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.

Rita Weiss' instructions for basic knitting and crocheting - These instructions, from the book 7-Day Afghan, include illustrations and are included thanks to Sue.

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.

Patterns

Biba Wong wrote from San Francisco to recommend the free patterns at the sites of yarn manufacturers Bernat and Patons Yarn.

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, including the "windmill" square made of joined triangles.

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.

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!)

Heart to Heart Shanghai has asked us to knit bear cardigans , rucksacks/backpacks and scarves and party dresses . Pattern variations and different outfits and accessories of your own design are also welcome -- and naked bears are available for you to dress. One of the outreach organizations we support (see link on home page), Heart to Heart sells the outfitted bears and uses the proceeds to pay for heart surgery for needy children.

Here is Sue's pattern for Mitered Squares, which knit up into beautiful squares for use in our blankets.

This website reports on a book with patterns for fanciful "edible" scarves - was submitted by alumna Barbara. A cookie scarf, anyone? How about strawberry gloves? The photos are fun.

Pudong Yarn Crafters' Patterns