(Just right for trying cables for the first time!)
200 yards worsted weight yarn
1 U.S. size 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular, or size to achieve gauge
Stitch markers
Cable needle
Yarn needle
Circumference: 17 inches
Length: 18 inches
16 sts and 24 rounds = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch
Cast on 52 sts and join to work in the round. Place a marker at beginning of round and after 26 sts to mark sides.
Round 1: *K1f&b, knit to 1 st before marker, k1f&b, slip marker; repeat from * once—4 sts increased.
Rounds 2–4: Repeat Round 1—68 sts at end of Round 4.
Rounds 5–;9: K12, p2, k6, p2, k12, slip marker, k34.
Round 10: K12, p2, slip the next 3 sts onto cable needle and hold behind work, knit the next 3 sts from the left-hand needle, then knit the 3 sts from the cable needle, p2, knit to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 5–;10 until piece measures 10 inches from beginning.
Decrease Round: *K1, ssk, work to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker; repeat from * once—4 sts decreased.
Maintaining cable pattern, repeat Decrease Round three more times—52 sts remain.
Ribbing Round: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of round for rib.
Repeat this round until the neck is 8 inches long (total length is 18 inches). Bind off all sts loosely in rib.
Using yarn needle, sew bottom closed. Weave in ends. Roll hot-water bottle so it slips into the neck, and you’re good to go!
xxx
K—Knit
K1f&b—Knit one front and back (increase 1 stitch)
K2tog—Knit two together (decrease 1 stitch)
P—Purl
Ssk—Slip two stitches, one at a time, as if to knit to right-hand needle, return these two stitches to left-hand needle in turned position, and knit them together through the back loops (decrease 1 stitch)
St(s)—Stitch(es)
Stockinette stitch—in the round, knit every round
