I know that hand-knitting my own washcloths might make me old school, but I have a confession to make: loofas gross me out. Have you ever thought about how many germs are probably growing inside those puffy things? They never fully dry. Eew. Anyway, that's why I decided to knit myself a bright and happy set of washcloths that I can throw in the laundry any time I want.
Want to knit them too? The pattern I made up is super easy. I used double seed stitch with a garter stitch border, so as long as you know how to knit and purl you can totally make these.
Supplies:
US Size 7 knitting needles
Worsted weight cotton yarn (I used Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn in pink, yellow, and white)
Pattern:
Cast on 35 stitches
Rows 1-4: Knit
Row 5: Knit 3, purl 1, (knit 1, purl 1) repeat until there are 3 stitches left, knit 3
Row 6: Repeat row 5
Row 7: Knit 3, knit 1, (purl 1, knit 1) repeat until there are 3 stitches left, knit 3
Row 8: Repeat row 7
Repeat rows 5-8 nine more times, until you have 44 rows or 7.75 inches
Rows 45-48: Knit
Cast off
If you make these washcloths too, I'd love to see a picture of yours!
Happy knitting,
xoxo
Laura
It always helps when your washcloths are pretty :)
ReplyDeleteThis is AMAZING! I was hunting for a new knitting project to get my knit back on and now I have found one! YAY! i can't believe I have just found your blog! I love it! Much archive browsing to do now! XXX
ReplyDeleteI have never made washcloths but definitely should! Thanks for the pattern :) ~Stephanie
ReplyDeleteThese are totally awesome! I'm book marking these to make myself some for my next project (i'm currently in fingerless gloves land for a few more pairs of gloves as gifts and then I'm knitting IC a sweater!).
ReplyDeletethey're so cute, I love the colors !
ReplyDeletethanks so much for sharing :)
Very cute!!! I might have to make myself some!! Did you use just one skein per washcloth??
ReplyDeleteYes, each cloth uses less than one skein. =)
DeleteThey also make great dish cloths!
ReplyDeleteAdorable......I just was searching for a "new" pattern for these as I love to be creative. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteThese are my next project. I'm just learning. Finishing up a scarf. Does knitting always curl up so much? Or could it be the yarn? I'm using 100% acrylic. Or I suppose I could just be using too much tension, though I have passed the stage of hanging onto the needles for dear life. ;)
ReplyDeleteI let everyone know on Facebook that this was my next project and would anyone like some washclothes. We'll see. Thanks for the pattern.
Are you by any chance knitting your scarf in stockinette stitch? Stockinette stitch naturally curls up. These washcloths lay flat because they have a combination of knit and purl stitches on each side.
DeleteI love these. I knit but I am not sure what the purl stitch is. Can you tell me?
ReplyDeleteI just got my dishie yarns in the mail today and can't wait to get started. Thanks for the pattern!
ReplyDeleteHow do you add the garter stitch boarder?
ReplyDeleteIt's built into the pattern; you don't have to add it later. That's why the first 3 stitches and the last 3 stitches in every row are knit stitches no matter what else it happening in that row. Those knit stitches form the garter stitch edging.
Deletehey, great pattern. just a quick question- it looks like you need to cast-on an even number of stitches for it to work. 35-6 (3 on each end) leaves you with 29 stitches and that leaves you with 4 stitches at the end instead of 3. am i reading it wrong? help. :) thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Yomara, in order for the double seed stitch to work properly in the middle of the washcloth you need to have an odd number of stitches. Just alternate knitting and purling across the row until you have 3 stitches left and then knit those last 3 stitches for the border. =)
DeleteI am wondering about the laundering part. I was thinking that they might shrink in the wash. Then I thought maybe the yarn should be put in a mesh bag and washed beforehand to pre shrink. Am I over thinking this? lol. Anyway, how did you deal with that? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much
The amount that your washcloths will shrink depends on the type of cotton yarn you use. I used a lower end cotton yarn and they have shrunk a bit. I think pre washing your yarn before you knit with it is a great idea, just make sure you follow the washing instructions that are printed on the yarn label. xoxo
DeleteGreat pattern thanks for sharing x
ReplyDeleteHi Laura, Thanks for the thumbs up to my pre washing idea. I was wondering, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, if you would give me the measurements of the finished washcloths before and after laundering. Thanks so much for such a great blog!!!!
ReplyDeleteI never prewash, but be sure you use 100% cotton yarn. I love making washcloths and they make wonderful gifts for any occasion.
ReplyDeleteI also love this pattern. Going to do it next . I am also making great crochet luggage tags.
i love to knit dish cloths i am going to make some for christmas presents and for a craft show i am doing in november
ReplyDeleteCan you post a pic of a close up on finished product? I'd like to see how the stitches look, it'll be easier for me to see when I start it. May use this to teach my 12y/o how to knit, one can't ever be without too many wash clothes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your pattern, love the texture which is always nice in a knit cloth.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great pattern! I've made dozens of things in this stitch. I took ur pattern and I'm making my 2nd american girl doll blanket using this pattern (I cast on 49 stitches tho). And I just keep going til the length is appropriate :) this is great for beginners. Or if u want something quick and easy to do for gifts! Thanks for this one! I def pinned this one :)
ReplyDeleteI think modifying this pattern to make a doll blanket is a great idea! Have fun knitting it. xoxo
DeleteI've just discovered this post after a blog-friend posted a link (Happy Pantry - also written by a fellow 'Laura'...) anyway, AMAZING idea - I've never heard of this or seen it before. Will be starting asap :)
ReplyDeleteOh fun! I'm going to check out her blog now. xoxo
DeleteI made this washcloth it was super easy and super fun. Not sure how to post a picture of it.
ReplyDeleteHey Laura, just wondering what bind off you used for this? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat the parentheses mean?
ReplyDelete