Hand knit “dragon scales”

A detail of half fisherman machine knit “dragon scales”  ribber version of the stitch500_606

and its related posts :
https://alessandrina.com/2016/01/09/ribber-pitch-a-bit-on-racking-chevrons-horizontal-herringbone/
https://alessandrina.com/2016/01/13/racking-2-vertical-chevrons-herringbone/
https://alessandrina.com/2016/02/02/vertical-racking-3-automating-half-fisherman-in-pattern-2/

My last experiments led to a search for a possible hand-knit “scale” version. Similar shapes may be achieved through holding, but here the effect is created through the use of increases and decreases.
The test for the repeat was knit in a 4-ply acrylic.
As with the machine knit version, the pockets become more pronounced as the fabric relaxes, without any blocking.
Garter-stitch was used in the first sample for texture and speed.
Everyone has preferred methods for increasing (M1) or decreasing/ combining 3 stitches into one. I tried picking up from the row below or casting on single stitches (#1), but found the least noticeable methods to my eye, using this yarn and stitch type, were to knit in front and back of the stitch (#3) where an increase was required, and to knit 3 together (#2) for the decreases.

numbered_636the reverse structure curves in a similar way to the machine-knit 500_637

The number of stitches remains constant on each row knit; the chart reflects side panels (A, C). The central 18 stitches (B) may be repeated multiple times to achieve the desired width. The border stitches added may be any number and are also knit on every row.

screenshot_06scale_symbols

The fabric changes dramatically when every other row is purled. This swatch was knit with a single-stitch garter stitch border, and I experimented with increases and decreases. The M1 sts were created by picking a loop up knitwise from the row below for the increase. The slight shift in the pattern center where decreases and increases meet helps define a point on the “scale” shape. The same yarn and needle size were used as in the above sample. A softer, thinner yarn knit using a smaller needle size would benefit either variation. To my eye, the all-garter stitch version was more successful and pleasing.

knit as “outside”, default shapesknit front reverse  500_643purl as “right side” after poking scales out 500_639its reverse500_646

 

for a less pronounced, “scaly” relative using lace eyelets in the design, please see
https://alessandrina.com/2015/01/09/a-swatch-experiment/    https://alessandrina.com/2015/03/28/machine-knit-dragon-scales-update/

2 thoughts on “Hand knit “dragon scales””

  1. Thank you for pointing that out. I am not really a hand knitter, hence this was in the category of “possible. Looking back at this nowadays, I had already noticed the visual discrepancy in the segments of the swatch itself, am used to machine knitting where the number of stitches is fixed, I will try to review the chart

  2. Love the pattern but it’s gets a bit confusing from row 15
    The total stitches needed from that point is 37 instead of 35

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