Colorwork and Cables Combine in the Twill Pot Holder

When I saw pictures of the Twill Pot Holder from Purl Soho online, I knew I wanted to share it with you. As I read more about it, I knew I needed to share it with you because it uses such an interesting technique.

I expected it to be done with slip stitches, and it is, but there’s also a little cable in there that provides even more of a woven look. The pattern is a simple four-round repeat.

Designed by Hiromi Glover, this pretty potholder is quick to stitch and a handy thing to have in your kitchen for grabbing hot things. It’s worked in cotton yarn so it won’t scorch or melt, and it’s a double thickness to make it extra durable.

The project calls for two colors of sport weight cotton yarn. Their particular choice, Cotton Pure, is an organic cotton, which adds to the luxury of this project, but whatever cotton you like to use is fine, too. I like that this is a non-mercerized cotton, which means its not shiny so the project has a classic, almost well-worn look right off the needles.

The stitch pattern is a multiple of three plus one stitches, so you can also alter the design to use heavier weight yarn if that’s what you have on hand. Working with fewer stitches on a larger yarn will get you closer to the original size, or just make an extra-large potholder or trivet using DK or worsted weight yarn.

This pattern also gives you a chance to use a provisional cast on, and the little loop on the corner for hanging is made with I-cord.

Make this project for your kitchen or make a few to keep on hand for hostess gifts, housewarming presents or to start your stockpile of gifts for holiday gifting. You know it’s coming up faster than you think!

Grab the free pattern from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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Adding eyelets to a project is a great way to make it more wearable in the summer, and these mesh and eyelet sweater patterns are perfect for summer (and beyond!) for layering.

The Inez Summer Sweater from Happy Love Co combines eyelets and dropped stitches (along with some garter and stockinette) to make a casual and fun summer sweater. The pattern is one size (56 inches or 142.24 cm) around, and is meant to be worn oversized. But it’s an easy enough pattern you could alter it to suit you without too much difficulty. It calls for worsted weight cotton yarn.

Another fun project using dropped stitches in the Stella Blouse from Thelma Steimann. It calls for a fingering weight silk yarn and is worked on larger than expected needles and also uses dropped stitches. The pattern includes eight sizes, with a bust circumference ranging from 33.5 to 51.5 inches, or 85-131 cm. You can grab a copy on Ravelry.

The Design Studio Knits has a nice summer cotton tee that uses worsted weight yarn worked on larger needles so it has a mesh effect while still being worked in stockinette stitch. It’s worked in one piece and is another one size pattern, meant to fit an actual chest measurement ranging from 34 to 46 inches (that’s 86 to 117 cm).

A similar look with a cropped shape and four available sizes comes from A Box of Twine. This one is a DK weight yarn knit on large needles and still has an oversized look (for instance the size small is 42 inches/106.68 cm at the bust). It’s worked flat so this is a great one for beginners.

If you want something a little more structured, try the Pip Cardigan from Yoko Johnston. This sport weight cardigan has an allover eyelet pattern and options to close with a zipper or buttons. It’s worked from the top down and has six size options. This one is also oversized, with finished measurements ranging from 51.5 to 64.5 inches, or 131 to 164 cm). You can find this one on Ravelry.

Or check out Endlessly by Amy Gunderson, a free pattern from Knitty. This pullover uses a cable and lace pattern that is easy to knit and to wear. It uses DK weight yarn and has nine size options. The chest measurement ranges from 34.75 to 66.75 inches, or 88.5 to 169.5 cm, and is meant to be worn with a little positive ease.

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