Posts tagged Sport Weight Yarn
KUJIRA IKKA | Reversible Socks
Kujira Ikka (reversible) Socks - Studio Project - Loom & Spindle-8.jpg

When Cleckheaton’s new Brushstrokes arrived, I was immediately drawn to the playful colour pallet and knew I had some young and knit-worthy recipients that would love the splashes and speckles as much as I did.

So, to test the limits of this new nylon/acrylic blend, I agreed to knit a pair of socks for an 8-year-old who I knew would really put this yarn through its paces.

We found a pattern that we both liked, the Kujira Ikka (reversible) socks, known colloquially in our house as the banana socks 😉.

A quick sock project sized for all feet, big and small. Find my project notes for Kujira Ikka (reversible) socks below.

Enjoy!

Andrea | Loom + Spindle


STUDIO PROJECT | KUJIRA IKKA

Kujira Ikka (reversible) Socks - Studio Project - Loom & Spindle-3.jpg

INTENTION

Knit Kujira Ikka (reversible) socks and explore:

DESIGN

Kujira Ikka (Reversible) was published in April 2021 by Yucca, a Japanese knitwear designer. It’s available to purchase as a digital download from Ravelry.com.

The pattern is available in 9 sizes, from baby to adult with adjustable foot and leg lengths.

Kujira Ikka (reversible) Socks - Studio Project - Loom & Spindle-17.jpg

SKILLS

  • Knitting in the round

  • Knitting flat

TOOLS

  • 2.5 mm (no US equivelent) sock needles

MATERIALS

2 x Brushstrokes | Future 5501

2 x Brushstrokes | Future 5501

PROCESS

YARN SELECTION

  • The pattern provides a gauge for a 4 ply sock yarn, but I loved the look of this design and was keen to try Brushstrokes, a 5 ply / sport weight yarn. I decided to go with it, intending to size down after I figured out my gauge.

CONSTRUCTION

  • The first step was to determine a needle size. After a quick gauge swatch switching between a few sizes, I found that a 2.5mm needle produced a nice firm fabric with a bit of elasticity, perfect for socks. My stitch gauge was 7 stitches over 2.5cm (1'').

  • Given the above metrics, a pattern gauge of 8.25 stitches over 2.5cm (1''), and the foot measurements I was working with, I opted to knit size 4-Child S, to get a size 5-Child M.

  • I followed the pattern as written adding length to the leg. Not sure I would have enough for a full second sock, I did use a second skein to knit the second sock. If I’d made the legs a little shorter one skein would have been enough for two socks.

FINISHING

  • I used a stretchy sewn bind-off for the cuff.

  • After weaving in the ends I gave the socks a short soak and lay them flat to dry.

Kujira Ikka (reversible) Socks - Studio Project - Loom & Spindle-4.jpg
Kujira Ikka (reversible) Socks - Studio Project - Loom & Spindle-7.jpg
Kujira Ikka (reversible) Socks - Studio Project - Loom & Spindle-10.jpg
Kujira Ikka (reversible) Socks - Studio Project - Loom & Spindle-11.jpg
Kujira Ikka (reversible) Socks - Studio Project - Loom & Spindle-6.jpg
Kujira Ikka (reversible) Socks - Studio Project - Loom & Spindle-13.jpg

INSIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

YARN

  • Brushstrokes is so incredibly soft and delightful to work with.

  • I did’t alternate skeins in this project and had no problem with pooling with either skein. I’m really happy with the speckle and splash distribution in this small circumference project. Note - if working a larger project I would probably alternate skeins to be on the safe side.

CONSTRUCTION + FINISHING

  • This pattern was unique for me, the design elements that stood out were the garter stitch sole and short row heel.

  • I love the 2x1 rib, the reverse side of the fabric being equally as appealing.

  • The wearer loved the results and was particularly delighted with the cushy garter sole for wearing around the house on the cold hard floors.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The socks are holding up well after a lot of wear and a few washes.

I have it own good authority that they are super comfy and warm.

There have been requests for more pairs, so I’m looking forward to trying out a few more colourways!

Kujira Ikka (reversible) Socks - Studio Project - Loom & Spindle-9.jpg

Knitting Kujira Ikka (reversible) in Brushstrokes?

Here’s what you’ll need for sizes 1-9: 1 ( 1 , 1) ( 2, 2, 2) (3, 3, 3) skeins

If you would you like to save this project for later add it to your Ravelry favourites HERE.


THANK YOU FOR READING!

GET 10% OFF YOUR NEXT BRUSHSTROKES PURCHASE.

Simply join or confirm your subscription to the Loom & Spindle newsletter and get your discount code.


 
 
 
 

Explore More Studio projects…

You may also like…

Speckle + Fade | Brushstrokes Hand Dyed

Cleckheaton’s Brushstrokes Hand Dyed 5 Ply is a super soft hand-dyed yarn perfect for pint-sized projects where speckles and fades are the feature. 

A vegan friendly option, this Nylon/Acrylic blend is cashmere soft and available in a palette of colourways that blend seamlessly.

Every skein is individually hand-dyed by skilled artisans. Please note that no dye-lots apply, some variation may occur between skeins.

Shop all shades HERE.

Andrea - Loom & Spindle


Colourways

THE YARN

FIBRE CONTENT: 50% Super Soft Nylon, 50% Acrylic
NET WEIGHT: 50g (1.7oz)
YARN WEIGHT EQUIVALENT: Sport / 5 Ply
APPROX. YARDAGE: 128m (140yd)
CONSTRUCTION: Worsted spun, 4 plies, moderate twist
ORIGIN: India
CARE: Cold hand wash

PROJECT SUGGESTIONS

Brushstrokes is suitable for a range of knit and crochet pieces. For project inspiration check out our pattern favourites on RAVELRY.

ABOUT CLECKHEATON

Cleckheaton began its Australian history in 1948, when the Cleckheaton Yorkshire mill, together with managers and mill hands, were transported 20,000 kilometres to Shepparton, Victoria. Cleckheaton has since earned the status as Australia’s premium quality hand knitting brand.

 
 
 
 

LET’S GET STARTED…

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…

Undyed + Natural | Semilla Pura GOTS

We're welcoming Semilla Pura GOTS by BC Garn, a 100% organic wool yarn in a range of pure undyed, natural colours.

With its GOTS certification, this yarn meets strict ecological and social criteria to ensure the entire supply chain meets the leading worldwide standard for organic textile production.

Minimally processed, this woollen spun yarn has lightness and loft making it soft, springy and warm. The 2-ply construction yields a light smooth fabric with unexpectedly insulating results when knit or woven.

You’ll find Semilla Pura GOTS ideal for a range of woven and knit pieces, with particularly stunning results when working colourwork and lace details in the knitted fabric.

Shop our new shades HERE.

Andrea - Loom & Spindle


Colourways Available

THE YARN

FIBRE CONTENT: 100% Organic Wool
NET WEIGHT: 100g (3.5oz)
YARN WEIGHT EQUIVALENT: Sport / 5 Ply
APPROX. YARDAGE: 350m (383yd)
CONSTRUCTION: Woollen spun, 2 plies, moderate twist
ORIGIN: Fibre sourced in Argentina
CARE: Cold hand wash

PROJECT SUGGESTIONS

Semilla Pura GOTS is suitable for a range of knit and crochet pieces. For project inspiration check out our pattern favourites on RAVELRY.

GAUGE

KNITTING

22 stitches over 10cm, using 3.5-4mm needles (5.5 stitches per inch, US size 3-6 needles)

CROCHET

3.5-4.25mm hook (US size E - G hook)

WEAVING FOR YARDAGE

12 epi (50 ends / 10cm)

FELTING

Work the piece 10% to 20% larger than the intended size. It’s highly recommended that a test swatch be made applying your intended finishing technique to assess the variables of the fabric.

ABOUT BC GARN

BC Garn is a family run business based in Germany. They are known for their selection of natural fibres and extensive colour palettes. They produce a collection of GOTS certified and eco-friendly yarns.

 
 
 
 

LET’S GET STARTED…

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…

Introducing Bio Balance by BC Garn

Introducing Bio Balance

by BC Garn

New to the shop is Bio Balance, a 55% organic wool and 45% organic cotton blend with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification.

This yarn meets strict ecological and social criteria to ensure the entire supply chain meets the leading worldwide standard for organic textile production.

The worsted spun, 3 ply construction yields a smooth round yarn suitable for a range of knit and crocheted pieces.

With the warmth and memory of wool and the softness of cotton, this yarn is ideal for transitional wardrobe staples.

In a palette of delicately heathered shades, made possible by the subtle interaction of colour on the wool/cotton base, this yarn will add a new dimension to your hand worked garments.

*This yarn is no longer available at Loom + Spindle. We suggest Jardim as a substitute.


 

THE YARN

FIBRE CONTENT: 55% pure organic wool, 45% pure organic cotton
NET WEIGHT: 50g (1.75oz) per skein
YARN WEIGHT EQUIVALENT: Sport / 5 ply
APPROX. YARDAGE: 225m (246yd)
CONSTRUCTION: Worsted spun, 3 plies, moderate twist
ORIGIN: Fibres sourced in Argentina and Turkey
CARE: Cold hand wash (see notes below)

WORKING THE YARN

Bio Balance is suitable for most fibre crafts, including knitting, crochet and weaving for yardage. You’ll find gauge suggestions for these crafts below. You may also like to check out our project suggestions on RAVELRY

GAUGE SUGGESTIONS

The gauge information below can be used as guidance when planning your projects. We always recommend that you swatch to determine a configuration that results in the ideal fabric and hand feel for your project.

KNITTING

24-26 stitches over 10cm, using 3mm - 4mm needles (6-6.5 stitches per inch, US size 3 - 6 needles)

CROCHET

16–20 stitches 3.5mm - 4.5mm hook (US size E–4 - 7)

WEAVING FOR YARDAGE

10 epi (40 ends / 10cm)

ABOUT GOTS CERTIFICATION

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading textile processing standard for organic fibres. The aim is to define and maintain an internationally recognized requirement to ensure the organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials through to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, in order to provide credible assurance to the end consumer. To learn more about the standard and certification process please visit www.global-standard.org

ABOUT BC GARN

BC Garn is a family run business based in Germany. They are known for their selection of natural fibres and extensive colour palettes. They produce a collection of GOTS certified yarns.

 

*This yarn is no longer available at Loom + Spindle. We suggest Jardim as a substitute.

 
 
 

Let’s Get Started…

You May Also Like…