Thursday, April 30, 2009

how I made my scrappy kitchen mat

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I have had a lot of requests for the pattern for the 'scrappy kitchen mat'

Well... I can't really call it a pattern, as such... but here's the low down on how I made it. It's super simple, and suitable for beginner crocheters.

carpet nylon from daphne

From what I can tell, this is a grey carpet nylon. Unfortunately I can't be more specific than that. This batch was given to me by one of my crochet buddies. I have no idea where you would buy it from.

If you don't have access to carpet nylon... then think outside the square for alternatives. Before I acquired the nylon, I was planning to use some jute or sisal instead. Macrame cord would work well. Or even some old denim jeans, cut into thin strips.

magic balls

The other yarn used was crazy yarn. Click here to read more about how to make your own.

progress

I used a 5.0mm hook, and worked with the carpet nylon and the crazy yarn held together. I made a length of chain 60cm long.

Then I worked back and forth in rows of sc (US) until the piece was 105cm long.

If you have trouble keeping your edges straight... take a look at this tutorial

close-up of back

As I worked, I just made sure that all of the joins/knots in the yarn fell to the back of my work. I DID NOT WEAVE IN ANY ENDS IN THIS PROJECT.

I added a row of tassels along each end of the rug... using one strand of nylon and three strands of crazy yarn for each tassel.

close-up of tassels

Then I cut a piece of non slip mat to size, and attached it to the underside of the mat. I sewed it on using four strand of sewing cotton for extra strength.

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And here is my finished mat. You could make yours in any size. Just cast on as many chain as you need for the width of the mat... then work in sc for as long as you need.

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11 comments:

Sam said...

It just looks so fabulous :-)

Thanks for the details. I shall add it to my list ;-)

Sicilian said...

I love it. Thanks for the inspiration.

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

Wow, this is gorgeous! I'm so adding this to my list. I need a runner in front of my sink and this would be perfect! I'll be linking as well.

LittleMary said...

it is pretty fabulous this mat!

now, another questions: reverse single crochet. i just. can't. figure. it. out. how do i hold the yarn? i am working on the 2nd pattern that requires this so i guess i better figure it out, but no matter how many things on line i have looked at, i am lost. any thoughts?

Karen said...

Morning Linda (and I thought your name was Laughing!) First of all congratulations on being part of Vogue Knitting. What a 'welcome mat' to your 'home' (blog).

And this post on the scrappy kitchen mat is wonderful - gives solid directions but so much encouragement to "just do it" with whatever comes to hand.

Carlene said...

Thanks for sharing the detailed instructions. I think I'd like to make one of these for my porch. It would really brighten things up. And I could make it exactly the length I need to go from the screen door, across the porch, to the front door.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Rachel .. GORGEOUS! ! ! And .. it's so do-able too, thanks!

Julie Andrea

Islagringo said...

Now that you are back, I'd like to thank you again for allowing me to use some of your photos for the Latin American Bloggers Meeting. I used three of your macro shots to demonstrate the correct way to take a macro and the difference between macro and close-up. They were well received and racked up more than a few aahs and oohs! Thank you again!

Anonymous said...

I love your rug. Do you think that nylon will melt in the dryer after being washed.

Unknown said...

Peace and blessings,I don't understand what you did! Did u use a crochet stitch?Is it woven? Or something else? I'm confused! Please help!Thank you!

Pauline said...

moi j'ai déjà fait ce genre de tapis avec des découpes de jersey de coton quand on le coupe il roule donc ça va bien pour le tricoter à la broche,
il était tres beau et il a durée longtemps et je cousais bout à bout le tissus alors pas rien ne paraissait
peut-être des balances dans les magasins de tissus , des vieux chandails