Category: Patterns

Dizzy Tykes’ range of designers knitwear patterns

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How to start top down triangular shawl ….

Many Scarfs, Shawls and Kerchiefs that are knitted top down and are triangular start with a garter tab cast on.

Which if you are not familiar with can look very complicated, when in fact it is a simple technique that can stand you in good stead for lots of projects.

I’ve been asked by a few uses if I can produce a guide on this method…so here goes…..Here is a step by step guide to mastering the technique.

In this example we are going to cast on 5 stitches, many patterns call for 2 or 3 and some up to 20 or 30 dependant on the design, but the principal remains the same.

Take your chosen yarn and needles and cast on 5 stitches…

Work 5 rows in garter stitch (knit all stitches on all rows). We are calling the edge these stitches are on ‘A’.

…at the end on your 5th row, place a stitch maker, now you are now going to pick up 5 stitches along the edge ‘B’.

…you now have 10 stitches.

…next place another stitch marker and pick up 5 stitches along edge ‘C’, this is your original cast on edge. this can be a little fiddly if you are using fine yarn.

…you now have 15 stitches and will be ready to commence your chosen design.

In this picture the stitches are split onto 2 needles, it shows the work you have done creates a small triangle from which to work, this is often called a garter tab.

Mordiford ShawlMordiford Shawl PDF Pattern
Leicester Shawl

As you can see from the samples above, they both have a garter stitch edges, but the design looks very different as the number of stitches picked up and worked vary.

Many thanks for viewing my update and I look forward to seeing you in Instagram.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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Gifts ideas for Christmas …..

New and what’s coming over the next few weeks….

The web site now is the option to have vehicle cushions personalised with your vehicle registration or vehicle name ( up to 8 letters). This will be on a proportionality sized plate added to the cushion before dispatch, there will be an extra £5.00 charge. Select your cushion place it in the basket then select the option to add plate and in the comments state what you would like putting on it.

Also

With lockdown from Covid-19 starting to relax, people are thinking of getting those special family event caught up on so I’ll be looking at how my products can enhance your special Christening, Wedding, Birthday or family get together. My special wedding themed cushions include being able to have a combination of names added. if you really want to push the boat out why not choose the option of working with the designer and we can look to change the design colours to mirror the wedding theme.

Don’t forget the sports nut in your life, they are always difficult to buy for at Christmas

Due out soon….. the NEWENT cardigan.

this simple but eye-catching design will suit a boy or girl and will be available on my web site before any other outlet. why not join my mailing list and be the first to get it. Visit my homepage and a popup will let you register.

As my learning curve of web design is still steep, I’m please to announce I have now included the option for customers to leave reviews. previously I had relied on the expert web designers of Etsy, Loveknitting and Facebook for this option. but I as I move to a bigger and stronger solo position in the market place its now included on my site. its at the bottom of each page.

Don’t forget social media, the different links are at the bottom of the page.

Until next time thanks for reading.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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Autumn is just round the corner, wedding planning is back and Christmas is on the horizon.

Attention to detail

People ask why I edge my appliqué with a zig-zag stitch rather than the quicker and cheaper to produce E stitch that other craft producers use. I have several reasons the main 2 being…..

  • It protects edges from fraying and increases the life of the cushion.
  • The design jumping out at you rather than bending in.

Slide the bar and compare the finishes for yourself.

Whats New ….

You can now have you vehicle cushions personalised with your vehicle registration or vehicle name( up to 8 letters). This will be on a proportionality sized plate added to the cushion before dispatch. To add this extra to your purchase add the number plate option to your basket when purchasing your cushion.

Vehicle number plate

Weddings are Back……

These new Wedding Themed cushions are the perfect addition to your special day. they are also an ideal finishing touch if you hire out your vehicle to wedding planners. Currently the 4WD and Camper van are amiable but other vintage vehicles will soon be added to the range.

Don’t forget to follow me in Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, alternativly join my mailing list for update and offers. Use the links at the bottom of the page.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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New Cushion Designs out NOW … Queen Bees and Modern Bikes

The last few weeks have seen me busy with a couple of new designs.

Bee’s are still a popular choice for decor indoors and out in the garden. My new Queen Bee design, is appliqué and embroidery. It has the Queen with her crown and delicate wings fluttering behind her. The design is available on 14”, 16” and 18” cushions and the selection of fabrics and colours will be expanding over the next few weeks.

With the weather improving and cycling season getting into full swing now Covid-19 restrictions are relaxing, this modern take on a cycle themed cushion will fit not only into a minimalist interior design setting, but any environment where you have a cyclist who will appreciate and love the sleek lines and modern dimensions.

What’s coming over the next few months….

Being added to the web site over the next couple of weeks is the option to have vehicle cushions personalised with your vehicle registration or vehicle name( up to 8 letters). This will be on a proportionality sized plate added to the cushion before dispatch, there will be an extra minimal charge. Select the option to add plate and submit what you want on the plate.

  • More designer cushions and bespoke ideas will be coming in the next few weeks.
  • With lockdown from Covid-19 starting to relax, people are thinking of getting those special family event caught up on so I’ll be looking at how my products can enhance your special Christening, Wedding, Birthday or family get together.

Don’t forget to follow me in Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, alternativly join my mailing list for update and offers. Use the links at the bottom of the page.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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My processes to create Exclusive Artisan Handmade cushions ….

As my past and present customers are aware here at Dizzy Tyke Designs, I make all of the cushions covers here in my studio.

Heres a little insight into the processes I undertake to create my exclusive designs and how the cushions covers are produced.

Stage 1 – Create Design Element

Using the BROTHER PE design program I create a design that represents the picture I want to create. Ensuring the pieces are attached in the correct order and stitches give the desired effect. this is then uploaded into the sewing machine ready for sewing.

If you have an idea for a pattern and its not available, drop me a line and if its something quirky for you I can give you costings, if its something I could add to my web site I can always look to absorb the cost for the design element away from the price.

Stage 2 – Fabrics

I try to use repurposed but new fabrics where possible. Many of the cover fronts are excess stock curtains. Whist the backs vary from good quality cotton sheeting, blackout backing curtains and curtain linings.

A lot of the appliqué materials are offcuts from a local upholstery manufacturer.

Creating card templates of each design element allows fabrics to be selected and cut to correct shapes before they are sewn into place.

Stage 3 – The Machine

I use a Brother PX1050x machine which hold up to 10 colours at any time.

Once fabrics have been chosen threads come next, whether I’m looking for contrast or harmony I have a wide selection of Kingstar polyester threads to choose from, they are then loaded onto the machines and threaded ready for sewing.

Stage 4 – stitch out design

Then starts the process of stitching out the design. Once all the elements are stitched in place. The edges are embroidered in a zigzag stitch to stop edges fraying.

Stage 5 – Create the cushion.

The backs are cut to shape, raw edges overlocked and a zip attached under an overlap to conceal it on the finished cushion. The Zip is typically placed 2/3 inches from the bottom of the cushion on the back.

However, some cushions are created using the envelope style and have buttons forming part of the design on the front.

The back and front are then sewn together and lastly the edges are overlocked to prevent fraying.

Stage8 – Finishing

The covers are then checked over, strands of cotton removed and tidying around appliqué to give clean lines.

Stage 7 – The Final Product

The cushion covers are then pressed, have a temporary filler placed in them for photographing. The filler is then removed and the cover placed in storage until it is sold.

You may wonder why temporary fillers are used. This is because they take a beating putting them in and out of different covers and pummelled into place for the photograph. So keeping a few fillers just for photographs allows every cushion that is dispatched to have a brand new filler placed in it ready for its new home.

All the fillers are solid to me as hypoallergenic, however are I can not guarantee all the fabrics I use are hypoallergenic, so I do not market them as such.

What’s coming over the next few months….

  • Summer knitting ideas start to make an appearance
  • More designer cushions and bespoke ideas
  • With lockdown from Covid-19 starting to relax, people are thinking of getting those special family event caught up on so I’ll be looking at how my products can enhance your special Christening, Wedding, Birthday or family get together.

Don’t forget to follow me in Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, alternativly join my mailing list for update and offers. Use the links at the bottom of the page.

Thanks for taking a look at my update and site.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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What’s New ….

Well its been a while since the last post, due to Covid this area of the business has taken a back seat. But as the world is reopening and spring is in the air a new regular feature to the web site will be posts.

Although I do have different platforms I sell on coming direct to the maker is always preferential. To celebrate this use the coupon code DIRECT10 to get a 10% discount on all cushions until the end of March 2021.

  • Rear View Defender
  • Camper Van
  • Triathlon
  • Equestrian Themes

The range of cushions avayalbe is constantly evolving and changing. Evolving because customers request designs that once developed are prefect to join the selection and changing because the materials available for cushions and appliqué is never constant. This is because I source my fabrics from excess stock and end of line, meaning that its always new fabric but often repurposed.

Here are a few recently added. Including the new kid on the block the rear view of the ever popular Defender.

New additions to the range of knitting patterns has also taken a back seat through this unusual year…but this amazing ladies cardigan is in the final stages of pattern checking. The Fladbury should be released in time for Easter. Follow me on Instagram for updates and discount codes.

Many thanks for viewing my update and I look forward to seeing you in Instagram.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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How to make button loops….

Knitted buttons loops allow you to easily add to the edge of knitting without interfering with the cast on or off.

Here at Dizzy Tyke Designs we use them a lot on sleep sacks to stop corners flapping around. Have a look at the Martley, Abberley and Honeybourne sleep sacks

They look great when finished and are not complicated or difficult to make. Have a practice on the edge of an old bit of knitting or even fabric as consistency is the key to a professional finish.

Identify where you want the edges of the loop, then using a tapestry needle attach yarn so there are 2 thickness.

Thread the needle through the work from back to front, where you want the second edge of the loop to be. The long stitch should be slightly bigger than the button diameter.

Pass the needle through the long loop from front to back, then pass the needle through the small loop, then pull firmly but not excessively. This creates a stitch around the long loop.

Keep repeating the needle going through the long loop from front to back, then pass the needle through the small loop, until all of the long loop is covered. By keep the firm pull consistent you will get a neat edge. but not excessively. This creates a stitch around the long loop.

Once the long loop is all covered, pass the thread back through a few stitches to secure and allow the end to be hidden when cut.

Thanks for taking a look at my update and site.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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Bespoke Orders

Bespoke orders

Don’t forget here at Dizzy Tyke Designs , I can work with you to come up with personal and imaginative designs for that special gift.
All the cushion designs at Dizzy Tyke Designs are exclusive to my label and shipping is worldwide.

This pair of cushions were a special something for a cycling loving couple. The mirror images cyclists and bikes were colour coded to suit the couples kit.
This bird and flower design with a hint of skull, was commissioned as a gift for an ageing rock chick who now lives in a country cottage.

Both of the above designs will be making an appearance on the for sale page soon, but if you are desperate to get one early drop me a line, using the link at the bottom of the page..

Astley Beret

The Astley Beret is designed to fit a 6 to 12 month old child. Its knitted flat and has no complex stitches.

The tassel creates a fun finishing touch and the instructions on how to make it are below.

How to Create at Tassel

What you need (A) Yarn, Cardboard, Scissors and a darning needle

  1. (B) Cut piece of cardboard template 5” wide, (C) Wrap yarn around cardboard 15  times.
  2. (C)Thread tapestry needle with yarn, pass between yarn and template, tie round yarn snugly. 
  3. (D) Thread tapestry needle with of yarn and wrap around tassel 6–10 times, snugly. Then pass through the center of the tassel and out of the head. 
  4. (E) Remove from cardboard and Cut ends of yarn .
  5. (F) Trim tassel ends evenly if necessary.
  6. Attach to desired location .
A
B
C
D
E
F

What’s coming over the next few months….

  • Christmas decorations start to make an appearance
  • More designer cushions and bespoke ideas
  • More bridge are looking for that special something to show off their rings and make their wedding album a bit different, so a new range of ring cushions will be here before the Autumn.

Don’t forget to join my mailing list for update and offers.

Thanks for taking a look at my update and site.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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Early July Update

The WESTON Cardigan released last week is proving a big hit. The clean lines and easy construction makes it an ideal go to patten for any occasion. I have has a number of enquires about the cape clasp on this design and will be starting to stock them in the next few weeks once my suppliers are fully working after lockdown.

For those wanting to purchase a finished WESTON Cardigan.

I am now taking orders for commissioned work. drop me a line of the size and colour combination and I will be happy to provide you with a price and timeline for supply.

What’s coming over the next few months…..

Today I’ve been testing some prospective new designs for Applique cushions. Despite all 3 being a similar size the work involved in producing the finished product have vastly different levels of complexity and time consumption. Which all have to be taken into account when calculation the cost of finished products. Why not take a look at the lates range that are currently on sale.

Now lockdown is easing Camper Van lovers are planning their get away. why not buy one of my unique VW themed cushions to be the envy of fellow VW enthusiasts when out and about.

My update later in July will have a link to this cute Beret Pattern and for the first 2 weeks it will be FREE on my web site. so why not make sure you get a copy and join my mailing list to find out when its released.Displayed here on my cute sheep manakin, its designed to fit up to approx 2 years old. Knitted flat in 4ply, there is one simple seam down the back.

Watch out for the Astley release date.

Join the mailing list to be amongst the first to hear of new products and designs.

Thanks for taking a look at my update and site.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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Weston and Bearwood

Bearwood Vest – NEW FREE PATTERN

Bearwood Vest

An any season smart vest finishes any ensemble, for boys or girls. Knitted flat this simple but striking design would suit any baby and make a perfect baby shower gift. 

The small feature breast pocket adds detail without being complicated. 

To fit 18” to 24” (46-61cm) chest with finished size having approx 2” (50mm) positive ease.

Sample shown is knitted in Snuggly Snowflake.

Learn more
Mouse Pocket Topper

A great addition to the Bearwood Vest is a sew on pocket topper. These simple additions look great without overcomplicating the knitting pattern. Designed to be stitched in place they avoid the need for hot irons to attach them. there are 2 designs available at present with more in the pipeline.

Applique Flower Pocket Topper

Weston

Also released today is the WESTON Cardigan.

Knitted in Baby Aran, it has clean lines and can be knitted one solid colour or a striped option is included in the pattern instructions.

The front is fastened with either a clasp and hook or button and loop, so no working out which side you want the button holes on or worrying if you have them in the right place.

Work in knit and purl stitched, there are some short rows, that the pattern guides you through.

More Details