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Hands Occupied

Colorful knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame from craft book author & designer Heidi Gustad.

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Bulky Knit Rug Pattern

March 23, 2015 52 Comments

Click through for a free pattern for a Bulky Knit Rug!
I have wanted to knit a bulky area rug for my office for years, and I finally found the right combo of yarn and needles to do it. What’s so great about this design is its beginner-friendliness. You only need to knit and purl to make this room-warming 4×6 foot rug. The yarn used is made from polyester too, so it’s machine washable!

Speaking of the yarn, exceptionally bulky yarn is hard to come by at an affordable price. Size-wise, a lot of mass market yarns max out at being designed for about a size 13 or 15 (US) knitting needle. For this project, I found some yarn designed for a size 11 needle that would work as a rug, and simply doubled it up to get a bulky yarn that knits well on size US 50 (25 mm)needles for a reasonable price.

Click through for a free pattern for a Bulky Knit Rug!

For all you dog lovers out there, this is one of my dogs, Woodrow. Today is apparently National Puppy Day, so it worked out that Woodrow decided to model this rug for us. And by that I mean wander into my shot and take a nap. :)

Bulky Knit Rug Pattern

Skills
How to do a basic knitting cast on
How to do a knit stitch
How to purl
How to bind off
How to knit rib stitch
How to read yarn labels (to help selecting a different yarn than the one listed here)
How to knit stockinette stitch (see the bottom of this post for a tutorial)

Abbreviations
CO – cast on
k – knit
p – purl
sts – stitches
BO – bind off

Supplies
1 pair size US 50 (25 mm) knitting needles
2 skeins Bernat Blanket yarn [10.5 oz. (300g) / 200 yds (201 m) per skein] in Pale Grey
tapestry needle for sewing panels & weaving in ends
scissors

Gauge & dimensions: 3 sts & 4 rows = 4″ in stockinette stitch. Finished rug measures approx. 4′ tall by 6′ wide.

Click through for a free pattern for a Bulky Knit Rug!

The Pattern

Note: This whole pattern is knit holding two strands of yarn together to achieve a bulkier look.

Panel 1 & 3: Garter Panels
Using two strands of the recommended yarn held double and US 50 (25 mm) needles, CO 20 sts.
row 1. k 20.
Continue until panel measures 4 feet. BO all sts and weave in ends.

Panel 2: Stockinette Panel
Using two strands of the recommended yarn held double and US 50 (25 mm) needles, CO 20 sts.
row 1. k 20.
row 2. p 20.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until panel measures 4 feet. BO all sts and weave in ends.

Again hold two strands of your yarn together as one.Using a tapestry needle, sew panels 1 & 3 to either side of panel 2 using an overcast stitch or mattress stitch. Weave in all ends to finish.

Click through for a free pattern for a Bulky Knit Rug!

How to knit stockinette stitch

As I mentioned in last week’s weekly picks, I’ll be winding down this season’s Knewbies/knitting 101 series today with this final post sharing the most recognizable stitch in knitting – stockinette stitch. For those brand new to knitting, here’s a video tutorial on how to knit stockinette stitch. And since two thirds of this rug is knit in garter stitch, you can check out this post for how to knit that too.

Filed Under: Free Patterns, Knitting, Knitting & Crochet, Knitting 101 Tagged With: beginner knitting pattern, free pattern, how to knit stockinette stitch, knewbies, knit rug, rug knitting pattern, stockinette stitch

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad is a craft book author, designer & creator specializing in yarn crafts like knitting, crochet, latch hook & macramé. Her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now.

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Comments

  1. jane rogers

    March 23, 2015 at 9:07 am

    Hi – OMG I LOVE that rug !!!!!!!! I will be checking on line for the yarn and making one as soon as it arrives – amazing !!! thanks for sharing !!!! jane

    Reply
  2. margaret price

    March 23, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    I am sooooo going to make this — just ordered my yarn at Fabric.com and got it for 2.48 a skein! Making in white for the front foyer!!!!! Thanks Heidi for sharing another grrrrreat pattern!!!!

    Reply
  3. Julie

    March 23, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    Wow, I love it! Great texture, and really lovely. And your pup seems to think it’s mighty cozy, too.

    Reply
  4. jenn

    March 23, 2015 at 8:45 pm

    that is awesome! and holding two strands of yarn together is such a great idea! it looks great!

    Reply
  5. Stef

    March 23, 2015 at 11:35 pm

    This is fantastic! I’ve wanted to make a blanket or rug for ages, but haven’t been able to find an enticing yarn that is substantial enough and still affordable.

    Reply
  6. Irene Scott

    March 30, 2015 at 5:10 pm

    Where do you find size 50 needles?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      March 30, 2015 at 5:59 pm

      Joann actually carries some affordable plastic ones by Boye. They’re the ones I used for this myself! :)

      Reply
      • jeannie carle

        October 29, 2019 at 8:02 pm

        APPARENTLY THIS MUST BE ORDERED ON-LINE. JOANNES IN ST JOSEPH DOES NOT CARRY THEM. i plan to use size 19 needles and cast on 60 and see how that works :-) (that’s the largest size I have).

        Reply
  7. geri

    August 20, 2015 at 8:28 am

    Great idea! I would suggest adding a non slip backing to it. It’s likely to shift when walking on it. Maybe attach a skid bottom they sell at Lowe’s or Home Depot.

    Reply
  8. Joanne

    September 14, 2015 at 9:55 am

    Hi,

    I love this idea and started knitting it up (2 strands with size 50), but I found the stitches very loose. Approximately, what gauge did yours knit up as?

    Thanks – Joanne

    Reply
    • Heidi

      September 14, 2015 at 10:20 pm

      Here’s my gauge: 3 stitches and 4 rows = 4 inches in stockinette. :)

      Reply
  9. Christine

    January 7, 2016 at 11:47 am

    I really love the look of this rug and Woodrow proves that it’s quite comfy underfoot. I’ve been looking for a small, washable rug for a small sunroom. I think this is it!

    Reply
  10. Kathy Beggs

    January 11, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    Hi Heidi. I have a question about how you sew the panels together. What stitch did you use. Like mattress st. Etc. thank you so much. I printed this pattern out some time ago and haven’t gotten around to it yet. Was thinking holding to strands of blanket yarn together my hurt my hands but it is so beautiful I am going to make it one day.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 13, 2016 at 1:27 pm

      Hi Kathy! I used the overcast stitch, and here’s a great tutorial on how to do it. If you love a super clean finished look on the right side, you can also use mattress stitch, but there will be a slight seam on the back. :)

      Reply
  11. Hannah

    January 12, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    You didn’t use circular needles? I am having trouble finding any needles longer than 14″.. I have only made scarves in the past so I am clueless!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 13, 2016 at 1:26 pm

      Yep! I just knit three large rectangles on straight needles. The work had to bunch up a little to all fit on the needle, but the finished project turned out just fine. Circular needles are certainly less fiddly to work with for this pattern, but in the past they’ve been hard to find at affordable prices.

      Update from Heidi, posted 8/12/18: More recently, Boye has made a circular US 50 (25mm) plastic needle available at JoAnn’s and similar stores.

      Reply
  12. Charlene

    February 20, 2016 at 9:35 pm

    I made a smaller version of this rug for my powder room using Bravo Big
    Then I knit one for brother. So comfy to walk on :)

    Reply
  13. Elizabeth

    May 2, 2016 at 10:53 pm

    I love this rug pattern! I have been looking for a rug to make for my new home this is perfect . Thank you I will let you know how it turns out 😊

    Reply
    • Heidi

      May 5, 2016 at 1:45 pm

      Yay! Can’t wait to see it!

      Reply
  14. Niyousha Kerr

    January 6, 2017 at 9:08 am

    Hi, just curious how large this rug is? And could i turn into a hallway runner instead? It’s beatiful

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 8, 2017 at 9:40 pm

      Thank you! Each panel is about 2’x4′, so the finished rug as pictured is 6’x4′. You could sew the panels end to end to form a runner, no problem! If you’re knitting at the listed gauge, you’ll be able to make a 2’x12′ runner using the pattern on this page. A quick caveat: You might want to do all garter stitch panels to avoid edge curling that will inevitable happen on the stockinette stitch panel.

      Reply
  15. Margaret

    January 6, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    What did you use to sew the panels together? The yarn (single/double?) or what kind of thread? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 8, 2017 at 9:38 pm

      The same yarn that was used in the pattern was used to sew the panels together. Doubled up and sewn with a tapestry needle.

      Reply
      • Margaret

        January 9, 2017 at 8:21 pm

        Thank you so much. I have read all of the questions and answers and you are so responsive to all who have questions and I really appreciate it. I am a beginner and it helps so much. You are awesome!!

        Reply
  16. Mary

    February 3, 2017 at 8:56 am

    Thank you. I am inspired…. just one question — would you care to comment on the durability of the rug, now that it is a couple of years old? I am planning to use the same yarn you did. Thanks from a fellow Chicagoan!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      February 3, 2017 at 6:01 pm

      I’ve washed the rug myself a few times using a delicate cycle and it’s still all good! The 100% polyester yarn is totally durable. The only annoyance for me is the need to re-weave in loose ends occasionally. :)

      Reply
  17. Iceni

    June 6, 2017 at 2:17 pm

    Hi, thanks for the delightful pattern, I have some ancient Lopi yarn in my stash and this will work perfectly,but can you tell me what the Canadian size needles would be in mm s please.?
    Best wishes.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      June 10, 2017 at 12:29 am

      50 US = 25 mm :)

      Reply
  18. Leonie

    June 17, 2017 at 5:55 am

    Hi Heidi
    If we cannot buy Bernat blanket yarn in South Africa, what other make vould you suggest, in order to get the same look?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      June 17, 2017 at 10:54 am

      Hi Leonie! Do you know how to read yarn labels? You need to check the labels for yarn that suits a huge needle. Here’s a tutorial on how to read yarn labels.

      Reply
  19. Mary Skoy

    September 9, 2017 at 10:30 pm

    I’ve been searching for a knit rug pattern and this is it!! Thank you. I’m going to order the Bernat Blanket Yarn and just wonder about its light fastness. I’d like to put the rug in a sunny area, but I’m concerned about fading.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      September 10, 2017 at 11:31 am

      I’m sorry, I don’t actually know for certain how light fast it is. I can say from experience with mine that it’s machine washable and my dogs haven’t managed to wreck it yet, despite being obsessed with the squishy fabric. The yarn is polyester, do it’s durable for sure. If you find more details about the lightfastness, let me know!

      Reply
  20. Jaime

    December 7, 2017 at 10:31 am

    Hi Heidi! I’m a new knitter and have really enjoyed browsing your designs! I love the concept and the look of this rug and totally want to make it. Do you have any sort of gripper or backing under the rug to keep it from sliding around on the floor? I’m imagining a slippery yarn flip-flopping around with my cats playing on it.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      December 7, 2017 at 7:08 pm

      Yeah! As a fellow pet owner, I like using the ones that work like this. :)

      Reply
      • Jaime

        December 9, 2017 at 10:07 am

        Sweet, thanks!

        Reply
  21. Elizabeth G Cabrera

    July 2, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    I love the music at the beginning of your tutorials! Can you tell me what it is?
    Thank you for the help, your directions are nice and clear.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      July 4, 2018 at 10:37 am

      Just emailed you! :)

      Reply
  22. paola

    September 8, 2018 at 10:53 am

    Hello, like the earlier person commenting I have used a similar yarn with 50 needles but the stitches are SO loose? Is this normal? It feels to loose to knit up like yours in the picture….

    Reply
    • Heidi

      September 8, 2018 at 3:57 pm

      To make the more affordable yarn work at a super bulky gauge, the loops are going to be loose, which was intentional (you’ll notice the gauge is 3 sts & 4 rows per 4 inches (i.e. 0.75 stitches per inch and 1 row per inch). If you prefer a tighter gauge you can use a smaller needle size for a denser gauge, but you’ll need to adjust the pattern accordingly, casting on more stitches and working more rows depending on the gauge you’re working with on the smaller needles. Best of luck!

      Reply
  23. Amanda

    January 1, 2019 at 12:58 am

    Thank you for the very easy pattern. This was my first project and it looks like a rug… with a lot of holes. I know I need my gauge and tension to be worked on since I used 4 balls of yarn!

    Reply
    • JEAN STARR

      February 20, 2019 at 10:42 pm

      What a great idea! Thank you for sharing. I will definately make this rug. (P.S. Woodrow is adorable!)

      Reply
  24. Kim

    September 22, 2019 at 11:48 am

    The yarn is so hard to use and it gets stuck and fails to glide smoothly. I have to lift the previous stitch to let the current stitch glide through even if I’m knitting super loosely. Very unweilding, not fun having to war with your yarn every few stitches. It’s so cheap, and I guess that’s why it’s great for a dog rug. It’s my first time to knit with polyester and with such jumbo needles and I am finding it cumbersome. The carpet looks like a loopy mess. I don’t know how you can manage a tighter tension with such big needles.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      September 24, 2019 at 11:01 am

      If you’re finding your gauge to be too loose on the listed needles, you can size down. It’s an easy, go-to trick that can come in handy at any gauge – I recently used it on a fingering weight sweater myself and it’s helping me achieve a good fit!

      Reply
  25. Heather Cornelious

    April 30, 2020 at 11:33 am

    I made this rug and she sleeps on it every day beside my desk. I wanted to send you a picture but I am not sure how to attach it and/or how to send it.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      May 1, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      You can email me at heidi-at-handsoccupied-dot-com if you’d like!

      Reply
  26. Marlene

    January 29, 2021 at 4:36 pm

    I would like to have it non skidding on my hardwood floor. What do you suggest?
    To be able to wash it maybe somehow lay it on a non skid backing to be able to remove when washing? Would love some ideas.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 31, 2021 at 4:29 pm

      Simply buy non-stick rug backing as you would for other rugs that do not come with built in backing. You can buy it to size or cut it to your preference.

      Reply
  27. June Jensen

    July 11, 2021 at 11:36 pm

    I have been looking for a pattern for a rug for my bathroom and this will be perfect. I’m sure my cats will love it as much as Woodrow likes yours. Thanks, June

    Reply
  28. Deborah

    July 31, 2021 at 11:25 am

    Hello, will Jumbo 7 Bernat Blanket Extra yarn work for this pattern? If so, will I still need to double strand the yarn?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Heidi

      August 9, 2021 at 1:16 pm

      Whoa! I’m new to that yarn to be honest, but it looks incredibly promising as a single strand option. If you can get gauge with just one strand, I say go for it! The gauge listed on the label is close. Good luck :)

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Free Summer Projects (For a Rainy Day) | says:
    May 19, 2015 at 2:31 pm

    […] Bulky Knit Rug from Hands Occupied – We all need a rug like this for our muddy boots, or just to have something pretty in our entryway. […]

    Reply

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), a craft book author & pattern designer specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. Really anything with yarn! ❤️  My work combines vintage and modern design elements, featuring bold colors and graphic motifs.

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handsoccupied

Helping yarn crafters untangle various techniques on the internet since 2010
🧶 Really into intarsia
Stay up-to-date 💌 & shop the latest patterns ⤵️

Heidi Gustad 🧶 knitting & yarn crafts
This audio was me last summer while secretly desig This audio was me last summer while secretly designing the Spiral Hill Sweater Vest pattern behind the scenes. 😆 I very often design with primary colors, so trying to explain suddenly working with black, white and grey was awkward/kinda funny. 🩶
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In case you missed it, this is my design from the new book ‘Disney Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas: The Official Knitting Guide to Halloween Town and Christmas Town,’ available now from @insighteditions & @tanisknits. We’re doing a knit along starting very soon, and we’ll be knitting this pattern! I’ve got weekly video tutorials planned for this educationally-focused knit along. This KAL is especially for you if you’re eager to work on your intarsia. 🧶
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Full KAL details, yarn quantities & pattern information are available on my bl0g, the 🔗 is where you’d think. 
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Yarn: @brooklyntweed Imbue Worsted
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#nightmarebeforechristmasknittingbook #handsoccupied #spiralhillsweatervest #knitting #halloweenknitting #knitalong #kal #knitting_inspiration #intarsia #intarsiaknitting #learntoknit
Wow! I am floored by the awesome response to the S Wow! I am floored by the awesome response to the Spiral Hill Sweater Vest. Thank you. 🙏🏻❤️ If you love this pattern & didn’t know already, we are going to be doing a knit along (KAL) from October 1-29 featuring this spooky sweater vest & lots of tutorials, especially for the intarsia part. 
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Later today my newsletter will be coming out with additional Knit Along details, so if you’re not already signed up, now is a great time - the 🔗 is in my b1o. 
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Pictured: My Spiral Hill Sweater Vest pattern from the new Nightmare Before Christmas knitting book by @tanisknits. Model is wearing size 1 with 2” of positive ease, knit in @brooklyntweed Imbue Worsted. Vest images via @insighteditions 
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#spiralhillsweatervest #handsoccupied #nightmarebeforechristmasknittingbook
At long last! I can share the Spiral Hill Sweater At long last! I can share the Spiral Hill Sweater Vest, my contribution to the new book Disney Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas: The Official Knitting Guide to Halloween Town and Christmas Town, out now! 🎃💀 
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I’m hosting a knit along (KAL) October 1-29 for anyone who’d like to knit this vest along with a group & learn a little about intarsia while we’re at it. I’ve got weekly tutorials planned to help you knit this worsted weight sweater vest, and there’s a prize package giveaway at the end for KAL participants too. Details are on my site - you know where to find the 🔗 I think. 😉
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Book by @tanisknits 
Publisher @insighteditions 
Yarn @brooklyntweed Imbue 
Find it wherever fine books are sold. 
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#handsoccupied #nightmarebeforechristmas #intarsia #sweatervest #knittingpattern #knittingbook #spiralhill #knitting_inspiration #knitting
Since there was some interest in stills of my WIPs Since there was some interest in stills of my WIPs closet after this weekend’s quick tutorial, here are few. ✂️ The tutorial is one post back in my feed as a video.
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As you can see, I didn’t worry about the wire hangers all being perfectly uniform, but it doesn’t matter to me. Also, this closet holds a lot! Despite that, it is already at capacity. Since the hanging bags don’t appear to be recyclable, I want to reuse them as long as possible. Who knows, maybe this will be a way to limit my WIPs? 😅
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P.s. In the third photo you can see how I use this system to store the original swatches, scraps, yarn ball bands, & notes from a design project all together. 
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#handsoccupied #wips #craftstorage #yarnstorage #yarncrafts #knitting_inspiration #craftstudio #craftroom #craftcloset
How to convert a closet into WIPs storage with jus How to convert a closet into WIPs storage with just a few supplies ✂️
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When I was a librarian, we would use these hanging bags to circulate books with audiobook CDs. They came to mind when I wanted to develop a filing cabinet-like system for my differently-sized WIPs. To fit in my studio closet, a standard bedroom closet, they just needed custom hangers. 🤙🏻 
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HOW TO MAKE THE HANGERS
1. Carefully cut approx. a 9” (23 cm) length of flexible 3 mm aluminum wire.
2. Near the end of a large knitting needle or dowel, wrap the wire around it as you would a twist tie. 
3. Bend the other end into a hook shape, perpendicular to the circle shape you just created. 
4. Hang like a hanger in a closet, as shown. 
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#handsoccupied #handmadelife #knitting_inspiration #craftcloset #craftroom #craftroomorganization #craftroomstorage #craftroomdecor #crocheter #latchhook #knittersofinstagram #wip #wips #hangingstorage
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