How to Knit Cotton Wash Cloths

Knitted cotton washcloths make great gifts—plus they're quick and easy to make.

Handmade knitted cotton washcloths are one of the best first projects for beginning knitters. They're straightforward, useful and quick to finish, so you won't get bored before the project is done. They make wonderful gifts, which means they're great projects for veteran knitters, too. Cotton washcloths can be made in many different patterns, from basic seed stitch to more intricate eyelets. A pattern comprising a set of squares is suitable for all levels of knitters.

Things You'll Need

• 1 skein cotton yarn
• 1 pair size 7 needles (4.5 mm)

Instructions

1. Cast on 42 stitches. Row 1: K (the symbol K stands for Knit). Row 2: P (The symbol P stands for Purl). If you're an absolute beginner, or need a refresher, check out knitting and purling instructions online. These two rows constitute the top border of the washcloth.

2. Begin rows 3 and 4. Row 3: K2, (P8, K2) to the end. This means Knit 2 stitches; then repeat the instructions in the bracket—Purl 8, Knit 2—until the end of the row. Row 4: P2, (K8, P2). This means Purl 2 stitches, then repeat the instructions in the bracket—Knit 8 then Purl 2—to the end of that row. These two rows constitute the top border of the inset pattern, which is three squares side by side.

3. Proceed with rows 5 through 10. Row 5: K2 (P2, K4, P2, K2) to the end. This means Knit 2 stitches; then repeat the bracketed instructions—Purl 2, Knit 4, Purl 2, Knit 2—until the end of the row. Row 6: P2, (K2, P4, K2, P2) to the end. This means Purl 2 then repeat bracketed instructions—Knit 2, Purl 4, Knit 2, Purl 2—until the end. Row 7: Repeat Row 5. Row 8: Repeat Row 6. Row 9: Repeat Row 5. Row 10: Repeat Row 6. The rows in this step produce the inside of the squares.

4. Make the bottom border of the squares in the same manner as you stitched the top border of the squares. Row 11: Repeat Row 3. Row 12: Repeat Row 4.

5. Repeat all 12 rows in the same order until you have just about reached your desired length.

6. Make the bottom border of the washcloth by repeating rows 1 and 2—this means you will Knit an entire row, then Purl another row. Cast off. If you need a refresher, reference casting off instructions available online.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to do a really basic washcloth, then go ahead and just practice knitting one row, then purling the next. However, be aware that this basic stitching will cause the ends to curl a bit.

References

• Knitting Help: Learn How to Knit With Free Knitting Videos

Resources

• Knitting on the Net: Various Washcloth Patterns