"Twisted Loop Double Knit Reusable Duster" For worsted weight and T-shirt yarn
This reusable dust cover fits over those two-pronged dust wands that are designed for disposable synthetic dust covers. The cover is a great way to practice double knitting - two sided fabric knit at the same time, with a loop stitch on the front. If you've never tried the loop stitch, this is a good project to practice. The size of the loops need not be exact, and the duster cover is small so it will make up quickly. And it's a dust rag for heaven's sake - how much less stressful can you get. There are two versions of the pattern provided - one for worsted weight yarn and one for super chunky t-shirt yarn. For more information and project background visit www.verdigrisknits.blogspot.com Skills: For the most part you'll need to be able to knit, purl, simple increase and decrease, and manipulate the loop stitch following the directions provided.
Materials:
Key:
Worsted weight version: 50g skein worsted weight yarn - any yarn will work - some will say that acrylic and wool are better than cotton because these fibers attract and hold the dust. In some cases you will be able to make 2 dusters from one 50-g ball. Good for scraps as well. 1 pair size 6 US (4mm) needle or size you typically use to knit worsted weight. Gauge is not critical for this project. T-shirt yarn version: Yarn made from one large adult size tshirt - (this is about 3—35 yards) 1 pair size 15 US (10mm) needles or most comfortable with yarn - gauge is not critical
Yarns tested:
Peaches and Cream cotton, Vanna's Choice.
Directions - Worsted Weight Version
Cast on 19 stitches loosely - I used long tail cast on over two needles - loose cast on helps with the next row. Set up row: K1, Kfb5, K7, Kfb5, K1 (29 stitches) Row 1 (front/ loop side): K1, (Syf1, TLS1)5, K1, TLS2, K1, TLS2, K1, (TLS1, Syf1)5, K1 Row 2: (smooth side) K1, (Kb1, Syf1)5, P1, Syf2, P1, Syf2, P1, (Syf1, Kb1)5, K1 Repeat rows 1 and 2 for about 5 inches ending with row 2. Finish row: K1, K2tog 5, K7, K2tog 5, K1 (19 stitches) Bind off knit wise. Weave in ends. Thread the wand through the slip stitch "pockets" on the back and dust away - machine wash when it needs it. K - knit P-purl Kfb - knit into the front and then the back of stitch (increase one stitch) K2tog - knit 2 stitches together Kb -knit through the back loop Syf - Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front by bringing yarn to the front between needles, slip one stitch purlwise, and take yarn to the back between needles. TLS - Twisted Loop Stitch - knit into stitch but do not slip stitch off left needle, bring yarn to front between needles and wrap counterclockwise around thumb and to the back, knit same stitch on left needle THROUGH THE BACK LOOP, slip stitch off the left needle and bring first stitch over second stitch on right needle (same motion as if binding off) and give the loop a tug to tighten on right needle. I found that using a twist tightened up the stitch better, especially for slippery acrylic yarn - my twist on the loop stitch!
Page 2 Rev Date11/27/2010 verdigris.knits@gmail.com
Directions - T-shirt yarn version:
Cast on 9 stitches -I used long tail over two needles - a loose cast on helps with the next row. Set-up row: K1, Kfb2, K3, Kfb2, K1 (13 stitches) Row 1: K1, TLS1, Syf1, TLS1, K1, TLS3, K1, TLS1, Syf1, TLS1, K1 Row 2: K1, Syf1, Kb1, Syf1, P1, Syf1, P1, Syf1, P1, Syf1, Kb1, Syf1, K1 Repeat rows 1-2 until piece measures about 5 inches - or you have about 0.5 to 1 yard of tarn left ending on row 2. Finish Row - K1, K2tog2, K3, K2tog2, K1 Bind off all stitches knitwise. Weave in ends. Slip the wand of the duster through the slip stitch loops on the back and dust on. NOTE - if using dyed yarn, wash separately or with dark colors as the dye may run.
