Saturday, July 02, 2011

Patriot Pin


The Patriot Pin is a quick-knit just in time for July 4th. So simple to make, but very festive! Here's how:

Size: 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter

Materials
  • Knifty Knitter Flower Loom
  • Loom pick
  • Red Heart Super Saver yarn in red, white and blue
  • Crochet hook or yarn needle to secure yarn tails
  • Small sequin star or button for center
Note: Pin was worked in a counterclockwise direction in the round using one strand of yarn with the indicated colors and the 12-peg loom. The direction you work in really doesn't matter, but is stated here for clarification of the bind off explanation.

Instructions
  • Cast on using the drawstring method (see Techniques in right sidebar).
  • Rnd 1: Flat knit all pegs.
  • Rnd 2-3: Change to white; flat knit both rounds.
  • Rnd 4: Change to red; flat knit all pegs.
  • BO using an I-cord Picot method as follows:
    1.) Bring the working yarn from the last peg knitted and wrap it across the next two pegs as pictured below.

    Flat knit the bottom loops over the working yarn on these two pegs.

    2.) Reach below the first peg knitted and lift the strand of yarn onto the peg; knit off. (This removes the gap between the last row and the picot bind off edge.)

    3.) Continue wrapping the working yarn across both pegs and knitting off three more times. After completing the last I-cord stitch, the working yarn will be at the second peg.

    4.) Lift the loop from the second peg, place it on the first peg and knit the bottom loop over the top loop. Return this loop to the second peg.

    (Note for peg-1 only: After binding off peg-1, reach down and lift the base of the I-cord stitch and place it back on peg-1. This will be used when knitting the last I-cord picot stitch at the end of the row.)


    5.) Bring the working yarn from behind the current peg, wrap across the current peg and the next peg.

    Flat knit the bottom loops over the working yarn on these two pegs.

    6.) Repeat steps 2-5 until one loop remains on peg-12. Cut the working yarn and pull the ending yarn tail through the last loop. Use a crochet hook to fasten the ending I-cord stitch into bind off edge.
  • Cinch the drawstring cast on tightly; knot to secure and trim.
  • Add the sequined star or star shaped button to the center. (Note: I found my sequined stars near the scrapbook section at Michael's.)  
 Now you are ready to attach a pin to the back and wear with pride!! 

May you have an awesome 4th of July!!!