How to Knit a Pocket in a Cardigan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Embarking on a knitting project can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to adding intricate details like a pocket to a cardigan. Crafting a pocket not only adds a touch of personal style but also provides practicality. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, this step-by-step guide will help you learn how to knit a pocket in a cardigan with ease.
Materials Needed:
Before you start, gather the following materials:
– Yarn: Choose a yarn that matches the color and weight of your cardigan.
– Knitting needles: Select needles that are the appropriate size for your yarn.
– Scissors: To cut the yarn.
– Yarn needle: For weaving in the ends.
– Stitch markers: To mark the beginning of the round and the pocket placement.
Step 1: Choose the Right Spot for Your Pocket
The first step in knitting a pocket is to decide where you want it to be placed on your cardigan. Typically, pocket placement is determined by the style of the cardigan and personal preference. Mark the spot with a stitch marker or a piece of contrasting yarn to keep track of it.
Step 2: Knit the Pocket Opening
To create the pocket opening, you’ll need to increase the number of stitches on your knitting needle. Follow these steps:
1. Knit to the marked stitch for the pocket opening.
2. Increase one stitch by knitting into the front and back of the same stitch (also known as a make one [m1] or yarn over [yo] technique).
3. Continue knitting across the row until you reach the last stitch before the marked stitch.
4. Repeat the increase process on the last stitch before the marked stitch.
Step 3: Knit the Pocket Flap
Once you have the required number of stitches for the pocket opening, it’s time to knit the pocket flap. Follow these steps:
1. Knit across the row of increased stitches.
2. Turn your work and purl the next row.
3. Repeat these two rows until the flap is the desired length.
Step 4: Shape the Pocket Flap
To shape the pocket flap, you’ll need to decrease the number of stitches. Here’s how to do it:
1. Knit to the first stitch before the marked stitch.
2. Decrease one stitch by knitting two stitches together (k2tog).
3. Continue knitting across the row until you reach the last stitch before the marked stitch.
4. Repeat the decrease process on the last stitch before the marked stitch.
Step 5: Finish the Pocket Flap
Once you’ve shaped the pocket flap, you can finish it by cutting the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn tail through a yarn needle and weave it through the remaining stitches on the flap. Secure the end and trim any excess yarn.
Step 6: Seam the Pocket Flap to the Cardigan
Finally, seam the pocket flap to the cardigan by threading a yarn needle with the same yarn color as your cardigan. Weave the needle through the corresponding stitches on the cardigan and the flap, creating a seamless look.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully knitted a pocket in your cardigan. Enjoy wearing your stylish and practical creation.
