Monica Knits

Buttonhole The buttonhole or blanket stitch is used to reinforce the knitted buttonhole to prevent it from stretching. In this example, with a self-facing, it serves the dual purpose of anchoring the facing to the button band and reinforcing the buttonhole. For this sample, the floss was not color matched as in the original Leg Warmers, so that you could see how the stitch is constructed. Four (4) strands of DMC floss were used.

The stitch is formed by passing the tapestry needle through the work from front to back and bringing the needle out at the buttonhole opening in front of the yarn. Read more ... for further information and links.

Although these buttonholes are vertical in the completed Leg Warmers, they were knitted in a horizontal band from stitches that were picked up along the chain stitch edge between the cuffs, using the method described in the article Making a Horizontal Buttonhole Look Good. They feature a scalloped edge, self-facing and buttonhole stitch. Read more .... for detailed instructions.

The first leg warmer also had vertical buttonholes, but they were knitted along with the garment. In this case, only the first 4 rows were knitted along with the garment and then the 4 stitches of the buttonhole band were placed on a stitch holder, while the rest of the garment was knitted. This has 3 advantages, you can start the leg warmer before you decide on the buttons and button placement; you can sew the buttons on first and then fit the band to the buttons; and the start of the buttonhole band is at the same height as the buttonband, so you don't need to measure later. Read more.... for further instructions.

This Oat Couture "Village Vest" design is ideal for wearing while knitting. The body core is kept warm, while the arms remain free, preventing needles or yarn from catching. The high collar cradles the neck and keeps drafts at bay. The acrylic, worsted weight yarn was easy to knit and I love the honey color, but didn't quite capture the "gold" in this photo.

Design Features This hip length vest has button closures, a high shawl collar and knitted-in self-lined pockets. Finished edges include: a hem and armhole, collar, neckline and center front facings. The vest has a stocking stitch pattern with garter stitch detailing on the pocket openings and short row collar shaping.