This simple-to-knit unisex neck warmer (not pictured above) was originally made for my granny as a present. The warm ribbing is edged by seed stitch, which keeps the neck warmer from curling up without blocking. The large button not only makes it easy to fasten, but also serves as a way to showcase that big button you love, but haven’t known what to use it for. Knitted flat with less than 100g of worsted weight yarn, this took me only two evenings to finish and is a great one-skein, quick-knit gift.
Size: One Size Fits All
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted (100% merino, 216 yd/198m per 100g skein) -OR-100g/3.53oz of any worsted/aran weight yarn.
Needles: 5.5 mm/US 9 straight needles, 9 inches or longer -OR- 5.5 mm/US 9 circular needles, 16 inches or longer
Notions: Tapestry needle, 1x 1.5”- 2” button
Gauge: 4 – 5 stitches per inch. Gauge is not crucial with this project.
Directions:
Cast on 29 stitches.
Row 1: (k1, p1) to last stitch, k1.
Repeat Row 1 until the piece measures 1”. Proceed to Row 2.
Row 2: k1, p1, k1, p1, (k3, p3) 3 times, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1. (right side row)
Row 3: k1, p1, k1, p1, (p3, k3) 3 times, p3, p1, k1, p1, k1. (wrong side row)
Repeat Rows 2 & 3 until you want to scream, usually until the piece measures 18”. End on Row 3, a wrong side row.
Next Row: k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, p3, *k1*, bind off 5 stitches, k2, p3, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1. Note: Do NOT use the *k1* to bind off. K1 once more after the *k1*, and use that knit stitch to bind off. This row is making the top of the buttonhole.
Next Row: k1, p1, k1, p1, p3, k3, p3, cast on 5 stitches, p1, k3, p3, p1, k1, p1, k1. This row is making the bottom of the buttonhole.
Next Row: Repeat Rows 2 & 3 until the piece measures 21”. End on Row 3. You are almost there!
Next Row: Repeat Row 1 until the piece measures 22”. (Special Note! Many Ravelers have found 22″ too short, so while it was okay for my granny, you may want to knit until the piece measures 25″ or even 30″ depending on the fit you prefer.)
Bind off. Weave in ends.
Lay out the piece “longways”, so that the ribbing makes horizontal lines and the buttonhole is on the right-hand side of the piece.
Attach the button securely approximately 4” from the left end of the piece, (the opposite end from the buttonhole). Block if desired. Wrap around your neck, fasten and enjoy!
For Reference, the stitches used:
Seed Stitch:
Row 1: (k1, p1) to end
Row 2: (p1, k1) to end
This stitch pattern works with any even number of stitches.
3×3 Ribbing:
Row 1: (k3, p3) to end
Row 2: (p3, k3) to end
This stitch pattern works with any multiple of 6.
Copyright 2009 Holly Peacock. All rights reserved.