Hi friends! This post discusses the last technique you need in order to make the Irish Hiking Scarf for our Knit Along.

A quick note before we get started - there’s now a flickr group where you can upload all your pictures of your scarf progress! I’d love to see pictures from all stages, and any problem spots that you need help with. You can find the group here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/hikingscarf/. Go post!

All right - cables. If you’ve never done them before, they’re actually MUCH easier then they look. Remember I said that you would need a cable needle or a single double pointed needle? Now’s the time to bring it out.

When you come to the point in the pattern that says C6F, here’s what you do:

1. Slide 3 stitches onto the cable needle

2. Hold those stitches (on the cable needle) in front of your work

3. Knit the next three stitches. It may feel a little weird because you have to pull a little to skip the stitches that are being held on the cable needle, but that’s ok.

4. Then knit the stitches on your cable needle, just as you would if they were on a regular needle.  Make sure you start with the first stitch that you slid onto the needle.

5. Continue on with the next step of the pattern. In our case that’s P2.  When you come to the next CF6, repeat from step 1!

There you are, all cables are as simple as that. The only variation you may see in other patterns is C#B. The number will vary based on the size of the cable desired and the “B” simply means you need to make sure the cable needle is held in the back of your work as you knit.

Go forth and knit!

Today we’ll be talking about how to cast on the stitches to begin your scarf. There are numerous ways to cast on stitches and many knitters have personal preferences. If you have a favorite, feel free to use it! I’ll explaining the simplest method, which will work perfectly for this project. All you’ll need for this step is one of your needles and your yarn.

Remember, if you are new to knitting it might be helpful to have some additional resources to help you along in these first stages.  Don’t worry if it’s tricky at first, you’ll get the hang of it!

First, make a slipknot at the end of your yarn, leaving a small tail, and slide it onto a needle.  (A slipknot is like a regular knot except you pull a loop of yarn through when you would normally pull the other end through.)

The loop of the slip knot will be your first stitch. To cast on the second, draw the yarn (attached to the ball) around your thumb and hold it gently with three fingers against your palm as pictured below.

Now, take the point of your needle and bring it around the outside of the yarn, away from your fingers.  Then slip it underneath as seen below.

Pull your thumb out and use your fingers to grasp the yarn and pull the stitch taught to the needle.

You’ve made your second stitch! Repeat the process (beginning by wrapping the yarn around your thumb) and your stitches will look like this:

*make sure your stitches aren’t pulled too tightly - they should be secure but still able to move along the needle freely.

The pattern calls for 42 cast on stitches.  If you feel comfortable starting the scarf right away, go for it! If you still feel like you need some practice, try casting on some stitches, pulling them out, and repeating a few times for practice.

Next up is learning about the knit and purl stitches (which are the only stitches that this pattern requires!)

Hi Friends! I know I was MIA last week and I do apologize but I have some exciting news. A Maker’s Affair is starting its very first knit along! 

The pattern we’ll be using is the Irish Hiking Scarf from helloyarn.com. It’s a very simple scarf pattern that yields a beautiful result. Whip one up and stay nice and cozy this upcoming season!

Since this pattern is fairly simple, we’ll be covering be covering all the techniques required.  However, if you’ve never knitted before, it might be helpful to consult some additional help. One of my favorite books for absolute beginners is The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Knitting.

To start out, you’ll need these supplies:

1. The pattern - found here

2. A set of size 8 needles

3. A cable needle, or one double pointed needle (even a smooth pencil will do in a pinch)

4. 350 yards of worsted weight yarn - The scarf can be very different depending on what type of yarn you choose.  Acrylic craft yarn is fine, but if you’re looking to try something else, consider wool, cotton, a mohair blend, alpaca, or even silk!

So gather your knit along supplies and next time we’ll talk about casting on!