Knitted Yoo! esiqns
Maine Summer Placemats
The scoop: Got some washable yarn you'd like to show off? This easy project combines a basic seed stitch with a simple 4-row repeat pattern with fun and colorful results. It also is an opportunity to try knitting two yarns at the same time. You will admire your work every time you sit down at your kitchen, deck or patio table. Finished dimensions are approximately $17{\times}11$ inches. Recommended fibers: a washable all-cotton or cotton blend (we used Classic Elite's Flash, $100\%$ cotton) and knitted 2 complementary colors together through out). Flash is 4.75 sts/inch on #7 needles with 50gr=93 yds. Choose α single fiber or knit 2 together, but make sure that your gauge is correct if you want a specific size.. You will need approximately 160 yds for each placemat; double that if you are knitting with 2 strands. Recommended tools: size 9 needles if knitting with 2 strands, straight or 24-inch circular, blunt tapestry needle (for finishing), measuring tape Gauge: With 2 strands, 4 sts. per inch in Waffle Rib or Stockinette Stitch. Gauge will affect finished dimensions, so change needles to obtain correct gauge. The pattern requires that the number of stitches be a multiple of 3. $\mathcal{I}f$ your gauge is still too large or small, you can decrease or increase the number of stitches cast on- just remember to do so in a multiple of 3. Instructions: CO 66 stitches. If you are knitting 2 yarns together, do so throughout the entire pattern. Seed stitch border: Rows 1 and 3: $\star\mathsf{K}1$ , P1. Repeat from \* to end of row. Rows 2 and 4: $\star{\mathsf{p}}_{1}$ , K1. Repeat from \* to end of row. Rows 5 and 6: K all sts. Begin waffle rib pattern. Rows 7 and 9 (RS, $1^{s\dagger}$ and 3rd rows of rib pattern): $\star\mathsf{K}z$ , P1. Repeat from \* to end of row. Row 8 (WS, $2^{n d}$ row of rib pattern): $\star\mathsf{K}1$ , P2. Repeat from \* to end of row. Row 10 (WS, 4th row of rib pattern): Kall sts. Repeat these 4 rows until your work measures approximately $10{-}10\ {\frac{1}{4}}$ inches from the beginning. Be sure to finish with the $4^{+{h}}$ row of the rib pattern. Repeat seed stitch border: K one row (this should be a RS row). Rows 1 and 3: $\star\mathsf{K}1$ , P1. Repeat from \* to end of row. Rows 2 and 4: $\star{\mathsf{p}}_{1}$ , K1. Repeat from \* to end of row. Finishing: Bind off all stitches. Be sure to not pull too tightly as you do so. Weave in all ends.
Level of Difficulty: BEGINNER
Care Instructions: Hand or machine wash with like colors, warm or cold water setting only. Dry flat. Warm iron if necessary. Bonus idea for yarn leftovers: make a couple of coasters, or cast on more stitches for a trivet to match your placemats. Just be sure the number of stitches you cast on is a multiple of 2, and you can alter the size of your item to your liking.
