Multi-puffs!

The beauty of learning a new skill (eg 2-at-a-time-toe-up socks) is that it can be transferred to other things. Like this...

Hexipuffs - 3 at a time.

It has been five months since this project was mentioned so I suppose a recap is in order. I started my Beekeeper's Quilt waaaaaaaay back in August 2011 and I've had an on-again-off-again relationship with it ever since (you can see the various posts here if you are so inclined). It really seems to be abstinence or binge - one day they seem irresistible, and the next I can't stand the thought of making another. It's that type of project. The prospect of making more than one at a time certainly helps me imagine that it will be finished one day! For those who asked for tips on this technique when I posted on Instagram, here's a step-by-step guide. Hope you find it helpful.

 

Before you start you will need:

  • the Beekeeper's Quilt pattern from Tiny Owl Knits
  • a long circular needle in your chosen size - I use 3.25mm which is smaller than the pattern
  • several balls of sock/4 ply yarn - it's helpful to use different colours while you get used to the technique
  • stuffing
  • crochet hook (or tapestry needle) for bind off

Getting started:

  1. Using Judy's Magic cast on, cast on the first hexipuff so that you have 10 stitches on each needle.
  2. Slide the first 'puff along the needles and repeat the cast on using your second yarn.
  3. Repeat step 2 until you have as many 'puffs as can comfortably fit on your needle/cable, remembering they double in size at the middle - for me it's 3 hexipuffs at a time on an 80cm cable (pictured) or 4 on a 100cm needle.
  4. When all of your puffs are on the needle, knit the first side of the first 'puff as per the pattern (I personally find an initial knit row before following the pattern gives a nicer shape)
  5. When the first one is done, change yarn and work the next 'puff. Continue to do this, knitting both sides of the work as per the pattern and stuffing with filling while on the needles.
  6. When it's time to bind off, simply work your way around the needles, binding off one side at a time either with a hook as per the pattern or using your preferred bind off.

Tips/ Troubleshooting:

  • When you turn your work, the different balls of yarn are at considerable risk of tangling - try to alternate the direction you turn (clockwise and then anti-clockwise) to prevent this.
  • To prevent laddering along the sides, pull the yarn extra-snug for the first few stitches of each puff and if the loop at the end of the cable is pulling the stitches apart, put a twist in it which will stop this happening.
I'll be back tomorrow with the Next Step Sock Knitalong (yes, the Random Cotswold Socks are finished). Today's links are WIP Wednesday and Yarn Along (although I'm still reading the same book as last week so I haven't repeated myself.)

 

23 comments

  1. I love this idea! I'm the same and will infrequently binge on hexis so it would be great to get a few more done while the urge remains :)

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  2. I was really hoping you would post a tutorial, thank you ever so much!

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  3. It is an interesting project, thanks for sharing your tutorial!

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  4. Now you have done it! These are so addictive that everyone will be making them for the next few weeks...!

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  5. I replaced it..I ued the wrong email account..had to use he blog email, not private!

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    1. Oh ok - the bit about yawning in a crowded room made me laugh! xxx

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  6. What a clever idea! Thanks for sharing. :)

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  7. What a clever idea. And I love the picture of you hexipuffs. I'm making similar ones but not with this method. They look just so nice and colourful, don't they.

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  8. I must admit the thought of doing more than one at a time had occurred to me. I'm glad to see it works and may give it a go now I've seen it done.

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    1. Yeah, I was thinking about it for a while, but as I'd never tried anything two-at-a-time until my socks, I wasn't very confident about trying. It's so much better... well, for me it is as I have a very short attention span! :D

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  9. Na! I'll do one at a time. The socks are already quite challenging. I mean the tanglement of the two yarns is more than I can handle. However, I'll finish the socks two at a time. ;-)

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  10. Neat! I am dying to make this quilt!

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  11. Your puffs are beautiful! That is so clever knitting more than one at a time:)

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  12. Looks great! I don't think I could wrap my brain around anything like that right now! :)

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  13. so clever! and LOVE the bright colors, they're fabulous

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  14. What an awesome idea!! I bet they feel like you are going faster now. I actually giggled at your photo of them all on the needle together, so cute!

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  15. You have just revolutionized my puff making! What a clever, clever idea! Your puffs are gorgeous!

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  16. When I had seen this pic on FB, I was like, "She's making three socks at a time?" LOL! You go on mastering two at a time and transferring it to hexipuffs puffs!

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  17. I have a question: Do you mean to say that you knit two rows before you make the first increase (that takes the stitch count to 12 stitches each side)? Because I knit one row, and was thinking that maybe it would be nice to knit two rows.

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    1. Hi, yes I put one knit row in before the first increase - I found the first lot without this row were less symetrical.

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