Learn How to Machine Knit the Dragonfly Stitch

Learn How to Machine Knit the Dragonfly Stitch

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 1.1 Overview 1.2 Purpose
2. Materials and Tools
3. Setting up the Machine 3.1 Needle Selection 3.2 Marking the Needle Bed 3.3 Setting the Carriage
4. Knitting the Dragonfly Stitch 4.1 Pattern Explanation 4.2 Knitting the Line Needles 4.3 Manipulating the Stitches 4.4 Knitting the Circle Needles 4.5 Repeating the Pattern
5. Finishing and Troubleshooting 5.1 Binding Off 5.2 Troubleshooting Tips
6. Final Thoughts
7. FAQ

Introduction

Overview

The dragonfly stitch is a beautiful pattern that can add an elegant touch to your knitted projects. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of creating this stitch using a flatbed Japanese knitting machine. Whether you are a beginner or have some knitting experience, this tutorial is designed to help you easily understand and master the dragonfly stitch.

Purpose

The purpose of this tutorial is to provide step-by-step instructions on how to knit the dragonfly stitch on a flatbed Japanese knitting machine. We will cover everything from setting up the machine to manipulating the stitches and finishing the project. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a clear understanding of how to create this intricate stitch and be ready to incorporate it into your knitting projects.

Materials and Tools

Before we begin, let's gather the materials and tools you will need for this project:

1. Flatbed Japanese knitting machine
2. Washable marker or crayola washable marker
3. Cut credit card
4. Three-and-one tool
5. Two-and-one transfer tool
6. Yarn
7. Weight

Make sure you have all these items ready before you start knitting the dragonfly stitch.

Setting up the Machine

Properly setting up your knitting machine is crucial to achieve the desired results. Follow these steps to prepare your machine for knitting the dragonfly stitch.

Needle Selection

For this sample, we will use 28 needles, starting from 14 left to 14 right. Mark the needle bed using a washable marker to make it easier to identify the groups of needles for the pattern stitch. Leave four needles on the left and four needles on the right unmarked for reference.

Marking the Needle Bed

To create the dragonfly stitch pattern, we will alternate between groups of marked needles. Use a line and circle marking to differentiate the groups. Mark three needles with a line, skip three needles, and mark the next three needles with a circle. Repeat this pattern across the needle bed.

Setting the Carriage

Set your knitting machine carriage to the hold position. This ensures that the stitches on the selected needles will not be knitted. For the first pattern, we will be knitting the needles marked with a line. Select the three needles with the line marking on them, plus their neighboring needles, on both sides. These will be the needles that will form the dragonfly stitch pattern.

Knitting the Dragonfly Stitch

Now that we have our machine set up, let's start knitting the dragonfly stitch. This section will guide you through each step of the process.

Pattern Explanation

The dragonfly stitch is created by manipulating stitches on the selected needles. By transferring stitches onto a three-and-one tool and then onto the center needle, we create loops on the front of the work, giving the stitch its distinctive appearance.

Knitting the Line Needles

Bring the selected group of needles into working position by pushing them out using the three-and-one tool. Knit four rows with the machine set for short rowing. This allows the yarn to lay on top of the needles without knitting the group of three needles.

Manipulating the Stitches

Using the three-and-one tool and a cut credit card, transfer the stitches onto the tool, close the latch with the credit card, and move the tool down below the needle bed. This will loosen the loops, making them easier to work with. Hang the loops on the middle needle, even them up, and transfer the loops from underneath to the three hooks. This will put the loops on the front of the work, creating the dragonfly stitch.

Knitting the Circle Needles

After knitting two plain rows, it's time to work on the needles marked with circles. Repeat the same steps as before, bringing the circle-marked needles into working position, knitting four rows, manipulating the stitches, and transferring them onto the middle needle.

Repeating the Pattern

Continue alternating between the line-marked needles and the circle-marked needles to create the dragonfly stitch pattern. Remember to knit two plain rows between each pattern repeat. Pay attention to any split stitches and fix them as you go.

Finishing and Troubleshooting

Once you have completed the desired number of pattern repeats, it's time to finish the project and address any troubleshooting issues that may arise.

Binding Off

To bind off, knit a few rows of plain stitches and remove the project from the machine. Secure the last stitch by pulling the yarn through it and weaving in any loose ends. Block the finished piece to enhance the stitch definition and give it a polished look.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during the knitting process, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you:

1. Split stitches: Use a knitting tool to fix any split loops and ensure the stitches are properly aligned.
2. Stuck stitches: Gently manipulate the stitches on the needles to free them.
3. Tension issues: Adjust the tension dial on your knitting machine to achieve the desired stitch tension.
4. Yarn breakage: Check for any snags or knots in the yarn and rethread if necessary.

Final Thoughts

The dragonfly stitch is a stunning addition to any knitted project. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily create this intricate stitch using a flatbed Japanese knitting machine. Experiment with different yarns and colors to customize your projects and explore the versatility of the dragonfly stitch. Enjoy the process and have fun creating beautiful knitted pieces!

FAQ

Q: Can I knit the dragonfly stitch on a different type of knitting machine? A: While this tutorial specifically focuses on knitting the dragonfly stitch using a flatbed Japanese knitting machine, the concept can be applied to other knitting machines. However, the steps and techniques may vary, so it's important to consult the user manual for your specific machine.

Q: Can I use a different yarn weight for the dragonfly stitch? A: Absolutely! The dragonfly stitch can be worked with various yarn weights, depending on the desired outcome. Experiment with different yarns to achieve different textures and looks.

Q: How can I incorporate the dragonfly stitch into my knitting projects? A: The dragonfly stitch can be used in a variety of knitting projects, such as scarves, shawls, sweaters, and blankets. Consider adding this stitch as a decorative panel or as an all-over pattern to enhance the visual appeal of your designs.

Q: Are there any specific tips for maintaining tension while knitting the dragonfly stitch? A: Maintaining even tension is essential for achieving consistent and beautiful results. Practice on scrap yarn to get a feel for the stitch and experiment with different tension settings on your knitting machine. Additionally, ensuring that your machine is properly calibrated and lubricated will contribute to maintaining tension throughout your knitting project.