Knotwork Tutorial II

Several bits and pieces on how to do the scarf were scattered in my blog posts. But it wasn't a real tutorial and a few important tidbits were missing.  So I'll write down the process for those who would like to make their own nalbound knotwork items with more complicated knots. For my examples, I use the Finnish 2+2 stitch.

This is the knot style we'll be working with. (Page 33 of Celtic Art: The Methods of Construction.) I highlighted one part of the knot in the diagram, so we can easily see the construction.

To make the knots:
Make to chains of stitches.  One or two colors of yarn can be used.

Make a loop with one chain of stitches. I try not to let mine twist - so my knots are more uniform.

Then I place the other chain of stitches under the loop that I just made.

Now we'll start working over and under, over and under until we've completed the knot.

Now make as many knots as you want. The knots do stretch out a bit. So just know that if you decide to edge the knots, for final item won't be as long. Here are the knots I made for my scarf.

To do a row of edging:

I picked up the knot tail and did a stitch or two on it.

A) Then I picked up and made 4 stitches in the top loop of the knot. (Depending on your knots, you may need fewer or more stitches in the loop. Experiment on a few knots to find out.)

B) Next, I did 3 stitches in the chain that is between knots.

Repeat A and B until you reach the end of the knots. 

Do a stitch in the tail of the knot.

Then in the end of the tail, make 4 or 5 stitches (for the corner of your work).

Continue working on the edge of your knots. I did about 3 stitches in each part of the loop on the side.

Continue turning corners and edging until you reach where you started.  Pull your stich loops a little tighter so they blend in.  Finally, weave in your ends. (I had to use the ends to cover where I started and ended.)

Enjoy!