Knitted jam jar Hugger Tutorial part 1

Hello

How are you today?

If you live in the U.K. you are probably, like me, enjoying the (intermittent) sunshine.

For those who live elsewhere, I wonder what the weather is like in your part of the world?

I'm being very olde worlde English today sitting here with a cup of tea talking about the weather, surounded by baskets of knitting and a smelly dog. I am quite in the mood for watching a bit of Margaret Rutherford, but first I want to bring the tutorial that many of you have been waiting so patiently for. What tutorial was that? I hear you say.

Do any of you remember this http://skippinginthemeadow.typepad.com/skipping_in_the_meadow/2009/03/flower-power.html ? Well, here I am at long last ready to begin with the stripey one.

 

Here it is sporting some pretend violets and cowslips (they last much longer than the real ones - I think these are quite realistic, don't you?)

This jam jar hugger couldn't be easier to make really. All you need is some yarn needles and very basic knitting skills.

The quickest/easiest (my preferred) way of making it  is to find a classic jam jar and measure it's girth and height. I am not very good with the maths bit, but I have worked out that you need to cast on 39 stitches if you are using a Tiptree jar, double knitting wool and size 4mm needles. You can of course use any jar, yarn and needles, but you will have to adjust the number of stitches you need and the height accordingly (the Tiptree jar measures 5 inches). 

Garter stitch (above) stocking stitch and rib all work well.

It looks good in one colour or stripes, you can be extra creative by knitting in a little pattern/motif and/or adding embelishments such as knitted or crocheted flowers (I will show you how to make some of these next time), buttons, beads and embroidery.

You really just need to knit one piece on straight needles and sew a seam to make it into a tube to fit your jar. You can also make a seamless version by knitting it on the round. If any of you are new to knitting and want to know how to knit on the round, just post a comment below or email me and I will be happy to put up a little tutorial for you.

So it's easy-peasy! The other two huggers involve a little bit of pattern, but you will soon see they are very easy to make too.

What I want to see now is pictures, pictures, pictures of your knitted jam jar huggers :o)

You can use them to hold (and hide) all manner of things, pens/pencils, paint brushes, knitting needles, items of haberdashery, tea, coffee, sugar, pennies. You also can make one to hug your bottled water. I am thinking of making one to cover my unpretty thermos flask. The possibilities are endless.

Have a fun weekend

x

Sumea 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Comments

[Lucy]

They are absolutely gorgeous Sumea. Love your choice of colours. Lucy xxxx

[Debs]

ooooh, lovely! I say bring on the rain so I can sit and watch it on the window pane while I click away with the knitting needles. Have a great weekend. Debs x

[simone]

Your jam jar covers are lovely especailkly with the addition of the buttons and flowers. Very creative! Have a lovely weekend.x

[simone]

I did mean to write especially but my fingers hit the keyboard before my brain could register! It has been a beautifully sunny week here but now it has clouded over just in time for the weekend! I don't mind too much though, the plants could really do with a drink.

[Nina - Tabiboo]

There fantastic Sumea, I may well just try this over the weekend!

Thank you for the turorial,

have a lovely weekend,

Nina x

[Denise @ A Bun Can Dance]

Dear Sumea.
The huggers are terrific - how lovely they look!
I'm catching up with everyone who's shown an interest in the bloggers afternoon tea! I realise you may not be able to come along but if you'd like to keep informed of what is planned Maybe you could leave a comment over at mine, it will come through to my email first and then I can get back to you with more info.
Thanks! Have a good weekend!
Denise

[cathleen]

Hi Sumea...once again, a truly lovely post...everything is so colorful and happy. Love the jar covers and all the luscious flowers. Have a wonderfullly, sunny and bright weekend!

[aneela]

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!! I cannot wait to get knitting! Really really wish I wasn't working tommorow, I'd much rather knit tiptree covers! I am in love with the pic with the anemones and tulips too!!!
have a super lovely and happity weekend!!

[Alessandra]

I love your jar cozies, they are fabulous!

[The Fairy Glade]

Hi Sumea, thank you so much for your lovely comments on my blog. I cannot believe it when you say that you can't crochet and then proceed to make up a flower from scratch just by looking at it..that is so clever. I love your jar cover and have got to have one...will add it to my list of things to do... which grows everyday I might add! So pretty and such lovely colours. Hope your daughter-in-law had a lovely 21st birthday and what a cute grandson. I hope that you and yours have a bloomin lovely weekend and I will update on the ripple which I am hoping to look at again over the next couple of days.

[Louise]

I love the colourful huggers, although I shall just have to admire yours, I cannot knit for toffee! The flowers are absolutely gorgeous, you have tempted me to look out for some beautiful yellow freesias over the weekend. I hope to have more time one day to take a floristry course and to grow more cutting flowers. Have a lovely weekend Sumea. x

[Bimbimbie]

Hi Sumea, I'm hoping to do a little knitting over our coming winter. Haven't done much in the past other than squares that end up as pet blankets, but I do find it's relaxing and there are so many gorgeous colours and yarns available these days. Your lovely jar covers have me thinking they would make great huggers for mugs of thick winter soup. I might just have to sit down with your tutorial next week ... I'm cautiously putting my hand in the air for a lesson on kitting in the round - have never tried it.

I followed your chick pattern and found just the spot for him to rest, popped a photo over at mine ... thanks for the know how.

Weather down under has been lovely today, a little windy but plenty of blue sky and warm sunshine ... I love Margaret Rutherford too*!*

[jus]

Ooooh Margaret Rutherford...was she the one in the St Trinians films? I remember so many rainy Sunday afternoons filled with Flashman and all those naughty schoolgirls. The weather in NZ has turned to custard, rainy and overcast but after 6 months of sunshine I feel really mean moaning. Have a lovely snuggly weekend! x

[Little Brown Rabbit]

Hi Sumea
I LOVE the one with the green and yellow and the three blue flowers :) I don't suppose you would be willing to make me one like that? If so what would it cost?
Thanks for popping by my blog- sorry I haven't posted for a while :( I've tried to and have got things to show but just couldn't find the time to post them! I may try on Sunday.
You have yourself a lovely weekend also!
Em x

[rayofsunshine]

Hi Sis, I am just catching up on your posts after what has been a very busy week! Today is my first chance to get on the computor with all the things I have had to do here. I still have lots of things to do but have booked a holiday for the bank holiday weekend as we really need it.I have had no time to crochet or any crafting but will do this evening, I love your crochet flowers and your huggers, hope your having a lovely weekend Love lil Sis x

[Bobo Bun]

What gorgeous pictures and flowers. Especially love the anenomes as they were my wedding bouquet so always love the sight of them.

A really comforting image of Margaret R, knitting and coffee (I hate tea I'm afraid so I've swapped your picture).

[julia]

Hello Sumea

What cheerful, colourful and beautifully made covers! I really love them, especially the flower adornments, they really complete them!

With love
Julia xxx

[Karen]

These are so cute! My daughter and I love the colors and especially the flower embellishments.

I don't knit at all but my daughter would love the tutorial on how to knit on the round.

Thanks!

[willynillywaterlily]

Oh, what a great tutorial! Thanks for sharing!

Your jam huggers are so pretty and colorful!

[Lucy@Attic24]

Sumea i love them with the flowers on, the combination of stripes and flowers is delicious, now why didn't I think of that?????
In fact i have an idea for a bag in my mind which is stripes and flowers, i must find time to bring that to reality, its been sitting in my noodle-brain for an age now...thanks for the inspiration my lovely
Lucexxx
ps lovely to get your email, a reply coming shortly. Hugs to you hun xxxxxxx

[fionacupcake]

lovely!

[Kristine]

Thank you so much for the tutorial, so adorable! My Canadian day is feeling very British, lots of rain and a little gloomy, but dreams of some cozy knitting will cheer me. Thank you!

[vanessa]

thank you, thank you, thank you Sumea! My jam jars are now all going to be covered in stripy knitted covers! I can't wait. Thank you for the tutorial.
Love Vanessa xxx

[fleur]

Oh my goodness I SO want to be able to knit properly AND crochet. This has really inspired me to try much harder. Your jar covers are so pretty - I love them. Thank you for introducing me to your blog and your lovely lovely comments on mine. It really did make me feel chuffed. All the best Fleur xx

[Fruitful Fusion]

I absolutely adore these jackets! They're so lovely!