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The next time you want a few stolen moments with your sweetie, hang this sign on your door for guaranteed privacy. Bring one with you when you travel, too. You never know when it'll come in handy!

A nice thing about this project is that you don't have to worry about achieving a precise fit or perfect gauge. You can also use up extra yarns from your stash, since it requires very little.

Just remember that the thicker the yarn, the farther away you'll have to stand to read the sign. City dwellers in tight spaces may want to stick with DK or finer gauge unless they plan on reading the sign from their neighbor's doorway. [Then again, if you're trying to dissuade your neighbors from interrupting you, that may be perfect!]

If working with multiple colors makes you nervous, you can always knit the front in plain stockinette and add the pattern later using duplicate stitch.

photos: Clara Parkes

SIZE
One
 
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Width: 3 inches
Height: 8 inches plus handle

 

MATERIALS

[MC] Rowan Cotton Glacé [100% cotton; 125yd/115m per 50g skein];
color: Bubbles (724); 1 skein
[CC] Rowan Cotton Glacé [100% cotton; 125yd/115m per 50g skein];
color: Glee (799); 1 skein

1 set US #3/3.25mm straight needles
yarn needle
2.5 x 7.5" piece of cardboard (optional)

 

GAUGE

24 sts/40 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch

 
DIRECTIONS

Front
With MC, CO 18 sts.
Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1* rep to end.
Row 2: *P1, k1* rep to end.
Rows 3 and 5: K all sts.
Rows 4 and 6: K2, p14, k2.
Row 7: K2, work from chart beg at bottom arrow, k2.
Rows 8-53: K2, work from chart, k2.
Rows 54 and 56: K2, p14, k2.
Rows 55 and 57: K all sts.
Row 58 (WS): *P1, k1* rep to end.
Row 59: *K1, p1* rep to end.
BO.

Back
With MC, CO 18 sts.
Row 1 (RS): *K
1, p1* rep to end.
Row 2: *P1, k1* rep to end.
Row 3: K all sts.
Row 4: K2, p14, k2.
Rep rows 3 and 4 until you've formed 35 ridges along the garter edge (one ridge equals two rows). The back should be just a few rows shorter than the finished front at this point.
Next row: *K1, p1* rep to end.
Next row: *P1, k1* rep to end.
BO.

 
FINISHING

Block front and back pieces to identical size. This is also a good time to fix any gaps, uneven stitches, or chart errors you may discover. (Duplicate stitch is perfect for last-minute touch-ups.)

With WSs facing each other, sew front and back pieces tog beg at the bottom of the piece and working up each side. On sides, achieve an even edge by stitching together the garter "ridges" closest to each edge (see close-up photo). Don't close up the top yet!

Handle
With MC, CO 5 sts.

Row 1: *K1, p1*, rep to end.

Rep row 1 until piece measures 6 inches from beg, or whatever length is necessary for the handle to slide easily over your doorknob.

BO.

Form a U shape with the handle and insert each end into the open top of the sign (between the front and back pieces). Sew front and back pieces tog, beg at one corner and passing the yarn from front to back, securing the handle as you go.

If you prefer a more rigid sign, cut out a piece of cardboard slightly smaller than the sign front. Slide this piece of cardboard in between the front and back of the sign before you close up the top.

Weave in any loose ends, then grab your sweetie and take the sign for a test drive!

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Clara Parkes is the founder and publisher of Knitter's Review.

When not trying to destroy innocent yarn swatches, she can be found daydreaming on her back porch, sipping tea, and planning yet more unfinished projects.