Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino
Wraps Per Inch: 12 wpi
Needles: US #15
Gauge: 18 sts X 14 rows over 4 inches X 4 inches (10 cm X 10 cm) in pattern
Pattern: Double Stockinette, or Miniature Herringbone
Stitch Count Repeat: Any number
Book: A Second Treasury of Knitting
Chapter: Fancy Texture Patterns
Page: 133
Knit by phoenix
As BW says, this is a very dense and thick pattern, the fabric it made was a little over 1 cm thick. It eats a lot of yarn. I started my swatches on US#12 needles and decided to work them on 15s but I think it could be worked on even larger needles without making much difference in the density of the fabric. As she mentions, it will still compress a lot. I would work it on the largest needles you can stand for comfort. She also recommends that you try it in two colors, especially two related colors for effect. I tried a bunch of combinations including the grays here. You can judge whether you think it enhances or detracts from the herringbone effect.
February 4, 2009 at 4:48 PM
I know how rough this stitch is to work when you use a rough yarn, I gave up on a skirt in this stitch knit sideway because it set off my carpal tunnel syndrome.
I like it best in one color myself.
Mittens are supper warm in this stitch too, and look best knit sideways, although the thumb is a pain.
February 5, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Thankyou for showing both versions.
Given the current cold snap here, I’m particularly interested in stitches that produce thick fabrics.
February 5, 2009 at 1:15 PM
It would make really toasty mittens and hats definitely. It’s 10ºF here so warm gear is really tempting too!
February 7, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Very nice swatch in such an interesting pattern. I did this long ago for a small purse, it did compress a lot and was very thick. It was tiring to make, also. The color plays are interesting, but I think better to look at your samples than to knit it myself!
December 3, 2009 at 7:24 AM
I figured out to knit this pattern in the round, without a seam showing; and made a bunch of hats for friends and relatives. I also knit a purse, but the yarn was too soft. The pattern would also be great using Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Adult Surprise Jacket. I may have knitted a man’s sweater (two of them actually) on straight needles, but I would definitely use circular needles next time. Finally, two of my most competent test knitters could not work this stitch pattern — because they are/were English style knitters… I also knitted a hat in two colors, which forced me to carry the yarn in both hands…
December 24, 2012 at 7:09 AM
Does anyone know of a pattern for a sweater with this?