Smash the Patriarchy

Smash the Patriarchy Knitted Eggs

What Is Being Made

Smash the Patriarchy is a free knitting pattern for decorative knitted eggs designed by Puddock Withersea. These are small, fun decorative projects intended to use up yarn ends while creating charming finished pieces. The eggs are worked to fit over polystyrene egg-forms measuring approximately 6cm tall with a circumference of 13.5cm, though alternative materials such as blown and cleaned actual eggs can be used by adventurous crafters.

Project Type and Purpose

This is a knitted decoration project ideal for stash-busting and gift-giving. The pattern encourages creative experimentation with various knitting techniques, making it an excellent choice for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skill set while producing charming finished objects. The designer explicitly invites makers to try different approaches throughout the project.

Knitting Techniques and Methods

The pattern is worked in the round, utilizing circular knitting methods. Crafters are encouraged to experiment with multiple techniques including:

• Various cast-on methods
• Different increase and decrease techniques
• Multiple bind-off options
• Decorative techniques of the maker's choice
• Helical stripes for colorwork effects
• Color changes and striping patterns

Stitches and Stitch Work

While specific stitch patterns are not detailed in the provided content, the pattern emphasizes fundamental knitting stitches worked in the round. The gauge is approximately 30 stitches per 10 centimeters, though the designer notes this is not critical. Tighter tension is recommended to ensure the finished knitted fabric stretches smoothly over the egg-form without the underlying shell showing through.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This project uses small amounts of yarn, making it perfect for using leftover ends from other projects. Recommended yarn weights include 3-ply, 4-ply, and sport weight yarns. Sock yarn and 4-ply yarn are specifically mentioned as suitable options. Self-striping yarns work particularly well for these eggs, offering built-in color variation without additional color changes.

Tools and Equipment

The pattern requires 2.75mm needles, ideally five double-pointed needles (5 dpns) for working in the round. Polystyrene egg-forms serve as the base structure, or crafters may use actual blown and cleaned eggs if preferred.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore various techniques and creative variations. The emphasis on experimentation makes it an engaging learning project.

Designer and Attribution

This free pattern was designed by Catherine Sangster, working under the name Puddock Withersea, and was published in March 2021. The designer encourages makers to consider donating to feminist or women's charities as a way to support causes aligned with the pattern's message.