how to knit an octogon

2 min read 16-01-2025

Knitting octagons might seem daunting, but with a clear method and a little patience, you can create beautiful, unique projects. This guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, perfect for knitters of all levels. Whether you're making a unique coaster, a striking blanket section, or even the base for a quirky hat, let's learn how to knit this eight-sided wonder!

Understanding the Method: Increasing for an Octagon

The key to knitting an octagon lies in strategically increasing stitches at regular intervals. This creates the angled sides characteristic of the shape. We'll use a combination of increases to achieve a consistent, even octagon.

Materials You'll Need:

Yarn: Choose your favorite weight and color. The yarn weight will influence the size of your final octagon.
Knitting Needles: Select needles appropriate for your chosen yarn weight.
Scissors: For cutting your yarn.
Yarn Needle: For weaving in loose ends.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Knitting Your Octagon

This tutorial uses a simple method, easily adaptable to different sizes.

Step 1: The Foundation

Cast on a multiple of 8 stitches + 1 (e.g., 17 stitches for a smaller octagon, 33 for a larger one). This extra stitch helps with the increases.
Knit one row.

Step 2: Beginning the Increases

Row 2: Knit 2, increase (knit into the front and back of the next stitch), knit 6, increase repeat from * to * across the row.
Row 3: Knit all stitches.

Step 3: Repeating the Pattern

This pattern of increases will be repeated for the angled sides.

Row 4: Knit 3, increase, knit 8, increase, repeat from * to * across the row.
Row 5: Knit all stitches.
Row 6: Knit 4, increase, knit 10, increase, repeat from * to * across the row.
Row 7: Knit all stitches.

Continue this process, adding one stitch to each side increase section per every two rows. (Rows 8, 9 will have 5, increase; rows 10, 11 will have 6, increase; and so on) Always knit the rows in between the increase rows. This helps maintain an even octagon shape.

Step 4: Adjusting for Size

The number of rows you repeat this pattern will determine the size of your octagon. For a smaller coaster, 8-10 repeats might be sufficient. For a larger piece, continue the pattern until you reach your desired size.

Step 5: Completing Your Octagon

Once you've reached your desired size, knit a few rows without increasing to create a straight edge. Then cast off loosely.

Step 6: Weaving in Ends

Use your yarn needle to carefully weave in all loose ends to create a clean finish.

Troubleshooting Tips

Uneven Sides: If your octagon isn't perfectly symmetrical, check your increase placement. Ensure you're increasing in the correct stitches and at regular intervals.
Too Tight or Too Loose: Adjust your tension as needed to maintain an even fabric.
Yarn Weight Variations: Experiment to find the best increase pattern for different yarn weights.

Beyond the Basics: Design Ideas

Colorwork: Incorporate multiple colors for a visually striking octagon.
Different Increase Methods: Explore other increase techniques like the Make One (M1) increase to see how they affect the look of your octagon.
Applications: Use your knitted octagon as a motif in blankets, hats, or even as a standalone coaster!

Conclusion

Knitting an octagon may seem complex initially, but following these steps methodically will help you master this fun and versatile shape. Experiment with different yarn weights, colors, and increase patterns to create your unique octagon projects. Happy knitting!