Knitted Linen-Stitch Placemat

Instructions

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1. 1SwatchFirst cast on 24 stitches with the 6 mm needle, work 40 rows in the linen stitch pattern below with the 5 mm needle and bind off loosely. Wash, dry and measure the swatch: there should be 26 stitches and 44 rows in 10 cm. Linen stitch is much denser than ordinary stockinette, so beginners usually knit it too tightly; try a 5.5 mm needle if needed.
2. 2Cast onWith A, cast on 104 stitches onto the 6 mm needle using the long-tail method (104 sts). Casting on with a larger needle stops the dense fabric from pulling in the edge. Start the first row with the 5 mm circular needle; use it like a straight needle and turn the work at the end of every row.
3. 3Linen stitch patternRow 1 (RS): *k1, sl1 wyif* 52 times (104 sts). Row 2 (WS): *p1, sl1 wyib* 52 times (104 sts). With an even stitch count, each row works the stitches slipped on the previous row and slips the ones that were worked. In sl1 wyif, the yarn passes in front of the slipped stitch as a horizontal bar; these bars give the fabric its woven look. Always slip purlwise, otherwise the stitches twist.
4. 4Colour sequenceThe colours change every two rows: Rows 1-2: A. Rows 3-4: B. Rows 5-6: C. This 6-row sequence repeats throughout. The colour always changes at the start of a right-side row, on the same edge, so carry all three colours up that edge without cutting them. At each change, bring the new colour up from under the waiting ones so the edge stays neat and firm.
5. 5BodyWork the 6-row colour sequence 22 times in total (132 rows, 104 sts). The piece should measure about 30 cm. Count your stitches after every 6-row repeat; slipped stitches are easy to lose. It is a long project, so finish a repeat at each sitting and stop at the start of a right-side row.
6. 6Bind offOn row 133 (RS), with A and the 6 mm needle as the right needle, bind off loosely in pattern: knit the knit stitches, and knit the stitches that would be slipped as well. The edge should be the same width as the cast-on edge. Cut B and C leaving 15 cm.
7. 7BlockingSoak the placemat in lukewarm water for 15 minutes and squeeze out the water in a towel without wringing. Lay it flat, ease it to 40 x 30 cm and pin the edges, then leave it to dry completely. Linen stitch never curls, but blocking evens out the rows.
8. 8FinishingWeave the colour ends into the edge where the yarns were carried, each in its own colour. If you make a set, start the colour sequence in the same order on each one. Being cotton, the placemat can be washed at 30 degrees; reshape it while damp after washing.