John Miller
If you're looking for an adorable and straightforward knitting project, look no further than creating your own little knitted mushrooms. These cute fungi can be used as gift toppers, tree ornaments, or simply as cosy fall decor. With free patterns available online, you can knit a charming Porcini or a tiny wool mushroom. The process is quite simple, mainly involving easy increases and decreases, making it suitable for early intermediate knitters. So, grab your needles and yarn, and get ready to bring these whimsical mushrooms to life!
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right type of wool
When choosing the right type of wool, it is important to consider the specific knitting project. The pattern you are following will usually recommend a type of yarn, and it is best to follow this recommendation as closely as possible. The yarn weight and needle size suggested by the pattern should also be considered. The weight of the yarn will impact the stitch definition and the feel of the yarn. For example, a chunky yarn is good for beginners as it produces projects quickly, while a finer yarn weight will result in a looser knit.
The appearance of the fibre is another important consideration. Some fibres, like cashmere, have a beautiful halo, while others, like cotton, have a smooth luster. If you are knitting an intricate pattern, you may want to choose a yarn that will showcase your stitchwork. On the other hand, a fuzzy yarn can add interest to a plain stitch pattern. The colour of the yarn is also a key consideration, as there are numerous gorgeous colours to choose from.
Finally, it is important to think about the practicalities of the yarn. Will the item need to be machine washable? Do you want it to be breathable or warm? Is it important that the yarn is soft or stretchy? Considering these questions will help you choose the right type of wool for your knitting project.
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Selecting the appropriate needles
Firstly, it is suggested to use double-pointed knitting needles in the range of 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm. This needle size is commonly used for creating small and intricate details in the mushroom's structure. The Knitter's Pride Karbonz needles are a popular choice among knitters as they tend to maintain their shape better than other options.
If you are a beginner or prefer a simpler design, you may opt for a basic set of double-pointed needles in the specified size range. These needles will enable you to shape the mushroom through a combination of increases and decreases in stitches. It is worth noting that knitting needles come in various materials, such as metal, wood, or plastic, and the choice depends on your personal preference and comfort.
For those who are more advanced and adventurous, you may consider using two sets of double-pointed needles simultaneously to create a more complex and detailed mushroom structure. This technique allows for a noticeable overhang or a smooth transition from the gills to the cap of the mushroom. However, it requires a higher level of skill and needle manipulation.
Additionally, it is important to match the needle size with the chosen yarn weight. For example, if you are using fingering sock yarn scraps, as recommended in some mushroom knitting patterns, the suggested needle size is 2.5 mm to 3.0 mm. Using the appropriate needle size for your yarn will ensure that your stitches are consistent and that your mushroom takes on the desired shape.
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Basic knitting techniques
To knit a mushroom, you'll need to be familiar with some basic knitting techniques. Here are some standard techniques to help you get started on your mushroom knitting project:
Casting On
Casting on is the process of creating the first row of loops on your needle, which forms the foundation of your knitting project. There are various methods for casting on, such as the long-tail cast-on, the double cast-on, or the cable cast-on. Choose the method that suits your project and practice it to ensure a neat and consistent edge.
Knit Stitch
The knit stitch is one of the most basic stitches and is used extensively in knitting. To create a knit stitch, you will insert your needle into the loop on the left-hand needle from back to front, wrap the yarn around the needle, and then use this wrapped needle to pull the loop through the old loop. This creates a new stitch on your right-hand needle. Repeat this process for each stitch in the row.
Purl Stitch
The purl stitch is another fundamental stitch in knitting. It is essentially the opposite of the knit stitch. To purl, you will insert your needle into the loop from front to back, wrap the yarn around the needle, and then pull the loop through, creating a new stitch. Purl stitches often appear as bumps on the fabric.
Garter Stitch
The garter stitch is achieved by knitting every row. This results in a flat, reversible fabric with a ridged texture. It is an excellent stitch for beginners as it does not require complex pattern changes and helps improve tension.
Stockinette Stitch
The stockinette stitch is created by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches. This produces the well-known V-patterned fabric often associated with knitting. It tends to curl at the edges, so it is essential to be mindful of this when planning your project.
Ribbing
Ribbing is a widely used technique in knitting, especially for hems, necks, and cuffs of garments. It involves alternating knit and purl stitches within the same row to create a stretchy fabric that "bounces" back into place. The trickiest part of ribbing is remembering to move the yarn back and forth between the needles when changing stitches.
With these basic techniques, you'll be well on your way to knitting your mushroom or any other simple project you choose. Remember to practice and enjoy the process of creating something with your own two hands!
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Shaping the mushroom
For the small version of the mushroom, you will cast on 12 stitches in the round. You will then work on Round 2, which has a 5-stitch repeat. Working this twice will leave you with 2 stitches, which can be challenging to know what to do with. This is an increase row, and the required number of stitches in the round is 20, not 16, as you would get with 4 increases (2 per 5-stitch repeat).
For the larger version of the mushroom, you can use 12 grams of Wollmeise Twin (in the colours bärenstark and Natur) or any other fingering sock yarn scraps for needles size 2.5 – 3.00 mm. Double-pointed knitting needles of 2.0 mm are also required. You can use Knitter’s Pride Karbonz needles as they are less likely to end up crooked.
The shaping of the mushroom creates a noticeable overhang or a smooth transition from gills to cap, depending on the version you choose. The process is quite straightforward, but the design might be a bit difficult for beginners. You can add your own touches, such as thrumming on the top or duplicate stitches for a classic red mushroom with white dots.
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Adding the finishing touches
Once you've knitted your mushroom, there are several ways to add some finishing touches to make it your own. You could try knitting it in the round next time for a different effect. You could also try thrumming the top of the mushroom or adding some duplicate stitches for a classic red and white polka dot look. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a morel cabling design on your mushroom.
If you're an avid mushroom hunter, you might want to add some more advanced details to your knitted creation. You could try knitting on two sets of dpns at the same time to create a noticeable overhang or a smooth transition from gills to cap.
These little knitted mushrooms can be used as cute gift toppers or tree ornaments. They can also be arranged in a fake forest or displayed under a cloche on a windowsill.
Remember, the beauty of knitting natural objects like mushrooms is that they don't have to be perfect. So feel free to experiment with different techniques and enjoy the process of creating your unique knitted mushroom!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 2 hours to finish a small mushroom and up to 4 hours for a bigger one.
You will need double-pointed knitting needles, 2.0 mm or 2.5 – 3.00 mm in size.
Yes, there are some mushroom knitting patterns suitable for beginners. However, some patterns may be too difficult for beginners, as they require knitting on two sets of double-pointed needles simultaneously.
