How to Start a Tomboy Stitch

Tomboy stitches are used to create a simple knitted pattern.

A tomboy stitch is a version of French knitting. This style of knitting is ideal for children, as it involves a round handle with small spokes made of straight items, such as popsicle sticks. The knitting effect is created as the yarn is wound around the straight spokes repeatedly to create a woven pattern. Once the project has been started, the basic wrapping pattern can be easily mastered. With a little care you can quickly start your tomboy stitch project.

Instructions

1. Hold the body of the tomboy stitch in place on a flat surface, such as a table, with the top of the tomboy stitch facing straight up. The spokes of the tomboy stitch should be directed towards the ceiling. Turn the tomboy stitch so that one of the spokes is directly in front of you.

2. Take the end of a skein of yarn and wrap around the spoke facing you. Tie a double knot around the spoke, leaving a 2- or 3-inch tail of yarn at the end. Wrap the the body of the yarn around the first spoke counter-clockwise, laying this second wrap just above and next to the first loop you created when you tied the knot.

3. Move counter-clockwise to the next spoke and wrap the yarn around the next spoke counter-clockwise twice, laying the second loop over top the first loop. Continue around the tomboy stitch going counter-clockwise to each new spoke and wrapping twice, until you reach the beginning of the tomboy stitch.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice with a thick yarn with a smooth texture when starting to learn to knit on a tomboy stitch.

References

• Semantically Driven: Making Tomboy Stitch
• Knitting And: How to Use a Knitting Spool