Wishing I was Knitting at the Lake: 09/13/07

Thursday, September 13, 2007

KBB Kitchen Hanging Hand Towel

The KBB Hanging Hand towel is now finished...save for a button. I've gone and tried to take pictures at each step to help you visualize the top of the towel. To remind you, I have also included the pictures previously posted in case you want the whole process in one place. Remember, I started with a bag of mill ends with the skein being ~8oz, which is not the 'normal' size unless you can get those big skeins that Bernat puts out from time to time.

When I made my blue set months back, both the hanging towel and the dishcloth were made with one single skein of Lion Cotton, which comes in 5 oz skeins.

So the choice is up to you. One benefit of a 5 oz skein or a bag of mill ends with such a large skein, is being able to make the whole towel with a single strand. No piecing together two skeins and having to weave in ends. The other benefit of the mill ends is the cost savings. Now, who doesn't like saving money on yarn?

KBB Kitchen Hanging Hand Towel

Abbreviations:

K, k=Knit
P, p=Purl
Sts, sts=stitches
Tbl=Through back loop
Kfb, kfb=knit through the front and the back of the same stitch, increase stitch
Sl = Slip
PSSO=Pass Slipped Stitch Over
* *=repeat the directions between the *'s
Tog, tog=together

Cast on 59 stitches. K 6 rows for the lower border, and begin the pattern. Remember that I like to slip the first stitch of each of my rows.

1) Sl 1, k across.
2) Sl 1, k3, p3, *k1 tbl, p3* 12 times across, end k4.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 for a total of 36 pattern repeats, or until 13" from the beginning of the cast on row.

K 4 rows.

Begin decreasing for the towel top

1) K8, *(sl 1, k2 tog, psso), k7* 4 times, end last 11 sts: (sl 1, k2tog, psso) k8 (49 sts.)
2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) sl 1, k across
3) K7, *(sl 1, k2 tog, psso) k5* 4 times, end last 10 sts: (sl 1, k2 tog, psso) k7 (39 sts.)
5) K6, *(sl 1, k2tog, psso) k3* 4 times, end last 9 sts: (sl 1, k2 tog, psso) k6 (29 sts.)
7) K5, *(sl 1, k2tog, psso) k1* 4 times, end last 8 sts: (sl 1, k2 tog, psso) k5 (19 sts.)

9) K4, (k2 tog) 6 times, k3 (13 sts)
11) (K2 tog) 3 times, k 1, (k2 tog) 3 times (7 sts)
12) Sl 1, k across

Start the Tab Section of the towel top

1) Sl 1, k across
2) K2, p3, k2
3-16) repeat rows 1 and 2 of the tab section
17, 18) Sl 1, k across
19) K2, p3, k2
20-33) repeat rows 18 and 19 of the tab section

34) K2, Bind off the center 3 sts, k to end (4 sts-creates the buttonhole)
35) K2, kfb in the next st, kfb in the next st, k2 (6 stys)
36) (K2 tog) 3 times (3 sts)

[(optional: 37) Sl 1, k2tog, psso, (1 st)
38) K1
39) pull live tail through the stitch and secure. (Makes the tab pointier.)]or

Cut thread ~18" long, and whip stitch around the button hole for added strength, weave in ends, and sew button into center stitches of tab decrease row #12.