I love it when you talk tech

I Love It When You Talk Tech - Gadget Protective Cover

Project Overview

I Love It When You Talk Tech is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren that creates a protective cover for electronic gadgets and devices. This intermediate-level project uses a distinctive textured waffle stitch construction to produce a squashy, cushioned fabric ideal for safeguarding portable electronics like the Nintendo DS Lite. The pattern includes resizing instructions, making it adaptable to fit any rectangular gadget.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a fitted protective sleeve or cover for handheld gaming devices and similar rectangular gadgets. The finished piece is worked in the round to create a seamless, tubular construction that provides cushioning and protection. The waffle stitch texture adds both visual interest and functional squashiness that helps absorb impacts and protect delicate screens and surfaces.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Judy's magic cast on: A specialized cast-on technique that creates a seamless foundation for working in the round
• Knitting in the round: Circular construction using either double-pointed needles or circular needles to create a tubular fabric without seams
• Picking up stitches: Technique for adding new stitches along an existing edge
• Backwards loop cast on: An alternative cast-on method used at specific points in the pattern
• Grafting: Seamless joining technique to connect two sections of knitting
• Surprisingly stretchy bind off: A specialized bind-off method that maintains elasticity in the finished edge
• Weaving in ends: Finishing technique to secure and hide yarn tails

Stitches Used

• Waffle stitch: The primary stitch pattern that creates the textured, cushioned fabric. The waffle stitch is worked over a 4-round repeat: Rounds 1-2 alternate knit 2, purl 2 stitches around; Round 3 knits all stitches; Round 4 purls all stitches. This creates a distinctive raised, bumpy texture
• Knit stitch: Basic stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch: Used in the waffle stitch pattern and in specific rounds
• Knit through the back loop (ktbl): A variation that twists stitches for added texture or shaping

Materials and Gauge

Yarn: The pattern requires 50 grams of double knitting (DK) weight yarn. The sample shown uses King Cole merino blend DK in navy, which provides a soft, durable fiber suitable for a protective accessory.

Needles: 3.5mm needles are required, with the option to use either double-pointed needles or circular needles for working in the round. Circular needles are often preferred for seamless in-the-round construction as they distribute stitches evenly and reduce hand strain.

Additional notions: A tapestry needle is needed for grafting, weaving in ends, and finishing. A stitch marker helps track the beginning of each round during circular knitting.

Gauge: The pattern is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 40 rows per 10 centimeters when measured in the stretched waffle stitch. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper sizing and the appropriate cushioning effect.

Sizing and Customization

The pattern provides specific stitch counts for creating a cover that fits a Nintendo DS Lite. Additionally, detailed instructions are included for resizing the pattern to accommodate any rectangular gadget, allowing crafters to customize the cover dimensions for phones, tablets, e-readers, or other portable devices.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it uses fundamental knitting stitches, it requires familiarity with working in the round, multiple specialized cast-on and bind-off techniques, and stitch manipulation. Knitters should have experience with basic knitting before attempting this project.