For a list of the terms used in my patterns click here.
Where do you get your safety eyes?
I like to get my safety eyes and noses from 6060.etsy.com. Safety eyes can also generally be found at local craft stores including Joann’s and Hobby Lobby.
If you are knitting for someone under 3 years old I do not recommend safety eyes, which could be chewed off. Embroidering the face on is always an option.
What size safety eyes did you use?
The eyes of your creature are going to be the main thing that gives your creature life and character. Since every knitter knits very differently I recommend playing around with several sizes of safety eyes when you are assembling your toy. Just because I use say a 9mm safety on my monster in the same yarn and needles as you, doesn’t mean 9mm eyes are going to look right to you. Generally my eyes range from 6mm-18mm, though I have been known to play around with larger eyes as well.
How do I know which patterns you sell online are in which books?
None of the individual patterns I sell are available in books, only as pdf downloads or in LYS's nationwide as individual paper patterns. All of the patterns in both of my books are different than those I sell in my etsy and ravelry shops. If you want to find out which patterns are in my books before digging through one of my books, the best way is to click the links on my ravelry designer page: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/rebecca-danger
Can I felt the toys I make from your patterns?
No, I don’t recommend felting the patterns. When you felt a knit item it will shrink more in length than in width. Because the patterns are not written to be felted, you are going to come out with a weird, shorty critter. If you are into that, go for it, but you have been warned.
Do you make finished knitted items for sale?
No, I do not sell finished knitted items, just patterns. You can check out neededwanted.etsy.com, she does a lovely job knitting up finished versions of my patterns and is happy to take custom orders.
What type of stuffing do you use?
I use whatever stuffing is the cheapest at the craft store, I really can’t see that any one stuffing brand or type is better than any other. Do make sure to buy the hypo-allergenic stuff though.
I don’t know how I feel about this Magic Loop thing, do I have to learn it?
Yes, I know Magic Loop seems scary, but it really isn’t. It is a great skill to have in your knitting repertoire, and I did a whole post on it to clear up your terrified feelings: http://rebeccadanger.typepad.com/rebecca_danger/2010/01/magic-loop-the-mystery-demystified.html
Magic Loop is just a different way of working in the round, you can also use dpn’s or a small circular needle with absolutely no modifications to the pattern.
Why do I need a 36" or longer circular needle for your pattern?
You will need that extra long needle to do Magic Loop.
Do I really need a needle that long? Can I use a shorter needle?
If you are going to do Magic Loop you must use at least a 36" needle. I like to use 40" needles for Magic Loop.
Why do I need a needle that long for Magic Loop?
The extra long cable makes the "loops" in Magic Loop.
Do you have to knit your patterns in the round?
My patterns are all written to be knitted in the round, I do not recommend trying to knit them flat and seam them. Knitting in the round is a great skill to have. Why not try starting on one of my free patterns, Bunny Nuggets or Monster Chunks. Check out Youtube.com or Knittinghelp.com for lots of videos for learning to knit in the round.
I don’t know how to knit on dpn’s.
If you have never knit on dpn’s before, there are lots of videos on Youtube.com to help you out. Here is one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQVl8VtXOxs
Traditionally, you will divide the stitches of your round onto 3 needles and use a fourth needle to knit with (unless a pattern calls for something otherwise). This is what I mean when I use dpn’s in any of my patterns.
I don’t like Magic Loop, can I use dpn’s instead?
Most, if not all of my patterns are written using Magic Loop for the majority of the knitting in them. Magic Loop is my preferred method of knitting in the round, but Magic Loop is just a way of working in the round. You can read more about that here: http://rebeccadanger.typepad.com/rebecca_danger/2010/01/magic-loop-the-mystery-demystified.html
Yes, you can use dpn’s to knit the whole pattern. I still recommend using Magic Loop since I think it makes for the easiest knitting, especially when you transfer from the legs to the body in the Herman type patterns, but dpn’s will work.
I don’t like Magic Loop, what length circular should I use?
One of the main other reason I use Magic Loop in the patterns is you can use one length needle no matter what yarn size you are using and I don’t have to recommend a circular length. Since my patterns are all adjustable in what yarn size you use, I can’t recommend one length circular needle for all projects. Yes, you can use a small circular needle for your project, but you are going to have to be the judge of what length to use. I would assume anything from a 16” circular or smaller (they make down to about 8” ones anymore).
If I knit the pattern on dpn’s or a circular, how to I change the pattern to make that work?
You don’t! Just knit on through as written.
When your pattern says CO 6 sts onto dpns, do I cast on 6 stitches onto each needle?
No, you will cast on 6 total stitches.
When your pattern says (12 sts) at the end of a round, what does that mean?
The number in the brackets at the end of the round is how many stitches total there will be at the end of that round. The number in the brackets is not how many stitches you will have on each needle, but the total number in the round.
What does “Join” mean?
Join means to begin working in the round.
What does “Do Not Join” mean?
Do Not Join means you are going to be knitting flat(back and forth) for a little bit.
What do you mean by backwards loop cast on?
Here is a video on how to do a backwards loop cast on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJdBdf2jaWo
What do you mean by three-needle bind off?
Here is a video on how to do a three-needle bind off: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpJUrCX52DU
Can I “double” one of your patterns, like a recipe, to make it bigger?
No. To double how many stitches I call for means that you need to re-design the pattern to make it come out looking right. Just use a bigger yarn to make the pattern bigger.
Can you tell me what yarn you recommend in your patterns?
You can use any yarn you have to knit most of my patterns! (Quincy Q and the Christmas Hooligans are written to use sock yarn). Just pick needles smaller than recommended for your yarn by 2-3 needle sizes to get a tighter knit fabric the stuffing wont show through. I do recommend using at least a DK weight yarn, since it gets pretty tiny knitting with anything smaller.
What yarn should I use to get a monster [ ] tall?
You will need to use the samples in the pattern to help you determine how tall a finished toy will come out. There is always a range in my samples to give you an idea of what you can expect from what yarns and needles. Do remember all knitters are different and you might get something slightly differently sized from what I get.
What yarn did you use on [sample] in this pattern?
All of the yarns and needles used on the samples in my patterns are shown on the last page of the pattern.
Can I make the different sizes of Iris from one pattern, or do I need to buy multiple kits?
With any of my patterns you can make all kinds of sizes of finished toys just by using bigger or smaller yarn and needles.
Can I Sell Finished Items I Make From Your Patterns?
From any of my self-published patterns, yes you can. All I ask is that you let your customers know the item was made using one of my patterns, either in your etsy listing, or on a hangtag, or on a sign at a craft show. Seriously, I promise it is ok. Please do not email me and ask me personally!
My book patterns fall under international copyright laws and are not to be made to be sold for personal gain (check out the copyright page in the front). They can, however be made for charity/non-profit.
I just ordered a pattern on etsy, how do I receive it?
I now have instant download available on etsy! INSTANT DOWNLOAD orders placed on etsy will be emailed to the address you have on file with etsy within about 30 minutes of purchase. "Pick 5" orders from etsy will be emailed to the email address you have on file with etsy within 48 hours of your order. If you want your "Pick 5" faster, the same discount is available on Ravelry.com as well.
I know I haven’t gotten all the questions! If you have one not listed here, please email me at [email protected]
And one final note, please do not use my photographs without my permission or without citing where the photo is from.
