purlJam

**PATTERN NAME: The Fibonacci Coil Container (Felted)**
**DESIGNER:** System [Technical Editor Verified]
**DATE:** 24 May 2024

**INTRODUCTION**
This pattern utilises the Addi Express King Size (46 pin) knitting machine to create a robust, large-scale storage vessel. Because the machine has a fixed width, we use the "Coiled Tube" construction method: knitting a very long tube, flattening it to create a double-thick strap, coiling it into a spiral, and felting it. The result is a dense, structural basket capable of holding shape.

**DIFFICULTY LEVEL:** Beginner
**METHOD:** Machine Knit (Circular), Hand Sewn Assembly, Wet Felted

**TERMINOLOGY & ABBREVIATION PROFILE**
*   **Language:** UK English
*   **Measurement System:** Metric (Centimetres) with Imperial (Inches) in parentheses.
*   **R:** Row(s)
*   **st(s):** Stitch(es)
*   **WY:** Waste Yarn (contrasting colour, cheap acrylic that will NOT felt)
*   **MC:** Main Colour (Brown)
*   **CC:** Contrast Colour (Cream)
*   **Tension:** (Gauge) Refers to stitches per cm.

**YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (Aran / 10 ply)**
**SPECIFICATIONS FOR THIS YARN WEIGHT:**
*   **CRITICAL:** You MUST use **100% Non-Superwash Wool**. Check the label carefully. If it says "Superwash", "Washable", or contains Acrylic/Nylon, it will **NOT** felt and the project will fail. Look for "Roving", "Highland Wool", or "Feltable" yarns.
*   **Quantity:** Approx. 750–850 metres total (approx 4 balls Brown, 3 balls Cream).
*   **Machine Tips:** Worsted/Aran runs well on the Addi. If using a true unspun roving (bulky), ensure it is not too thick or it may damage the machine gears.

**EQUIPMENT**
*   Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine (46 pins).
*   Digital Row Counter.
*   Large darning needle (metal is preferred for sewing through thick felt).
*   Scissors.
*   Washing Machine (for felting).
*   A bucket or bin approx 40 cm (16 in) diameter (to use as a drying mould).

**TENSION**
*   Pre-felted on Machine: Approx 14 sts and 19 rows = 10 x 10 cm.
*   *Note: Precise tension is secondary to yarn composition. Shrinkage will occur during the washing process.*

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### INSTRUCTIONS

#### SECTION 1: THE TUBE

To achieve the target dimensions (16" diameter x 5" deep) after shrinkage, we need a tube approximately **4.8 metres (190 inches)** long.

**The Fibonacci Stripe Pattern**
We will set 1 Fibonacci Unit = **2 Rows**.
*   **Sequence:** 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21...
*   **Conversion:** 2R, 2R, 4R, 6R, 10R, 16R, 26R, 42R.

1.  **Cast On:** Using WY (Waste Yarn), cast on and crank 5 rows.
2.  **Start Project:** Switch to MC (Brown) and reset counter to 0.
3.  **Crank the Tube:** Knit continuously, changing colours according to the chart below. Tie yarn tails loosely together inside the tube as you switch colours (they will be hidden inside the flattened tube).

    *REPEAT THE FOLLOWING SEQUENCE UNTIL TUBE MEASURES APPROX 480 CM (190 INCHES):*
    *   **R 1-2:** MC (Brown) [2 rows]
    *   **R 3-4:** CC (Cream) [2 rows]
    *   **R 5-8:** MC [4 rows]
    *   **R 9-14:** CC [6 rows]
    *   **R 15-24:** MC [10 rows]
    *   **R 25-40:** CC [16 rows]
    *   **R 41-66:** MC [26 rows]
    *   **R 67-108:** CC [42 rows]
    *   *[Math Check: 1 full sequence = 108 rows $\approx$ 55-60 cm of length. You will need roughly 8 full repeats.]*

4.  **Cast Off:** Once you reach the length target (or run out of yarn), cut the main yarn. Switch to WY, crank 5 rows, and release the work from the machine.

#### SECTION 2: ASSEMBLY (PRE-FELTING)

1.  **Close Ends:** Secure the live loops of the MC wool at both ends using a darning needle. Remove the WY. You now have one very long tube.
2.  **Flatten:** Lay the tube flat. Pull it lengthwise to remove twists. This double-layer flat tube is your building material.
3.  **Coil the Base:**
    *   Thread your needle with a long strand of MC wool.
    *   Start coiling one end of the tube tightly into a flat spiral (like a snail shell).
    *   **Sewing:** Using a whip stitch or mattress stitch, sew the edges of the coils together as you go. Sew deeply into the stitches to prevent gaps.
    *   Continue coiling flat until the base measures approximately **55 cm (21.5 inches)** in diameter.
    *   *[Math Check: Target 40cm / 0.70 shrinkage factor $\approx$ 57cm. We aim for 55-57cm pre-felt.]*
4.  **Build the Sides:**
    *   Once the base is the correct size, do not coil *outward* anymore.
    *   Place the next coil directly **on top** of the outer ring of the base.
    *   Sew the bottom of the new coil to the top of the base ring.
    *   Continue spiraling upward to create vertical walls.
    *   When you reach the end of the tube, tuck the tail inside the basket and sew firmly to create a smooth rim.

#### SECTION 3: FELTING & FINISHING

1.  **Wash:** Place the item in a pillowcase (tie it closed). Wash on a **Hot Cycle (40°C - 60°C)** with heavy agitation (e.g., Jeans/Heavy Duty setting). Add a small amount of regular detergent and an old pair of jeans to increase friction.
2.  **Check:** After the cycle, check the fabric. The stitches should be blurry and the fabric stiff. If you can still see individual stitch definition easily, wash it again.
3.  **Shape:**
    *   Remove from machine. The basket will look crumpled and small.
    *   While wet, stretch it forcefully.
    *   Place it over your 16-inch mould (bucket/bin). Invert the bucket so the basket sits on top like a hat.
    *   Smooth the bottom and sides with your hands.
4.  **Dry:** Allow to dry completely (24-48 hours).
5.  **Trim:** Once dry, use sharp scissors to trim any fuzz or pilling for a clean, professional felt finish.