Master Class: the "Peas" Pattern

The numerous collection of Orenburg openwork patterns would not be complete without "peas". It is one of the most frequently used elements in knitting warm shawls, , stoles or shawls.

A special combination of yarn-overs and knit stitches knitted together produces incomparable openwork imitating peas. Such patterns are distinguished by even round holes of fairly large size. "Peas" can be used in an item as paths, rhombuses, grids or more complex patterns such as the "snowflake".

 Sample of knitting the "peas" element

It is always better to start learning an element with a single repeat.

 Description of the work:

For the sample, follow chart 1.

Having cast 10 stitches onto the needles, knit the first four rows in knit stitches. Wrong-side rows, as in all Orenburg down items (shawls, stoles, warm shawls), are knitted in knit stitches.

Row 5 – the first stitch is the edge stitch, 2 knit stitches to separate the repeat from the edge, 2 knit stitches of the repeat, one yarn-over, two stitches knitted together, 3 knit stitches to separate the repeat from the edge.

Row 6 should also be knitted according to the chart. This is what distinguishes it from other openwork patterns of Orenburg knitters. In row 6, knit 3 stitches to separate the edge, two knit stitches of the repeat, one yarn-over and two stitches together knitwise, and 3 more knit stitches to separate the repeat. That is, the chart is read from right to left in odd rows and from left to right in even rows.

Rows 7 and 8 of the repeat are knitted in knit stitches. This method gives a very clear, bright openwork pea.

Rows 9–10 are knitted in knit stitches to finish the sample.

Chart 1

The "grid" openwork from the "peas" element

A "peas" openwork grid looks very elegant. In Orenburg down items it is most often used to separate the border from the centre.

Description:

For the sample, cast on 18 stitches and knit 4 rows in knit stitches to separate the repeat from the lower edge.

Row 5 – knit five stitches, one yarn-over, knit 2 stitches together, 2 more knit stitches, 1 yarn-over, two stitches together knitwise, 2 knit stitches, again 1 yarn-over, and 2 stitches together knitwise, finish the row with 3 knit stitches.

Row 6, as in the previous example, is knitted as a pattern row in knit stitches. On the chart it is read from left to right.

Rows 7 and 8 – knit stitches.

Row 9 – so that the pattern elements are arranged like a chessboard, knit 7 stitches, then 1 yarn-over, knit two stitches together, then 2 ordinary knit stitches and again one yarn-over, then five more stitches together knitwise.

Row 10 – according to chart 2, but knitting from left to right. Seven knit stitches, one yarn-over, two stitches together, 2 knit, one yarn-over and once more 2 stitches together. The row ends with five knit stitches.

Rows 11 and 12 are knit stitches.

From row 13, knitting of the sample continues according to chart 2.

Chart 2

The number of stitches and rows in the sample, as well as in the finished item, can be larger or smaller. Their number depends on the knitter's idea and the goals she pursues.

In items, "peas" can be combined with various openwork patterns and elements, for example with "glukhotinki" or "kosoryadki".

The "peas" openwork knitting element can enrich any collection of patterns, allowing you to create beautiful new items.