Cotton on to washcloths – free knitting pattern
Have you cottoned on that washcloths are a great eco-friendly alternative to nylon scrubbies? They are usually knit in 100% cotton yarn as this stands up well to being repeatedly wet and has a slight exfoliating quality. Washcloths are very quick to knit, so you can make them in a variety of colours so each member of the family can have their own. And teamed with a bar of lovely handmade soap, they also make great gifts.
I’ve used Drops Paris yarn for my washcloth. It comes in a great range of colours and is really good value for money. You can find out more about the yarn here. Please note I do not have any commercial relationship with Garn Studio and receive no remuneration for recommending this yarn.
Because details matter to me, I’ve chosen to use a crochet cast on for my washcloth, so that the cast on and cast off edges look the same. If you really struggle with the crochet cast on, you can cast on with a different method, just be aware that the top and bottom edges will look different. You will find a tutorial for the crochet cast on here.
So, here is the free washcloth knitting pattern…
Size
Approx: 20 x 20cm / 8 x 8 inches
Materials
Approx 55m / 60 yds aran weight yarn
4mm (UK8, US6) knitting needles, 1 pair
4mm (G-6) crochet hook (for cast on)
Yarn needle
Tension/Gauge
17 sts and 31 rows to 10cm on 4mm needles over pattern.
Pattern
Using the crochet cast on method, cast on 35 sts.
TIP – if you hold the crochet hook in your left hand, knit into the back of each stitch on the first row.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: *P2, K1. Rep from * to last 2 sts. P2
Row 4: *K2, P1. Rep from * to last 2 sts. K2
Rep these four rows 15 times more (64 rows in total). Cast off and weave in the ends. If your washcloth is a gift, you might like to block it.
If you would like to download a pdf version of this pattern, click here.
Click here for more free knitting patterns
Cotton on to washcloths © 2022. All rights reserved.
An original design by Sue Howarth t/a Woolly Good Stuff.
This pattern is for unlimited personal use. Please do not reproduce or sell the pattern, or sell items that are made from the pattern without the prior permission of Sue Howarth. Items made as gifts or for sale for charity are allowed. Please direct all pattern queries to Sue Howarth.
