Project: Mixed Messages Knit Greeting Card

I always look for opportunities to celebrate culture and history in my crafts.  Inspired by Ann Budd’s quilt blocks to knit (Piecework September/October 2007), I incorporated the star code pattern (symbolizing the North or Evening Star) to make holiday greeting cards. 

Quilt Codes like the star served as a secret map for slaves escaping on the Underground Railroad. Imagine sending all of this history in a tiny swatch of knitted fabric.

(Reprinted from the holiday print issue of Black Purl Magazine 2007)

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Beginner

MATERIALS
Yarn: Scrap amounts of fingering weight yarn.  I used Cascade Yarns Cherub Collection 4-Ply (55% Nylon, 45% Acrylic – 50g/240 yards); 1 ball each of shade #1, #12, & #20
Needles:  Size US 2 (2.75 mm)
Gauge:  32 sts and 48 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
Size:  4 ½ by 4 ½ inches
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, row counter (optional).
4 ½ x 6 ¼ inch (11.5 x 15.6 cm) acid- and lignin-free greeting cards (available at craft stores)

INSTRUCTIONS

CO 36 sts.

Rows 1-9:   Knit
Rows 10-45:   Follow star quilt chart.

Rows 46-54:   Knit

BO.  Weave in ends.

Finishing
Block square and lay flat to dry. Mount on card using rubber cement or tack down with needle and thread.

Write your holiday message. Don’t forget to include the history of the quilt code pattern.

(Resource: Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad by Jacqueline L. Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard, Ph.D.)

© 2007 L’Tanya Durante.  All rights reserved.

Comments

[Kelee Katillac]

Neato! I think it is fast enough for me!

[Tia]

I love this! In an age of email, this is a welcome human connection.