purlJam

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# Structured Computer Sleeve
### A Firm, Protective Knitted Laptop Sleeve in Double Seed Stitch

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## Description

This laptop sleeve is designed with **structure and protection** in mind. By working worsted weight yarn on smaller-than-standard needles in a dense **Double Seed Stitch** pattern, the resulting fabric is thick, stiff, and cushioned — exactly what a computer sleeve needs. The sleeve is knit flat in two identical panels and seamed together on three sides with a clean mattress stitch seam. A simple top opening with an optional button closure completes the design. This is a practical, stylish intermediate project that works up quickly while delivering a professional result.

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## Sizes

| Size | Fits Laptop | Finished Width | Finished Height |
|------|-------------|----------------|-----------------|
| **S (13")** | 13" laptop | 13" (33 cm) | 10" (25.5 cm) |
| **L (15")** | 15" laptop | 15" (38 cm) | 11" (28 cm) |

*Instructions are written for Size S (13"), with Size L (15") in brackets [ ].*
*If both sizes are the same, only one number is given.*

> **Tip:** Measure your actual laptop before beginning — depth, width, and height. Add ½"–1" total to width for ease and seam allowance. Adjust cast-on as needed using the gauge information provided.

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## Materials

| Item | Specification |
|------|---------------|
| **Yarn** | Worsted weight / Medium (#4) |
| **Yardage** | Approx. 250 [280] yards |
| **Yarn Example** | Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool, Cascade 220, Paintbox Simply Worsted, or similar |
| **Needles** | US 6 / 4 mm straight or circular needles (intentionally smaller for density) |
| **Notions** | Tapestry needle for seaming, scissors, 1–2 buttons (optional, ¾"–1" diameter), stitch markers (optional) |
| **Gauge Swatch** | Required — see Gauge section |

> **Why US 6 instead of the standard US 8?** Using smaller needles with worsted yarn creates a denser, firmer fabric with less stretch — exactly what protects a computer. This is a deliberate design choice, not an error.

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## Gauge

**20 stitches × 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Double Seed Stitch, blocked, on US 6 / 4 mm needles.**

*This gives a working rate of:*
- **5 stitches per inch**
- **7 rows per inch**

> **Gauge is critical for this project.** A loose gauge will result in a floppy sleeve that won't protect your device. A tight gauge will result in a sleeve too small to fit your laptop. Swatch, block, and measure carefully. Adjust needle size if needed to match gauge — always go down rather than up for this project.

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## Abbreviations

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|-------------|---------|
| **k** | knit |
| **p** | purl |
| **RS** | right side |
| **WS** | wrong side |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **rep** | repeat |
| **pm** | place marker |
| **sl** | slip (purlwise, unless stated) |
| **wyif** | with yarn in front |
| **wyib** | with yarn in back |
| **CO** | cast on |
| **BO** | bind off |
| **k2tog** | knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| **kwise** | knitwise |
| **tbl** | through the back loop |

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## Pattern Notes

1. **Two panels are made identically** — one for the front and one for the back. This means you knit the same piece twice.
2. **Double Seed Stitch** is a 4-row repeat worked over any even number of stitches. It creates a beautifully textured, reversible, and — most importantly — firm fabric that resists stretching.
3. **Seaming is structural** — use mattress stitch on both side seams and a three-needle bind-off or whipstitch seam along the bottom. Firm, consistent seams are important.
4. **The top opening is left open.** An optional button loop and button closure can be added if desired (instructions included in Finishing).
5. All stitch counts are given as: **S [L]** throughout the pattern.
6. This pattern is worked **flat** (back and forth in rows), not in the round.

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## Stitch Pattern: Double Seed Stitch

*Worked over an even number of stitches.*

- **Row 1 (RS):** *K1, p1; rep from * to end.
- **Row 2 (WS):** *K1, p1; rep from * to end.
- **Row 3 (RS):** *P1, k1; rep from * to end.
- **Row 4 (WS):** *P1, k1; rep from * to end.

Repeat Rows 1–4 for pattern.

> **Why Double Seed Stitch?** Unlike standard seed stitch (which can draw in and become wavy), Double Seed Stitch alternates pairs of rows, resulting in a fabric that lies flatter, is more stable, and has a pleasing woven texture on both sides. It's one of the best "stiff without cabling" stitch patterns available.

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## Instructions

### PANEL (Make 2)

**Cast On**

Using the long-tail cast-on (recommended for a firm, stable edge):

CO **70 [80] sts**.

> **Math Check:** 70 sts ÷ 5 sts/inch = 14 inches total panel width. After seaming (approx. ½" per side seam), finished interior width = ~13 inches. ✅
> 80 sts ÷ 5 sts/inch = 16 inches total panel width → finished interior width = ~15 inches. ✅

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**Foundation Row (WS set-up):**

*P1, k1; rep from * to end.
*(This sets up your seed stitch baseline before beginning the 4-row repeat.)*

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**Body**

Begin working **Double Seed Stitch** as follows:

- **Row 1 (RS):** *K1, p1; rep from * to end.
- **Row 2 (WS):** *K1, p1; rep from * to end.
- **Row 3 (RS):** *P1, k1; rep from * to end.
- **Row 4 (WS):** *P1, k1; rep from * to end.

**Rep Rows 1–4** until piece measures **10 [11] inches** from cast-on edge, ending after a Row 4 (WS row).

> **Math Check:**
> - S: 10 inches × 7 rows/inch = 70 rows of body. ✅
> - L: 11 inches × 7 rows/inch = 77 rows of body (rounds to end of a 4-row repeat = 76 rows, giving 10¾ inches — entirely sufficient). ✅

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**Bind Off**

Bind off **all 70 [80] sts** on a RS row as follows for a firm, structured edge:

*K1, p1; rep bind-off across in pattern* — meaning bind off in pattern (knit the knit stitches, purl the purl stitches as they appear) to maintain the texture to the very edge.

> **Tip:** Bind off firmly but not so tightly that the edge puckers. If your bind-off tends to be loose, go down one needle size for the bind-off row only.

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**Set panel aside. Knit a second identical panel.**

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## Finishing

### Step 1 — Weave in Ends

Before seaming, weave in all ends on both panels securely. Leave the long tail from your cast-on — this can be used to begin seaming the bottom edge.

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### Step 2 — Block Both Panels

Wet-block or steam-block both panels to the finished measurements:
- **S:** 14" wide × 10" tall
- **L:** 16" wide × 11" tall

Pin flat and allow to dry completely. Blocking will even out the Double Seed Stitch and make seaming much easier.

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### Step 3 — Seam the Bottom Edge

Hold both panels together with wrong sides facing (so seam is on the inside).

**Option A — Three-Needle Bind-Off (if you did not bind off yet):**
With a third needle, work a three-needle bind-off across the cast-on edge for a clean, flat seam.

**Option B — Whipstitch or Mattress Stitch (both panels already bound off):**
Using the cast-on tail and a tapestry needle, whipstitch the cast-on edges together firmly across all 70 [80] stitches. Pull snugly.

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### Step 4 — Seam the Side Edges

With RS facing out (WS together), use **mattress stitch** to seam both side edges:

1. Thread tapestry needle with a length of yarn (approximately 15 [17] inches).
2. Beginning at the bottom corner, work mattress stitch up the full height of both side edges.
3. Leave the top **open** — this is the opening for your laptop.

> **Tip for mattress stitch on seed stitch:** Pick up the bar between the first and second stitch on each side, alternating between panels, pulling snugly every 4–5 stitches to avoid puckering. The textured fabric hides seams beautifully.

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### Step 5 — Optional Closure

**To add a button loop closure:**

1. Cut a 24-inch length of yarn.
2. On the RS of the **back panel**, at the center of the bind-off edge, use a tapestry needle to work a small sewn loop (or finger-crochet a chain of approximately 6–8 chain stitches) large enough to fit snugly over your button. Secure firmly.
3. Sew a button to the corresponding position on the **front panel** at the center of the bind-off edge.

*Alternatively, sew a magnetic snap to the interior of both panels at the center top edge for a clean, modern closure.*

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### Step 6 — Final Finishing

- Weave in any remaining ends.
- Give the completed sleeve one final light steam pressing along the seams to flatten them.
- Turn RS out and check that the laptop slides in and out smoothly with a snug but not tight fit.

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## Sizing Adjustment Guide

If your laptop is a different size, use this formula:

| Measurement | Formula |
|-------------|---------|
| **Cast-on stitches** | (Laptop width in inches + 1") × 5 sts/inch, round to nearest even number |
| **Body rows** | (Laptop height in inches + 0.5") × 7 rows/inch, round to nearest multiple of 4 |
| **Yardage** | Add approx. 10 yards per additional inch of width or height |

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## Schematic

```
   ┌─────────────────────────────┐  ← Bind-off edge (open top)
   │                             │
   │    DOUBLE SEED STITCH       │
   │         BODY                │  10 [11]"
   │                             │
   │                             │
   └─────────────────────────────┘  ← Cast-on edge (seamed bottom)
         14 [16]" wide
         (Make 2 identical panels)
```

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## Tips for Success

- **Don't be afraid of the firm gauge.** The slight resistance you feel while knitting on US 6 needles with worsted yarn is exactly right — it means your fabric will be dense and protective.
- **Check your work against your actual laptop** after blocking but before seaming. Lay your laptop on the panel to confirm it will fit with a small amount of ease on all sides.
- **Choose a yarn with some natural fiber content.** Wool or wool blends (even superwash) have memory and will spring back, maintaining the sleeve's shape over time. 100% acrylic may stretch out with use.
- **For extra stiffness**, you can hold the yarn double and use US 7 / 4.5 mm needles — just re-swatch and recalculate your cast-on accordingly.
- **For extra padding**, a thin layer of foam or quilt batting can be inserted inside the finished sleeve before sliding in your laptop.

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*Pattern designed for intermediate knitters. Techniques used: long-tail cast-on, Double Seed Stitch, mattress stitch seaming, optional three-needle bind-off.*

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