Jacquard: Increasing In Birdseye

A peculiarity of knitting jacquard with the “Lili” buttons, is the requirement of the ribber to contain an even number of Ndls. This is because EON on the ribber will be slipped, beginning with the second needle from the end of the carriage, regardless in which direction it is traveling.

You might think that you could bring into WP a Ndl on both ends of the RB at the same time, as sometimes happens when using the ribber. Alas, you can’t! Again the “Lili” buttons are causing havoc.

The knitting will have established a pattern on the ribber like this:

When you INC a Ndl at both ends of the ribber, the next pass of the carriage results as this:

Notice that the second St at both ends, and every St in between, is exactly the same as the R below. This is not the intended result one would expect. To remedy this problem, another adjustment must be made when increasing Sts. The easiest way is to separate the Total Increases into sections, one for the MB and one for the RB. INC first on the MB alone, and then, double INC on both beds together.

On the first INC, bring forward to “E” position a Ndl on the left side of the MB only. K 1 R. Bring forward to “E” position a Ndl on the right side of the main bed only. K to the second INC.

Bring a Ndl on the left side of the MB to “E” position, and 2 Ndls on the left side of the RB to “E” position. K 1 R. Bring a Ndl on the right side of the MB to “E” position, and 2 Ndls on the right side of the RB to “E” position. K to the next INC. Continue this process of alternating between beds until all increasing has been successfully accomplished.

To be sure the INC is successful, the use of the “7” wires for edge weights is crucial. Since these Sts do not have any weight on them in the beginning stages, the “7” wire lying across, not only the added Sts, but the previous knitting, will be a great aid in securing a successful INC. It should be noted that every time you double INC, move the “7” wire with its edge weight. Right now it may seem daunting, but, really, it’s quite simple and extremely effective.