A better iPod cover (v.0.3)

So I was going to write about how I’ve bonded emotionally to my new guitar, but I think that will be more meaningful once I’ve learned more than two chords.  Instead, here’s the beta version of a pattern for an iPod cover that I am designing.

“Knitted iPod covers?  Those bulky, impractical things that beginners throw together when dishcloths just aren’t hip enough?”

Well, yes, but this one’s a little different.  Like the device itself, the iPod cover should be slim, stylish and functional.  As to whether it is what it should be… the jury is still out.  But I think we’re getting close.

Materials:
Two circular needles, US size 1 (2.0 mm)*
Small amount of DK yarn (I used .90 oz./25 g of Caron Simply Soft)
Yarn needle
Two snaps
Sewing needle
Thread to match the yarn

*Theoretically, you could make this on DPNs or with one long circular needle using the Magic Loop method; I went with the two-circular method because I had those materials on hand.

Gauge:
In stockinette, 8 stitches and 10 rows make 1 inch.

Finished Measurements:
The cover is for a 60 GB Video iPod (4.1″ x 2.4″ x .55″).  With the front flap closed, the piece measures 4 9/16″ x 2 7/8″ flat.

The Pattern:
Body
CO 46 sts leaving a long tail, divide evenly, and join.
Work two rounds in stockinette– these will form the bottom of the cover.
Round 3: P2, K19, P4, K19, P2.
Repeat Round 3 three times more, or until piece measures .4″ from the top of the stockinette rows.  This creates a 4×19 rib which will be turned inside out to make a reverse-stockinette front and back, with stockinette panels on each side.

Control pad opening
Round 1: P2, K6, BO 7, K6, P4, K19, P2.
Round 2: P2, K to within 2 stitches of BO edge, K2 tog, carry the yarn very loosely across BO stitches, SSK, K to established purl stitches, P4, K19, P2.
Round 3: Repeat Round 2.
Round 4: P2, K to edge, carry the yarn very loosely across, K to established purl stitches, P4, K19, K2.
Round 5: Repeat Round 2.
Rounds 6-12: Repeat Round 4, seven times.
Round 13: P2, K to within one stitch of the edge, M1, K1, carry the yarn very loosely across the gap, K1, M1, K to the purl stitches, P4, K19, P2.
Round 14: Repeate Round 4.
Rounds 15 and 16: Repeat Round 13, twice.
Round 17: P2, K6 (you should be at the edge of the gap), turn, CO 7 sts. using knit-on or cable method, turn, K6, P4, K19, P2.

*P2, K19, P2* across for three rounds.

Screen opening
Carrying the yarn very loosely on the outside of the work (the knit side, facing you, capice?), slip 4 sts.  BO 15, K 2, P4, K19, P4, K2.
Turn.
Row 1: P2, K4, P19, K4, P2.
Row 2: K2, P4, K19, P4, K2.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2, six times more, or until piece measures 1.5″ from BO edge, ending with Row 2.
At the end of the last row, CO 15 sts. using the knit-on or cable method.

Work body even in est. patt. for two rows.

Top
Work across the front and side.  At the back, K16, BO 30: 16 sts remain.
Work even for 6 rows or until top measures .6″, ending with a purl row.

Front flap
Row 1: K16, CO 4.
Row 2: K4, P16, CO 4.
Row 3: K across.
Row 4: K4, P16, K4.
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until Front Flap measures just over 4″; it should be the same length as the body.
Work even in garter stitch for six rows.
Bind off all remaining stitches.

Finishing:
Working from the bottom up, cut each strand of yarn that runs across the control pad opening and weave the ends into the knit side of the front panel.  This will add some stabilty to the fabric around the opening.  After weaving all the ends, trim them at the edge of the side panel, not to closely.  If you do trim too closely and you’re using acrylic yarn, you can use a drop of super glue to keep the end from unravelling– but it’s ugly.

Using the tail from the cast on, weave the bottom edges together.

Weave in all yarn ends.

Turn the piece right-side-out (I worked it inside-out to make finishing easier).  With sewing needle and matching thread, sew the male halves of two snaps to the bottom of the piece, near the side edges.

Ideally, you would put the iPod into the case while determining the placement of the female snaps on the edge of the front flap; I had to estimate.

And we’re done!  Version 1.0 coming soon.