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- Step-by-step instructions
- Helpful knitting charts
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Getting Started
The Celtic increase and decrease techniques used to make this rug are not for the faint of heart, but produce a magnificent rug that will bring visual interest to any room.
Blocking Rugs
Blocking, either by washing or steaming knitted pieces, evens out the stitches, and creates a flat, smooth texture. While blocking is not always needed for a rug to lie flat, it will make your finished piece look neater and more professional.
The type of fiber and stitch patterns used on the rug will determine the best method of blocking. The bands on the balls of most knitting yarns include blocking recommendations. Check the instructions before treating any yarn. Wash and block a swatch in the way you intend to treat the finished rug to make sure you like the results.
Wet Blocking
Washing a rug to relax the knitted fabric works especially well on cables and other knit-and-purl stitch patterns where pressing the rug would flatten out the texture. This wash-and-block technique is safe for any type of yarn, and is an easy way to relax a large knitted piece without much muscle work.
Steam Blocking
Steaming works well to even out the stitches on color work and plain Stockinette Stitch, which may seem uneven or even sloppy before blocking, and to soften and relax yarns that are particularly stiff or energized. Occasionally, you may want to press a piece more firmly. Always test this on a swatch before trying it on your finished rug!
Backing Rugs
Backing rugs with nonstick material gives them an extra layer of protection and, in the case of pile rugs, can keep the pile from coming loose. You can also apply fabric as a backing, or place a rug on a commercial rug pad.
Applying Nonslip Backings to Pile Rugs
Most rug-hooking and craft suppliers carry liquid latex products made for backing hooked rugs. This makes a perfect backing for knitted pile rugs.
Applying Nonslip Backings to Rugs without Pile
The puffy fabric paint sold in most craft stores makes a great nonslip backing for rugs without pile. The paint can be applied directly to the knitted fabric, or onto a sewn-on lining. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Lining Rugs
Linings add protection to the back of knitted rugs and will keep the flexible knitted fabric from stretching out of shape.
Caring for Hand-Knit Rugs
Treat your hand-knit rug as you would any other work of art, with regular care and maintenance.
- Remove loose dirt from your rug by shaking it out gently.
- Blot up spills immediately.
- Vacuum with a hand attachment, but don’t use a beater bar.
- Wool, cotton, and other natural fibers can be safely washed in the washing machine.
- Rugs are best stored flat, but that is not always possible, particularly with larger pieces.
- Always clean rugs thoroughly before putting them into storage.
Skill Level
- Advanced
You Will Need
- Color A (light gray), approximately 400yds/366m super bulky wool yarn
- Color B (dark gray), approximately 400yds/366m super bulky wool yarn
- Circular needles, 12mm (size 17 U.S.) at least 74cm/29"long, or size needed to obtain gauge
- Cable needle
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
Gauge
- Approximately 10 sts and 12 rows = 4"/10 cm over Rev St st
- Always take time to check your gauge.
Stitches Used
- Reverse Stockinette Stitch
- Garter Stitch
Pattern Note
- Knit every stitch in every row.
- 4-st Left Cable, slip next 2 sts to cable needle and hold in front. K2, k2 from cn.
- 4-st Right Cable, slip next 2 sts to cable needle and hold in back. K2, k2 from cn.
- 4-st Left Purl Cable, slip next 2 knit sts to cable needle and hold in front. P2, k2 from cn.
- 4-st Right Purl Cable, slip next 2 purl sts to cable needle and hold in back. K2, p2 from cn.
Materials Used in the Featured Rug
Classic Elite’s Waterspun Weekend, 100% Merino Wool, 57yd/52 m per ball
- Color A, 7 skeins of color #2774, Silver
- Color B, 7 skeins of color #2772, Charcoal
Finished Measurements
- Approximately 38"/97cm x 38"/97cm after blocking
| © 2004, Donna Druchunas | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
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