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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Episode 372: Knits in 10 Hours or Less

It’s the perfect time of year for quick knits, and we were so delighted to feature several patterns from George of 10 Hours or Less in our latest stash-buster pattern collection, Déjà Yarn: Single Color Stashbusters. You can probably guess what kind of patterns George specializes in (ones that take less than 10 hours to make), but you’ll be amazed to hear about his long career in the knitting industry that predates digital patterns. George also shares a glimpse inside his design process as he explains how he created his Art Deco Artisan Headband (shown above) and Rolling Ribbing Hat for Déjà Yarn.

Plus, Lee, Stacey, and Andi chat about their current projects, the Axiom KAL, and knitting while watching movies …

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A Look at Knit Picks Tweed Yarns

If you’re a fan of the Knit Picks Podcast, you know how much we all love tweeds! We have a large selection to choose from, and each tweed yarn has its own strengths and benefits. It can be hard to pick just one for a project because they’re each so beautiful, but knowing a bit more about them can help guide your selection. Here’s an overview of each tweed yarn we currently sell, with a swatch showing a classic cable, stockinette, and a simple lace panel.

Brava Tweed

Fiber Content: …

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Episode 371: The 12 Weeks of Gifting

Can you believe there are less than 12 weeks until the start of the holiday season? In this episode, Lee and Stacey chat about our annual 12 Weeks of Gifting, a series of free patterns released once a week leading up to the winter holidays. They share the concept behind it and how it began as well as how patterns are selected for it. Both of our hosts also created new designs for this year’s set of 12 patterns and describe their creative process for them.

In addition to 12 Weeks of Gifting, there’s so much more going on! The Axiom KAL just started, so producer Andi hopped on to join Stacey in discussing starting the sweater. Lee and Stacey also talk …

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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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Free Downloadable October 2023 Calendar

Happy October! It’s time for sweater weather and warm cozy evenings. To celebrate, we have your free monthly calendar wallpapers. Enjoy these October 2023 wallpaper images (free download for you!) — featuring an assortment of autumnal colors in Curio, Twill, Stroll Tweed, High Desert Tweed, Wonderfluff Ombré, Gloss DK, and Andean Treasure.

How to get the Wallpaper:

To get the free downloadable calendar background of your choice (smart phones, tablets, or desktop computers), simply click on the image of your choice to go to the full-size photo. For desktop, right click the image and “Save As”; for smart phones and tablets, tap and hold to “Save Image”.

If you try to save the calendar without opening the full image you will get a WebP file. Please be sure to click on the image before saving it!

Free October 2023 Wallpaper for Desktop:

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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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Episode 370: Yarn Thrift Stores with Zeb from Disco Fibers

Every knitter ends up with yarn they don’t plan to use and don’t know what to do with, and that’s the problem Zeb from Disco Fibers is looking to solve! He joins our hosts Lee and Stacey to talk about starting a yarn thrift store in the Portland, OR area that helps get unused yarn out of the back of the closet and into the hands of knitters that will love it.

Plus, Andi joins Stacey to discuss our upcoming KAL, where we’ll all be knitting the Axiom Sweater by Claire Slade! Andi and Stacey chat about their yarn choices and some modifications to the pattern.  

Mentioned in this Episode

Lee’s cardigan project in Swish Pops (Ravelry link)

Swish Pops yarn

Twisted Stitch Sourcebook …

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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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