The finer the yarn, the further it will go, and for this reason, the very fine 2 ply yarn was favoured by knitters during the 1940s and on into the early 1950s. This was often knitted on larger needles than usual in order to make it go even further, but this does not flow very easily as the yarn tightens over the needles, making it harder to work. In times of need, though, it was a means to an end.

The elongated stitch pattern used in this Stitchcraft pattern of June 1942 gives an airy, light feel and, when knitted in the original designated 2 ply yarn, is almost weightless, ideal for summer or just as a pretty jumper. The adapted pattern given below for a modern 4 ply would also work well knitted in a 4 ply cotton for lightweight summer wear, especially as this stitch benefits from the minimum stretch given by cotton. It really is a most ingenious stitch to use if you have limited quantities, and of course you can make the stripes in as many different colours as you wish! Surprisingly, the entire jumper uses just 200 g (7 oz) of modern 4 ply yarn, so it is easy to see why this stitch was so popular throughout the period of yarn shortage.

The book include guidance on how to adjust the pattern sizing.

Materials

• Modern 4 ply yarn: 200 g (7 oz) in total, either 100 g (3.5 oz) of each of 2 contrast colours, or a selection of different colours amounting to the total needed
• 1 pair 3 mm/11 needles
• 1 pair 2.75 mm/12 needles
• One 8 mm needle (for casting off loosely)