For anyone looking for a bright spot in the everyday, here’s one you can hold in your hand. Our Colorful Half + Half Washcloths dip into our 10 new colors of Cotton Pure. They are a shower of cheer, a warm bath, and a cool refresh!
These small squares with a big presence are based on our Half + Half Blanket, a clever short-row pattern that has you knit one triangular half of a square and then the other without any picking up or seaming!
For this version, we boosted the colorplay, adding some simple stripes to the design options. Each washcloth is such a quick knit that it’s within reach to whip up a full set, in color combos either subtle or striking. We love the pop of our new Jonquil Yellow, but also the sweet tones of newbies Moonflower Blue and Peach Peony… Play a little!
Cotton Pure makes a naturally beautiful washcloth, too: organically-grown and super absorbent with its non-mercerized fiber, it also has an extremely soft touch. A most welcome gift or a self-care little treat, Colorful Half + Half Washcloths manifest a bright spot in the day!
Designed for Purl Soho by Jake Canton.
Materials
- 8 skeins of Purl Soho’s Cotton Pure, 100% organically grown cotton. Each skein is 279 yards.
- Color A: 4 skeins in Heirloom White; approximately 1,006 yards required for all 8 washcloths.
- Color B: 1 skein in Jonquil Yellow; approximately 210 yards required for all 8 washcloths.
- Color C: 1 skein in Peach Peony; approximately 150 yards required for all 8 washcloths.
- Color D: 1 skein in Tomato Orange; approximately 180 yards required for all 8 washcloths.
- Color E: 1 skein in Moonflower Blue; approximately 230 yards required for all 8 washcloths.
NOTE Each washcloth requires a total of 222 yards.
You’ll also need…
- US 3 circular or straight needles
- A stitch marker
Gauge
24 stitches and 50 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch
Size
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 12 inches wide x 11½ inches long
Notes
Short Row Shaping: Wrp-t (Wrap And Turn)
Keeping yarn in back, slip next stitch purlwise from left needle to right needle. Bring yarn to front. Return slipped stitch to left needle. Turn work so wrong side is facing you.
To see this technique in action, visit our Short Row Tutorial and follow along with the wrap and turn on the knit side section (at 0:30 seconds), except do not bring the yarn to the back before you turn.
Knit With Wrap
Keeping yarn in back, pick up wrap with right needle from front to back and place on left needle. Knit stitch and wrap together. This step is described at minute 3:29 of our Short Row Tutorial.
Construction
Due to their construction, the dimensions of these washcloths are fixed to a set ratio. The width (i.e. the cast-on edge) can be altered by casting on any number of stitches, and the length will always be approximately 95% of the width.
Schematic
This is a basic schematic for the construction of the Half + Half Pattern.
Pattern
Half + Half Pattern
NOTE This is the foundation pattern for all the washcloths. Later we’ll detail how to add stripes and colorblocks, but this simple Half + Half Pattern makes a great washcloth, too!
Triangle 1
With Color B, cast on 72 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1 (wrong side): Knit to end of row.
Row 2 (right side): Knit to last 3 stitches, place marker (pm), k1, wrap and turn (wrp-t, see Notes).
Row 3: Knit to end of row.
Row 4: Knit to marker, remove marker, wrp-t.
Row 5: K1, pm, knit to end of row.
Repeat Rows 4 and 5 until you have wrapped every stitch except the last two, ending with Row 5.
Next Row (right side): K1, remove marker, wrp-t.
Next Row (wrong side): K1.
Cut Color B.
Triangle 2
Row 1 (right side): With Color A, k1, *knit next stitch with its wrap (see Notes), repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 2 (wrong side): Knit to end of row.
Row 3: Knit to end of row.
Row 4: K1, wrp-t.
Row 5: K1.
Row 6: K1, knit next stitch with its wrap, place marker, wrp-t.
Row 7: Slip marker, knit to end of row.
Row 8: Knit to marker, remove marker, knit next stitch with its wrap, place marker, wrp-t.
Repeat Rows 7 and 8 until you have completed a wrap and turn on the second to last stitch, ending with Row 7.
Next Row (wrong side): Knit to marker, remove marker, knit next stitch with its wrap, k1.
With right side facing you, bind off knitwise to last 2 stitches, k2, leaving 3 stitches on right needle.
Make I-Cord
With remaining 3 stitches, work an I-Cord for 3 inches, working last row as follows:
Last Row: K1, k2tog, pass first stitch over second stitch and off right needle. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail and pull through remaining stitch.
Thread tail onto a tapestry needle. Make a loop with I-cord and weave tail into fabric of washcloth at base of I-cord, then weave it through the looped I-cord, and back into fabric of the washcloth.
Weave in the ends and wet block!
Layout Options
Here are 5 more ways to play with color. All of these layouts use the above Half + Half Pattern as the foundation, and here’s how we did each one….
Layout 1
NOTE We knit this layout in two different color schemes: one using Colors E and A and one using Colors D and A. The second version is in parentheses…
Follow the Half + Half Pattern as written, casting on with Color E (D) and using it for 6½ inches of Triangle 1, ending with a wrong-side row. Use Color A for the remainder of Triangle 1, then use Color A for Triangle 2.
Layout 2
Follow the Half + Half Pattern as written, casting on with Color A and using it for 5 inches of Triangle 1, ending with a wrong-side row. Use Color C for the remainder of Triangle 1, then use Color A for Triangle 2.
Layout 3
NOTE We knit this layout using Colors C, B, and A for one washcloth and Colors D, C, and A for the other. The second version is in parentheses…
Follow the Half + Half Pattern as written, casting on with Color C (D) and using it for 3½ inches of Triangle 1, ending with a wrong-side row. Use Color B (C) for the remainder of Triangle 1, then use Color A for Triangle 2.
Layout 4
Follow the Half + Half Pattern as written, casting on with Color E and using it for 2½ inches of Triangle 1, ending with a wrong-side row. Use Color A for 1½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row, then use Color C for the remainder of Triangle 1. Use Color A for Triangle 2.
Layout 5
Follow the Half + Half Pattern as written, casting on with Color B and using it for 2 inches of Triangle 1, ending with a wrong-side row. Use Color D for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row, then use Color C for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row, then use Color A for 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row, then use Color E for the remainder of Triangle 1. Use Color A for Triangle 2.
PRINT
I wonder how I could change the w&t to German short rows?
Hi Lynne,
Thanks for reaching out! You can find more information on how to convert a wrap & turn pattern to German short rows in our German Short Row Tutorial! Essentially, every time you come to a wrap & turn, you will knit one extra stitch instead, and then turn and work a double stitch.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank You!
Love these squares. Thank you very much.
When knitting short rows in garter stitch, I thought it wasn’t necessary to pick up the wrap and knit it. True?
Hi Chris,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, that is often the case in garter stitch projects; however, when you work multiple wrap & turns right next to each other, as we do in these washcloths, the holes left from the wrap & turns can become quite apparent. We found that the short rows looked much tidier in these washcloths if the wraps were picked up and knitted!
Best,
Julianna
These are just beautiful. Thank you.
Do you think you can make a videos of the washcloth on how to make them??
Hi and thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we don’t have the resources at the moment to do a video tutorial of this. We will, however, keep your request in mind for the future!
Best,
Julianna
Hi. These look great. But I maybe completely dense. I get the wrap and turn from the video. But I don’t get how you are joining the triangles. Do you pick up the last stitch in the row of the previous triangle? And in Triangle 2, is Row 3 picking up anything. I hope you do a video. Maybe with Covid-19 tightening it’s grip on people getting about, you may find some time. I hope you all stay safe and well. Your great patterns and emails are what keep us all going and sane at this time.
Hi Toby,
Thank you so much for the kind words and for reaching out! We unfortunately don’t have resources to create a video at this time, but hopefully I can explain the construction!
The washcloth is worked all in one piece – no seaming or joining required! After you have shaped the first triangle using short rows, you will switch colors and knit across the stitches already on the needle with the second color, and again use short rows to shape the second triangle. The cast on is the long side edge of the first triangle, worked in Color A. As you work the short rows, the triangle will “grow” off of your needles – by the time you are finished with Color A, you will still have the same number of stitches you started with, but you will have a complete triangle and the stitches on the needle will now be running along the hypotenuse of the triangle. And again, as you are working the second triangle, the number of stitches on the needle will never change, and the cast off edge will be the long edge of the second triangle.
Often the best way to understand short row patterns is to just knit them! If you would like to try it on a smaller scale, the pattern does work with any number of stitches, so you could always try a 15 or 20 stitch version to better understand the technique before casting on the full washcloth.
I hope that helps! Please let us know if you have any further questions!
Julianna
I am still confused about how to join the 2 triangles. Any chances you have pictures to show the work in progress? I have seen the tutorials and they are great, but none of them show exactly how to join the 2 sides.
Thanks!
Hi Inger,
After knitting the first triangle, you will simply knit across all the stitches that are currently on the needle with the second color and then knit the second triangle. It sounds mysterious, but I assure you it’s surprisingly easy to knit!
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I am confused–how many skeins to you need to make how many washcloths? I would just like to make a few.
Hi Phyllis,
Thanks for reaching out! Each washcloth requires 222 yards total. Cotton Pure has 279 yards per skein, so if you were to do just two colors, you could knit two washcloths with two skeins, one of each color. If you are planning on using multiple different contrast colors, I would just make sure you have one skein of your main color for every two washcloths you wish to knit.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
The Washcloths are quite wonderful, however I am unclear as to how you attach the next color triangle. Is it sewn together or new color knitted in?
Sorry I couldn’t figure it out.
Patricia
Thanks for providing this to all during this
quarantine. ❤️
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for the kind words! The washcloth is worked all in one piece – no seaming or joining required! After you have shaped the first triangle using short rows, you will switch colors and knit across the stitches already on the needle with the second color, and again use short rows to shape the second triangle.
I hope that clears things up, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Does the yarn bleed when being washed?
Hi Jan,
Thanks for reaching out! We have washed many items out of Cotton Pure, both by machine and by hand, and haven’t experienced any color bleeding, so I don’t think you have anything to worry about!
Best,
Julianna
I love these. I’d like to make a blanket though. Can you convert it? And maybe a softer yarn? Thanks!
Hi Carol,
Thanks for reaching out! You will probably be interested in our original Half + Half Blanket that inspired these washcloths! We used Lantern, a linen and cotton blend, but you could use any light worsted weight yarn for our blanket, such as Understory, Good Wool, or Flax Down.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Would love to make and send these to friends isolated due to Corona virus. the sunny colors would brighten our hopes! Will you offer a sale on this yarn soon? I think $32 per washcloth is really too expensive for many of us.
Hi Sheri,
Thanks so much for the kind words and for reaching out! At this time we aren’t planning any promotions for Cotton Pure, but if you sign up for our newsletter, you will know as soon as we announce any. We are offering free shipping on all orders through March 31st! Also, fortunately, you do not need a full skein of each color per washcloth. Each washcloth requires 222 yards total. Cotton Pure has 279 yards per skein, so if you were to do just two colors, you could knit two washcloths with two skeins, one of each color.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I love these dish cloths. I am planning to make them for Christmas gifts. However, I would love to see the back side of the cloths. Is that a possibility before making a big purchase?
Hi Bethany,
Thanks so much for the kind words and for reaching out! If you scroll through the pictures in the top banner of this page, the blue and white washcloth in the third picture is folded so you can see the back of the washcloth. The washcloths are nearly identical on the wrong side! The only difference is the row where you switch colors in the striped half of the washcloth looks a little less crisp on the wrong side, as is always the case when knitting stripes in garter stitch.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Is there a pdf of the pattern
Hi Christine,
Thanks for writing in! You can use our print function to download a pdf of this pattern! If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. To remove images, click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%.
Best,
Julianna
T.P. Shortage? Leave it to knitters to turn a lemon into lemonade!
These are great!
I’m halfway through square one.. and my corner looks round instead of angled like a triangle.. what have I done?!
Hi Jenn,
Thanks for reaching out! Is it possible that your cast on edge is too tight? This would cause the corner to curve instead of staying nice and sharp. If you check our @purlsohobusyhands Instagram account, we recently posted an in-progress picture of a washcloth that might be helpful!
Best,
Julianna
Hello! I’d love to make these in the recommended color scheme. Any idea when the heirloom white will restock?
Hi Jill,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately we don’t currently have an ETA, but I assure you our mill is hard at work making more! If you enter your email address on the product page, we will let you know as soon as it is back in stock!
Best,
Julianna
when might you have another skein of purl free cotton in linden green. please do not publish my private info.
thank you.
Hi Mary,
Thanks for reaching out! We will certainly be getting more Cotton Pure in Linden Green back in stock! In fact, our mill is currently making it. While we do not have a firm ETA, we are hoping that it will arrive soon. You can sign up to be notified when we get it back in stock. To do so, go to the product page, select the color that you are interested in and enter your email address. When that yarn and color arrives, we will email you right away!
Best,
Julianna
Thank you for this! I’ve wanted to try your Colorful Wedges Baby Blanket for quite some time but wanted to learn short rows on a smaller scale. This is perfect! I just finished a half & half dishcloth and feel ready to go on.
Thank you again!
Is it possible to buy the 1/2 1/2 washcloth pattern if I purchase the yarn. I cannot get it it print. Thank you
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for reaching out, and I’m sorry that you are having trouble printing the pattern! Yes, if you leave us a note in the comment box of your order, we will be happy to print out the pattern for you, free of charge!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
A bit confused about starting triangle two – am I supposed to cast on the second colour? Which end of the triangle do I start at?
Thanks!
Hi Helen,
Thanks for reaching out! It might sound a bit mysterious, but you will simply knit across all the stitches on the needle with the new color when indicated – no need to cast on again!
Best,
Julianna
Hey! Lovely pattern. I am confused on the Knit with Wrap directions. First, the instructions in the video for knitting the wrap on the knit side is at 2:29, not 3:29? Also the text does not match the video, as it does not show you putting the stitch onto the left needle?
Hi Stacey,
Thanks for reaching out! For this pattern, we used a bit of a hybrid method for knitting the wrap together with the stitch, so the instructions here and the video don’t match perfectly. You will be picking up the back leg of the wrap as shown at 3:29, but instead of inserting your right-hand needle from back to front, you will insert it into the wrap from front to back, and then place the wrap on the left-hand needle. After that, you will knit the stitch and wrap together as if working a normal knit stitch.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hello! I remain baffled by side 2:
Row 1? what is the “next stitch”? I am down to 1 knit stitch.
Rows 2-3 indicate there is a row to knit but – as with row 1- I don’t have a row, just 1 knit stitch. Could you elaborate the first three rows that start triangle 2? Pulling out hair as well as knitting!
Thanks. Stay well!
Love Purl Soho!
Hi Casey,
Thanks for reaching out! At the beginning of Triangle 2, you should still have all 72 stitches on the needle, so if you only have one stitch left on the needle, I’m afraid something has gone quite wrong! When working the Triangle 1, there are no decreases or bind-offs. Each short row ends with a wrap & turn, which leaves the stitch on the needle. By the time you get to the end of Triangle 1, you will still have 72 stitches on the needle, but each stitch except for the first and last stitches will have been wrapped. To start Triangle 2, you will switch colors and knit across all the stitches, knitting each wrap together with its stitch. While working Triangle 2, there are again no decreases or bind-offs, so you will continue to have 72 stitches until you have completed the second set of short rows and will cast off all the stitches at once when the washcloth is finished.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
This is going to be the world’s largest washcloth! I’m about 20 rows in and can’t get over this size. I think I will frog and scale down.
Thanks for the patterns. I’m finding that as I knit with Cotton Pure, the yarn tends to twist quite a bit. Unfortunately, I did not learn the European method of knitting, so not sure if that is a contributing factor.? Was wondering if you have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne,
Thanks for reaching out! Although how you knit can tighten or loosen the twist of yarn slightly, some yarns will twist back on themselves no matter how you knit. It is not uncommon with cotton yarns with a firm twist, like Cotton Pure, and unfortunately there isn’t really a “fix” for this issue. If you are using a cake or center pull ball, it can help to pull your yarn from the outside of the ball instead of the inside, and, while knitting flat, some knitters also like to alternate which direction they turn their project when switching sides. I find that it helps to just avoid pulling more yarn off of the ball than I need for each row, so there isn’t as much excess yarn to twist back on itself.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
hi….i’m making the washcloth layout 5, with several stripes/blocks of colors. how would you suggest i handle changing colors? leave yarn ends to be woven in later, or carry them up the side? (i was going to do that, but then thought it wouldn’t leave a very neat edge). I want it to look as nice as your models do! let me know. thanks!
Hi Lori,
Thanks for reaching out! Since we didn’t repeat any of the colors, we cut the tails of each color and wove them in. Even if you were to repeat some colors, if you are doing blocks of colors the same size as ours, I don’t think I would recommend carrying your colors up the side as it can create an untidy edge. Usually you will only carry your colors when working narrow stripes of no more than 4 or 6 rows.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I’m almost done with first washcloth. I’m pleased to report that it IS easy once you just start just knitting Triangle 2. Like others, I was a bit confused. Anyway, my question is, would you wash before gifting? Or block like one might block another project? I’d like it too look ready to work and suspect the dishcloth works better after a washing. What do you think? By the way – how smart of you to offer a useful and happy project during these times. Thank you so much!
Hi Catherine,
Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed knitting the washcloth and that Triangle 2 went smoothly! I would probably block the washcloth before gifting to make sure it looks as beautiful as possible, but let the giftee know that it can be machine washed and dried and perhaps even recommend throwing it in the wash before they use it.
Best,
Julianna