My autumn knitting project is going well. So well, in fact, that I might actually finish this sweater in time to wear it this winter. 🙂
The pattern is called Rilaé (available here if you are interested) and has a central block of cable stitch on the front and back. For non-knitters, the cable pattern looks like rope (or cordage!). It is created by slipping a few stitches onto a short double-pointed needle and holding it to the front or back while you knit the next few stitches. Then you knit the stitches from the cable needle. In weaving terms, it’s like crossing warp threads.
As I was making a twined sample for a workshop I started thinking about cable stitch. It occurred to me that I could do something similar with the stakes, moving a pair (1 and 2) in front or behind while I twined the next two (3 and 4) and then twining 1 and 2. Here are the first two samples I tried.
The one on the left had an odd number of stakes because I was experimenting with a triangular base. So the sets of cables are divided by single stakes. The one on the right had an even number of stakes, and I alternated the crossings in front and behind.
Below is a final sample, in finer paper yarn, again with an even number of stakes.
I did try weaving the warps over and under each other where they crossed, but this added extra bulk due to the thickness of the fibre. However, it also increased stability.
Future experiments could include crossing more than two stakes at a time, and interspersing the cables with solid blocks of twining.
Transferable skills can be so useful!
I love the cable stitch on yr jumper, fear I don’t have patience to do such a beautiful pattern….. you’re such a polymath Kim. Using one idea and recreating so cleverly with a different medium….
Thanks Judy! I really like working across different mediums, seeing if I can adapt a technique in one craft to work in another. Lovely to see you the other week! x
The white basket form: How did you start the project- do you have a pattern? Would love to try paper yarn?
I started with a 12×12 base, check woven in groups of 3, so 48 stakes in total. I twined around them in groups of 3, gradually separating them out until they were all single stakes. Then I started weaving up the sides.
I get my paper yarn from Lankava.