Looking for a way to use up extra bits of cotton yarn? If so, try knitting simple, stylish napkin rings. Since these napkin rings are small, they can be made with spare yarn left over from larger cotton yarn projects, such as dishcloths or placemats. Napkin rings not only take a small amount of yarn to complete, but they are simple projects for even beginners to knitting.
Knit these three different styles using the garter stitch, rib stitch, and a bordered stockinette stitch, all of which are very basic, easy stitches for beginners to master. For those more advanced with knitting, these napkin rings can be completed quickly, so they make a nice last minute gift idea or a fast weeknight project. Consider making a few of each style or several of one style for a more uniform look to the dining table.
Materials
- Size 8 Knitting Needles
- Cotton Yarn
- Yarn Needle
Abbreviations Used in These Patterns
- sts - stitches
- K - knit
- P - purl
Garter Stitch Napkin Ring Instructions
- Cast on 8 sts
- Row 1: Knit
- Knit each row until the piece measures 4.5 inches from the beginning of the work
- Cast off
- With the wrong sides of the work facing out, sew the ends together to form a ring, using the yarn needle
- Turn right side out
- Repeat these steps for the desired number of napkin rings
Ribbed Napkin Ring Instructions
- Cast on 8 sts
- Row 1: (K1, P1) to the end of the row
- Repeat this row until the piece measures 4.5 inches from the beginning of the work
- Cast off
- Using the yarn needle, with the wrong side facing out, sew the ends together to from a ring
- Turn right side out
- Repeat these steps until the desired number of napkin rings is reached
Border Napkin Ring Instructions
- Cast on 8 sts
- Row 1: K2, P4, K2 (this is the wrong side)
- Row 2: Knit (this is the right side)
- Repeat rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 4.5 inches from the beginning of the work, ending with a Row 1
- Cast off
- Using the yarn needle, sew the ends together, making sure the wrong side is facing out
- Turn right side out
- Repeat these steps for the desired number of napkin rings
Variations on the Napkin Rings
To make a wider napkin ring, cast on 10 or 12 stitches rather than 8. To make a narrower napkin ring, cast on 6 stitches. The pattern for the border napkin ring will have to be adjusted based on the number of cast on stitches used. Always knit the first two stitches of each row, but adjust the number of purled stitches in the middle of the odd numbered rows.
For other variations, consider using a variety of colors when making a set of napkin rings. Instead of making them all one color, as the pictured napkin rings are, use two complimentary colors instead.
More Free Knitting Patterns
Jeris Swanhorst - After earning a Bachelor's degree in English, Literature from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2005, Jeris Swanhorst went on to earn ...
Join the Conversation