UP TO 20% DISCOUNT OFF YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS ISSUE 162 Oct 2020
Christmas STARTS HERE: DECS, GIFTS, TOYS & MORE INSIDE
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
Packed with patterns!
16-PAGE CLASSIC COLLECTION
50 MAKES TO WEAR & SHARE! K NIT IN S IZ ES 8 -26
QUICK CHUNKY SCARF
13 PAGES OF XMAS IDEAS
ALL THIS & MORE
INSIDE!
01 LK Oct20 Cover 162.indd 1
TOP YARNS & PATTERNS FOR THE NEW SEASON
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
KNIT A QUICK & QUIRKY DEC TONIGHT
GET THE SCOOP!
FESTIVE FUN: EASY WREATH BY VAL PIERCE
KNIT A LUXURY 4-PIECE GIFT SET £7.99 | Oct 20 Issue 162
TIME FOR TWEED
EXPLORE THIS SEASON’S TOP TREND
NATURAL BEAUTY
DISCOVER THE PLEASURE OF PURE FIBRES 14/08/2020 15:01
EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome!
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We’re covering a lot of ground with this October issue of Let’s Knit! First up is our Touch of Class collection, featuring timeless and elegant garments like Kelly Menzies’ patterned sleeve sweater (p27), design classics like Julia Howe’s Chanel-style jacket (p18), plus a super-chunky Burberry-inspired scarf (p32) and a gorgeous cabled cushion (p35). These makes are perfect for anytime you need a stylish extra layer or something to cosy up with, and they’ll never go out of fashion. Hopefully you’re already fully on board with our Cast On For Christmas campaign and have downloaded your FREE goodies, including planners and inspiration, from letsknit.co.uk/ castonforchristmas (don’t miss this issue’s bonus Christmas Jumper Download Pack) but if not then it’s certainly not too late. In this issue you’ll find patterns for novelties and decorations, plus a host of fantastic gift ideas to help you get your festive knitting well underway. Our Christmas section starts on page 45. With autumn comes new yarns, and our exciting round-up begins on page 41. Check out what’s new in the knitting world for AW2020 and be inspired! Last but not least we couldn’t forget Halloween! Nicky Fijalkowska’s quirky crow and pumpkin combo is a quick knit for your fright-night festivities. Find it on page 77.
56 ABOVE RIGHT: The Touch of Class collection, p14 ABOVE LEFT: Festive teacosy, p56 CENTRE: letsknit.co.uk/ castonforchristmas LEFT: AW2020 starts now, p41 BELOW: knit for Halloween, p77
41
77
Happy Knitting
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All items from patterns published by Let’s Knit are for personal use only and cannot be sold. Multiple copies of any part of this publication may not be made, and no part of this publication whether in its original form or a reproduction thereof may be sold. All patterns featured within Let’s Knit are reproduced in good faith that they do not infringe any copyright. DISCLAIMER: We recommend that readers use the main specified yarn for every project as this will produce the best results. The alternatives given are suggestions only, and as no two yarns
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are exactly the same we advise readers to swatch an alternative yarn carefully before choosing to use it for their project. The publishers are not responsible for any safety issues arising from any items knitted from patterns contained within Let’s Knit magazine. Please note that toys with small parts are not suitable for children under three years of age. If making a toy for a very young child, omit any buttons and embroider the details instead. Babies should be supervised when playing with toys. Prices are all correct at time of print.
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October 2020
In this issue
20
53
SHOPPING
8 See It, Want It, Love It! Our top picks for October
65 This Month We’re Loving... Fair Isle Join us as we celebrate colourwork
73 All About Autumn
Embrace seasonal style with these trendy shades
79 Tweed Yarns
Cover Star
Enjoy our favourite flecked fibres
88 Newsflash
Catch up with the latest news in knitting
Brilliant Bootees
FOCUS
41 AW2020 Starts Here
Join us as we celebrate the changing seasons
77
45 Feeling Festive
Discover our collection of merry makes
66 Natural Beauty
We explore the joys of working with natural fibres
81 Keep Calm & Cast On
Sit back and relax with our mindfulness special
89 What’s The Secret?
Discover top tips for tricky techniques
PEOPLE
10 Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your incredible makes and letters
12 Out & About Halloween Pumpkin and Crow
Striped Jumper
Let us help you! WE UNDERSTAND THAT NOTHING IS MORE ANNOYING THAN ERRORS IN KNITTING PATTERNS, SO HERE’S OUR PROMISE TO YOU l Exclusive patterns featured in Let’s Knit have been professionally checked and reproduced with the utmost care. Updates can be found at letsknit.co.uk/pattern-updates l Should you encounter any problems we are more than happy to provide support and assistance. Contact us and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.
BY PHONE: 01206 508622 (office hours only) BY EMAIL: support@letsknit.co.uk BY POST: at the address at the top of page 94 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot offer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
Find out what to do and when
62 Charity Corner
Knitters using their needles to make a difference
Contact us
98 My Life In Patterns
HAVE ANOTHER QUERY? HERE’S HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
IN EVERY ISSUE
l Subscription enquiries/ customer services: 0800 904 7000, aceville@dctmedia.co.uk l Advertising enquiries: 01206 505114, samantha.dean@aceville.co.uk l Online registration/website enquiries: webmaster@letsknit.co.uk
We hear from crochet expert and brilliant blogger Toni Lipsey
3 Welcome 7 Just For You This Month 30 Subscriptions 55 Coming Next Month 61 Teabreak 82 Reader Offer 85 Read & Relax 86 Giveaways 93 Knitter’s Know-How
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WIN! WIN! WIN!
47
OVER £1,000 OF GREAT PRIZES ON PAGE 86
PATTERNS
Christmas Wreath
50
32
Penguin Pals
al
58
Snowglobe Decorations
Patterned Sleeve Jumper
Classic Plaid Scarf
Raglan Jumper
16 Raglan Jumper 18 Smart Boucle Jacket 20 Striped Jumper 23 Chic Hat and Gloves Set 27 Patterned Sleeve Jumper 32 Classic Plaid Scarf 35 Cabled Cushion 38 Soothing Sleep Set 47 Christmas Wreath 50 Penguin Pals 53 Brilliant Bootees 56 Christmas Teacosy 58 Snowglobe Decorations 68 Vintage Vibes Knitalong – Part Two 74 Mystery CAL – Part Two 77 Halloween Pumpkin and Crow 84 Nautical Knitalong – Part Five 87 Bonus Christmas Jumper Charts 90 Plant Pot Holder Tutorial
Chic Hat and Gloves Set
Smart Boucle Jacket
1 SE 6-P CT AG IO E N
THE TOUCH OF CLASS COLLECTION
Starts on page 14
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JUST FOR YOU THIS MONTH
FESTIVE TOY TRIO PLUS BONUS MOTIFS Knit one of Santa’s Little Helpers in a jolly Christmas jumper with your exclusive yarn pack! Designed by Laura Telfer, these cute and cuddly characters are ready to assist with any yuletide quandary. Mix and match their seasonal sweaters with our fantastic charts - there are three on your leaflet and seven more on page 87. We’re carrying on with the festive flair with a brilliant Quick-Knit Christmas bonus pattern collection, courtesy of Search Press. We love seeing your projects. Share your photos using the details on page 11.
Knit one of our fantastic Christmas characters with your yarn kit, plus choose your jumper motif!
Bumper yarn pack with over 130g of soft toy yarn for only £7.99*! Simply visit giftstoyou.com or call 0800 904 7000 *T&Cs: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
TEN FREE* FESTIVE YARNS!
Get in the Christmas mood with our mini yarn selection pack. Featuring classic seasonal shades, they’re ideal for decorations, toys, or festooning your house with pom-poms. Claim your yarn kit, plus a free* pattern download on page 82. *UK customers only, just pay postage
THIS MONTH’S
EXCLUSIVE
Treats you’ll love
LOVE OUR YARN PACKS? GET MORE!
YOUR BONUS PATTERN BOOK! 14 fab toys, gifts and decorations!
No. 1 for gifts
ONLY IN LET’S KNIT
Super soft toy yarn Bonus pattern book extra Cast On For Christmas special Ten FREE* yarns + pattern Christmas jumper download pack
Find over 1,900 fabulous knitting patterns at letsknit.co.uk
Coming next issue! KNIT SANTA & MRS CLAUS!
Have fun with your fabulous fleecy yarn and make our classic Christmas duo! Make both toys with your limited edition yarn pack, plus find bonus patterns for our cute polar bear play set!
DON’T MISS 07
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LET’S KNIT CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ON SALE THURSDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER
YOUR 16 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL
KN W
The Touch Of Class
Collection REFINE YOUR KNITTED STYLE WITH FIVE FRESH PATTERNS BE INSPIRED BY A FASHION FAVOURITE
PAGE
16
Raglan Jumper
Less is more! CHOOSE A NEAT, COSY STYLE FOR COLDER DAYS
TRÉS chic!
Fab textured yarn
Autumn is here and our latest looks welcome in the new season with aplomb. If you’re a dedicated follower of fashion, you’re sure to recognise the designer inspiration behind Julia Howe’s boucle jacket. Note how less is more when it comes to the sleek fit of Fran Morgan’s raglan jumper or the minimal stripe effect on Jo Allport’s chunky sweater. Don’t forget to accessorise your outfit – Zoë Halstead’s hat and glove set is a great way to do it in style!
PAGE
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Smart Boucle Jacket
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THE STYLE PAGE
27
KELLY MENZIES’ STRIKING KNIT IS WELL WORTH THE EFFORT
GET SET FOR AUTUMN WITH THESE CABLED ACCESSORIES
Patterned Sleeve Jumper
Edit
PAGE
23 Chic Hat and Gloves Set
Challenge your self!
Faux fur
YARN
HERALD THE NEW SEASON WITH A GORGEOUS CHUNKY KNIT
PAGE
20
Striped Jumper
We love a pocket!
Super cosy 15
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ACCESSORY
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Herita textilege PATT ERN
great ADVICE “When knitting the previously slipped stitches knit into the back of the stitch so it does not twist.”
LK DESIGNER, Jacinta
Bowie
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HOME
pattern
SOFA Style KEEP IT CHIC WITH LUCINDA GANDERTON’S STRIKING CUSHION
Chic hom e KNIT
There’s something very satisfying about interlocking cables with neat, even spaces and a perfect finish. This sophisticated cushion will add both elegance and comfort to your living space. The twists and cables themselves are relatively easy to work, but you will need a certain level of concentration to prevent your stitches from wandering where they shouldn’t!
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Clockwise from top left: Stylecraft Highland Heathers, Rowan Magazine 68 (launches 1st September), Rico KIC 1068, WYS The Croft Wild Shetland, King Cole 5652, Stylecraft 9792, Rowan Mode Three, Rowan My London, Rico KIC 1060, Rico KIC 1068
STARTS NOW
KNIT THE LOOK WITH OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST NEW YARNS AND PATTERNS Don’t sigh for the passing of summer, welcome the number one knitting season with open arms! We’ve rounded up some of the exciting autumn/winter arrivals that will be coming to a yarn store near you - if they’re not already there. You’ll find patterns for super stylish garments and big and bold accessories, plus fabulous fibres to add to your stash. Read on to find out what’s new for you!
Supersize Style
Rico Knitting Idea Compact 1069
Rowan Big Wool
Cygnet Seriously Chunky With Wool
We’ve always known that big is beautiful here at Let’s Knit but we’re not just talking about dress size. Look out for a wealth of new super chunky yarns and knitting patterns for the colder weather. Rico’s new Fashion Alpaca Cozy Up! knits on massive 20mm needles. It’s made from wool, alpaca and acrylic fibres and is exceedingly cosy making it ideal for statement accessories like this hat and cowl combo (left). Cygnet Yarns has brought in this fabulous new colourway to its Seriously Chunky with Wool range. It’s called Granite and we love the vibrant pinks, purples and blues scattered throughout. Speaking of new shades, check out this bold colour in Rowan Big Wool (shade 93) or how about Pistachio in Stylecraft Special XL? Perfect for stand-out big knits, you can find six supporting knitting patterns for this yarn collection, including design 9788 made in new Spearmint (right).
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Stylecraft pattern 9788
Stylecraft Special XL
Rico Fashion Alpaca Cozy Up!
Turn over for more! 14/08/2020 14:55
GOOD Wreath! T O
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• EXCLUSIVE
• EXC
LU
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pattern
Here at Let’s Knit HQ, we are absolutely in love with this super-cute knit from one of our favourite designers. The foliage offers a touch of tradition, with the adorable snowmen providing a novel twist. The wreath cover itself is easy to make, so even novice knitters will be able to join in the fun. The embellishments are slightly more complicated, but if you take them one step at a time and remember to label the individual pieces, your project will be a resounding success!
EMBRACE CHRISTMAS CHEER WITH THIS MERRY MAKE FROM VAL PIERCE
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TREAT YOUR YOUNGSTER TO NICOLA VALIJI’S BABY BOOTEES If you know a little one who is about to experience the magic of their very first Christmas, why not make it all the more special with help from these gorgeous baby bootees? Inspired by everyone’s favourite reindeer, they are simple to knit and impossible to resist. As they will be gifted to a tiny tot, it is essential that you take great care over securing the antlers, ears and noses. Luckily, there aren’t too many individual pieces to attach, so the process should be quick and easy.
great ADVICE “Make sure you fold the cast-on edge of the ears together and sew before attaching them to the bootees.”
LK DESIGNER, Nicola
Valiji
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Don’t miss our...
Next issue
Bonus polar bear playset patterns!
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2020 ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER
FESTIVE YARN PACK WITH FLUFFY YARN + Knit Santa & Mrs Claus
FREE*
SPECIAL SPARKLE YARN IN YOUR SIX-COLOUR PACK!
Worth
£7.99!
Worth £7.99
FAB ALSO! PATTERNS INSIDE!
THE SCANDI STYLE COLLECTION
Super chic garments for the festive season
PLUS
Projects subject to change. *Just pay postage, UK customers only
4 HOW TO HAVE AN ECOFRIENDLY CHRISTMAS 4 THE BEST GIFT IDEAS FOR KNITTERS 4 ADD GLITZ TO YOUR KNITS WITH OUR SPARKLY YARN GUIDE
PLUS! BONUS
pattern picks
CLUB MAG
Sausage dog cushion 4 Fun stocking 3 ear tw foo e tiv fes us ulo Fab 2 er eat 1 Stylish reindeer sw ë Halstead’s Christmas llama! Zo 6 rs yea 0-4 for r pe jum uin ng pe te for pets 5 Cu 55
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HOME Pattern
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Homema HALLO de WEEN!
TRICK or Tweet KNIT UP NICKY FIJALKOWSKA’S FABULOUS HALLOWEEN DECORATION!
Add some spooky to your stitching with our smart-looking corvid, perched imperiously on the pumpkin patch. We’ve named him Beaky and think he’s more cute than creepy, but he’s still perfect for your Halloween festivities. Due to the beads, glue and felt pieces, we consider this to be a decoration rather than a toy, so please avoid giving it to young children.
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LEARN WITH US
OU W H A T YT O NEED .. KNOW.
GREAT FOR IMPROVERS
ARAN YARN
Clever CABLES
5MM NEEDLES
MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
INNOVATE YOUR CABLES WITH JO ALLPORT’S FANTASTIC TECHNIQUE
To fit plant pot: any taller than 12cm To fit pot diameter (cm): 13 (17, 20, 25, 30) Length of knitted strip (cm): 41 (53, 62, 78, 94)
KNIT KIT
ADD THE
Yarn: Rico Design Creative Cotton Aran, shade 65 Cherry, 2 (2, 2, 3, 3) 50g balls Needles: 5mm Cable needles: two Tapestry needle
knitty touch I V E TO
EXCLU S TO •
n 30 sts x 22 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Embossed cable patt n 5mm needles
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n 16 sts x 22 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Moss stitch n 5mm needles
C EX
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TENSION SQUARE
FOR ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 97
ABOUT THE YARN
Rico Design Creative Cotton Aran has a soft matte finish and the pure cotton fibres are machine washable. It costs £2.10 per 50g (85m) ball from 01376 743123, sconch.com
A LOCAL YARN SHOP IS A GREAT PLACE TO BUY ALL YOUR KNITTY ESSENTIALS FIND YOURS ON P92
“If substituting the yarn, choose a machine washable option in case your cover gets grubby” LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
Cables are something of a knitting classic but that doesn’t mean they can’t be adapted to create different effects. This embossed cable involves working short rows before making the twist, which is completed over two rows - read Jo’s guide on the right to see how it’s done. The cover is worked side to side which means it is easily customisable to fit most plant pots. If your pot is wider at the top than the bottom, make sure you measure around the top of the pot when you check if your cover will fit.
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