KGeometry: 36 Squares Placemat and Pot Holder

KGeometry: 36 Squares Placemat and Pot Holder by knitvana

Project Overview

The KGeometry collection features two coordinated knitted home décor items designed by knitvana: a 9" x 9" placemat and a 6" x 6" pot holder. These intermediate-level knitting projects combine geometric color-blocking with classic knit and purl stitches to create functional table setting accessories with visual interest. Both pieces showcase the kGeometry design concept, which explores knitting geometry through structured colorwork patterns.

What Is Being Made

• Placemat: A 9" x 9" square placemat featuring geometric color patterns created through strategic yarn color changes across rows
• Pot Holder: A 6" x 6" square pot holder with coordinating design elements
• Pot Holder Hanger: A functional attachment strap with button closure for hanging the pot holder

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The primary method involves garter stitch variation, created by alternating knit rows with purl rows to establish a textured base. The placemat utilizes color blocking or intarsia-style colorwork, where different yarn colors are introduced at specific points across rows to build the geometric 36-square pattern. The pot holder hanger demonstrates ribbed knitting using alternating knit and purl stitches within each row, creating an elastic, structured band suitable for hanging applications.

Stitches Used

• Knit Stitch (K): The foundation stitch used in all odd-numbered rows for both placemat and pot holder back sides
• Purl Stitch (P): Used in all even-numbered rows to create texture and definition
• Ribbed Pattern (1K, 1P): Alternating knit and purl stitches within each row, used for the pot holder hanger to create a flexible, decorative strap
• Cast On: Initial stitch setup (39 stitches for placemat, 31 stitches for pot holder, 8 stitches for hanger)
• Cast Off: Binding off technique to finish all pieces

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The project calls for yarn in multiple colors to achieve the geometric design. The placemat uses white yarn as the primary base color, with green and yellow yarn introduced for the 36-square colorwork pattern. The pot holder is worked in black yarn, and the hanger is also created in black yarn. The pot holder hanger includes a button for closure functionality. While specific needle size and yarn weight are not detailed in the provided content, the stitch counts (39 stitches for a 9" placemat) suggest standard worsted or similar weight yarn with appropriately sized needles.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this project requires knitters to be comfortable with basic stitches and capable of managing color changes across multiple rows. The geometric pattern demands attention to stitch counts and color placement, making it suitable for crafters with foundational knitting experience who are ready to explore simple colorwork techniques.

Design Features

The kGeometry design philosophy emphasizes geometric precision in knitted form. The 36-square pattern creates a visually striking grid effect across the placemat, while the coordinating pot holder and hanger form a cohesive set. The combination of back-side simplicity (basic knit-purl alternation) with front-side complexity (geometric colorwork) makes these pieces both practical and decorative for table settings and kitchen use.