QR Code Double Knit Potholder

     Have you ever been ready to cook, but not known what to make? Presenting the QR potholder! Just point your phone at it and it will direct you to a website full of recipes. Then when you need to take the food out of the oven, the potholder is right on hand.

     This potholder features double thick knitting, with an inverted image on the reverse side. I already checked, the reverse side does not scan. Oh well.

     Because this knit was a little more rectangular than I cared for, I used some creative felting and washing techniques to try to stretch and shrink it to a square. I put the potholder in a pillowcase and then in the wash. Once soaked and spun a bit, I took it out an pinned it against some foam in the shape I wanted.

     After it dried, it kept the square shape pretty well. It is nice and thick and works well as a potholder and the QR code gives a nice easy way to access recipes.

Knit QR Code Potholder Pattern

So far I have found only two websites that have finished a knit QR code. Both used very fine yarn and several stitches per pixel. I found a hand knit QR code here. The other one was embedded in a scarf and was made with a computerized knitting machine here. Both have more square-looking pixels than my pattern. My pixels make more of a "V" shape because each pixel is only one stitch. Even so, it reads just fine. I intentionally did not put that much data in this code because I wanted to be sure it would work before making anything bigger.

I downloaded some software both to create and read QR codes on my computer. It is freeware and can be downloaded here.

Once you've created the desired QR code, you can print out the picture and number the columns and rows to make following the pattern easier.

The number of pixels across the pattern is will determine how big the pot holder/knit pattern will be. My code was 25 pixels across and I made a 5 stitch border all around, so I started by casting on 35 stitches in white. Remember the white border is important for the code to be read properly.

After cast on, alternate knitting and purling each row until you've worked 8 rows. Now the white border is done.

The next row should be a knit row. Knit 5 stitches in white and then start the first row of the QR code from left to right. Knit 5 more stitches to reach the end of the row.

The next row should be a purl row. Purl 5 stitches and then the second row of the QR code from RIGHT TO LEFT. Purl 5 more stitches to reach the end of the row.

Continue this procedure until the whole QR code is knit. Knit and purl 8 more rows in white to finish the white border. The black outline was done by knitting on a three stitch I-cord. Directions on how to do this are found here.

I did color changes by running the old color along the back of the work until it was used again. This means the back of the work looks like this:

There is a way to double knit so that two layers of fabric are made and all the tails are in the middle and out of sight. I have yet to try this technique.

Knit Plarn Grocery/Tote Bag

After a few weeks of collecting bags and knitting, I've finally finished my plarn bag. This bag doubles in green potential - it upcycles grocery bags and replaces them in the future! It's much more durable and strong than regular grocery bags, and the wide handles won't cut into your hands like the cheap plastic ones can.



The pattern I used can be found here. It's an excellent and straightforward writeup for the beginning knitter. I mostly used Walmart and Kroger bags since they're both blue and white. I did use some of the white parts of Target bags. The Target bags were harder to knit due to some higher friction coating, but were a shinier brighter white.

Rainbow Ponytail/Pigtails Knit Hat

This pattern is extra warm and snuggly! I used Jiffy Thick & Quick Lion Brand yarn with size 15 needles. I've found it's especially good after showers in the morning when your hair is damp. It keeps the hair underneath warm, and the part that drapes down from touching the back of your head or neck and keeping you cold. I got inspiration from these cute little hats here. However I only have really thick yarn so couldn't really follow the pattern given. Below is roughly the pattern I used, but I mostly made it up as I went!








Here's some closeups of the pony tail flaps.


The button holes (I don't have any buttons yet) are invisible when not in use, but definitely need to be there because there's not enough space in the stitches to fit a button through anywhere.


The ponytail holes were plenty big enough to fit my hair through. Plus they stretch to size anyway.


The Pattern

Need size 15 circulars and size 10 or so straight/circular

You will stitch the ponytail flaps first out of three segments of yarn. These will then be attached to the hat. Do this first so that you will have a continuous piece of yarn to use while knitting the hat.

Flaps:

On straight needles, going back and fourth switching lead needle, or using circs as straight needles.

CO 6
K 6
K1 K2tog K2tog K1
K2 Add two loops to right needle (opposite the way you would wrap to knit), K2
K6 (next 5 rows)

Now you're done a flap! Repeat three times.


Hat:

CO 56
K2, P2 for 13 rows
K2, P2, K2 then cast off 2 stitches. Continue the K2, P2 pattern around until 10 stitches from beginning of row. Cast off 2 stitches then K2, P2, K2,P2. You should be back at the beginning.
*note the holes are not symmetrical around the beginning of round. This is ok*
K2, P2 around. When you come across holes for flaps, knit into the flap which you should have left on the needles from before. There will be tails that you can weave in later.

Now where you had two stitches before, you will have six above the ear flap. To decrease those six stitches do as follows for the rows above it:
Start with the 6 knit stitches
K2tog K2 K2tog (4 stitches now)
P2tog P2tog (2 stitches now)

Continue to K2, P2 for a row

To add the center flap, cast off the two before the end of the row. Repeat the same process as for the previous flaps.

Decrease the top as it fits your head, but try to keep the order as follows:

1st decrease: P2tog where the two purl stitches were
2nd: K2 tog where two knit stitches were
3rd: K2tog, P2tog all around
(repeat 3rd decrease as needed)
Thread yarn through remaining loops when it's small enough.

Stuffed Animal/Doll Hat Pattern

To add to the cuteness of this little lamb, I decided to try out my new fuzzy yarn and to make a tiny hat. This little hat has earflaps and a pompom on top.


I used size 10 circular needles, but it was quite difficult as the hat got smaller. Perhaps a pair of double tipped needles would work better, but I've never used them before.

Anyway, the pattern is as follows. I've used more notation than usual because it really is a pain to write out.
CO - cast on
K - knit
P - purl
Kfb - knit front to back. I learned this from a video on this site.
K2tog - knit two stitches together

Earflap 1:
This part is done back and forth just like if you were using a pair of straight needles.
Row 1: CO 3
Row 2: K1, P1, K1
Row 3: K1, Kfb1, K1 (now there are 4 stitches)
Row 4: K1, Kfb2, K1 (6 stitches)
Row 5 and 6: K6
Row 7: K1, Kfb1, K2, Kfb1, K1 (8 stitches)

Now cut the lead to the first earflap, long enough that you can tie it or weave it back in. This is the only tail to weave that you'll have.

Slide the earflap along your needles so it's out of the way but the stitches are still held open. Alternatively you could transfer it to another needle or chopstick if you're using double ended needles.

Follow the earflap pattern above to create the other side. This time DO NOT CUT the lead. Instead, cast on 8 stitches in your favorite method (I just looped them around the right needle). Now slide the other earflap onto the left needle. Knit 8 stitches so that on the right needle you should have: one earflap, 8 loops, one earflap. Next cast on 10 stitches as you did with the previous eight.

Now it's time to start circular knitting.

Row 1-3: K
Row 4: K2tog
Row 5-6: K
Row 7: K2tog
Row 8: K
Row 9: K2tog
Row 10: use a tapestry needle to thread through the remaining stitches and tie tight.

Just turn inside out, and voila! I added a little pom pom just for fun. There should be two tails from each earflap that can be cut and tied, or a tassel or pom pom could be added to those too.

Plarn Knit Bag Pattern

Here is my first pattern ever!
This was done on size 10 round knitting needles.

Cast on 120 stitches.
Knit rows 1-20

Row 21:
Cast off 20 stitches
Knit 40
Cast off 20
Knit 40

Row 22:
Cast on 20
Knit 40
Cast on 20
Knit 40

Knit 2, Purl 2 until it's a good length (mine was 12").

Decreasing:
Row 1: Knit 2, Purl 2 together
Row 2-4: Knit 2, Purl 1
Row 5: Knit 2 together, Purl 1
Row 6-9: Knit 1, Purl 1
Row 10: Knit 2 together, Purl 2 together
Row 11: Knit 1, Purl 1
Row 12: Knit 2 together, Purl 2 together
Row 13: Knit 1, Purl 1

Now run the plarn through the loops of the remaining stitches. There should be about 10 of them. If the bag wrinkles because it's pulled too tightly too quickly, repeat row 12 and 13 until it's ready to be tied off.





I put a design on mine of a recycle sign. I made two mistake. The pattern is backwards! I printed the image onto graph paper to determine where I should stitch with brown bags instead of white bags. I did not flip the image in order to maintain the correct direction when I flipped the bag right side out (it was knitted inside out). The second mistake was that I assumed stitches are square. That is, they are the same height from top to bottom. When I started the pattern I realized that they are much wider than tall. So I doubled my design pattern. Where I had planned to do one row of knitting per row of squares on the graph paper, I actually did two. The ratio must not be exactly 1:2 though, because the pattern does look stretched from top to bottom.





Something else that I had no control over was a natural spiraling that happened as I knit. This means that the design, which was supposed to be centered around the handle, was not quite.






Soon I'm going to start on another bag and will update the pattern and post directions for transferring an image to a knit pattern.

Quick Day Knitting - 2 Size Balls

I was looking for a fun, relatively easy knitting project that could be completed in a few hours. I found the perfect pattern here. Instead of using different colored yarn to make wedges of color, I used self-striping yarn. On the larger ball (about 5 or 6" diameter) it made a spiraling pattern. On the small ball (about 3 or 4" diameter) it made a consistent striped pattern that went over halfway down the ball and is symmetric around the knitting needle axis.


This pattern is really nice because there is no purling! Just simple knitting which is mostly mindless. A word of advice - before casting off, knit a very loose row. If you don't do this, then when you cast off it will make a tight, inelastic row. As you stuff the ball, it will appear to have an indent, or what I lovingly mentally label as a yarn butt-crack.




The smaller ball I made into a cat toy by putting some catnip in along with the stuffing. I couldn't find any velcro or I would have made it refillable. Within five minutes the cats were on it. Don't expect the stitches to stay tight; there are already several loose ones. It has been a day and it has held up so far. Next time I'd like to add a bell inside or some crumpled paper so the ball will make some noise when tossed down the hall.

Finished Knit Hat and Scarf

So, I have finished my school themed apparel! The scarf has a length of about 5 feet. I have discovered if you like to wear scarves by folding them in half, wrapping them around your neck, and tucking the ends through the fold, then 5 feet isn't going to cut it. Luckily for me though, I don't wear it like that. The ratio for the stripes was 20 rows of black (for the end), 4 rows of white, 10 rows of yellow, 4 rows of white and then black until you're ready for the next stripe. I made the scarf a little wide at 42 stitches (a more perfect random choice could not be found). If done again I would made it a little narrower, perhaps around 30 stitches, and maybe a foot or two longer. It should actually even out to be about the same amount of work.



The pattern for the hat I found on Make's Instructables here. When I made it I felt I was stitching the middle section for way too long, so instead of waiting to stitch 7 1/2", I only made it to about 6" before I started decreasing. This was a mistake because now it only reaches halfway down my ears! It's still warm, comfy and cute, so I'm satisfied with my first attempt.

Knitting Update

So I have been working on a Georgia Tech scarf! It is currently a little over two and a half feet long. It is my very first knitting project, which just goes to show how easy it is to pick up. These will be great for chilly football games, or just walking to classes in the winter. The next step is to make a black hat with a matching white and gold stripe around the bottom, and maybe even a white and gold pom-pom on top!