Knitting How-To

Knitting Help - This site is packed with a wealth of information, but most helpful is the catalog of videos that demonstrate even the most basic operations, including how to cast on, how to knit a stitch, etc.

Knitting Abbreviations - Helps turn that pattern from gibberish into something you can do with your needles and yarn.

Sample Stitches - This is an entire library of stitch how-to's. If you'd like to try a new stitch, but aren't sure you want to commit to a whole sweater or scarf, a fun way to begin is to knit a sample square (10 x 10 inches or 25 x 25 centimeters, please) to include in one of our blankets.

Conversions - An interesting site that promises to convert patterns mathematically from English to US standard, create charts, etc.

Design Charts - A whole host of charts to add a figure to your knitting -- hearts, flowers, etc.

Yarnover instructions - With thanks to Denise Nico for passing it along, this is a veritable treatise on how to do a yarnover. Let the holes be tidy!

Patterns

Multi-Directional Diagonal Scarf - A personal favorite of Kathy, this series of triangles assembled on the bias is an easy (and addictive) pattern suitable for making a scarf or a simple and interesting square for inclusion in a blanket.

Oddball Afghan Sampler - Submitted by Christina Shmigel, this pattern is an inspiration for many of the blankets we are putting together. Check it out to find individual patterns for a wealth of fanciful squares.

Chenille washcloth - Submitted by Laura Rakoczy. Although technically for a washcloth, this pattern has a finished border and a diagonal stitch rendering it a simple yet satisfying pattern for a square for one of our blankets.

Zig-zag Afghan - This pattern for a contemporary blanket was submitted by Wendy Shum.

Denise's blanket assembly instructions - This is the method the Pudong Yarn Crafters have used for blankets for the Charles Foundation children.

Instructions for Wendy's pompom scarf - This is Sherry's write-up of the method Wendy uses to make the scarf of soft pompoms. Laura Rakoczy writes that in the US the yarn is sold as "Pomp-a-Doodle." Some additional patterns may be found here. For the address of the shop where the "yarn" may be found, see "Supplies in Shanghai."

Sock Pattern - Submitted by Angeline Lok and Wendy Shum, this pattern is very similar to the heavy sock/bootie pattern Wang Jian Zheng has been teaching. The instructions are in Chinese, but the photos are good, so those who don't read Chinese may be able to follow. (Wendy promises to translate into English soon, and I'll post that!)

Pet Patterns

Knitting Pattern Central - Submitted by Laura Rakoczy - Martha's poncho for pups, pup sweater, and Laura's favorite...goat baby sweater.

Lion Brand - Submitted by Laura Rakoczy - has loads of free patterns of all kinds, catnip mouse is cute.

Bella Online - Submitted by Laura Rakoczy - Website with knitting articles for your pets. "The Voice of Women Online" 'Knits for Pets and Those Who Love Them'

Submit your pattern sites or favorite patterns here!