Rectangles

Like the Edge to Edge Square, the Basic Rectangle is knit flat and worked straight from cast on edge to bind off edge, with no increasing or decreasing necessary.

Basic Rectangle Calculations

Calculating your cast on and row count
Determine your final gauge, and desired dimensions.
[Stitch gauge] x [desired width] = [# of sts to CO]
[Row gauge] x [desired length] = [# of rows]
Note: you can work your knitting either by casting on at a long end or a short end. Use the measurement of your desired cast on edge as your “width” and your second measurement as your “length.”

Knitting Instructions

CO [# of sts to CO].
R1: knit across.
R2: purl across.
Rep R1&2 until [# of rows] have been worked.
Bind off loosely.

Both of these rectangles can also be worked using a provisional cast on, so that the stitch pattern flows out from the center of the shawl.

To do this, cast on using a provisional cast on, work until your shawl is half your desired length (or width), and bind off.
Then pick up your provisional cast on, and again work until your shawl is half your desired length (or width), and bind off.
This creates a shawl where the pattern emanates from the center of the rectangle out towards both bind off edges.

To create a shawl in which the pattern flows in towards the center of your rectangle.
Cast on and work until your shawl is half your desired length (or width) then place your live stitches on waste yarn. Cast on a second time and work until your shawl is half your desired length (or width). Then graft the two sets of live stitches together.

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