Block 5: Chains
The Block 5 CHAINS of our “12 blocks of Xmas” blanket requires concentration when working in it. This is due to the lack of “rest rows”, as I call rows that are all k stitches or all p stitches. The pattern has 10 rows that demand your full attention. And, it also has the 4-sts edge we encountered before in block 3.
So, as a general advice, I recommend that you do not try to make it while watching the last season of House of Cards. I say it from experience… I tried and failed 4 times before turning off Netflix and going back to my audiobook (“Mythos”, by Stephen Fry, in case you wonder).
Another thing that I wanted to draw your attention to is that this square has an elastic structure. In order to stretch it, you need to iron it or block it. All 12 squares should be blocked before assembling the blanket (a topic that I will cover a little later), but if you are intrigued by the blocking technique and can’t wait for my post, you can read more information in this article by Purl Soho. For now, be aware that you need to stretch it across before measuring its length (to check if it reached 9.25’’ (23.5 cm) and you should knit the top edge).
I hope you’re all enjoying the KAL so far!
xo,
Cecilia
You just find this MKAL?
Don’t worry, you can start now! Look for more info in the following page: “12 Blocks for Xmas” A new free knitting project to make a blanket in blocks.
You’re also welcome to join our Ravelry group.
UPDATE April 2019
The entire pattern is below.
You can now purchase the the entire “12 Blocks for Xmas” pattern collection (12 different patterns) HERE or in my ETSY shop HERE. The high quality PDF file includes:
- gauge/tension info and materials
- written instructions
- charted instructions
- row-by-row CONTROL TABLE: specially prepared for novice knitters, with integrated instructions for the block pattern AND edge stitches, to avoid confusion. You can use the table cells to check each row as you finish it, and there is a column for every repeat of the pattern you need to make according to the instructions. A great resource to print and check your progress as you knit.
BLOCK 5: CHAINS
ABBREVIATIONS
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st: stitch
- k: knit
- p: purl
INSTRUCTIONS
– CO 47 sts with US 8 (5 mm) needles.
– With US 7 (4.5 mm) needles, knit 4 rows.
– Continue working as follows:
3 garter sts, 1 STOCKINETTE STITCH, Chains Stitch over 39 sts, 1 STOCKINETTE STITCH, 3 garter sts (see the stitch glossary below) until you have a total length of 9.25’’ (23.5 cm).
I knitted 6 times the Chains pattern complete + rows 1 to 7.
– Knit 4 rows.
– Bind off with US 8 (5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
STITCH GLOSSARY
Garter Stitch
k all sts, all rows.
Stockinette Stitch (also called Stocking Stitch)
RS: k all sts
WS: p all sts
Alternate those 2 rows.
Chains Stitch
(Over a multiple of 8 sts. I added 7 more sts to adjust for our needed 39.)
Repeat instructions between brackets as many times as needed. For this block, repeat them a total of 4 times, horizontally.
Row 1) [p1, k1, p2, k3, p1], p1, k1, p2, k3
Row 2) p3, k2, p1, k1, [k1, p3, k2, p1, k1]
Row 3) [p1, k1, p3, k1, p2], p1, k1, p3, k1, p1
Row 4) k1, p1, k3, p1, k1, [k2, p1, k3, p1, k1]
Row 5) [k3, p2, k1, p2], k3, p2, k1, p1
Row 6) k1, p1, k2, p3, [k2, p1, k2, p3]
Row 7) [k3, p2, k1, p2], k3, p2, k1, p1
Row 8) k1, p1, k3, p1, k1, [k2, p1, k3, p1, k1]
Row 9) [p1, k1, p3, k1, p2], p1, k1, p3, k1, p1
Row 10) p3, k2, p1, k1, [k1, p3, k2, p1, k1]
Chains Stitch – CHART
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
- Repeat the grey painted part as many times as the pattern calls for (4 times horizontally in the case of this block).
