Double Knitting (aka thermal knitting)

[jess_hawk]

I am working on a book of original double knitting patterns which will be available through myself and/or my lys barring my being extremely ambitious and trying to actually get published. At the moment, I have about half of what I have planned for the "Beginner's" book written up. I am also planning to create an "Advanced Techniques" book that will include some very unusual ideas such as triple knitting and cabling on double knits. Thus far I have a simple headband/earwarmer, two styles of simple scarf, two charts for my standard hat, a pair of gloves, and two different afghan/blanket patterns (one of which is a set of blocks).

For anyone who is familiar with this technique, or anyone who knows what it is but just hasn't gotten around to doing it... what would you like to see more patterns available for? I'm not up for sweaters or other really big patterns at this point (I just get bored with them), but any small items are fair game.

My standard hat pattern is free, also, if anyone wants it I can post it here. I don't have any pictures of my finished ones anymore, but anyway the pattern is available.

Thanks!

[Bnsmalkin]

O.K. Please post it. I would try it.
Sharon

[jess_hawk]

The Super-Warm Winter Hat

Materials:
Two balls of yarn in similar weight, and different colors (you can do this with two of the same color, its just really hard to keep the yarns straight)
1 circular needle in a size appropriate for the yarn
4 dpns in the same size as the circular needle
Stitch markers

Notes:
For simplicity, I am going to use the following notations:
M – k1 main color, p1 contrasting color
C – k1 contrasting color, p1 main color
Think of each set of two stitches as a single stitch set, and don’t finish for the day after doing a knit stitch until you’ve got the hang of it.

Typically, if the hat I am knitting fits my head, it will fit the heads of most people unless they are unusually large or small people. Before you begin, you should probably measure and check your gauge to be sure that you cast on the right number. For this pattern, use multiples of six. The number I usually use is 90. That is the number of stitches that I will use for the instructions. If you have problems with adjusting this number, please let me know.

The DECREASE:
When you get to where it says Dec M, here’s what you do (You may want to practice this a couple of times before you get to the hat):
Slip your needle knitwise under the next two main color stitches. Its just like doing a k2tog, except you have to be sure not to pick up the contrasting stitch between these two.
Knit these two together, but when you take them off the other needle, be sure that you don’t knock the contrasting color stitch off.
Now, do a p2tog with the contrasting color stitches that are now right next to each other on the needle.
Continue on your merry way. Its really that easy!

Begin:
Holding both yarns together, CO90 on the circular needle. Place stitch markers every 15 stitches. You may have to knit a few rounds on the dpns, if your circ is too long.
Place a double marker (or if you have a special marker, use it. Just so its different from the others) as you join the stitches in the round. Still holding both strands together, k1p1 rib for one round.
Here’s the fun part. Separate the two strands. Now observe the stitches you have already made: each one has two strands in it, right? We are now going to treat each strand as a separate stitch. Pick up one strand to knit with the main color, then pick up the other to purl with the contrasting color. Continue all the way around.
Congratulations! That was the hard part. Every other stitch should now be a different color, starting with the main color.
M sets for 15 rounds. This should be about the height of your ear.
C sets for 2 rounds.
M sets for 2 rounds.
C sets for 5 rounds.
M sets for 2 rounds.
C sets for 2 rounds.
M sets for 15 rounds. If you try on the hat now, it should come to no more than two inches from the top of your head. If it doesn’t, add a couple more rounds.
M13 (you should have two sets or four stitches before the marker), Mdec; repeat to end of round.
M around two times.
M12, Mdec; repeat to end of round.
M around once.
M11, Mdec; repeat to end of round.
M around once.
M10, Mdec; repeat to end of round.
M around once.
M9, Mdec; repeat to end of round.
M8, Mdec; repeat to end of round.
M7, Mdec; repeat to end of round.
Repeat in this manner until 6 sets (12 stitches) remain. Switch to dpns as needed.

Finishing:
Place contrasting color stitches on a stitch holder. Cut both yarns, leaving about 8 inches of tail. Thread the main color yarn through the main color stitches. Poke the tail to the inside of the hat, turn the hat inside out, and tie off. Now thread the contrasting color yarn through the contrasting color stitches and tie off.
You may add a pom-pom if you desire.

[Rose Queen]

Sounds like a very ambitious project, JessHawk -- good luck with it and thanks for posting this sample!

[jess_hawk]

Thank you! The most ambitious part really is that I'm going to have to knit the two afghans... I may take the big, single piece one out on the basis of not having the time or patience for it.

[Maureen Grantham]

Thanks, this looks interesting, will have to give it a try. Let us know when you have your book out and the details.

[jess_hawk]

Thanks, Maureen!

[beebluefern]

Jess, I would be interested in seeing some photos of the technique/stitches of a work in progress. I've heard and read about double knitting, however, it's far too warm down here for anything that heavy...although,...it might prove interesting in a laceweight yarn...probably a bit tedious for most knitters, but just imagine a laceweight with intarsia or stranded work! Anyway, could we have a few WIP pics?:D

[jess_hawk]

Certainly, Pamela. I have a hat for my brother in the works, and will be photographing the headband I'm about to start for my friend as I go along so that I have photos of all the steps to go in the book. I'll be sure to post some here. Maybe even later today.
I haven't tried intarsia yet even in single knit (I just haven't found a project I want to do yet), but I have put fair isle in a couple of double knit scarves (I can't stand seeing the back side). Its a lot of fun.

[Sher]

Jess, thanks for the pattern. After the holidays I'm going to give it a try. I copied it and have saved it to my computer so I don't have to go looking for it when I'm ready. I hope you except questions. :confused:
Thanks again!
Sher

[lisilk]

How exciting about the book. I am about to delve into knitting and can use all the help available. Hope to see some of your work soon.

Li

[jess_hawk]

Sher, of course I accept questions, in fact I encourage them!
I got distracted from photographing the headband by trying out triple knitting (I'm making a good sturdy brace type wristwarmer).
lisilk, as with sher, I encourage questions, and good luck with your new endeavor!