DIY Network

Woven Woolen Rug Woven Woolen Rug From "Knitty Gritty" episode DKNG-105

Designer Erika Knight shares her designs for projects for the home using unique materials: a lovely rug from leftover chunky wool; a colorful tote bag made from recycled plastic bags; and an eco-friendly planter made of biodegradable twine.

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A close-up of the rug, woven from double-thick knitted strips.

Woven Woolen Rug
This knitted rug is the simplest of projects to make for the home -- and an economical way to recycle remnants of yarn in the age-old tradition. It's also great if you are new to knitting, as it really is so quick and easy to make and a little more functional than most first knitting projects! This is a new take on double knitting, in which the different knitted strips are simply woven together to make a stylish textile for the floor. Alternatively, make this rug in tones of one hue to enhance the textures and coordinate with a particular color scheme in your house.

Materials
Assorted yarns from your stash (you'll need approximately 1-3⁄4 ounces [50 grams] of yarn for one strip measuring 32" long and 3-3⁄4" wide)
1 pair size 10-1⁄2 (6.5 or 7mm) knitting needles, or size for your chosen yarns
Sewing needle
Sewing thread

Size
The size of this rug is determined by the length of the knitted strips, which can be varied as required. The rug shown here measures 32" long by 24" wide.

Gauge
12 stitches and 16 rows = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch using 10-1⁄2 needles.
Always work a gauge swatch and change needles accordingly if necessary.

	Knitting a tube (to see a step-by-step demo, click on the video link below)...
	Media Watch the Video
	Figure A

Making a knitted tube
Cast on an even number of stitches. (The rug shown here is made of double knitting strips of 20 stitches.)
Row 1: * knit 1, bring yarn to front of work between needles, slip 1 purlwise, take yarn to back of work between needles, repeat from * to end. The last stitch of every row is a slipped purl stitch.
Repeat this row until knitting measures 32" or required length.
Bind off by working 2 stitches together (in other words, knit 2 together, knit 2 together, then slip the first stitch over the second) to end of row.
Thread the yarn end through the last loop and pull to fasten off.

Weaving the knitted strips
Once you have made the required number of long and short strips, simply lay them out in a grid with the longer ones running lengthwise and the short ones running widthwise.
Weave all the strips together, working them over and under each other alternately.
Where the lengthwise and widthwise strips cross, secure each strip in place with small stitches using the sewing thread (figure A).

Knit Bit: According to Harvard Medical School, knitting is just as effective as yoga for reducing stress.

Next: Hanging Basket Liner

RESOURCES :

Simple Knits With a Twist, by Erika Knight
2004, Stuart, Tabori and Chang
ISBN: 1584793619
Stewart, Tabori and Chang
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 212-519-1200

Rowan Big Wool
Various colors
Suggested retail: $12.80
Rowan Yarns
Website: knitrowan.com

GUESTS :

Erika Knight
Knitting expert and designer