How to knit an Estonian spiral

In Estonia, knitted gloves, mittens, and socks are traditional symbols and gifts. Items like gloves and mittens, stockings and leg warmers have a unique cultural importance in Estonia. Estonia has developed styles of knitting that are interestingly singular. The traditional gloves and mittens are knitted of yarn of natural colors: brown, green, white.

Knitters can finally learn the traditions behind Estonian knitting and the techniques necessary to recreate it. Illustrated step-by-step instructions guide readers through unfamiliar techniques. Detailed instructions for gloves, mittens, and socks plus charts for traditional lace and multicolored patterns are included. A brief history of Estonia itself and a section on the folk culture provide a background to the technical instructions.

This simple pattern is named Estonian spiral. Estonian spiral is often used for goods of pipe-shape: socks, mittens, caps. Such spiral knitting is a good alternative of a ribbing for mittens, socks or mitts. The main advantage is that you can use a several colors of the thread for this pattern. You may also use the colorful yarn left-overs for this pattern.

Knitting technique: two facial loops, one yarn-over, the two facial loops together.

Estonian pattern is knitted on the circle, a number of loops should be always divisible by six. To create two-colored rhombs you need to change the thread color through four series. The rhomb width will be three loops. Use double-pointed needles for Estonian spiral.

Gain the loops on every needle. Note, that the total number of loops should be divisible by six. For example, if you gain twelve loops on each needle it will be 48 loops in total. Knit carefully and make sure you do not make the kinked loops.

If you wish to change color to a different one, then finish the row and tie up the ends of the rows. Choose the yarn of the bright, contrast colors to create the posh contrast changeovers. Enjoy your beautiful craft in ethnic style!

Picture from this article is taken from: https://vishivashka.ru/