How to Knit a 20 Stitch Twisted Candle Pattern

This stitch is commonly referred to as a candle stitch because of the flame-like design that is the finished project. While no two candle stitches are exactly alike, they are all similar in one way--they require a knowledge of how to cable. To do this particular candle, the knitter will need to know how to do a knit and purl stitch, as well as how to cable both forward and backward. A brief summary of how this is done will be included, but previous knowledge would be helpful. The result is an elegant and graceful design that would truly add beauty to any piece.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Knitting Needles
• Cable Needles

Instructions

1. Choose the yarn you want to work with and needles that match the weight of your yarn (see yarn packaging for needle size suggestions).

2. Begin the work. This particular design is a panel of 20 stitches knit on a reverse stockinette stitch background. Cast on 20 stitches plus the number of stitches you want on both sides of the design. For example, if you want a panel of 40 stitches total, then you would have 10 stitches on either side of your 20-stitch candle.

3. Row 1 (right side): Knit the entire row.Row 2: Purl the entire row.Row 3: Knit until you reach the 20 stitches that make up the candle. Then cable 10 stitches backward. This is done by slipping 5 stitches onto a cable needle at the back of your work. Knit 5 stitches from the left-hand needle. Knit the 5 stitches from the cable needle. After that you'll cable 10 stitches forward, which is done is the exact same manner, only holding the slipped stitches to the front of the work instead of the back.Row 4: Purl the entire row.Row 5: Knit the entire row.Row 6: Purl the entire row.Row 7: Knit the entire row.Row 8: Purl the entire row.Row 9: Knit the entire row.Row 10: Purl the entire row.Row 11: Knit the entire row.Row 12: Purl the entire row.

4. Repeat these 12 rows until your piece reaches the desired length.

5. Bind off, preferably using the basic bind-off.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't leave materials lying around. This could cause a serious safety hazard, especially if you have children in your home.