purlJam

# Fish-Shaped Placemat

A whimsical fish-shaped placemat perfect for protecting your table from dishes and adding a touch of seaside charm to your dining experience. This beginner-friendly pattern uses simple increases and decreases to create a recognizable fish silhouette.

**Finished Measurements:**
- Length: Approximately 13" (33 cm) from tail to nose
- Width: Approximately 8" (20 cm) at widest point

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** 
- Worsted weight (#4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn
- Approximately 150 yards (137 m)
- Recommended: Cotton yarn for easy washing and durability
- Sample shown in aqua blue

**Needles:** 
- US 8 (5 mm) knitting needles
- Or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Stitch markers (4)
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Optional: Two small buttons for eyes (¼" to ½" diameter)

**Gauge:**
20 sts × 32 rows = 4" (10 cm) in seed stitch, blocked

*Gauge is important for achieving correct finished size. Take time to check your gauge and adjust needle size if necessary.*

## ABBREVIATIONS

- k = knit
- p = purl
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- kfb = knit into front and back of stitch (1 st increased)
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together (1 st decreased)
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (slip 2 sts knitwise, then knit them together through back loops - 1 st decreased)
- PM = place marker
- SM = slip marker

## PATTERN NOTES

- This placemat is worked flat from tail to head.
- Seed stitch is used throughout to create texture and prevent curling.
- The pattern includes shaping for a fish body: narrow tail, wide body, and tapered head.
- Stitch markers help track increase/decrease points.
- Block finished piece to achieve best fish shape and measurements.

**Seed Stitch (worked over odd number of sts):**
All rows: K1, *p1, k1; repeat from * to end.

**Seed Stitch (worked over even number of sts):**
Row 1: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
Row 2: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1-2.

## INSTRUCTIONS

### Tail Section

**Cast on 12 sts.**

Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): *P1, k1; repeat from * to end.
Rows 3-8: Repeat Rows 1-2 three more times. (6 rows in seed stitch pattern)

*Current stitch count: 12 sts*

### Tail-to-Body Shaping (Increases)

**Set-up Row (RS):** K1, p1, PM, work in seed stitch to last 2 sts, PM, p1, k1.

You now have markers indicating the edge stitches. All increases will be worked just inside these markers.

**Increase Row (RS):** K1, p1, SM, kfb, work in seed stitch maintaining pattern to 1 st before marker, kfb, SM, p1, k1. (2 sts increased)

**Next Row (WS):** Work in seed stitch, slipping markers.

Repeat these 2 rows **20 more times**. (42 sts increased total)

*Math check: 12 + 42 = 54 sts*

After completing increases, work 4 rows even in seed stitch, slipping markers.

*Current stitch count: 54 sts*

### Body Section (Straight)

Continue working in seed stitch (maintaining pattern) for 24 rows even.

*Current stitch count: 54 sts*

### Body-to-Head Shaping (Decreases)

**Decrease Row (RS):** K1, p1, SM, ssk, work in seed stitch to 4 sts before marker, k2tog, SM, p1, k1. (2 sts decreased)

**Next Row (WS):** Work in seed stitch, slipping markers.

Repeat these 2 rows **19 more times**. (40 sts decreased total)

*Math check: 54 - 40 = 14 sts*

*Current stitch count: 14 sts*

### Head (Nose) Shaping

**Row 1 (RS):** K1, p1, ssk, work in seed stitch to last 4 sts, k2tog, p1, k1. (12 sts)

**Row 2 (WS):** Work in seed stitch.

**Row 3 (RS):** K1, ssk, work in seed stitch to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (10 sts)

**Row 4 (WS):** Work in seed stitch.

**Row 5 (RS):** K1, ssk, work in seed stitch to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (8 sts)

**Row 6 (WS):** Work in seed stitch.

**Row 7 (RS):** Ssk, work in seed stitch to last 2 sts, k2tog. (6 sts)

**Row 8 (WS):** Work in seed stitch.

Bind off all sts in pattern.

*Final stitch count at bind-off: 6 sts*

### Optional Dorsal Fin

For an extra fish-like detail, you can add a small triangular fin.

**Cast on 8 sts.**

Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 (WS): Purl.
Row 3: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (6 sts)
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. (4 sts)
Row 6: Purl.
Row 7: Ssk, k2tog. (2 sts)
Row 8: P2tog. (1 st)

Cut yarn and pull through final st.

## FINISHING

1. **Weave in all ends** securely using tapestry needle.

2. **Block the placemat:** Wet block to shape, pinning out the fish silhouette. Pin the tail to be slightly spread, the body to be rounded, and the head to taper smoothly. Allow to dry completely.

3. **Optional Fin:** If you made the dorsal fin, position it on the top center of the fish body (approximately at the widest point). Sew in place using mattress stitch or whip stitch.

4. **Optional Eyes:** Sew small buttons on each side of the head, approximately 1" from the nose and ½" from the top edge. Alternatively, embroider eyes using yarn.

5. **Final Touches:** Give the placemat a final press with a steam iron if needed (check yarn care instructions).

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Machine wash gentle cycle or hand wash in cool water. Lay flat to dry. Cotton yarn may be pressed with a warm iron.

## DESIGN NOTES

This placemat is designed to be functional and fun! The seed stitch texture provides:
- A flat surface that won't curl
- Cushioning for dishes
- Visual texture that resembles fish scales

The cotton yarn recommendation ensures the placemat is:
- Heat-resistant for warm dishes
- Absorbent for condensation
- Easy to wash and maintain

## VARIATIONS

**Make it Your Own:**
- Use variegated yarn to create a multi-colored fish
- Add stripes by changing colors every few rows in the body section
- Make a school of fish in different sizes by adjusting the starting cast-on and number of increases
- Embroider details like gills, scales, or fins using duplicate stitch

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*Pattern Notes:*
- *Math verification: Total rows = 8 (tail) + 42 (increases) + 4 (transition) + 24 (body) + 40 (decreases) + 8 (nose) = 126 rows*
- *At 32 rows per 4", 126 rows = approximately 15.75" before blocking, which will compress to approximately 13" with blocking*
- *Maximum width: 54 sts ÷ 20 sts per 4" = 10.8" before blocking, which will compress to approximately 8" with blocking*

**Happy Knitting! Enjoy your fish-shaped placemat!**