purlJam

# Knitting Needle Roll Organizer

A practical and portable case to store and organize your knitting needles. This beginner-friendly project creates a roll-up case with individual pockets for your needles, perfect for keeping your collection tidy at home or taking on the go.

**Finished Measurements:**
- 14" wide × 12" tall (when flat)
- Creates 9 individual needle pockets

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** 
- Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200 yards
- Sample shown uses a durable cotton or cotton-blend yarn for structure
- Suggested yarns: Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton, Cascade 220, or similar

**Needles:**
- US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles

**Notions:**
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- 2 stitch markers (optional, for marking pocket divisions)

## GAUGE

18 sts × 24 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch

**Gauge is important** for this project to ensure the case is the right size for your needles. 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
- I-cord: Icelandic cord (tube knitting technique)

## PATTERN NOTES

- The case is worked flat as one piece from bottom to top.
- Garter stitch borders (knitting every row) prevent the edges from curling.
- Purl ridges on the RS create vertical channels that form the needle pockets.
- The case is folded up from the bottom and sewn at the sides to create the pockets.
- Work ties can be made as I-cord or twisted cord (instructions for both provided).

## INSTRUCTIONS

### Main Body

**Cast On:**
Cast on 63 sts.

**Bottom Border:**
Rows 1-6: Knit all sts. (6 rows garter stitch)
*This creates a sturdy bottom edge.*

**Pocket Section:**
Row 7 (RS): K3, p1, *k7, p1; repeat from * 6 more times, k3. (63 sts)
*Math check: 3 + 1 + (7+1)×7 + 3 = 3 + 1 + 56 + 3 = 63 sts ✓*

Row 8 (WS): K3, purl to last 3 sts, k3.

Repeat Rows 7-8 a total of 36 times (72 rows total from Row 7).
*This creates 36 purl ridges on the RS that will form the pocket channels.*
*72 rows ÷ 24 rows per 4" = 12" total height ✓*

**Top Border:**
Next 6 rows: Knit all sts. (6 rows garter stitch)

**Bind Off:**
Bind off all 63 sts loosely.

### Ties (Make 2)

**Option 1: I-Cord Ties** (creates a neat, rounded cord)

Using US 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles, cast on 4 sts.
*Knit one row. Without turning work, slide sts to opposite end of needle and pull working yarn firmly across back. Repeat from * until I-cord measures 18" long.
Bind off.
Make second tie the same way.

**Option 2: Twisted Cord Ties** (no extra needles needed)

Cut 3 strands of yarn, each 54" long (3× finished length).
Hold strands together and tie a knot at each end.
Secure one end (hook on doorknob or ask a friend to hold).
Twist the strands tightly in one direction until very twisted.
Keeping tension, fold the cord in half and allow it to twist back on itself.
Tie ends together and trim. Cord will measure approximately 18" long.
Make second tie the same way.

## FINISHING

### Assembly

1. **Block the piece:** Lay the knitted rectangle flat, mist with water, and pin to measurements (14" × 12"). Allow to dry completely.

2. **Fold the case:** With RS facing up, fold the bottom edge up 6" toward the top, leaving a 6" flap at the top.
   *This creates a 6" deep pocket section with a 6" cover flap.*

3. **Sew side seams:** Using tapestry needle and yarn, sew the side edges together through both layers using mattress stitch or whip stitch. Sew from the bottom fold up 6" on each side.
   *This encloses the pocket section while leaving the top flap free.*

4. **Secure pocket dividers:** On the inside of the case, along each purl ridge channel, use matching yarn to stitch through both layers (front and back) at the bottom fold. Make 2-3 small stitches at the base of each channel to permanently create the 9 individual pockets.
   *The purl ridges create natural guides for the stitching.*

5. **Attach ties:** 
   - Fold one tie in half to find the center point.
   - Position the center of the tie at the center of one side edge, approximately 3" up from the bottom fold.
   - Sew securely in place using the yarn tail.
   - Repeat with second tie on the opposite side edge.
   
   *The ties should be positioned so they can wrap around the rolled case and tie closed.*

6. **Weave in ends:** Use tapestry needle to weave in all remaining yarn ends securely on the WS.

### Using Your Needle Case

To use: Insert knitting needles into individual pockets (point down). Roll the case from one side to the other. Wrap ties around the rolled case and tie in a bow to secure.

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- **Add more pockets:** Cast on more stitches in multiples of 8 to create additional pockets. Each 8-st repeat adds one pocket.
- **Make it larger:** Work more rows in the pocket section for longer needles or deeper pockets.
- **Color blocking:** Work the pocket section in one color and the flap in a contrasting color for a fun look.
- **Embellish:** Add a button closure instead of ties, or embroider your name on the flap.

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash gently in cool water. Lay flat to dry. Press lightly with warm iron if needed (check yarn label for fiber content first).

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*Designed for beginner knitters | © 2024*

**Math Verification Summary:**
- Cast on: 63 sts = 14" width at gauge ✓
- Pocket section: 72 rows = 12" height at gauge ✓  
- Stitch pattern: 3 + 1 + (7+1)×7 + 3 = 63 sts ✓
- Pocket divisions: 8 purl ridges create 9 pockets ✓