Lily Pad

Here is a basic pattern that even the novice knitter can easily follow (this pattern will also work for individual 7- or 8-inch blocks that can be combined for larger pads):

Using yarn and needle size of your choice

Cast on 1 stitch.
Row 1: Knit front and back of the cast on stitch (you now have 2 stitches on your needle).
Row 2: Knit in the front and back of the first stitch; knit to end (there are 3 stitches on your needle).

Continue in this pattern (knitting in the front and back of the first stitch and then knit to end) until you reach one of the sides reaches the desired length (for example, 14 inches). Then begin decreasing rows.

Decrease row 1: Knit to last two stitches; knit 2 together.
Continue in this pattern until you have 5 stitches remaining. Bind off.

Finishing:
Please make sure to knot all ends and weave in all tails.

Options
Use 2 strands of yarn—same or different colors—held together throughout.
Make a multicolor Lily Pad from yarn left over from other projects.
Use one color for the increasing section, and another for the decreasing one.
Knit smaller blocks and join them (a great takealong project). Note: If you use different colors for the increasing and decreasing sections, this can give your Lily Pad a look similar to the quilt pattern Flying Geese.