How to Knit a Name Plaque
Complete Size - 18cm width x 8cm height (excluding handle)
What you will need...
Total time - 2 Hours 30 Minutes (basic knitted plaque - plus extra time for any added detailing)
4mm knitting needles (UK 8, US 6)
Double knitting yarn - Choice of Colours
Sewing up needle
Scissors
Thick Cardboard or slim hard board for inner Structure
Before You Start...
Abbreviations
K = Knit P = Purl St = Stitch Sts = Stitches
Cast On - I use the thumb method.
K2tog = Knit two stitches together at the same time (thereby halving your stitches).
Inc = Increase – by knitting into the front and the back of the same stitch, to make two stitches out of one.
St-st = Stocking stitch. Alternating a row of knit stitches (right side), with a row of purl stitches (wrong side).
TOP TIP
Choose your yarn - this pattern may look thicker and tighter if using smaller needles, e.g 3.25mm when using regular yarn. However, the finished product will therefore also be smaller in size - increase the number of rows or cast-on stitches to adjust for this.
When fastening off any loose ends of any embroidery or knitted detailing, try not to leave any long ends, especially if they are of darker colour yarn, as this may show through the front surface.
Make sure it is not accessible to a baby due to the choking or strangulation risk.
How to Make it...
Two main pieces oversewn together separated by a thick cardboard to provide stability. With added knitted flower and knitted heart detailing, and backstitch lettering.
Main Piece
Make 2
Time 1 Hour Each Piece
Size - Width 18cm, height 8cm
Needles 4mm
Yarn Colour of Your Choice
Cast on 40 sts
Beginning with a P row, st-st 2 rows (forms border)
Beginning with a K row, continue in st-st a further 19 rows
Beginning with a K row, st-st 2 further rows (top border)
Cast off
Add a Flower
Make 5 Petals
Cast on 2sts
Next row Inc Kwise into both sts (4sts)
Beginning with a P row st-st 3 rows
Next row K2tog twice (2sts)
P 1 row
Next row K2tog & fasten off.
Add a Heart or Two
Cast on 4sts
Next row Inc K wise, K2, Inc Kwise (6sts)
P 1 row
Next row K2tog, K2, K2tog (4sts)
P 1 row
Next row K2tog twice (2sts)
P 1 row
Next row K2tog & fasten off
Embroidery
Some people may have their own technique, but I simply used back-stitch to sew the name onto the main piece.
I used chunky wool for the embroidery, so that it may stand out more clearly.
Count numbers of stitches and rows to pin out the size and position of your letters.
Fasten off all loose ends to the rear of your main piece, leaving yarn ends short so that they are less visible from the front.
Ensure that if any pins are used, that they are removed when complete.
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Piece it Together...
Ensure all lettering and any extra knitted detailing are sewn onto the main front piece.
Sew on both ends of the finger-knitted handle onto the inside of the front main piece, about 1cm from the top for added strength. Adjust the length of the handle according to your preference.
Oversew row ends, and the cast-on and cast-off stitches of the two main pieces, over the cardboard support. Fasten off loose ends.
Make it Different!
Try a different pattern such as stripes, working two rows each of individual colours.
Embroidered lettering may be a name but may also be a room or occasion e.g home, pantry, loo etc, or even tea/coffee on each side! I thought I might do an orange/green version with 'Boo!' for halloween...
You could use chunky wool to make the main pieces - you would need to do fewer cast on stitches and reduce the number of rows to keep a similar size but this would get done so much quicker.
Garter stitch is an alternative to stocking stitch, and would also allow the plaque to keep its shape better and stay flat.
Behind the Scenes!
These patterns are all made up as I go along, learning from mistakes along the way. Every time I create a new pattern, I record it in the Updates part of this site (effectively my blog…) There is a story behind each creation, and this can help give you some more ideas and inspiration.
All done?
Feel free to share your successes or any other tips or suggestions by emailing me. If it's all gone swimmingly and you're ready for you next challenge, have a look at what to try next!