Double Knit Sampler Coin Purse
By: Jennifer Iallapaneni. pieKnits.com This pattern is designed to introduce you to several different techniques for Double Knitting. Please take the time to read through the entire patternfirst! The body of the purse is worked back and forth on two needles with a single strand of yarn and produces a tube like circular knitting, but with a closed bottom. Here you have three different options for the closed tube cast-on. The pattern is written to work the tube “in-side out" or in Reverse St st as it is a little simpler to do so. However, if you would prefer to work it with the right side visible, that alternative is given in the Stitch Guide below. The flap is worked with two different colored strands at the same time and produces a double sided flat piece of knitting. You can choose from any of the charts below what design you would like to work. The decreases in the chart are also elective, if you would like to give that technique a try (again, refer to Stitch Guide). For binding-off there are a couple options, as well as adding a button loop if desired.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate
Size
2 %" wide and 2 %" tall.
Materials
Any worsted weight yarn or similar in two contrasting colors [Main Color (MC) and Contrast Color (CC)]. Needles: Size 6 (4mm) double pointed needles Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle (optional), button (optional).
Gauge
16 sts and 24 rows = 4" in Double Knit St st.
Stitch Guide
Wyib: With yarn in back Wyif: With yarn in front Purl 1 below increase: Insert right needle into right loop of st in row below st on left needle and purl a new st, then slip the original st from the left needle. Row 2: \*With both strands held in back, k1 in CC, with both strands held in front pl in MC; rep from \*. Rep Rows 1-2 reversing the colors on each row where indicated in the chart. One square in the chart = 2 sts (one for each side)! Double Knit Decreases: Similar to cable knitting, you need to rearrange the stitches so the two next to each other are from the same side of fabric. Slip1 st pwise, sll to cable needle held in back, sll to R needle, transfer cable needle st back to left needle and transfer previously slipped 2 sts back to left needle. You're now ready to work paired decreases on both sides. For left-leaning decrease work SSK, P2tog. For right-leaning: K2tog, SSP. (Tutorial: http://www.stitchdiva.com/custom.aspx?id=152)
Cast Ons
Simple method (not the same on both sides): With Size 6 (4mm) needle, cast-on the required number of stitches tightly using the Long Tail method. Long Tail variation (same on both sides): With Size 6 (4mm) needle, cast-on the required number of stitches tightly alternating between traditional Long Tail method and the Purl Long Tail cast-on every other stitch. Tutorials for Purl version: http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2006/08/purl_long_tail_caston.html and http://www.purlwise.com/2003/10/purl_long_tail_.html Double Knit cast on (same on both sides): With two Size 6 (4mm) needles held together, cast-on half the required number of stitches loosely using the Long Tail method. Next row: Knit into first stitch but do not remove from left needle, insert right needle into back of stitch and slip both to right needle (like working Kf&b but only slipping the back st).
PATTERN DIRECTIONS
Base
With cast-on method of choice (see above) and MC, CO 22 sts. Row 1: \*K1, sl1 wyib; rep from \* (Or use Alternate method if preferred). Rep Row 1 36 times (18 rows of double knit completed). TIP: Once you get going you can knit 1 stitch and while still on the needle, insert the R needle into the next stitch and slip both off at the same time. Holding the work in your left hand and two empty needles in your right, slip the first stitch to the back needle, then the second stitch to the front needle, alternating so all odd numbered stitches are on the back needle and all evens on the front (reverse if you worked the Alternate pattern). You have now opened up the tube. Turn the pocket right-side out while still on the needles. K11 sts from front needle then BO remaining 11 sts on back needle. Knit across remaining 11 sts. Purl 1 row. Slide all sts to other end of needle. Do not turnwork.
Flap
With CC, \*purl 1 below increase (see Stitch Guide), sll wyif; rep from \*—22 sts. Turn work. With both strands held, work in 2 Color Double Knit (see Stitch Guide) and work one of the desired charts below. Optionally you can shape the sides working decreases as indicated by the chart.
FINISHING
Bind off is similar to the three-needle bind-off but it this case all the stitches are already on one needle. K2tog, \*K2tog, slip stitch on the right over left stitch and off the needle; repeat from \*. If you would like to add a button loop, stop at the middle point in binding-off and work enough chain sts with a crochet hook to fit over your button. Continue bind-ing off. Or, for a more seamless finish, you can separate the two sides onto two needles (like “opening a tube") and graft together with Kitchener Stitch. Weave in ends and enjoy!
CHARTS
These are worked “upside down". The decreases are optional (refer to Stitch Guide above). Jennifer Tallapaneni knits and designs in Dallas, Texas. Please send any pattern errors or support inquiries to jen@pieKnits.com. Copyright 2011 Jennifer Tallapaneni, pieKnits.com. All rights reserved. Pattern is available for personal use only. No part of this pattern may be reproduced in any form nor used to produce items for sale without the express permission of the designer.
Charts
