Directions for a Lap Robe
Dress up a nursing home, hospital bed, or sick room with a handmade lap robe. The basic pattern for lap robes, also known as lap blankets, is simple enough for even a beginning knitter, and the addition of a lace or entrelac pattern can make it challenging enough for an experienced knitter. Expand or decrease this pattern to suit your needs. Just keep the number of stitches divisible by six. If donating a lap robe, keep the lap robe just long enough to cover the lap and tuck beneath the feet and small enough to roll up and stick in the back pocket of a wheelchair.
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Things You'll Need
- 30 ounces of yarn
- Size 8 straight knitting needles
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Crochet hook (optional)
Instructions
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1
Cast on 48 stitches with two strands of yarn. Knit both strands as one. This will create a warmer blanket that is also more durable.
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2
Knit 3 stitches, purl 3 stitches. Repeat to the end of the row. Repeat pattern on the next two rows.
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3
Purl 3 stitches, knit 3 stitches. Repeat to the end of the row. Repeat the pattern on the next two rows.
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4
Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the lap rope reaches the desired length.
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5
Cast off and weave strands of yarn into the material. Cut off loose ends.
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6
Work double crochet along the edges of the blanket for a border.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Check with your local hospitals and nursing homes to find out about donating lap robes. Be sure to use bright and cheerful colors to further brighten their day.
Use machine washable yarn. Acrylic comes in a wide variety of textures and hues, and it is often the best choice for projects that must be washed repeatedly.
Change the basic look of the lap robe by selecting a different stitch pattern. The basic concept of a lap robe is that it is a blanket that covers the lap, legs, and feet. See Resource 1 and 2 for some different stitch patterns.
References
Resources
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