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Strap – Ringed Belt, Muffler, Strap or
Whatever Pattern by Stephen Hartley |
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Looking for a versatile knitted gift or just don’t know what to
do with the leftover yarn from my Knitty pattern, the Numbers bag? Here’s how I used my leftovers.
This
easy-to-make line of overlapping rings can be worn as a belt, and is easily
adjustable for any wearer or style. As
the name implies, Strap can also serve as a bag handle (ideal
for the 8 of Circles Bag), perfect for slinging over your shoulder
or across your chest. Ever-changing,
Strap is warm and fuzzy as a muffler in winter and can be draped or tied as you
see fit. Push the ends through any of
the centers, pull tight or sling Strap loosely over your hips, around your neck
or from your shoulders.
Strap is made in the round and connected as you go. The ribbed design makes each ring reversible,
so you don’t need to be concerned with how you connect them. With only 5 rounds per link, Strap can be a
quick, easy gift for your favorite gal. Or use it as the perfect respite from
your more intricate knitting, making a couple of links whenever you need a
break.
Since
there are no precise measurements and nearly unlimited uses, Strap is well
suited for gift giving. If you cast on with smaller needles and thinner yarn,
you can make jewelry or a child-sized Strap.
Try making each circle a different color for a rainbow effect (and as a
way to use up tiny balls of leftovers).
Make your Strap any length by adding additional units, and turn it into
whatever your heart desires.
SIZE/MEASUREMENTS
1 size
1 Ring: 4 inches diameter
Length: Add additional rings to reach desired length. My 18 rings measured 51 inches.
MATERIALS
Yarn
Manos del Uruguay (100% wool; 138 yd/126 m per 100g skein)
[MC] Color: #03 Lavender;
1 skein
[CC] Color: G Coffee; 1
skein
Needles
1 8-inch/22 cm Japanese #10 or US #9/5.25 mm circular needle
You may be able to use double-pointed needles for this, but I
strongly recommend the small circular needles.
Clover makes a wonderful one.
1 tapestry needle
GAUGE
Gauge is not important, as you can adjust the length of the
Strap by adding additional links. If you
are not going to felt yours, you may want use a needle a size or two smaller
than what you usually use with your chosen yarn to give the pieces more
structure. In lieu of making a traditional swatch, you may want to make the
first ring to see if it is the size and texture that you desire.
My gauge using the above yarn and needles was 14 sts = 4"
in stockinette stitch
PATTERN
NOTES
Whether or not you decide to felt the finished product, remember
that a light felting won’t do much to change the size of your Strap. Also keep in mind that this piece may stretch
with use.
PATTERN
First Ring
Using MC CO 56 sts onto circular needles. Join to begin working
in the round, being careful not to twist.
[K2, P2] around for 3 rounds
Next Round: [k2tog, k2tog, p2tog, p2tog] around (28 sts remain)
Next round: [K2, P2] around
BO in pattern using [K2, P2]
Remaining
Rings
Alternating between MC & CC repeat as above, passing needle through
previous ring before joining as pictured.
Note: Since the pattern uses an even ribbed pattern, it is not
important which direction you pass the needle through the previous unit. It will look the same on either side. You may also add to either end of the Strap.
Finishing
Use the loose ends of each unit to tack it down to the previous
one to make your Strap flat. Use photo
as a guide for placement of the links.
Lightly felt if desired.
I put mine inside of a zippered pillowcase in a small load on the HOT
setting with a pair of jeans and two tennis balls for agitation, along with
about a teaspoon of gentle liquid soap. Agitate for 3-5 minutes or until the
Strap achieves a size and texture that you like. Rinse all soap out in a sink with
cold running water, roll Strap in towels to remove excess moisture, and
manipulate it into desired shape. Let dry.
