Home is Where the Stitch Is (by Aubrey Mayes)

Browsing the patterns online, in books and on hooks in the yarn stores it is hard to notice that household crafts are a major trend right now.  Not only trending in patterns, knit and crochet items are also on displays in stores everywhere.  If you feel lucky you might consider buying a lottery ticket,  playing bingo or you can just read on and try your hand at one of the following projects.

Here are a few basic knitting patterns to help your household projects come to life!

 

Coffee Cup Cozy

With size US 4 needles, Cast On 40 stitches. Knit 2 rows. On row 3,  knit 1, knit into front and back of next stitch, knit to end of row. Repeat row 3. Work 16 rows in stockinette. Repeat row 3. Repeat row 3. Knit 2 rows. Bind off and seam.

Increase pattern as needed to fit vases, flowerpots, mugs

 

 

 

Dishcloths and washcloths

Dishcloth frenzy is huge right now. There are hundreds of patterns out there. To make a basic cloth, simply cast on anywhere from 35 to 50 stitches on size 7 needles. Work in your favorite stitch. Lace and illusion patterns are great for decorative cloths, and stitches like garter and seed will be better for scrubbing. Just work your piece until it is at your desired length.

Important note: Be sure to use a machine washable yarn. I LOVE cotton yarn for dishcloths!

Increase pattern as needed to make matching hand towels, dish towels, and decrease to make a dusting cloth or seam into a rectangle or try this crochet pattern to make a soap scrubbie!

 

Coasters

I love square coasters. Mainly, I think, because so many yarn crafted coasters are circles. To make my favorite coasters, follow the pattern below:

    Size US 8 needles

            CO 15 sts. Knit 3 rows. On row 4, knit the first 3 sts, purl until 3 sts remain, then knit remaining 3 sts. Row 5: knit all sts.

            Repeat the last two rows until piece is almost a square. (Will depend on tension.)

            Knit 3 rows

            BO. Weave in ends.

            Increase pattern as needed to make matching placemats or table runners!

Of course, there are MANY more items that can be made for the home, including reusable shopping bags, holders for plastic shopping bags, pincushions for your craft room, felted bowls for odds and ends, pouf-like footstools, rugs, seat covers- the list goes on!!! What items do you want to see on the pattern share? Leave your ideas in the comments below or email thegypsy@naughtyknitterz.com !

~~The Gypsy