Nothing warms a New England winter more than a cozy rug to step onto first thing in the morning. The Rare Earth Rug has been worked in rich natural tones to harmonise with the beauty of the bare branches outside with their thick coating of snow. However, other colour combinations would also look beautiful and bring a homely touch to any room.

The wonderfully gentle gradations of colour are achieved by working with two strands of yarn in ever-changing combinations. The stitch pattern is reversible and lies flat without curling or distortion.

Pattern Note: A pattern for a set of co-ordinating cushions, the Rare Earth Cushions is available separately.
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PATTERN INFORMATION:

DIFFICULTY: Intermediate

TECHNIQUES REQUIRED: Knitting, purling, slipped stitches, working a stripe pattern and working with two ends of yarn held together.

SIZE: One size, 90cm/36 ins wide x 120cm/48 ins long

MATERIALS:

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 worsted-weight yarn, 100% wool, 215m/220 yds:100gm skein, in Colours:
. Col 1: #8555 Black x1 skein
. Col 2: #8400 Charcoal Grey (Dark Grey) x3 skeins
. Col 3: #8509 Grey x4 skeins
. Col 4: #8401 Silver Grey (Light Grey) x3 skeins
. Col 5: #8010 Natural x1 skein

Actual amount of yarn used in rug as shown: 980gm/34.5 oz, 1971m/2156 yds.

Yarn substitution: To use an alternative yarn, please select a light Aran or worsted-weight wool yarn with a recommended gauge of 18-20 stitches:10 cm/4 ins using 4.5-5.0mm/US #7-8 needles when working with a single strand of yarn. Please note that the rug is worked with two ends of yarn held together.

Needles: Size 5.5mm/US #9 circular needles, length 100cm/40 ins.

Gauge: 16 sts & 24 rows:10cm/4 ins in Ridged Rib pattern, using 5.5mm/US #9 needles and with two strands of yarn held together.

Notions: Tapestry needle for finishing.
. For slippery floors: Non-slip rug pad, sewing needle & thread.
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PATTERN NOTES:

Stitch Pattern
This design uses a reversible stitch pattern from the book: Reversible Knitting Stitches - A Sourcebook of 250 Double-Sided Stitch Patterns by Moira Ravenscroft & Anna Ravenscroft, 2nd Edition 2024. For more details, please click here.

Blogposts / Knitting Notes:
1: A rug for every room
2: Seeing Double #1 – A new series of knitting with two ends of yarn
3: Seeing Double #4 – Blending colours with doubled yarns
4: Seeing Double #7 – Tips and Techniques for working with doubled yarns

© Moira Ravenscroft, 2024

Website: www.wyndlestrawdesigns.com