How to Knit a Pocket on a Cardigan
Embarking on the journey to create a cardigan with a stylish pocket is a delightful way to add a personal touch to your knitting project. Pockets not only serve a practical purpose but also enhance the overall appearance of the garment. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to knit a pocket on a cardigan, ensuring that your finished piece is both functional and visually appealing.
Materials Needed
Before diving into the knitting process, gather the following materials:
– Yarn: Choose a yarn that matches the color and weight of your cardigan.
– Needles: Use the appropriate size needles for your yarn.
– Scissors: To cut the yarn.
– Yarn needle: For weaving in the ends.
– Tape measure: To measure your work.
Step 1: Preparing the Pocket Opening
To begin, you need to create an opening in the cardigan where the pocket will be placed. This can be done by following the pattern instructions or by marking the desired location on the garment. Once you have determined the position, mark it with a safety pin or a piece of contrasting yarn.
Step 2: Knitting the Pocket
1. Cast on: Using the appropriate size needles, cast on the number of stitches required for the pocket width. The number of stitches will depend on the desired width of the pocket.
2. Shape the pocket: Work in garter stitch (knit every row) until the pocket reaches the desired height. This height will determine the depth of the pocket.
3. Decrease for the pocket opening: Once the pocket has reached the desired height, begin to decrease the number of stitches to create the opening. This can be done by working a few rows of knit two, purl two (K2, P2) ribbing or by simply decreasing one stitch on each side of the pocket every few rows.
4. Shape the pocket sides: Continue to decrease the number of stitches until the pocket is the desired width. This will create the sides of the pocket.
5. Finishing the pocket: Once the pocket has reached the desired width and depth, bind off the remaining stitches. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and thread it through a yarn needle. Weave in the ends securely.
Step 3: Attaching the Pocket to the Cardigan
1. Position the pocket: Place the pocket on the marked opening of the cardigan. Ensure that the edges of the pocket align with the edges of the opening.
2. Stitch the pocket in place: Using the yarn needle and the remaining tail of the yarn, stitch the pocket to the cardigan. You can use a whipstitch or a slipstitch to secure the pocket in place. Be sure to weave in the ends to prevent fraying.
3. Finishing touches: Once the pocket is securely attached, you can add any desired embellishments, such as buttons or decorative stitching, to complete your cardigan.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully knitted a pocket on a cardigan. This addition not only adds functionality to your garment but also showcases your knitting skills. With this newfound knowledge, you can create a variety of pocket designs and add them to your knitting projects. Happy knitting!
