Big Lake Rug in Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Jumbo - 201834 - Downloadable PDF

Big Lake Rug – Knitted Chunky Garter Stitch Rug in Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Jumbo

The Big Lake Rug is a beautifully simple, generously sized hand-knitted rug designed by Nancy Ekvall and published by Blue Sky Fibers as a complimentary downloadable PDF pattern (No. 201834). Rated as a beginner project, this rug is an ideal introduction to large-scale knitting, offering a satisfying and quick result thanks to the super chunky yarn and oversized needles used throughout. The finished rug measures 28 inches in length and 23 inches in width, making it a practical accent piece for entryways, bedrooms, living rooms, or any spot that calls for a soft, durable textile underfoot.

What Is Being Made

The Big Lake Rug is a flat, rectangular knitted rug intended for home décor use. Described in the pattern as "a delight for your feet," it is designed to be both soft and durable. The pattern notes that the size can be fully customized by adding additional yarn beyond the two cones included in the standard materials list, making it adaptable to a wide range of spaces and personal preferences.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Jumbo – a 100% Highland Peruvian Wool yarn, sold in 500g cones yielding approximately 43 yards per cone
• Amount Required: 2 cones (the pattern notes that both cones will be used in their entirety to achieve the stated finished dimensions)
• Colorway Shown: No. 1900 Snow Storm
• Needle Size: Size 100 (35.0mm) circular needles, 40 inches in length, or the size needed to obtain gauge

Woolstok Jumbo is a super chunky, single-ply wool yarn spun from Highland Peruvian Wool, known for its loft, warmth, and rustic texture. Its substantial weight makes it exceptionally well suited to home goods like rugs, where durability and thickness are desirable qualities. The 100% wool fiber content also gives the finished rug natural resilience and a pleasant softness underfoot.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for size 100 (35.0mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches in length. Circular needles of this length are used here not for knitting in the round, but to accommodate the wide cast-on comfortably on a single needle. The gauge for this project is 5 stitches and 4 rows to 4 inches worked in garter stitch. Because this is a rug rather than a fitted garment, gauge is less critical for fit, but achieving the correct gauge will help ensure the finished rug reaches its intended dimensions of 28 by 23 inches.

Techniques and Construction

The Big Lake Rug is worked entirely flat, from cast-on to bind-off, using a straightforward back-and-forth knitting method. The construction is refreshingly simple and perfectly suited to beginners or to experienced knitters looking for a meditative, low-complexity project.

• Cast-On: 18 stitches are cast on to begin the rug
• Stitch Pattern: Every row is knitted, creating garter stitch throughout
• Length: Rows are repeated until the piece measures 27 inches, or the desired length
• Bind-Off: Stitches are bound off loosely to maintain the drape and flexibility of the fabric edge
• Finishing: Ends are woven in, and the rug is blocked as desired

Stitches Used

The only stitch used throughout this pattern is the knit stitch. When every row is knitted on flat needles, the resulting fabric is garter stitch – a classic, reversible texture that lies flat naturally without curling at the edges, making it particularly well suited to rugs and other home goods. Garter stitch also creates a slightly ridged, cushioned fabric that adds to the comfort and durability of the finished piece.

Customization