This hot mat pattern is the perfect starting point to learn how to create fantastic double knit projects.
A hot mat is a perfect item to begin to learn the double knit fabric technique. A simple stockinette stitch is the basis for this pattern. This is a very simple project that will knit up quickly and provide a good starting point of experience with double knit fabric. It will plainly reveal the two distinct layers, forming the back and front that is created with this technique. It is a very useful pattern to have when a reversible garment or lined garment is desired.
In this particular item, a hot mat, the double thickness of the finished product will provide the insulation property necessary for preventing the heat from a hot serving dish from scalding the dinner table.
Work the gauge even though the exact size of the finished project is not necessarily pertinent. A hot mat 6” x 5” is as useful as a hot mat 6” x 7” (not like a sweater where the finished product needs to be the correct size to fit the intended wearer.) But by working the gauge for the hot mat first it will be easier to determine the size of the finished project and not end up with a double thickness table cloth!
Hot mat measures before trim is added 5” X 5.5”.
Materials: Handicrafter Cotton, 2 colors (A) (B), 1 50gr ball of each.
Double pointed knitting needles or a circular needle size 4.5 or 8
Gauge: 13 sts and 10 rows = 2” X 2” double knit fabric worked in stockinette stitch
Hints for following directions:
“Go back to the beginning of the row”: by sliding stitches back to the start of the row just worked (with double pointed needle slide stitches to opposite end of the needle to begin next row or with circular needle, slide stitches around to the other end).
“Joining yarn” - do not join yarn by tying on with a knot, just slip yarn through first stitch and leave a 6 inch end. Hold on to the end with your left hand for the first few stitches until it is secure and won’t pull out.
At the end of a row where both color yarns are together, criss-cross the yarns when working the first stitch of the row. This will hold the front and back together. If the yarns are not criss-crossed there will be a gap running up the entire side of the finished piece.
To Begin
Cast on 32 sts with color (A)
Row 1: (A) *k 1, y f, sl 1 purlwise, y b * repeat between stars to end of row. Leave (A) hanging at end of row. Go back to the beginning of the row.
Row 2: Join in (B) *y b, sl 1 purlwise, y f, p 1 * repeat between stars to end of row. Turn work in normal knitting fashion to begin next row.
Row 3: (B) * k 1, y f, sl 1 purlwise, y b * repeat between stars to end of row. Go back to the beginning of the row.
Row 4: (A) * y b, sl 1 purlwise, y f, p 1 * repeat between stars to end of row. Turn work in normal knitting fashion to begin next row.
Repeat 4 rows 10 times. (These four rows are the foundation for double knit fabric in stockinette stitch. Many items can be made using this technique.)
There are many ways in which the edges of the hot mat can be finished. Stitches along each side can be picked up and a decorative knitted edge added on; a trim can be knit separately and stitched on around the edge; or a crocheted edge can be applied.
A hot mat made with double knit fabric allows for a great deal of creativity.
