For most of us, when we begin our knitting or crochet journey, the first thing we do after learning how to cast on, is to practice the basic stitches, often in the form of simple squares.
The sense of achievement we feel when we master something new is such a joy to embrace, especially if you've had busy or stressful day. The familiarity of the a technique can soon become engrained in our memory, like riding a bike or driving a car, so when we pick up our needles or hook and start to knit or crochet, we soon feel calm and soothed, as our bodies and minds start to relax.
THE MINDFULNESS OF KNITTING AND CROCHET
It's so easy to forget about the joy of knitting or crocheting squares, as we move on to learn more techniques and expand our knitting or crochet repertoire.
When I went back to the basics of a knitted square for my Checkered Love cardigan, I soon became mesmerised all over again, by the calming and repetitive nature of stocking stitch, and the beautiful texture created by moss stitch.
Without having to think about what I was doing, and by knitting the same stitch patterns over and over again, I soon remembered how mindful and relaxing the creative process can be.
Knitting and crochet are perfect for helping our brains to switch off whilst we focus on the stitches we are making, and the textures we are creating.
Before I knew it, I was casting off one square and casting on the next.
It never ceases to amaze me that if you can knit and purl, you can make a square, and if you can make a square then you can sew the squares together to make all sorts of wonderful things.
And so my Checkered Love cardigan was born, with colours inspired by the Wednesday Addams Netflix series that we had become engrossed in at the time. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole series and can't wait for series 2.
CHECK OUT MY LATEST KNITWEAR DESIGN
So the question I can't wait to ask, is whether you're team Wednesday, or team Enid? Will you be knitting in Black and White, or multi-colours? Whichever option you choose, I know you will enjoy the calming nature of the squares as you stitch and sew and create your cardigan.
ALL ABOUT CHECKERED LOVE (knitted squares cardigan pattern)
I'm really excited to share the finished pattern with you for Checkered Love.
My daughter has modelled it beautifully and I was pleased with the pattern itself, as it contains absolutely everything you need including:
Full instructions for two different colour options.
Fully graded across nine sizes.
Schematics and measurements with help on choosing your size.
Full instructions on how to knit a tension square and how to check your tension.
4 bonus videos, showing top tips for neat mattress stitch; horizontal mattress stitch; vertical mattress stitch; picking up stitches, with a combined value of £88.
Helpful photos.
WHERE DO I BUY THE CARDIGAN PATTERN?
You can buy your digital copy quickly and easily on my website by clicking the image below.
I hope you have great fun knitting your squares and that they bring you as much joy as they are bringing me. Sometimes, it's the simple things that are the best.......
Happy knitting and crocheting, Lynne xxx
If you're looking for a fun knitting project, you could try my knitted cakes and buns pattern.
Or if you are looking for a fun and practical crochet project you could try my reusable cotton face pads.