Amish “hit or miss” knitted and crocheted table mats inspired this oval design. One long strip of stockinette stitch coiled in an oval shape creates the placemat. Even a beginning knitter can make these simple mats, and more experienced knitters can relax and watch the strips grow on their needles. Try several different colors in unusual combinations to create a one-of-a-kind design that complements your home decor.
MATERIALS
Yarn: Sinfonia by Omega, 100% mercerized cotton sportweight yarn, 218 yards (199 m)/100 g ball, 1 ball each of #803 Negro (black), #815 Jacaranda (blue), #816 Verde Pradera (green), and #811 Rosa Viejo (rose)
Needles: size 8 (5 mm) straight or double-pointed, or size needed to obtain gauge | Crochet hook, size H (5 mm) | Tapestry needle
Finished size: About 14 x 21 inches (36 × 53 cm)
Gauge: 4 sts = 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide in St st using a double strand of yarn
ABBREVIATIONS
CO-cast on
dec-decrease; decreaseing
k-knit
p-purl rep-repeat
RS-right side
s-slip
ssk-slip, slip, knit
st(s)-stitch(es)
St st-stockinette stitch
WS-wrong side
200 grams of yarn; depending on how you Starting with the CO edge and using distribute your colors, it may not be the photograph as a guide, coil the strip possible to make two identical placemats in an oval shape with the first 12 inches from four balls of yarn.
With a double strand of blue, CO 6 sts.
Work in St st with sI st edges as follows,
Row 1 (RS): SI 1 as if to k, k to end of row.
Row 2 (WS): SI 1 as if to p, p to end of row.
Rep Rows 1 and 2, changing colors as desired. When piece measures 17 feet (5.2m) long, begin dec on a R$ row as follows, Dec Row (RS): SI 1, ssk, k to end of row-5sts.
Work 9 rows even. Rep Dec Row, then work 7 rows even*__4 sts. Rep from * to * once more- -3 sts. Rep Dec Row, then work 1 row even-2sts.
On next RS row, ssk-1 st. Cut yarn and fasten off last st. Starting with the CO edge and using the photograph as a guide, coil the strip in an oval shape with the first 12 inches (30.5 cm) as the center of the placemat and the tapered decrease section at the outer edge. Using the tapestry needle, sew the coils in place with the WS facing. Using the crochet hook and black, work one round of single crochet followed by one round of crab stitch (reverse single crochet) around the outside of the placemat. Weave in ends. Rep for second placemat (see Notes above). Wash, block to size, wand dry flat.
