Pfeilraupe: Slots

We're back to Pfeilraupe today, with another post to help you along with this popular pattern. Pfeilraupe has a peculiar construction, but we can all agree the beautiful design is innovative and versatile, and definitely worth a spot in your queue! In previous posts, we talked about the crochet cast on and the short rows used in this pattern, and today we're covering the "slots" or holes that are along one side of this shawl. If you've worked a 2 row button hole, you'll find that the instructions create a similar effect: stitches are cast off in between the stitch markers, the row is completed (in this case, turned according to the short rows) and worked back up to the point where the stitches have been cast off. Then, the same number of stitches are cast on, and the row is completed. The holes in this pattern are worked over 11 stitches, and repeat every few inches for a total of 6 slots. There are very detailed photo instructions linked to from this pattern, but the instructions are written up in German. Don't panic! We're here to help. It really is just casting off and casting on, and although you're welcome to just keep it simple and do just that, there are a few extra steps you can do to make the slots nice and tidy. So, let's dive in! Part 1: Casting off for slot Knit until you reach the stitch marker on row 34 (see "Start Corner" chart on page 5 in pattern), you're ready to prepare to cast off the subsequent 11 stitches. Before doing that, we will do an extra step to keep the edge tidy. With stitch marker still on the left hand needle, insert left needle into first stitch on right hand needle purlwise. Your right needle should be in front of the left needle. Wrap yarn around left needle counter-clockwise (see photo). Bring that wrap through the stitch, keeping the live stitch (purple) on your right needle, and the wrap (red) on your left needle. Move the wrap stitch from your left needle to your right. 1 stitch has been increased. The "wrap" (red) should now be the first stitch on your right needle, with the live stitch (purple) next to it. Remove stitch marker. Knit the next stitch. Pass the second stitch (red) on right needle over the first stitch (bring the red "wrap" stitch on right needle over the knit stitch you just worked, and off the needle). 1 stitch decreased. Note: at this point, no stitches have been cast off. Give it a tug to tighten the wrap over the stitch. You can now begin casting off the stitches. Cast off until you reach the next stitch marker. Remove stitch marker, cast off one additional stitch (for a total of 11 stitches cast off). Finish row as in pattern, turning at the short row, and work back until you reach the cast off stitches. Part 2: Casting on for slot You've now reached the cast off stitches. Turn your work, so the front is facing you. Yarn should be at the back; you can now cast on. (Switch to a crochet hook for this step) Insert crochet hook into stitch below the first stitch on left hand needle, from the front. Pick up right leg of stitch by twisting hook clockwise to create a loop on the crochet hook. Bring yarn to front, across the top of the left needle (creating a yarn over), and draw yarn through loop on crochet hook. 1 stitch has been cast on. At this point it is important to replace your stitch marker in between the two stitches, as in photo. This will help you accurately count the number of stitches you cast on. Bring yarn behind left hand needle (make sure you don't create a yarn over here, just bring the working yarn to the back of the work) and prepare to cast on using crochet method. Your needle will be on the left, and your crochet hook parallel to the right. Wrap yarn around front of needle and crochet hook, from left to right. Draw through loop on the crochet hook to complete cast on of one stitch. Repeat to cast on remaining stitches. When counting cast on stitches, make sure you count from stitch marker. You will have 11 stitches on your left needle, with the remaining loop on your crochet hook. Place this loop onto your right needle. Turn your work. (The cast on stitches are now on your right needle, and the remaining loop is on your left needle) Bring yarn to the back. Pass the second stitch on left hand needle over the first (you will be bringing the first stitch from your cast off, over the last stitch from your cast on, and off the needle. Move this stitch from your left needle to the right. You are now ready to complete the row as in pattern: knit to end. Yarn used in this sample is Pittura by Louisa Harding in colour 601, which is available in several watercolour shades!