(re-post)
The bathroom door occasionally swings closed for some reason so a doorstop was needed. The rock I used was effective but heavy and a bit noisy and not gentle on unshod toes.
A bean bag doorstop seemed better. And I wanted a use for the wool I dyed with Kool Aid in the microwave.
The proper word for the shape of this escapes me; it is a pyramid on a square.
You knit the base square first. I did it in garter stitch because I like how the shape shows off texture.
Then, with the stitches still on the needle, pick up the same number of stitches along the corresponding side. For instance, in this photo (it isn't quite a square yet but imagine it is and that I have 22 stitches on that needle) I would now pick up 22 stitches along the left hand side of the square using the same needle and would now have 44 stitches on the needle. I've 'rounded the corner', so to speak.
Changing to stockingette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) again because of the contrast in texture, I knit on those 44 stitches until I had the same number of inches as the base of the square. So, say the base was 4 inches – I would knit until the sides were 4 inches high. I am over explaining because I tend to need things over explained to me!
Now cast off the 44 stitches. Fold that edge together and sew up: 22 stitches to 22 stitches. Sew up the remaining two edges, leaving an inch or two opening with which to fill the bag. You can sew up these seams on the wrong side and then turn the bag inside out leaving only the opening to seam up once the bag is filled. I did a casual stitch on the right side to keep the edges nicely butting.
Fill with beans or rice or macaroni or whatever. This doorstop is actually filled with some sort of plastic pellets which I came across in my stash and which are meant to be used to stuff dolls so they can be posed.
I guess I didn't read the package when I scooped these up at a garage sale. I never know where I am going to learn something new! If I decide to make a doll with poseable features I hope I remember where I used the poseable filling.
That pyramid on a square shape is great for juggling bags. And juggling bags make nifty paperweights. They also can be used to display and store knitting needles – small sized ones.
The shape would also translate into a chair beanbag …… wouldn't that be fun to make.
Old bean bag chairs come up at garage sales and would supply the filling…….. Hmmmmm…..