Category Archives: KAL

How to Knit 2×2 Cables

Although the Axiom Sweater by Claire Slade looks like it has four distinct cables, all the cables are created with 2×2 cables crossing left or right, and it uses different spacing and different combinations of knit and purl stitches in between to create dramatically different looks from the same handful of skills. Many cables are deceptively simple like these, but it’s not until you review the chart key that you might realize how few techniques are used to make gorgeous, complex-looking cables.  Below you’ll find an overview on cabling from Knit Bits: How to Knit Cables and tutorials on the left and right 2×2 cables, which are the only methods used to make up even the larger ...

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Starting Axiom and KAL Resources

Today is the day to cast on your Axiom Sweaters! Because the pattern is knit in pieces and seamed, the order you knit the four pieces is up to you. If you’re new to knitting cables, we suggest starting with your back or sleeves to get you feeling confident about your project, and we’ll have some tips for working the cables later this month on this blog. To stay on track, we recommend aiming to take about 15 days per piece, leaving you plenty of time for assembly and finishing by the end of the KAL on December 15th. Be sure to check out our Learning Center for resources, and use the hashtag #AxiomKAL on Instagram to share ...

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How to Convert a Seamed Sweater to Seamless

Axiom is a great pattern to try changing from seamed to seamless, and many Knit Picks team members are planning to do that with their own projects. Patterns can be followed precisely, or they can be used as a creative jumpstart, to be adapted as each knitter prefers. Like with most pattern modifications, when converting from seamed to seamless, a lot of frustration can be avoided by asking the right questions before getting started and doing a pinch of prep work. To get started, there are a few questions ...

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Worsted Weight Yarns for Cables

The Axiom KAL begins October 1st, 2023, so now is the best time to begin picking out yarn to have it ready to cast on by the 1st! The Axiom Sweater was designed using Wool of the Andes Worsted, but this pattern lends itself to substituting other worsted weight yarns that cable well. The key attributes to look for are good stitch definition and elasticity to make well-defined cables and ribbing that holds its shape. Here are the yarns we think are best to use and why! High Desert Worsted or High Desert Tweed

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Join the Axiom KAL!

Sweater Weather is finally here, and we’re excited to announce that our next knit-along will be the Axiom Sweater by Claire Slade!  Just the Details What: Knit the Axiom Sweater along with us When: October 1st – December 15th 2023 Skills to Know: CO, BO, knit, purl, increases, 2×2 cables, getting gauge, seaming, picking up and knitting Why: To make a beautiful cabled sweater with others We chose the Axiom Sweater because it’s a great choice for a first cabled sweater, as well as being gender-neutral and size inclusive. It’s a simple, seamed, drop-shoulder pullover knit ...

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Our Ice Fire Wraps

Today is the final day of the Ice Fire Wrap KAL, and we’ve loved seeing your projects under the #IceFireKAL hashtag on Instagram! Most of the Knit Picks team finished their wraps by today, although the eagle-eyed among you may spot a few wraps still on the needles in these photos. We all started with the same pattern, but through color choice, pattern modifications, and yarn substitutions, we each ended up with unique pieces. One of the most fun aspects of doing knit-alongs is ...

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An Ice Fire KAL Update

We’re grooving along on our Ice Fire Wrap KAL projects! The KAL is coming on an end on July 31st, and some of the team have their eyes on the finish line, some are already finished, and a few decided to put their projects into hibernation. Jen has a long ways to go one her Ice Fire Wrap, but she’s determined to have it finished by the end of the KAL. She’s using Chroma Worsted for her main color and Swish Worsted as the solid contrast.

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Swatching for Olive Knits 4-Day KAL

Olive Knits’ Annual 4-day KAL begins June 30th. Learn more about it on OliveKnits.com. I look forward to participating in the 4-Day KAL every year, as I know this is one of the projects that I am guaranteed to finish. I love the quick deadline, it makes me feel like I don’t have time to dilly dally around, or start a million new projects when I get bored after casting-on. The Lemon Spritz pattern was no exception, and I was eager to get going on my gauge swatch.  I selected Comfy ...

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Episode 367 – Botanic and the Ice Fire KAL

We’ve got a beautiful new lace book out, Botanic: Nature-inspired Lace, and Lee and Stacey share the inspiration and some behind-the-scenes details. Stacey also gets excited about our new Foursquare Sunstruck needles. Plus, Lee and Stacey announce our summer break. We’re taking July and August off from podcasting, but we’ll be back with fresh episodes on the first Wednesday of September!   Also in this episode, Lee and Stacey are joined by Andi, Jen, Regan, and Carlene to discuss how our Ice Fire KAL WIPs are turning out. Despite starting at the same time, everyone is at very different points, and we bet you can guess who ...

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The Ice Fire KAL Starts Today

Today is the day to cast on your Ice Fire Wrap! With the KAL running June 1st to July 31st, there are 8 weeks to knit your wrap, and it’s no coincidence that the large repeat is worked 8 times! To get your wrap finished by July 31st, all you need to do is work a full repeat of rows 5-76 once every week until you bind off.  If you ever get stuck, be sure to check out the resources in our Learning Center for help, or leave a comment here or on social media! Use the hashtag #IceFireKAL to share your own progress. Resources for the Ice Fire Wrap KAL  How to CO using the Long Tail CO How to BO using the Basic ...

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