This Placemat, “Prerna”, is my contribution to the 3rd edition of the Indian Designer Collaboration InDesCo with the theme “Taj Mahal”, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and also a symbol of Love.

Prerna means inspiration. I have taken ideas from the Taj Mahal whose architectural marvel has mesmerized the world! The design of the placemat draws upon the jaali screens, the four minarets, and the chevron patterns on the plinths of the tomb. I have tried to show the 4 minarets with a two-row pattern that gives them a raised and 3-dimensional look.

Finished Size: 20 inches x 16 inches after blocking.

Yarn Requirements
MC – Lion Brand Cotton, Worsted weight, color white, 50 gms.
CC1 – Aslan Trends Del Cerro, Worsted weight, color Dark Brown (4821), 50 gms.
CC2 - Aslan Trends Del Cerro, Worsted weight, color Orange (3578), 50 gms.
CC3 – Worsted Weight Light Cream colored Tweed Yarn, 50 gms.

Needle Size: US#7/4.5mm straight or circular needles.

Gauge: 19 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch.

Notions: Cable needle.

Pattern Notes
Using the intarsia method of knitting, the two tails of the placemat are worked separately to look identical and joined in the middle with horizontal seaming in garter stitch.

Acknowledgements
I am extremely grateful and thankful to my talented test-knitters, mizmaggie, llynnbeggs and 5unb3l.