Reversible Mock Garter Stitch

via flickr.com

This pattern I invented produces a thick, double fabric that looks like garter stitch on both sides. Even better, unlike regular garter stitch you can change colors and each side looks the same.

The basic pattern has 3 rows, producing a reversible "ridge" of garter stitch on both sides.

For the illustrated swatch I cast on 18 stitches. I have added 3 stitches of I-cord selvedge on each side. This could be reduced to 2 or 1 stitch as desired.

I knitted six rows with each color to enable knitting 2 colors with straight needles.

It's possible to knit only 3 rows with each color if you use circular or double-pointed needles. This will allow you, when it's time to change colors, to slide the knitting along the needle to pick up the second color on the other end of the row just worked.

Reversible Mock Garter Stitch, Two color version

Cast on multiple of 2 stitches plus 6.

Row 1: (Color A) Knit 3, *purl 1, knit 1, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, end slip 3 with yarn in front of needle. Row 2: Knit 3, *knit 1, slip 1 with yarn in back of needle, repeat from * to last three stitches, end with slip 3 with yarn in front of needle. Row 3: Repeat Row 2. Rows 4-6: Repeat Rows 1-3. Rows 7-12: (Color B) Repeat Rows 1-6.

Repeat rows 1-12.

Hints:

• The cast-on edge in this swatch flares a little. I used a long-tail cast on, but a cable cast on probably would have been better.
• You can change the yarn color every 3 rows or multiple of 3 rows, as desired.
• When you get to the side where the unused yarn is lying in wait, start the next row by picking up the yarn you're using from under the other color, even when you're not changing colors. This will hide inactive yarn inside the tube formed by the i-cord selvedge.
• Use a slightly smaller needle than you're used to for the yarn you're using.
• Even though there's really only three rows to this pattern (of which two are the same row, really) it's easy to get lost. I always say row counters are for the weak, but they are useful here. I can usually figure out where I am judging by where the unused yarn is sticking out.
• When you get good at it, you can slip the second stitch while you complete the knit stitch.
• To cast off, end on row 3, but knit it as follows, cast off 2, *knit 2 together and cast off, repeat from * to last three stitches, end with sl 3 with yarn in front, turn and cast off 3, then sew the remaining stitch down.
• I probably should have started on row 2, so that the purple stripe at the start would have been the same width as the others.

In bulky yarn, I bet this would make a nice mat.

Posted via web from fuzzyjay's posterous