Free Pattern: TyreTread Doormat.

 

I promised a tenuous link to spring cleaning! At this time of year my doormats always look frightful. I've failed to find a mat that will go in the washing machine so I decided to make one!

  Once again I'm using Fred Aldous Bakers Twine. I've chosen the single colour  this time. It's a little softer than the 'Tri-ply'. There are plenty of colours to choose from. This one is Eton Blue.

 The stitch pattern I've gone for goes by a number of names. I'm calling it tyre tread because of the bold lines it makes. It's such a simple stitch and yet so fascinating. In the pattern I've suggested you use stitch markers to mark the first and last stitch in the row to make turning easier. The pattern I've given you makes a doormat size mat. 

 I've finished it with Treble edging just to make it look a little neater and a little 'less-trip-overable'. (Suggestions for a better word to use here, on a postcard please!) It would also make a great bath mat at the same size. If you went bigger of course you could make a rug. To make it more durable try something like Pepperell Bonnie Macrame cord; either in 3mm or 6mm. Last time I looked they sold it in white and black at Fred Aldous. If you're in the States of course you'll have no trouble getting it!

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Finished Size: 49 x 65 cm
Gauge: 13 Treble Sts x 7.5 rows = 10cm

UK Terminology:

Ch     - Chain

Htr   - Half Treble

NJ    - Needle Join 

Slst  - Slip Stitch

St    - Stitch

Tr    - Treble

 

You will need:

5 cones of Fred Aldous Bakers Twine 100M

1 bottle of Rico Sock Stop

4.5mm (No7) Hook

Large Tapestry Needle

2x Stitch Markers of different colours.

Chain 96 Sts.

Row 1.   Slst in 2nd chain from hook. Mark this st.

            (Htr in next st, Slst in next st) repeat to end. Mark last st. Turn.

Row 2.   Ch2, [counts as first htr]. Mark this st.

            (Slst in next htr, Htr in next slst) repeat to end. Mark last st. Turn.

Row 3.   Slst in next htr, Mark this st.

            (Htr in next slst, Slst in next Htr) repeat to end. Mark last st. Turn.

Row 4-80. Repeat  rows 2 and 3.

Row 81.  Ch3, or Starting Tr in first st, Tr in each st across. Fasten off.

Row 82.  Ch3, or Standing Tr in first st, Tr in each st across.

    Fasten off and weave in ends.

There should be no need to block your work but if required try ironing on reverse with a steam iron.

Now find a safe flat place or a board to put your mat on while you apply the Sock Stop, away from little fingers or inquisitive pets! Place dots of Sock Stop on raised areas of stitching. Dots work better than lines, they are less likely to peel off when the mat stretches.

Leave overnight to dry.