After beginning knitters learn the first tricks and get acquainted with various types of loops, they understand that they can work with most patterns. Simple schemes are really based on a combination of front and back loops, plaits with knitting needles are no exception. The patterns, which are called arana, tows and braids, are the interweaving of several strands of facial loops.
Varieties of harnesses
A braid of two strands that are interwoven left or right can be considered classical. That is, in the process of forming the fabric, the craftswoman swaps the first and second strand (and then knits these loops with the front ones). After several rows made exactly, the weaving action is repeated. The set order is saved until the end of the work.
Such plaits with knitting needles are used for the manufacture of any product: sweaters, dresses, hats, mittens, scarves and everything else. A classic braid looks very simple, so it is often used as an additional decorative element. True, there are some types of clothing that are knitted with exceptionally simple arana, for example, a Lalo cardigan. It uses very large (even huge) bundles of needles. Their patterns also consist of two strands of 12-16 front loops.
More complex ornaments from Arana can include from three to five to several dozen strands. A great example is the various Irish patterns and Celtic knots. To bind such plaits with knitting needles, it is not at all necessary to be a skilled craftswoman, attention and methodology are enough. Often knitters even do without patterns, inventing their own three-dimensional ornaments.
Knitting: Harnesses for Women's Sweaters
The photo at the beginning of the article depicts a sweater decorated with braids. They may seem complicated at first glance, but quite simple to work with. The secret of the imaginary complexity of the pattern is that not only whole strands are intertwined, but also split. The craftswoman should pick up yarn of medium thickness and be sure to perform a control sample before starting knitting. Harnesses help to tighten the canvases, so errors in the size of the finished product are possible.
How to understand the scheme
The rapport of this pattern consists of 22 loops and 20 rows. This is part of a pattern that is constantly repeating.
To calculate the number of rapports, you need to divide the total number of loops in a row by the width of the repeating element and add two loops to form an edge. If there are excess loops or they are not enough, the number is adjusted to the desired size.
In the case when this is impossible (if the rapport is too large and it is necessary to tie half of it), the craftswoman can perform a simple facial surface along the edges of the canvas. Consider everything described by an example:
- The width of the part is 143 loops, and the rapport is 22.
- We carry out the calculation: 143/22 = 6.5. This means that we must link six and a half rapports.
For this pattern, this is acceptable, but if it were necessary to place exclusively whole repeating fragments, we would perform six or seven rapports. Alternatively, you could knit six solid stripes of the pattern (132 loops), and the extra loops (5 on each side) to set aside for stocking.
Knit Harnesses: Weaving Principle
After the calculations, you can begin to work:
- Dial the desired number of loops.
- Knit 10-15 cm with a 2: 2 elastic band.
- Run the first seven rows of the pattern according to the scheme. An empty cell means the front loops, a cell with a dot is purl.
- In the eighth row, the strands of the tow are intertwined with an inclination to the left.
- The next nine rows should be knitted according to the pattern (observing the specified alternation of the front and back loops).
- In the eighteenth row, cross the strands with an inclination to the right.
- Run two rows according to the figure.
This rapport ends, therefore, the craftswoman must repeat the algorithm first.
With due attention to detail and a developed spatial imagination, each knitter will be able to learn how to make bundles with knitting needles. Schemes, samples, descriptions do not have to be taken as instructions. Rather, it is a powerful impetus for imagination and fantasy.