Elongated stitches are often used in lace patterns. They are worked over two rows, on the first row you set up your elongated stitch, wrapping multiple times (as specified in the pattern), and then on the second row dropping those extra wraps to create an extra long stitch.
Abbreviations:
k = knit
How to work Elongated Stitches
Row 1: k1-wrap # times
Put the right needle into the stitch as to knit and wrap the yarn around the right needle the number of times specified, then bring the right needle out of the stitch with the extra wraps. Count only the first wrap for each stitch in the total stitch count.
Alternate wording for Row 1:
K1-wrapping yarn # times creates a single knit stitch with # loops. This is similar to a double yarn over. However rather than increasing, you are keeping your stitch count the same.
Go into the stitch as to knit. Wrap the yarn the number of times specified around needle loosely, pulling all loops through when creating the stitch.
Alternate Row 1: p1-wrap # times
p1-wrapping yarn # times creates a single purl stitch with # loops. This is similar to a double yarn over. However rather than increasing, you are keeping your stitch count the same.
Go into the stitch as to purl. Wrap the yarn the number of times specified around needle loosely, pulling all loops through when creating the stitch.
Row 2: k1-drop wraps
As the stitch is being knit into the first wrap, allow all the extra wraps to come off the left needle to create an elongated stitch.
Alternate Row 2: p1-drop wraps
As the stitch is being purled into the first wrap, allow all the extra wraps to come off the left needle to create an elongated stitch.
drop next stitch
Slip the next stitch off the left needle and let it drop (it may begin to unravel).
Pattern Specific Variations to Elongated Stitches
Sometimes, I include technique variations that are for specific patterns. I always include directions for specific techniques in the pattern itself, so be sure to also read any patterns you’re working on closely.
Create Elongated Stitch for Taos
Use the tip of the right needle to slip the first stitch on the left needle to the right needle, allowing the extra three loops to drop, creating an elongated stitch on the right needle.
Cross for Taos
Use tip of right needle to go through the elongated loops of the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th loops with the left needle in front of the first four elongated loops. Gently lift those loops over the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st loops and hold in the new position with left hand. Knit each of the elongated loops in this new order.
k1 wrapping 4 (8) times for Taos
Go into the first stitch on the left needle as to knit. Do not complete the knit stitch until you have wrapped the right needle the total number of times specified–4 or 8. Then pull the right needle through the stitch, bringing all of the wraps through the stitch and having them remain on the right needle.
k2tog wrapping 4 times for Taos
Go into the first two stitches on the left needle as to k2tog. Do not complete the k2tog until you have wrapped the right needle 4 times. Then pull the right needle through the 2 stitches, bringing all of the wraps through the stitches and having them remain on the right needle.
