Case for 13 inch laptop

Case for 13-Inch Laptop by Minttu

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted protective case designed to fit a 13-inch laptop. The finished case measures approximately 37 cm x 25 cm when sewn, providing a snug fit for standard laptop sizes. The project combines knitting with sewing and zipper installation, making it a practical accessory that protects electronics while showcasing colorwork design.

Knitting Techniques Used

The primary technique employed in this project is colorwork knitting, also known as stranded knitting or Fair Isle. This method involves working with multiple yarn colors within the same row to create a patterned design. The pattern is followed from a provided chart, with specific color changes indicated throughout the construction. The designer incorporates a color transition near the completion of the knitted piece, changing from dark brown to ochre yarn to create a two-tone effect on the finished case.

Additional techniques include blocking, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the case holds its shape. The pattern specifies gentle hand-washing followed by flat drying and blocking to exact measurements of 38 cm x 53 cm.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The case is constructed using stockinette stitch as the foundation, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. On right-side rows, all stitches are knitted according to the colorwork chart, while wrong-side rows are purled following the same chart. This creates a reversible appearance and ensures the colorwork pattern is visible on both sides of the fabric. The gauge is 18 stitches and 21 rows per 10 cm (4 inches) square, which is important for achieving the correct finished size.

Materials and Specifications

The project uses worsted-weight yarn in the form of Paksu Pirkka-lanka tex 285 x 2, a Finnish yarn. The color palette consists of three shades:

• White: 100 grams
• Brown: 50 grams
• Ochre: 40 grams

Needles required are size 4 mm (US 6). Additional supplies include a 60 cm zipper for closure and cotton fabric measuring 38 cm x 53 cm for the lining, which provides structure and a finished interior.

Construction Overview

The knitted piece begins with casting on 66 stitches using dark brown yarn. The colorwork pattern from the chart is repeated 11 times across the width, then continued in rows until the piece reaches approximately 39 cm in length. The yarn is then changed to ochre, and knitting continues until the total length reaches 53 cm. After completion, the piece is gently hand-washed, laid flat to dry, and blocked to the precise dimensions of 38 cm x 53 cm.

The finished knitted rectangle is then sewn together with the cotton lining and fitted with a zipper to create the functional laptop case. This combination of knitting, sewing, and hardware installation results in a durable, protective accessory.

Difficulty Level

This project is classified as advanced, reflecting the skills required to successfully complete it. Knitters must be comfortable with colorwork techniques, chart reading, gauge management, blocking, and basic sewing skills to construct and finish the case properly.