Snowball's Chance in Hell
updated 12/12/05

Armwarmers with a morphing snowflake-to-skull design.

by Renée Rigdon and Zabet Stewart

Difficulty

Strong Intermediate
Click here for definitions of difficulty levels.

Finished Measurements

Length: 17"
Width: conforms to your measurements.

Download

Snowflake to Skull Chart (pdf file)

Materials

• Brown Sheep Naturespun Sport. [100% wool; 185yds/168m per 1.75 oz/50 g ball]; color 720-Ash, 2 balls.
• Brown Sheep Naturespun Sport. [100% wool; 185yds/168m per 1.75 oz/50 g ball]; color N66-Mill Blue, 1 ball.
• Set of 5 DPNs, US 3/3.25mm.
• Tapestry needle

Gauge

24 sts and 38 rows per 4" stockinette

Directions

Calculations:

Measure length from first knuckle of middle finger to a point 17" up arm. Measure the circumference of your arm at this point. A=_____

Measure length from A to wrist. B=_____

Circumference of wrist. C=_____

Stitches at beginning. A x stitch gauge (round down to multiple of 4). D=_____ stitches

Rows to reach wrist. B x row gauge. E=_____.

Stitches at wrist. C x stitch gauge (round down to multiple of 4). F=_____ stitches.

Number of stitches to decrease over E rows. D-F. G=_____

Number of decrease rows. G/2. H=_____

Decrease row ratio. (E-10)/H (round down to whole number). I=_____

Even rows at wrist: (E-10) - (I x H). J=_____

NB: 141 rows are necessary to complete all six motifs with a three row separation between each. As row gauge can change slightly while working, you may want to complete the duplicate stitching as you go along. It will be easier to do while the piece is shorter and it will also insure that you work enough stockinette rows to stitch each row of the charts. Remember to leave three blank rows between each motif.

Right Armwarmer:

With Ash, cast on D=_____ stitches. Work in 2x2 rib for 10 rows.

Switch to stockinette.

Decrease one stitch at the beginning of the third needle and one at the end of the fourth needle (2 stitches decreased) every I=_____th row, H=_____ times. Move stitches from the first needle to the fourth and from the second needle to the third as necessary to maintain a balanced number of stitches. You will have F=_____ stitches remaining.

Work J=_____ even rows.

**On the next row, increase one stitch at the end of the second needle, and one stitch at the beginning of the third needle. Work one row even.

Repeat the last two rows two more times for a total of 6 stitches increased.

Work three rounds even

Knit across to the last stitch on the second needle. Skip this stitch and knit the first stitch on the third needle onto your working needle. Slip the last stitch on the second needle to the third needle. Continue to the end of the round as normal.

On the next row, knit across needles one and two, turn the work and purl across needles two, one, four, and three, turn the work and knit back to needle two.

Continue as established until opening for thumb is 2.5". At the end of the next RS row, cast on two stitches, and join to continue in the round.

Work until the piece is 16" long. Work 1" of ribbing. Bind off in pattern. As noted, it is advisable to work the duplicate stitch chart as you go, so that you can be certain you have enough rows to complete all six motifs. It is best to wait to add the ribbing until you are certain the sixth motif will fit within the stockinette portion.

Pick up and knit a multiple of four stitches around the thumb opening. Join and work in 2x2 rib for 4 rounds. Bind off in pattern.

Left Armwarmer:

Work as for the right to **.

On the next row, increase one stitch at the beginning of the first needle and at the end of the fourth needle. Work one row even.

Repeat the last two rows two more times for a total of 6 stitches increased.

Work three rounds even

On next row, knit across to last stitch on 4th needle, skip this stitch, knit the first stitch on the first needle, slip the skipped stitch to the first needle. Knit one more round. When you reach the end of the fourth needle, turn and work back and forth for 2.5".

On the next RS row, cast on two stitches, join, and continue in the round.

Work until the piece is 16" long. Work 1" of ribbing. Bind off and finish thumb opening as for the right armwarmer.

Finishing:

With Blue, duplicate stitch motifs onto sweater.
Download: snowflake to skull chart (updated 12/12/05)

Weave in all ends.

About

contact Renée or contact Zabet • legal info