Rectangle of Square-Mesh – 6 x 12 squares - Starting from the Middle

I wondered if there would be a difference if I used an even number of squares. So I tried it.

Here are my instructions for creating this piece of square-mesh netting.

I made it with size 5 crochet thread, and used a #8 and a #6 knitting needle.

Before starting the actual netting:

1. Fill a netting needle or shuttle with thread or cord.
2. Attach it to a foundation loop.  To do this:
1. Tie a slip knot in the thread or cord coming from the needle or shuttle.  Leaving a tail, at least 2 to 3 inches.
2. Slip the foundation-loop cord through the slipknot.
3. Tie the foundation-loop cord into a circle thereby creating a foundation loop.
4. Tighten the slipknot.
3. Attach the foundation loop to a tension device.
4. Choose a mesh stick.

Start the Rectangle:

Row 1:  Using the smaller mesh stick, net 7 more knots into the foundation loop.  

• Remove the mesh stick and turn the work so that the next row can be worked from left to right. (This will be done at the end of each row.)

Row 2:  Using the larger mesh stick, net 1 knot into each loop. 

Row 3:  Using the larger mesh stick, net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. 

Continue by repeating row three. Each row will have one less loop than the previous row.  When there are only 2 loop on a row, net those two loops together without using a mesh stick. 

Cut the thread, remove the netting from the foundation loop, and remove the knots from the top of the loops in row one. Run the foundation-loop cord through one of the other rows of netting. Tie the thread from the netting needle to the loose thread at the end of row one.

Lengthen the Rectangle:

1. Net 1 knot in each loop except the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (8 loops in the row)

2. Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (7 loops in the row)

Repeat these 2 rows until the number of squares desired equals the number of squares on the long side of the rectangle.

Finish the Rectangle:

Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. 

Continue by repeating this decrease row. Each row will have one less loop than the previous row. 

When there are only 2 loop on a row, net those two loops together without using a mesh stick. 

Cut the thread and remove the netting from the foundation loop.