Stash Busting Felted iPad Case
I didn't see the need to buy a case for my daughter's iPad when I could create a nice cozy one from yarn that I already had. Knit with #13 needles and Cascade 220 held double (though any worsted weight that will felt works) this is a quick project. Have fun with colors and stripes, or just have te pleasure of making room for new yarn.
Finished Measurements:
10 %" x 15", flap 8 %" before felting 8" x 10" after felting
Materials:
Yarn: Cascade 220 Worsted - Approximately 370 yards (170 grams) Recommended needle size: US #13 / 9mm; double points or circular (whichever method you prefer for knitting in the round). : Stitch markers (if desired to place at start and middle of row), butto1
Gauge:
12 sts/18 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch (but since this is felted, gauge is not particularly important)
Abbreviations:
BO: Bind off CO: Cast on k: knit stitch k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (right leaning decrease) p: purl stitch ssk: slip 2 stitches, one at a time, as if to knit, insert the left needle into the front of the two stitches and knit them together (left leaning decrease)
Notes:
The case is knit with two strands of yarn, if you use a center-pull ball of yarn, you can knit from both the inside and outside of the ball to make a double strand. I used a fairly large button (1 3/8" in diameter) if you have a smaller button in mind simply BO fewer stitches in R33 of the flap.
Directions:
Body: CO 60 stitches. If you use Judys' Magic Cast on (http: / /knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html) you will not need to go back and seam the bottom when you are done. Otherwise CO 60 stitches and join to knit in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Knit all rows until the height of the case measures about 14 inches. k30, \*k1, p1\* Repeat between \*s to end of row. k30, \*p1, k1\* to end of row. Repeat last 2 rows. k30, BO 30 stitches in pattern. Flap: R1-R6 - Working back and forth in stockinette stitch work 6 rows. R7 - Knit row R8 - k3, p to last 3 stitches, k3. R9-R12 - Repeat last R7 and R8 rows two more times. R13 - k3, ssk, \*k\* until 5 stitches remain, k2tog, k3. R14 - k3, \*p\* until 3 stitches remain k3. R15-R30 - Repeat R13 and R14 until there are 12 stiches left on the needle, ending with a purl row. R31 - \*k1, p1\* to end of row. R32 - \*p1, k1\* to end of row. Buttonhole rows: R33 -kl, p1, kl, p1, BO 4 sts, kl,p1, kl, pl.
R34 - p1, k1, p1, k1, CO 4 sts, pl, kl, p1, k1. Completing the flap: R35 - \*k1, p1\* to end of row. R36 - \*p1, k1\* to end of row. BO
Felting:
Place your case in a pillowcase or lingerie bag that can be zippered or tied closed. Place in washing machine with a pair or two of old jeans (I have kept a few pairs that the kids have outgrown just for this purpose). Run your washer on the hottest cycle. You may want to check the progress once every so often. A fully felted case will no longer have visible stitches. Spin dry.
Blocking:
Using a book wrapped in plastic, or some other object that approximates the size of your iPad and will not be damaged by a few days of being damp, stretch the damp case over the book. The more you have to stretch the more defined the shape of the case. (If you cannot get a snug fit you might want to run the case through one more hot wash cycle.) Allow the case to dry.
Finishing:
Once the case is completely dry trim off any yarn ends. Add a button, and your iPad now has a cozy new home. @2013, Pandamomium.
