Once you learn to knit, there are absolutely endless patterns to choose from! To knit something in a hurry, keep it simple. Oh, I know, sometimes the urge to complicate life is very strong; but, in the case of needles and yarn, you don't have to go down that road.

For these Christmas and holiday ideas, you only need to know the basic knit and purl stitches, and how to "yarn-over", and "knit two together." But, the variations in texture and colors will be quite stunning. Especially with all the yarn which is now available for us knitters!

For this Knitting Gift Idea #2, I have chosen one of my all-time favorite stitches and applied it to a pattern for placemats. I love all kinds of knitted accessories for my kitchen; placemats, of course, colorful table runners, tea cozies, potholders, doilies, and any other little knitted trinket that just makes my kitchen so "mine!"

Giving gifts like these will be sure to put a smile on the faces of your family and friends, because these patterns are so unique and one-of-a-kind. So, enjoy the following pattern for placemats, and remember to mix them up, yarn-wise, color-wise, length-wise, and even stitch-wise; you'll be glad you did!

Cotton yarn works best for placemats. Buy about 120 yds. total of the yarn you will use. Also, use size 10 knitting needles. You can use a gauge for this pattern, but it is not imperative. If you decide to use a gauge, keep it this: 4 sts and 5 rows = 1 inch. The finished size of the placemat should be approximately 18" wide by 13" long.

The directions are as follows: Cast on 78 sts. Knit across for 2 rows. Row 1: K3, K2tog 4 times, *YO, K1, 8 times, K2tog 8 times, * repeat between the *'s across to last 11 sts, K2tog 4 times, K3. Row 2: K3, purl across to the last 3 sts, K3. Row 3: Knit across. Row 4: K3, purl across to the last 3 sts, K3.

Repeat these 4 rows for the pattern. Knit until placemat is 13 inches long, ending on a purl row. Knit 1 row, then knit 2 more rows. Bind off in the knit stitch. Weave ends into back of placemat.

Remember to keep an eye on your edges; always begin and end your rows with "K3"!!

For this pattern, you can knit in one solid color, or one color yarn design, or change colors throughout. I recommend changing colors on every 8th row, once you start the pattern. Use two colors, three or four; all shades of one color, or beautiful complimentary colors.

It is all up to you, but if you are knitting for Christmas or any other holiday, keep in mind those holiday colors, and knit accordingly.

I would save this pattern and use it for other knitting projects. I have used this pattern to knit gorgeous afghans; knitting long panels using this pattern, and then sewing the panels together. For afghans, use a worsted weight yarn; it works best for knitted items such as these. Or try a wool yarn.

When you go shopping for yarn, you will come across so many different brand names. If you look closely on each label, they will tell you what type of yarn it is; for instance, 100% cotton, or worsted- weight, wool, a mohair blend, or chenille. And that's just naming a few! All the information you need should be on the label: yardage, type, ply, color, dye lot, even where it is manufactured. If you buy many skeins of one color, try and purchase the same dye lot. That number is usually a "stamped" number, and for uniformity, stick with the same stamped number. For instance, if you buy a linen color, and you purchase various dye lots, there will definitely be slight variations in the linen color. You don't think you can see it, but once in a while, you notice!

So, until next week, when I will share with you my "Easy-as-Pie Knitting Gift Idea #3" -- get knitting, times-a-wastin'!

Copyright (c) 2006 Alice Seidel