As I write this blog post, you should know that we are actually still on week 1 of the KAL. I have absolutely no chill and not only am I planning this post ahead of schedule, I have already completed all 3 blocks. If you're a true blue friend, be firm in telling me to put down the effing needles for a little bit. Better yet, smack them out of my hands.
I really like all of these stitches because I LOOOOVE texture. I may have a touch of anxiety and repetitive motion helps me calm down. So, if you haven't already, I highly recommend running your hands over the seed or sand stitch blocks. You feel that? Yeah. That's the good stuff. ^_^
And I have more good news. This week's stitch has just as much tactile goodness as the other to. So let's get to it.
As always, the materials are:
Materials Approximately 75 (84, 91, 102, 112) (120, 127, 138, 146) yards of Worsted Weight Yarn US size 8 knitting needles Tapestry Needle Measuring Tape
THE IRISH MOSS STITCH
Notes
The Irish moss stitch (also known as the double moss stitch), is another textured stitch pattern created by knitting a series of knits and purls. This pattern uses a four row repeat. In rows one and two, K1, P1 across the entire row and in rows three and four, P1, K1 across the entire row. You then repeat that four row sequence until your piece is it’s desired length.
Gauge
17st x 24r =4 x 4" (10cm)
Tip: pay attention to this, especially if you are modifying the pattern.
Abbreviations
K - Knit
P - Purl
RS - Right side
WS - Wrong Side
Finished Size
Do NOT measure the stockinette border. This will be used for seaming and shouldn't contribute to the finished size of the sweater.
Sizes are width x length
XS: 9 x 11.25 in (23 x 28.5 cm)
S: 10 x 11.5 in (25.5 x 29.5 cm)
M: 11 x 11.75 in (28 x 29.5 cm)
L: 12 x 11.75 in (30.5 x 30 cm)
XL: 13 x 12 in (33 x 30.5 cm)
2X: 14 x 12 in (36 x 30.5 cm)
3X: 15 x 12 in (38.5 x 30.5 cm)
4X: 16 x 12.25 in (41 x 31 cm)
5X: 17 x 12.25 in (43.5 x 31 cm)
Instructions
Cast on 42 (46, 50, 56, 60) (64, 68, 72, 76) sts
Row 1: Knit across (rs)
Row 2: Purl across (ws)
Row 3: K2, *K1, P1* repeat from * to * until two stitches remain in the row, K2
Row 4: P2, *K1, P1* repeat from * to * until two stitches remain in the row, P2
Row 5: K2, “P1, K1” repeat from * to * until two stitches remain in the row, K2
Row 6: P2, “P1, K1” repeat from * to * until two stitches remain in the row, P2
Repeat rows 3 through 6 for a total of 70 (72, 72, 72, 74) (74, 74, 76, 76) rows OR until indicated length, ending with a ws row (again, do not measure the first 2 stockinette rows).
Row 7: Knit across
Row 8: Purl across
Bind off
If you are going to alter the pattern, the gauge for this is:
17st x 24r =4 x 4" (10cm)
Plug this into the final equations for the Bust Blocks:
Gauge st x gauge row = 4 x 4 inches
_____ (bust block width) x ( _____Gauge st / 4”) = # sts _____
_____ (bust block length) x ( _____Gauge rows / 4”) = # rows _____
Once you have your stitch and row count, use those numbers in the pattern instructions above.
Swiggidy sweet! You have now completed a new stitch and are well on your way to be a master level knitter. I like the subtle diamond pattern it makes.
Still having some trouble?
Check out the Knit & Nibble blog if you like charts
OR
Check out this video tutorial by Wool & the Gang