for creating a football charm as well.

IMPORTANT

   Knit across and purl back each row before starting next row. Use size NUMBER ONE needles. Knitting tension should be tight enough to produce about 10 stitches per inch. If you do not obtain this gauge, then change to larger or smaller needles as your particular knitting tension requires. The size needle does not matter as long as the stitch gauge is correct. Note: 10 stitches per inch means 'as knit', without allowance for blocking. Socks then block to about 9 stitches per inch on usual size dryers, and will cling snugly to the average size leg when worn. For a very small size leg (such as 7 inches around above ankle) you may wish to knit to a tighter tension gauge than mentioned above, using the smallest possible needles. Use your own choice of yarn colors.

NOTE: (SOCK AND NECKTIE PATTERN)

   In choosing yarn, be sure colors selected are in good contrast to show the design in sharp detail. Use two shades of a given color for the player's pants, thus showing clearly the position of legs and giving real action to the picture. Your choice of a player's number may be embroidered on the shirt. Suggested alternate colors: Grey background, Blue pants (2 shades), Yellow shirt, Black number; Blue background, Gold or Yellow pants, Red shirt, Yellow or White number.

   Knit the football charm from the separate graph shown. Insertion of a number is entirely optional. This could be an athletic team number which is especially significant with football team members. Fill in any number desired. Number your stitch groups or count squares while knitting this part.

Material required: Approx. 15 yds. main color, 3 yds. for markings (3-ply sock yarn). (In Angora 18 yds. main color).

   Knit the pattern as shown, in the usual manner as a flat piece. Be sure and purl back EACH ROW before starting next row. Size of work will depend entirely upon your stitch gauge. If you wish to have the knitted piece fit neatly around a core made from a ping pong ball (1½" diam.), then knit 10 stitches per inch using your sock needles. (In Angora obtain 8½ st. per inch and use larger core, size of golf ball). If it is desired to fit an even larger core, add rows, and stitches to ends of each row, or knit with larger needles to obtain a coarser stitch gauge.

DIRECTIONS

   (Directions herein are complete, including recommended methods for heel and toe. Free detailed instructions for beginners on how to knit, purl, etc., should be obtainable from the shop where yarn is purchased.)

   MATERIALS: Note: Different brands of yarn vary in yardage. The following yarn quantities for an average size pair of socks, are approximate only.) 2½ oz. basic color (green), 8 yds. each light beige, dark beige (brown), and orange. Socks illustrated are 7 inches long above top of heel, including 2 inches of ribbing. If longer or shorter socks are desired, change length of ribbing or number of plain rows at top or bottom. Use size NUMBER ONE sock needles, double pointed, and regular 3-ply sock yarn.

   IMPORTANT (Handling Yarn)—Use needles and yarn in the above accurate sizes in order to have sock of proper size per this pattern. Knitting tension should produce 10 stitches per inch. Use BOBBINS to carry your yarn in small quantities of each color. These will dangle clear of your work, avoiding entanglement. For certain small areas of color involving only a few stitches, you may prefer to merely use SHORT STRANDS of yarn, 12 to 15 inches long, dangling free, instead of bothering to wind separate bobbins. RECOMMENDATION—Make free use of additional bobbins or short strands as new color groups are encountered. A given strand will often be used over again for stitches in the same color group in the following rows, so be sure it is started long enough for the color group it is to handle. CAUTION—It is not desirable to carry one color yarn across the wrong side of another color, to reach stitches of the same color farther along the row. This would save extra strands of yarn, but in so doing the tension variation is likely to cause distortion of the stitches and thus spoil the clarity of the design, in some cases this carry-over of yarn can be accomplished satisfactorily across only one or two stitches of another color, where design detail is not too critical. Some experienced knitters can carry yarn across even more than 2 stitches and avoid a loose loop on inside of sock by twisting the yarn carried with the yarn being worked, but the danger of design distortion must be considered. You will have a more beautiful finished article if separate strands are used freely. The only inconvenience is a few more yarn ends to take care of in finishing inside of sock.

   RECOMMENDATION ON BOBBINS FOR THIS PATTERN—Use 2 bobbins of basic color for the principal areas of background separated by the figure of the football player. One bobbin of each of the other colors will suffice, filling in with short strands as necessary for certain stitch groups. Total of 5 bobbins thus required.

   LEG PATTERN—This part of sock is knitted in a flat piece, eventually to be folded and sewed together up the back. The successive rows on the pattern are knitted in order from left to right and each row is purled back. Each row thus represents 2 rows of usual knitting.

NOTE: This particular pattern lends itself to being knit for "RIGHT" and "LEFT" socks, so that when worn, the football player design appears on outside of each foot facing inward. For the "RIGHT" sock knit across from left to right in usual manner. For the "LEFT" sock, start in upper right hand corner of pattern and knit the rows from right to left, purling back from left to right. The opposite side of work then becomes the finished side.

   First cast on 72 stitches of basic color and knit 2, purl 2, for ribbing for 2 inches. Knit the first 3 rows of pattern plain, as indicated, and purl each row back to the beginning. Knit the 4th row in the colors indicated, 38 green, 4 brown, 30 green. These numbers are indicated on graph to save counting squares. In changing colors, always twist yarns around each other once, to avoid leaving a hole. Now turn and purl back ON THIS SAME ROW using the same colors in the same places. Now knit row No. 5 in the indicated color sequence 37 green, 6 brown … etc., and purl back as before.

   Continue knitting the successive rows in this manner using the color sequences indicated on the graph. After row No. 36 the work separates to knit the heel. Divide the 72 stitches, taking 18 off each end and place on a separate needle for the heel. In so doing the leg of the sock is folded into position for sewing up the back later. Leave the 36 center stitches on one needle and discontinue work thereon while doing the heel.

   HEEL (Reinforced type)—Using the 36 stitches on the heel needle, slip 1, knit 1, in sequence for the first row, then purl back. Continue thus in successive rows for 2 inches. On the last purl row purl 20 stitches then purl 2 together and purl 1. Turn work. Then:
Knit back 6, knit 2 together, knit 1, turn.
Purl back 7, purl 2 together, purl 1, turn.
Knit back 8, knit 2 together, knit 1, turn.
Purl back 9 … etc.
Knit back 10 … etc.
… etc.
Continue in this manner, advancing the number of stitches worked at each end in this order, and thus making rounded bottom of heel, until all stitches are used, work then being all on one needle across bottom of heel. Now pick up stitches along the forward edges of the heel thus knitted, and add to the work in progress. About 21 or 22 stitches should be picked up on each side of the 2-inch long heel, and all of these heel stitches should be evenly divided on 2 needles.

   INSTEP—At this point the entire sock is on three needles, consisting of the instep needle with the 36 center stitches (which must be kept separate), and the two underfoot needles on which the stitches along the edge of the finished heel are evenly divided. Now use a 4th working needle and knit the plain-color foot round and round as with plain socks, and at the same time form the triangular gusset which widens the ankle, by decreasing 1 stitch at the forward point of each underfoot needle ON EVERY OTHER ROW until only 18 stitches remain on each underfoot needle. You will probably decrease 13 or 14 times depending on whether 21 or 22 stitches were picked up along the heel edge. Continue knitting the foot without further decreasing until 2½ inches from the desired length of the foot.

   TOE—Now start decreasing to shape toe, as follows: Decrease 4 stitches on the next row, these being the end stitches on the instep needle, and the stitches next to these, one on each underfoot needle. Knit 4 rows plain then 1 row decreasing 4 stitches as before, 3 rows plain, 1 decreasing, 3 plain, 1 dec., 2 plain, 1 dec., 2 plain, 1 dec., 1 plain, 1 dec., then decrease every row until only 16 stitches remain (8 on instep needle and 4 on each underfoot needle.) Weave toe as follows: Place yarn in a tapestry needle and, with yarn coming from back of knitting needle, put it in first stitch of front (instep) needle as if to knit and slip it off. Then put it in the next stitch of front needle as if to purl and leave it on. Go to back (underfoot) needle and insert as if to purl and take it off, then to next stitch of back needle as if to knit and leave it on. This designation may assist:
Front needle K—off P—on
Back needle P—off K—on
Repeat thus to the end of the 8 stitches on each needle.

   FINISH—Sew sock up the back, using corresponding color of yarn and tapestry needle. Finish inside of sock by weaving any thread ends into nearby seams, trimming ends, etc. Block socks on dryers of proper size. (Embroider your own choice of player's team number on shirt, or leave blank.)

NECKTIE DIRECTIONS (This necktie is straight-knit, rather than bias-knit)

   MATERIALS: (Yarn quantities are approximate only, due to variation in yardage of different brands of yarns.) 1 oz. basic color (green), 4 yds. each of other colors. Narrow end of tie may be knitted in one of the alternate colors if desired (to utilize yarn purchases to best advantage). Note: 4 oz. of basic color will be adequate for both socks and tie. Use regular 3-ply sport yarn or sock yarn for a casual or sport tie, as shown in picture. Where a more-dressy tie is desired, use a firm-twist, smooth, glossy, dress-type yarn. A combination wool-rayon type yarn is very suitable. In any case use size No. 1 needles. Knitting tension should produce 10 stitches per inch. It is important to obtain this gauge in order to have resulting tie of correct size per this pattern. You may have to use larger or smaller needles in accordance with your particular tension to obtain the correct gauge.

See notes under sock directions relative to handling yarn, use of bobbins, etc.

   PATTERN—The tie is knitted in one flat piece, which is then to be folded and edges sewed together up the back. The successive pattern rows are knitted in order from left to right (holding pattern sheet upside down for necktie) and EACH ROW is purled back before knitting next row. Each row thus represents 2 rows of usual knitting.

   First cast on 2 stitches of basic color, knit these and purl back. Follow the plain graph shown herewith under "General Directions," knitting across and purling back EACH successive row, and adding 2 stitches at each end of each row. Stitches are added by increasing 1 stitch at each end of both knitted and purled rows. Continue thus until you have 78 stitches. Now knit without increasing for 8 rows. Then begin decreasing 1 stitch at each end of every 4th row, by knitting 2 together at these points.

   When work has reduced to 68 stitches, shift over to graph with pattern design as marked. The first 2 rows of 68 stitches thereon are plain. After knitting, and purling back each of these rows, start pattern proper on next row by knitting the stitch sequences as shown: 48 green, 2 brown, 18 green. These numbers are shown on graph to save counting square (background numbers in orange apply to tie). In changing colors always twist yarns around each other once to avoid leaving a hole. Now turn and purl back ON THIS SAME ROW, using the same colors in the same places. Knit the next row in the indicated colors: 48 green, 2 brown … etc. and purl back as before.

   Continue thus knitting the pattern in successive rows as shown and decreasing one stitch at each end on every 4th row. After reaching top of pattern (52 stitches), continue to decrease 1 stitch, each end, every 3 rows until there are 20 stitches. Now knit the neckband of tie by working even (without further decreasing) until tie measures 35 inches long from the original cast on stitches.

   NARROW END—On the next row increase 1 stitch, each end of needle and repeat this increase every 10th row (these are now single rows of plain knitting) until there are 44 stitches. Now work even for 6 rows. On the next row decrease 1 stitch each end of needle and repeat this decrease EVERY ROW until 2 stitches remain.

   FINISH—Bind off loosely. Finish wrong side of tie by weaving thread ends into nearby seams, knotting loose ends, trimming, etc. Steam press entire work flat first, then fold lengthwise and sew edges together (without overlapping) using a strand of basic color yarn and a tapestry needle. Finish press. (It is not necessary to sew a lining in this tie.)

FOOTBALL CAR CHARM

   Knit as per directions on front of pattern, following graph which is arranged to allow for stretch, to form proper shape of football in final article. Upon completion of knitting, block and press work flat first, then fold and sew edges together around a core, in the same neat manner you would sew a pattern sock up the back. Work should stretch slightly over surface of core to present a smooth and neat appearance.

   CORE—If knit with plain yarn, a ping pong (table tennis) ball will be found to be correct size as basis for core. Sew flat sides of football together around this ball. As sewing of pointed ends of football proceeds, stuff cotton firmly into these ends to produce correct shape. With Angora use a larger ball for basis (size of golf ball will be correct) or use cork, rubber or styrafoam balls usually obtainable at dime stores. It is not satisfactory to make entire stuffing of cotton—this produces bulbous effect on ends of football. The hard ball in center is necessary to stretch the yarn properly to produce the pointed ends. Attach strand of yarn or heavier cord, at one point of football to use in hanging up for display as a charm. (Hang in your car below mirror.)

GENERAL DIRECTIONS

   Use is made of one graph to depict the design, which is then set up with appropriate markings and instructions, to be used for knitting same as a sock or necktie. Each square equals one stitch, knitted and/or purled. Each row is normally knitted across and then purled back using the same colors in the same places. In certain designs where greater detail is desired, the purled stitches may be a different color, as shown on the chart. The sequences of stitches to form the design are shown by numbers, as well as in color. This saves counting squares.

   SOCKS—The number of rows and number of stitches in each depend upon the symmetry of the pattern design, also on the approximate size of sock desired, in order to fit the wearer's leg and ankle. (Foot size is optional on all patterns.) Size and required stitch gauge are indicated on each pattern. Length of sock is subject to variation by appropriate handling of plain rows, as indicated on each pattern. Variation in leg size is also possible by addition, or omission, of columns of stitches on each side of pattern.

   Heel, bottom of foot and toe are knitted in the manner of plain socks. In certain patterns, where the instep is a plain color, and the same color as the foot, this part of sock may be knitted round and round as in plain socks.

   NECKTIE—The tie is knitted in a systematic plan of increasing and decreasing the number of stitches per row, to form the work into a symmetrical shape, representative in size to the average four-in-hand necktie in common use. The plan may be varied by the individual knitter if alternate size and shape are desired. The chart is based on average size yarn and normal knitting tension, using size No. 1 needles, and knitting about 10 stitches per inch and 8 rows per inch (where a row, as on the chart, equals a knitted and purled back sequence). Some adjustment in size by final sewing and blocking is possible.