purlJam

# Pattern: The "Titan" Felted Basin (14" Diameter)
**Designed for Addi Express Kingsize (46 Pin)**

**Description:**
A heavy-duty, double-walled felted container. Because a 14-inch diameter is larger than the machine's circular capacity, this pattern uses a "constructional" method: you will knit long tubes, flatten them to create thick, sturdy "planks," and seam them together to build the final vessel.

**Difficulty:** Beginner (Requires patience with seaming)

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### YARN WEIGHT: Worsted (Roving)
**SPECIFICATIONS FOR THIS YARN WEIGHT:**
*   **Fiber:** 100% Wool (Non-Superwash). **Crucial:** Do not use "Superwash" or acrylic blends; they will not felt.
*   **Color:** Variegated Brown.
*   **Quantity:** Approx. 400g - 500g (Roving yarn is heavy).
*   **Yarn Management:** Roving breaks easily. Feed yarn loosely into the machine; do not put tension on the skein.

### TERMINOLOGY & ABBREVIATION PROFILE
*   **RC:** Row Counter (Digital counter on Addi).
*   **Circular Mode:** Toggle switch set to circular (plain knitting).
*   **Waste Yarn:** Contrasting color acrylic yarn (5-10 rows) used to secure live stitches before assembly.
*   **Mattress Stitch:** Invisible seaming technique.
*   **Measurement Standard:** Metric [with Imperial in brackets].

### MACHINE-KNITTING REQUIREMENTS
*   **Machine:** Addi Express Kingsize (46 Needles).
*   **Setup:** Circular Mode (Switch down).
*   **Needles:** All 46 needles in work.
*   **Tension:** Roving yarn creates a dense fabric. Hold yarn loosely by hand or thread through only the center hole of the tension guide. Do not create tight tension or the machine will skip.
*   **Tools:**
    *   Tapestry Needle (Large eye).
    *   Waste Yarn (smooth cotton or acrylic).
    *   Crochet Hook (Size 5mm/H) for finishing.
    *   Scissors.

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### INSTRUCTIONS

#### PART 1: THE WALL (The Outer Ring)
*This section creates the circumference of the container. We knit a long tube and join the ends.*

1.  **Cast On:**
    *   Thread main yarn (Variegated Brown).
    *   Cast on using the standard alternating needle method (weaving in and out for the first round).
    *   [RC: 000]

2.  **Knit the Tube:**
    *   Knit straight in Circular Mode.
    *   Stop occasionally to untangle your yarn supply; roving snaps if tugged.
    *   **Target Length:** We need a loop approximately 160 cm [63 inches] long to account for felting shrinkage.
    *   **Math Check:** [220 Rows / 3.5 rows per inch ≈ 63 inches].
    *   Knit until **RC: 220**.

3.  **Cast Off with Waste Yarn:**
    *   Cut main yarn leaving a 30 cm [12 inch] tail.
    *   Thread Waste Yarn. Knit 5-6 rows.
    *   Crank the handle without yarn to drop the piece from the machine.

#### PART 2: THE BASE PLANKS (The Bottom)
*We need to cover a 14-inch diameter hole. We will knit 3 shorter tubes and seam them side-by-side.*

**Repeat this section 3 times (Make 3 identical tubes):**

1.  **Cast On:** Standard cast on with main yarn. [RC: 000]
2.  **Knit:** Knit until **RC: 60**.
    *   *Verification:* 60 rows ≈ 43 cm [17 inches]. This allows coverage for the 14" diameter plus shrinkage.
3.  **Cast Off:** Switch to Waste Yarn for 5 rows, then drop from machine.

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### ASSEMBLY & FINISHING (Before Felting)

*Note: The item will look huge and loose. This is normal. It will shrink by approx. 30-40%.*

**Step 1: Prepare the "Planks"**
1.  Take the long Wall tube and the 3 Base tubes.
2.  Stretch them lengthwise firmly to align the stitches.
3.  Flatten them so they lie flat (double thickness). Do not press with an iron yet.

**Step 2: Close the Ends (Grafting)**
1.  **For the Wall Tube:** Bring the two ends (Waste Yarn ends) together to form a large ring. Be careful not to twist the tube.
2.  Using the main yarn and a tapestry needle, graft the live stitches together (Kitchener stitch is ideal, but a simple whip stitch through the live loops works because felting hides messiness). Remove Waste Yarn.
3.  **For the Base Tubes:** Sew the raw ends of each short tube closed using a whip stitch. Remove Waste Yarn.

**Step 3: Construct the Base**
1.  Lay the 3 short flattened Base tubes side-by-side (long edges touching).
2.  Sew them together using a Mattress Stitch or whip stitch to create one large rectangular pad (approx. 17" x 18").

**Step 4: Attach Base to Wall**
1.  Place the Wall Ring on a table, standing up on its edge.
2.  Place the Base Pad underneath.
3.  Pin the Wall Ring onto the Base Pad in a circle. You will have corners of the base sticking out—this is fine.
4.  Sew the Wall Ring firmly to the Base Pad. Go around twice for strength.
5.  **Trim:** Using sharp scissors, trim off the excess corners of the Base Pad that stick out past the Wall Ring. (Don't worry, the raw cut edges will felt and seal themselves).

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### FELTING PROCESS

1.  **Wash:** Place the container in a washing machine (top loader is best, or front loader in a mesh bag).
    *   Add a pair of jeans or tennis balls to increase agitation.
    *   Use a small amount of detergent.
    *   Select **HOT** water and **Heavy Duty/High Agitation** cycle.
2.  **Check:** Check the progress after 15 minutes. It should look shrunken and the stitches should be disappearing.
    *   *Target:* You want the fabric to become stiff and thick.
    *   *Size Check:* Measure the diameter. If it is still > 14 inches, wash again.
3.  **Shape:**
    *   Remove from washer. It will be a shapeless blob.
    *   **Blocking:** Find a pot, bucket, or bowl that is approximately 14 inches in diameter. Invert it.
    *   Stretch the damp felt over the form. Pull the walls down to flatten the bottom.
    *   Rub the fabric with your hands to smooth it out.
4.  **Dry:** Allow to air dry completely on the form (this may take 24-48 hours).

### FINAL SPECS
*   **Unfelted Dimensions:** ~63" circumference x 6" high.
*   **Felted Dimensions:** ~14" diameter x 4" high.
*   **Texture:** Dense, sturdy felt (approx 0.5" thick walls).