Knit an Aran laptop cover

By Michael del Vecchio

Cabled fabric inherently provides extra cushion and security, and by choosing just the right yarn, you can make this stylish case perfect for men or women.

Those days of sitting at home surfing the Net alone are long gone, so don't let your fear of taking your laptop out and about prevent you from finding undiscovered hot spots! Slip on this laptop cover, toss it in your messenger bag, and you're set! Cabled fabric inherently provides extra cushion and security – which makes it perfect for protecting your priceless data and MP3 collection from the perils of the world beyond your doorstep.

Want to add a bit of extra stability or security to your cover? Try sewing in a layer of felt – or some craftboard interface – to the inside before finishing the piece. The extra fabric helps hold your laptop snug inside.

Take a look at a larger image of the laptop cover

Finished measurements: 10" (11", 11") x 12" (14.5", 15.5")
Yarn: Peace Fleece (200 yd.); 30% mohair, 70% wool; shade: Negotiation Gray; 3 skeins
Needles: 24", US size-8 (5 mm) circular needle
Notions: Tapestry needle; stitch markers; safety pins (3); 1" quick-release clips
Gauge: 15 sts and 24 rows = 4" in St st

To save time and sanity: Take time to check the gauge.

View cable charts

Pattern
The first stitch of every row is slipped purlwise throughout.
CO 64 (72, 76) sts.
Row 1: (WS) Sl 1 pwise, K1, P2 (4, 5), K2, place marker (PM), work first row of long rope cable right, PM, P2 (4, 5), PM, work first row of wild oak cable, PM, P2 (4, 5), PM, work first row of long rope cable left, PM, K2, P2 (4, 5), K2.
Row 2: Sl 1 pwise P1 K2 (4, 5) P2, work second row of long rope cable left, K2 (4, 5), work second row of wild oak cable, K2 (4, 5), work second row of long rope cable right, P2 K2 (4, 5) P1 K1.
Cont in patt as established and as charted until piece measures 10.5" (11.5", 11.5"), ending on a RS row. Mark on your charts where you've stopped for each. Do not remove markers.

Fold
Next row (WS): Knit.
Next row: Purl.
Cont in reverse St st for 2", ending on a purl row. Restart cable repeats, as established, beg from where you left off. Cont working as set until piece measures 27.5" (28.5", 28.5") from CO, ending on a WS row.

Flap
The top edge of the flap is bound off to form three panels, which will later be attached to the front edge of the cover.
BO first 18 (21, 23) sts, slip 1 pwise K1 (2, 2), cont working wild oak cable, K2 (3, 3). Start a new ball of yarn and BO the rem 18 (21, 23) sts. Break yarn and pull through at end of row.
Next row: On rem sts Sl 1 pwise P1 (2, 2), work next row of wild oak cable, P2 (3, 3). Cont as established for 1", ending on a WS row. BO rem sts and weave in the ends.

Finishing
Lay the cover on a flat surface with the WS facing up. Fold the bottom half of the cover up so that the fold rests 1" into the reverse stockinette section. Using safety pins, pin the two edges together on both sides to secure them for seaming.