"Maripositas"--a knitting loom stitch

You may recall that I got the great treasure of books a couple of months ago. In one of those books, I found a small treasure that brought back a lot of memories. My Grandma was an accomplished needle knitter--she would sit for hours and create the most wonderful stitches without any stitch pattern books. I remember looking at all her creations with awe and admiration, hoping that one day, I would get a little bit of her gift.

The little treasure I found was nothing fancy or extremelly difficult, however, when I saw it, I had this great feeling of happiness. I quickly gathered the first thing that was handy--a knitting loom and I casted on. I was so surprised to see my creation--my creation that look so much like the little Maripositas that my Grandma knitted.

I present you--Maripositas, or "Little Butterfly or Bowknot Stitch". I hope you can make something beautiful with this treasure of a stitch. I can see a little sweater or even a baby blanket :). Enjoy!

Maripositas Loom Knitted Version

Notes:

k=knit (either Knit Stitch/Flat Stitch or the Twisted Knit Stitch/Single Stitch)

sl=slip peg, just skip the peg

wyif=with yarn in front of peg

sl wyif=skip the pegs with yarn in front of the knitting. Take the loop off the peg, pass the yarn behind the peg but in front of the knitting. Place loop back on the peg.

Multiple of 10sts + 7

Rows 1, 3, and 5: k1, *k5, sl5 wyif; rep from * to the end, k6.

Rows 2 & 4: Knit

Row 6: k8, *bring the 3 strands in front,place working yarn at the very top of the stitch and the 3 strands, insert knitting tool through the bottom of the 3 strands and the stitch, hook the working yarn, and pull it through. Place the loop on the peg; k9; rep from * end last repeat, k8.

Rows 7, 9, 11: k1, *sl5 wyif, k5; rep from * until last 6 sts, sl5, k1.

Rows 8 & 10: Knit

Row 12: k3, *bring the 3 strands in front, place working yarn at the very top of the stitch and the 3 strands, insert knitting tool through the bottom of the 3 strands and the stitch, hook the working yarn, and pull it through. Place the loop on the peg; k9; rep from * end last repeat, k3.

Repeat Rows 1-12.

If you are interested in the Needle Knit instructions, you can find them at About.com

Sample loom knitted with the Twisted Knit Stitch/Single Stitch.

Yarn: Caron Simply Quick

Loom: Decor Accents, Regular Gauge single sided rake

Sample loom knitted with the Knit Stitch/Flat Stitch

Yarn: GGH Aspen

Loom: same as above

Picture of the special step in Rows 6 & 12:

bring the 3 strands to the front of the peg.

Place working yarn at the very top.

Insert knitting tool through the bottom 3 strands and through the stitch.

Hook the working yarn, and pull the loop through the stitch and through the back of the 3 strands. Hold on to the loop while taking off the 3 strands and the stitch off the peg. Place the loop on the peg. The little bowtie has been formed.

Comments

[Deb B. in VA]

Gorgeous!! It actually reminds me of the pictures of dragonflies you put up on your blog. I can see a sweater or something made in this stitch using two or more colors: dark color for the middle few stitches between the "wings" and even a few different glittery colors for the "wings" themselves.

As usual - fantastic job girl!

[Elaine Payne]

So beautiful. I can't wait to try this.

When I was little I remember my Grandma crocheting. This was my first encounter with needlework, and I remember her saying "If you can chain stitch, you can crochet." That was the beginning of my interest in needlework.

How wonderful to have these skills passed down in families.

[Isela]

Sorry--the comments section seems to be acting up at this moment. I apologize.

[Stephanie]

Isela...what a great new stitch thanks for sharing. I can't wait to try it.

[Jeannie]

WOW! I love it. It really does look like little butterflies. I can't wait to try the stitch.

Thanks Isela!

[Becky]

I'm lovin' it!

[Debi]

What a cool design!!!! Hopefully, this winter I'll have time to try it out.