Stitch of the Month for July
Welcome to my new Stitch of the Month series! Every month, I’ll be exploring a new and exciting stitch pattern. You’ll find complete instructions and troubleshooting, plus a free downloadable pdf. Keep it on hand for those moments when you want to pop a little magic into your knitting projects.
The Joy of Antique Stitches
Each year while unpacking at the Sterling Renaissance Festival, I encounter an old, hand knitted shawl. (I’m sure it was already old when it was purchased, probably from some nearby thrift store.) Although it is severely felted and shrunken to a fraction of its original size, I always admire it and feel a particular love for the old-fashioned stitch pattern worked in panels along its length. I’d seen the Fountain Stitch many times over the years in everything from baby booties to bed jackets and it has never failed to delight me with its sweetness. The antique Fountain Stitch is our Stitch of the Month for July.
The Fountain Stitch
This delicate stitch has been used for centuries as a decorative panel alongside other lace motifs, as a standalone openwork panel or as an allover stitch as it is here. It is an understated, frugal kind of lace. Though it gives the appearance of “fancy work” it creates a lasting and durable fabric that will withstand the years. Fountain is a romantic stitch worked over a multiple of 10 stitches.
Let’s give it a try…
Worked Flat
- Worked back & forth in rows
- Multiple of 10 sts + 1.
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2, 4 and 6 (WS): Purl.
Row 3: K1, *k2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, ssk, k1; repeat from * to end of row.
Row 5: K1, *k1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k2; repeat from * to end of row.
Repeat Rows 1–6 for pattern.
Worked in the Round
- Multiple of 10 sts.
Rnds 1, 2, 4 and 6: Knit.
Rnd 3: *K2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, ssk, k1; repeat from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 5: *K1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k2; repeat from * to end of rnd.
Repeat rnds 1-6 for patt.
For a list of Standard Abbreviations, CLICK HERE!
Troubleshoot
- Though the Fountain Stitch is intuitive and easy to memorize, it can be a little difficult to read when you first begin. Try using a lifeline every chart repeat or track row/rnds on your chart with a sticky note or highlighter tape so you always know where you are.
- Block the Fountain Stitch aggressively to open up the eyelets (as in a shawl or scarf) or be gentle to keep them closed to achieve a particular dimension or gauge (as in socks or garments).
- The Fountain Stitch is great used in panels or overall patterning in any yarn weight.
Happy Knitting!
