purlJam

# The Classic Leseknochen (Reading Bone)

**Description**
A "Leseknochen" (Reading Bone) is an ergonomic neck pillow shaped like a bone. It is designed to support the neck while reading or to prop up a tablet or book on your lap. This pattern is constructed by knitting three identical flat pieces shaped like dumbbells, which are then seamed together to create the 3D form. It is knitted in Garter Stitch on smaller needles to create a dense fabric that keeps the stuffing secure.

**Difficulty Level**
Intermediate

**Size**
One Size
**Length:** Approx. 38.5 cm (15 inches)
**Diameter at widest point:** Approx. 18 cm (7 inches)

**Materials**
*   **Yarn:** Approx. 250 metres of Worsted / Aran weight yarn. (Wool or acrylic blends work best for durability).
*   **Needles:** 4.0mm (UK 8 / US 6) straight or circular needles. *Note: We are using a needle size smaller than standard for this yarn weight to create a tight fabric.*
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle for seaming, high-quality polyester fibre fill (stuffing), pins or locking stitch markers.

**Tension (Gauge)**
20 stitches and 38 rows = 10 x 10 cm in Garter Stitch (knit every row).
*It is crucial to meet this tension to ensure the pillow is the correct size and the fabric is dense enough to hold stuffing.*

**Abbreviations (UK Terminology)**
*   **k:** knit
*   **p:** purl
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **sl1wyif:** slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front (creates a neat edge for seaming)
*   **kfb:** knit into front and back of next stitch (1 stitch increased)
*   **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
*   **ssk:** slip, slip, knit (slip 2 sts separately knitwise, put tip of left needle into fronts of these 2 sts and knit them together – 1 stitch decreased)
*   **RS:** Right Side
*   **WS:** Wrong Side

---

## Instructions

**Panel Construction**
*Make 3 identical pieces.*

**Section 1: The First Lobe**
Cast on 6 sts using the Long Tail Cast On method.

**Row 1 (WS):** Sl1wyif, k to end. [6 sts]
**Row 2 (RS - Inc):** Sl1wyif, k1, kfb, k to last 3 sts, kfb, k2. [6 start + 2 inc = 8 sts]
**Row 3:** Sl1wyif, k to end. [8 sts]

**Rows 4–31:** Repeat Rows 2 and 3 fourteen more times.
*[Math Check: You increase 2 sts every RS row (every 2nd row). 14 repeats = 28 additional sts. Starting 8 sts + 28 sts = 36 sts]*
**Stitch count at end of Row 31:** 36 sts.

**Rows 32–41:** Work straight in Garter Stitch (Sl1wyif, k to end) for 10 rows.
*[Purpose: This elongates the widest part of the bone slightly.]*

**Section 2: The Waist (Decrease)**
**Row 42 (RS - Dec):** Sl1wyif, k1, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. [36 start - 2 dec = 34 sts]
**Row 43:** Sl1wyif, k to end. [34 sts]

**Rows 44–59:** Repeat Rows 42 and 43 eight more times.
*[Math Check: 8 repeats x 2 sts decreased = 16 sts removed. 34 sts - 16 sts = 18 sts]*
**Stitch count at end of Row 59:** 18 sts.

**Section 3: The Middle Neck Support**
**Rows 60–89:** Work straight in Garter Stitch (Sl1wyif, k to end) for 30 rows.
*[Math Check: 30 rows / 3.8 rows per cm ≈ 8 cm length for the narrowest neck section.]*

**Section 4: The Second Lobe (Increase)**
**Row 90 (RS - Inc):** Sl1wyif, k1, kfb, k to last 3 sts, kfb, k2. [18 start + 2 inc = 20 sts]
**Row 91:** Sl1wyif, k to end. [20 sts]

**Rows 92–107:** Repeat Rows 90 and 91 eight more times.
*[Math Check: 8 repeats x 2 sts increased = 16 sts added. 20 sts + 16 sts = 36 sts]*
**Stitch count at end of Row 107:** 36 sts.

**Rows 108–117:** Work straight in Garter Stitch (Sl1wyif, k to end) for 10 rows.

**Section 5: Closing (Decrease)**
**Row 118 (RS - Dec):** Sl1wyif, k1, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. [36 start - 2 dec = 34 sts]
**Row 119:** Sl1wyif, k to end. [34 sts]

**Rows 120–147:** Repeat Rows 118 and 119 fourteen more times.
*[Math Check: 14 repeats x 2 sts decreased = 28 sts removed. 34 sts - 28 sts = 6 sts]*
**Stitch count at end of Row 147:** 6 sts.

**Row 148 (WS):** Sl1wyif, k to end. [6 sts]

Cast off all 6 sts knitwise on the next row. Cut yarn leaving a 30cm tail.

---

## Finishing

**Assembly**
1.  **Blocking:** Lightly steam block the three strips to ensure they are equal in length. Do not stretch them out, just flatten them.
2.  **Pinning:** Lay two strips with Right Sides facing (though Garter stitch is reversible, choose the side you prefer). Pin one long edge together, matching the increases and decreases curve for curve.
3.  **Seaming (Part 1):** Using the mattress stitch, sew the two strips together along one long edge. The `sl1wyif` edge creates horizontal bars; insert your needle under two bars on one side, then two bars on the other.
4.  **Seaming (Part 2):** Pin the third strip to the raw edge of the second strip. Sew this seam.
5.  **Seaming (Part 3):** You now have a tube open along one side. Pin the remaining edge of the third strip to the raw edge of the first strip. Sew this seam, but **stop approximately 10cm (4 inches) before the end** to leave a gap for stuffing.
6.  **Ends:** Sew the cast-on and cast-off edges (the 6-stitch ends) together tightly at the top and bottom of the "bone" so there are no holes at the poles.

**Stuffing**
1.  Stuff the pillow firmly. Start by pushing stuffing deep into the far ends (the bulbs) to ensure they are round and firm.
2.  Fill the middle (waist) section last.
3.  The pillow should be firm enough to support weight, not floppy.

**Closing**
1.  Complete the final mattress stitch seam to close the gap.
2.  Weave in all loose ends.
3.  Massage the pillow to distribute the fibre fill evenly.