Trinity, close relative of the basic Log Cabin square, is a fun way to add a little flair to any blanket project. It is constructed of a base triangle and trapezoid shaped strips. Make multitudes of triangles and stitch together in ways only limited by your imagination. A giant single triangle is suitable for a small throw, shoulder wrap or baby blanket. Felt smaller ones and make potholders. Geometry and knitting are a match made in heaven!
This pattern is a: Knit Pattern
Skill Level: Intermediate
Credits: Tanya Brooks
Materials:
Yarn:
Odd Balls and Amounts of yarn: For the rainbow colored Trinity, I used mostly worsted weight, natural fiber yarns. However, the pattern is easily adapted to use any fiber, in any weight. I used approximately 20 oz total (42 different yarns) to complete the rainbow Trinity blanket.
Gauge will vary based on yarn and needles used
For the Rainbow Trinity: 16 sts/ 30 rows = 4 inch (10 cm) in pattern stitch
Design Notes:
* When using acrylic and fiber blend yarns, keep in mind that they will block differently than natural fibers. It is also worth noting that some natural fibers block differently than others. Be sure to test fibers to see if they bleed especially if you plan to use many different colors in one project.
* You can use any weight of yarn if you decide to knit the throw. However, I recommend using a sturdy yarn for the base triangle.
* Experiment with variegated yarn or yarn with long color bands like Noro. You’ll replicate the same effect of changing yarns on each strip – no weaving in lots of loose ends.
* Using needles a size or two larger than the recommended needle for the weight of the yarn, will give your project a slightly airy look. If you choose to mix weights of yarn, experiment with doubling the yarn and/or knitting fewer or more rows to achieve the desired width in strip for each section.
* You can preserve your sanity by weaving the loose ends of the yarn in on each row as you’re knitting vs. weaving in five thousand ends when you’re finished.
* You can leave the stitches “live” after finishing each row (in lieu of binding off) by using a circular needle the circumference of the triangle or by slipping the live stitches onto a piece of yarn. I used my Denise needles and changed the cords as the circumference expanded. If you plan to make a giant triangle, it would be worth it to invest in a 60” cord (for the Denises or 60” circular needle). However, binding off does tend to provide some structure for each side of the triangle, especially if you are using lighter weight yarns. If possible swatch using each technique before you invest too much time in a larger project.
* If you choose to BO each strip, it’s important to BO loosely.
* Its up to the individual which base triangle you use. I recommend using the larger base triangle if you are knitting a throw or blanket. Use the smaller base triangle if you are knitting smaller modules that will be sewn together to make a larger project.
Pattern:
Small Base Triangle
Row 1: CO 12 sts
Row 2: K
Row 3: K2tog, K to last 2 sts, K2tog
Rows 4 – 5: K
Repeat rows 3 – 5 until 2 sts remain. K2tog and BO.
Large Base Triangle
Row 1: CO 16 sts
Row 2: K
Row 3: K2tog, K to last 2 sts, K2tog
Rows 4 – 5: K
Repeat rows 3 – 5 until 2 sts remain. K2tog and BO.
Side One of Triangle
Row 1 – (With new yarn) At base of triangle, pick up 13 (17) sts.
Row 2 – Kf&b 1st st, k to last st, kf&b
Row 3 – K
Repeat rows 2 and 3, inc. 1st and last stitch on every other row until strip is desired width.
(For the sample, there were 3 garter st ridges after binding off.) Bind off. If you choose to keep the sts live, make sure that working needle is on the left side of your knitting. You will be rotating the triangle to the left to pick up sts on the 2nd side of the triangle.
Side Two of Triangle
Row 1 - (with new yarn) Begin picking up sts for side two beginning with sides of the strip you just knit. Pick up sts between the garter sts ridges totaling the same as what you picked up on side one (the base of the triangle).
Row 2 – Kf&b 1st st, k to last st, kf&b
Row 3 – K
Repeat rows 2 and 3, inc. 1st and last stitch on every other row until strip is desired width. Bind off. If you choose to keep the sts live, make sure that working needle is on the left side of your knitting. You will be rotating the triangle to the left to pick up sts on the 3rd side of the triangle.
Side Three of Triangle
Row 1 – (with new yarn) Begin picking up sts for side three beginning with sides of the second strip you just knit, the third side of the triangle, and the sides of the first strip you knit. This side will be slightly longer than the other two sides.
Row 2 – Kf&b 1st st, k to last st, kf&b
Row 3 – K
Repeat rows 2 and 3, inc. 1st and last stitch on every other row until strip is desired width. Bind off. If you choose to keep the sts live, make sure that working needle is on the left side of your knitting. You will be rotating the triangle to the left to pick up sts on the 1st side of the triangle.
Continue with directions for side three of triangle for all sides until triangle is the desired size (if you are using circulars, you will be picking up the sts from the sides of the strips on either side and will be knitting the sts from the needle on the sts in the center). Use a crochet hook or three needle bind off to connect the triangles together.
Finishing:
If knitting one large triangle as a blanket or throw, use a decorative yarn and crochet or knit a chain of stitches around the entire project to finish the edges.
Meet the Designer:
Tanya spends her spare time knitting, spinning, dyeing and dreaming about fiber in the mountains of Virginia. If it wasn’t for her wonderful real and virtual fiber friends, the testosterone trio that she married and gave birth to would have committed her eons ago for her crazy craftiness. Check out her musings at http://indigomuse.blogspot.com
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Small Base Triangle
Tanya spends her spare time knitting, spinning, dyeing and dreaming about fiber in the mountains of Virginia. If it wasn’t for her wonderful real and virtual fiber friends, the testosterone trio that she married and gave birth to would have committed her eons ago for her crazy craftiness. Check out her musings at http://indigomuse.blogspot.com