Wedding Washcloths - The Pattern
Gauge
21 1/2 stitches = 4 inches in seed stitch
Size
8 inches x 8 inches unblocked size
8 1/2 inches x 8 1/2 inches blocked size
Seed Stitch Washcloths
Cast on 43 stitches.
*k1, p1, repeat from * to end of row.
Repeat this row every row until piece measures 8 inches.
Bind off and finish, leaving a tail about a foot long.
Stockinette Washcloths
Your gauge in stockinette stitch may be different than your gauge in seed stitch, so I suggest doing a gauge swatch in stockinette stitch. When you know how many stitches per inch you're getting, take that number and multiply it by 8. Cast on the odd number closest to that number. For example, if your stockinette gauge is 5 3/4 stitches per inch, multiplied by 8 is 46, so cast on either 45 or 47 stitches.
Row 1: *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of row.
Repeat Row 1 six more times.
Row 8: [k1, p1] 2 times, knit to last 4 stitches, [p1, k1] 2 times.
Row 9: [k1, p1] 2 times, k1, purl to last 5 stitches, k1, [p1, k1] 2 times.
Repeat the last 2 rows until piece measures 7 inches.
Knit Row 1 seven times.
Bind off and finish, leaving a tail about a foot long.
Crocheted Loop
To make a little loop for hanging the washcloth, insert the crochet hook into the corner of the washcloth. Pull a loop of the tail through.
Chain 11.
Put the crochet hook into the same place the chain originated, and pull a stitch through.
Slip stitch and finish.
Finishing
Sew the tails along the cast on and bind off edges so that they're nicely hidden.
Blocking
Sometimes I don't block my finished projects, but, in this case, I think it's a pretty important step. Cotton is a bit unforgiving, so blocking will definitely help even out your stitches, and also, by blocking, you can shape really neat and even squares.
So, soak the washcloths in a sink or basin of room temperature water. You can add some mild soap to the water if you want (like Ivory dishwashing soap, baby shampoo, or I use a gentle wool wash called Soak which you don't have to rinse out).
Squeeze the excess moisture out of the washcloths (but don't wring or twist). Then roll them in a dry towel and squeeze the towel (I even kneel on the towel roll to really get the water out).
Pull the washcloths in all directions, horizontally, vertically, diagonally, shake the stitches around. Then lay each washcloth out on another dry towel and carefully shape each one into a neat square. My squares were 8 1/2 inches by 8 1/2 inches, but if your gauge is a little different that's okay, as long as they're all about the same as each other!
They'll dry exactly in that shape - (almost) perfect!
May 12, 2008
Reader Comments (15)
I love your projects and this one is too sweet. I found all three colours in a shop in Toront and will make them for my organic vegan friend. Thanks for the inspiration.
CA
I suppose if you want the washcloths to stay exactly square you would have to block them every time they got wet, but in my mind the only time they need to be "perfect" is when the recipient sees them for the first time. After that, I'm okay with the washcloths just being their cotton selves, slouching, stretching, and softening.
Not a dumb question, by the way! It's funny that I would so carefully explain how to block the washcloths and then leave you in the dark as to their future care. (By the way, you can put them in the washing machine on a cold gentle cycle).
Thank you for asking!
Whitney
As it happens I am posting about washcloths this Friday. It may be too late to ask but do you have any historical data? I understand knitted washcloths were big until around the 1930s and perhaps knitted for soldiers in WW1 and WW2.
(I thought the bar of monogrammed soap would make their true use clear, but maybe not!)
If not, perhaps you could give a yarn that would be able to hold up to this kind of work?
Thanks so much!
Carolanne
(a different Carolanne then the one before! :) )
They are actual functioning washcloths! They're made of 100% cotton and about as durable as a regular washcloth. Just wash and dry them in the machine. Enjoy!