Colorful Half + Half Washcloths
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 by Purl Soho designer, Jake Canton. Click here to see even more of Jake’s designs!
Share your progress + connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoColorfulHalf+HalfWashCloths, and #PurlSohoCottonPure. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 8 skeins of Purl Soho’s Cotton Pure, 100% organically grown cotton. Each skein is 279 yards/ 100 grams.
- 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 (3.25 mm) straight or 16-inch circular needles
- If using straight needles: Two US 3 double pointed needles for I-Cord
- 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 the wrap with the right needle from front to back, then insert the needle into the wrapped stitch knitwise. Knit the stitch and wrap together. Find step-by-step photos of this technique under the Picking Up The Wrapped Stitch On The Knit Side section in 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.
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
If you are to use German short rows would you also need to move the stitch marker over one stitch when starting since you’re knitting an extra stitch?
Hi Mark,
Great question! Depending on how you think of converting a pattern to German short rows, yes, this would be one way to keep track of them with your marker! To me, it makes sense to preserve the stitch counts in the pattern and treat the German short row stitch as an extra stitch – in other words, if I am converting a wrap & turn pattern, whenever I see the instructions to wrap and turn, I knit however many stitches are indicated by the pattern and then knit one extra stitch, after which I turn and work a double stitch, so I wouldn’t change the marker placement. If you prefer to add one to the stitch count (for instance, if the pattern has you knit 3 and then wrap and turn, you would convert it by knitting 4 and then turning and working a double stitch), you might find it helpful to move the stitch marker over by one on the first row.
I hope that clears things up!
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
Hi,
I love your patterns but I wrestle with your written instructions and tutorials because I can only knit in the Russian/German way.
Anyway, I am still hoping that I can figure this one out.
I have started several test swatches, and by now I managed to get to the end of the first triangle. I also get that I have to knit across the wrapped stitches before shaping the second triangle. But then there two issues with the shaping of the second triangle
1 / I wonder whether I am picking up the wrapped stitches in the wrong way because my rows 2 and 3 look very different from.the diagonal line in your photos (in the end knitted or purled stitches look identical, no matter how the stitch is created, or not??)
2 / the other hump across which I do not get are rows 3 to 8 . I get that the repeat of rows 7 and 8 shape the second triangle from the end point to the upper width of the washcloth, but what exactly happens from row 3 to 6?? Sorry for being so daft. Any help will be gratefully appreciated.
Hi Dagmar,
Thanks for reaching out! It’s hard to say if your knitting style is affecting the look of the wrap and turns without seeing your work, but it should be possible to still work wrap and turns in the same manner even if you use the Russian style of knitting. Just in case you haven’t seen it, our Short Rows: Wrap & Turn video might be helpful! Much of the diagonal line is formed by the second set of wrap and turns, so I would recommend carrying on to see if it turns out how you want it to once you have a few more rows done. Rows 3 through 6 of the second triangle set up the next set of short rows, but will only be worked once. After you have worked rows 3 through 6, you will repeat rows 7 and 8 only for the rest of the triangle.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hi Julianna,
Thanks so much for your very helpful response.
On the one hand, I now understand the section in your pattern which I read in the wrong way. On the other hand, I played around with how to wrap the yarn around the stitch, and it seems that I needed to change the direction of the wrap.
I am now finishing the first one 😉 But as I want to give them away as gifts, I will experiment with both “wrap and turn” and “knit wrap and stitch together” in the next one….
I am not totally satisfied with the outcome, and think that I should be able to do better.
Thanks for your lovely patterns and your patience.
Best wishes, Dagmar
I find most washcloths end up too large… especially when wet. I often modify a pattern so they aren’t bigger than 6 or 8 inches square. Can I modify this pattern to do the same? Help! Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, you can easily change the size of this washcloth! The cast on edge is one of the side edges of the square and determines the size of the washcloth, so you can multiply your desired washcloth width by our gauge of 6 stitches per inch to determine how many stitches to cast on.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thanks so much for this project!
I’m stuck on one stitch. Triangle 1: I am on Row 5. I have already wrap-t. Now am I supposed to pick up the wrap and knit that with the left stitch, and then add ANOTHER stitch before I place the marker? Or is the combo wrap + stitch actually the K1 as written for Row 5?
Many thanks,
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like you might be placing your markers incorrectly. Each time you work Row 4, you should knit to the marker, which is 1 stitch before the next wrapped stitch in the row, remove the marker, and then work a wrap and turn on the stitch that is right before the wrapped stitch from the previous row. When you turn to the right side for Row 5, if you are going the right direction, you shouldn’t have any wrap and turns coming up in the rest of the row so you can simply knit 1, place the marker, and then knit to the end of the row.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I’m really enjoying this project and the color and texture of Cotton Pure. I did the first triangle and have attached the 2nd color with no problem. But I’m confused by the instructions for Triangle 2. I don’t understand how the second triangle will “grow” without knitting across the entire row to start the short rows as in Triangle 1. Not sure if that’s clear, but it seems that I’d be working only the last 2 stitches for Rows 7 and 8.
Thank you.
Hi Lida,
Thanks for reaching out! To keep the garter ridges running in the same direction, the short rows in the second triangle are the reverse of the first triangle. For the first triangle, you started by knitting to the end of the row on the first short row, and each subsequent was one stitch shorter than the last. For the second triangle, the first short row only has you knit one stitch before the wrap and turn, and then each short row is one stitch longer than the last, so you will still work all the stitches by the time you get to the end of the instructions.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I kept working Triangle 2 and now see how it will attach. I gave up too soon…
Thanks.
Love this project! Im near the end of triangle #2 and the last of the instructions are tripping me up. When your done repeating rows 7 & 8 onward. If I turn to knit back to marker Im on the right side.
Thank you so much!
Jenn
Hi Jenn,
Thanks for reaching out! When repeating rows 7 and 8 for Triangle 2, you should end on Row 7, which is a right side row. You will then have the wrong side facing for the next row.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Can these be made into tea towels or hand towels? If so, please supply dimensions, yarn requirement, etc. Thank you.
Hi Doretta,
Thanks for reaching out! While this pattern will always result in a square cloth and not a rectangle, you can certainly adjust the size of the square to whatever you like! If you know how large you would like your towel to be, you can simply multiply the gauge of 6 stitches per inch by the width of the towel in inches to determine how many stitches to cast on.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I am interested in doubling the yarn, holding it together, to make faster washcloths! Can I just split the number of cast on stitches to 36 and follow pattern? Thx!
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for writing in! This pattern works with casting on any number of stitches, so yes, you could certainly scale this up by doubling your yarn! Doubling your yarn doesn’t always result in exactly halving your stitches per inch, however, so you might want to knit a swatch first to determine how many to cast on.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello: Any idea when Cotton Pure will be restocked? I’m particularly interested in the two blues. Thanks!
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for reaching out! We have the blues on order, but currently don’t have an ETA for when they’ll be arriving. I suggest clicking on the button to be notified when the item is back in stock, and you’ll get an email just as soon as they come back in!
Best,
Cassandra
OMG! I’m finishing the 2nd triangle on layout 5 and looks beautiful! I’m using us9 needles to make it bigger (It will be a cover for my cats bed). Thank you so much for this pattern! <3
Brilliant construction! What a fun knit. Thank you for the free pattern.
Hi! I’m wondering what bind off you used for these washcloths and if you bound off on the right side or the wrong side? Thanks!
Hi Maggie,
Thanks for reaching out! We used a regular Basic Bind Off, and worked the bind off on the right side of the washcloths.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
The smallest needles I have are 4’s. How different do you expect the dimensions to be if I used those instead of the 3’s as prescribed in the pattern?
Thanks! Can’t wait to give these a try
Hi Camden,
Thanks for writing in! I’m afraid I can’t say what the exact dimensions would be, but your washcloths will probably turn out slightly larger on US 4s. If you don’t mind knitting a gauge swatch, you can divide the number of cast on stitches, which is 72, by your stitches per inch to get a preview of how large they will turn out. This pattern works on any number of stitches, so this will also give you the option of multiplying your stitches per inch by 12 inches if you want to make your washcloths the same size as ours!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Has anyone besides me had a super difficult time trying to knit these lovely washcloths based on the pattern? I’ll admit I’m new to the wrap and turn process but with strict attention to the Step by Step, I found one mistake on the first Triangle. Triangle Two is not any clearer. I hate to give up but I’ve exhausted all efforts. I now have lovely cotton but no ⚠️▶️◀️??⚠️
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for writing in, and I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with this washcloth! Short rows can indeed be tricky at first, but if you persevere, I’m sure you will have them mastered by the time you finish! You might try placing a removable stitch marker in each wrapped stitch to make it a little easier to keep track of them. If you decide it’s just not the project for you, you might be interested in our Soft Cotton Washcloths or Close Knit Washcloths instead. Both patterns are also written for Cotton Pure!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
NOTE: the first 3 rows of triangle two will travel along the hypotenuse of your first triangle. (The 72 cast on stitches that you slowly decreased with the wrap and turns.)
Then you will build up the next triangle from the cast on edge side.
This is also why the cream colour is kept constant for triangle two with such a striking effect!
After some frustration , I finally figured out how to add the second triangle, using the German short rows. Thank you for the pattern. I used 3 mm needles and cast on 45 stitches which was plenty for my taste, ended up with a 20x 20 cm wash/dishcloth.
Hi Margaret
Thanks for writing in! Glad to hear you were able to make the German short rows work for you, and customize your dishcloth to be the exact size you wanted!
Hope you knit another, and it goes even smoother the second time!
Happy knitting
Jessica
Hello! I hope you still read these comments and can help me start this project! I bought 8 skeins so I’d better figure it out! :)) To begin with: the wrap and turn instructions indicate purling the stitch when turning, but this patter is all garter stitch? I am confused?
Please consider a video tutorial for these washcloths as some others have suggested! Thanks!
Hi Cynthia
Thanks so much for writing in! I think the confusion you may be having involves slipping the stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle. You will not be purling this stitch, just inserting your needle as if to purl, and transferring it from the left needle to the right needle, wrapping it and sliding it back to the left needle. Take a peek at the Wrap and Turn 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. I hope the video and my explanation helps you out!
Happy knitting
Jessica
So I just finished my first washcloth, and while I love the results I have one question about “knitting the wrap with its stitch”. I know that it says to pick up the wrap from front to back, but does it matter if you pick it up knitwise or purlwise?
Thanks!
Hi Laura
That’s a great question! The object here is to hide the wrap and close up any small gaps that may occur. As long as you don’t twist the wrap when putting it on the needle, picking it up purlwise (almost going under the stitch and lifting it onto the needle) seems like it would work! Hope this helps!
Happy knitting
Jessica
Thank you for your previous reply. I think I got it! My question now that I received my order is: To my surprise the skeins do not come wound! What is the best way to prevent tangling?? Thanks again.
Hi Cynthia,
I’m happy to hear that you’re almost ready to start knitting! Although we ordinarily can wind yarn if you request it in your order notes, unfortunately we are working with very limited staff at this time and aren’t able to wind any yarn – I’m so sorry about that! We do have a handy tutorial on winding a skein into a ball that should be quite helpful! I just wound a skein of Cotton Pure myself this past weekend and found that I was able to keep the skein open and untangled by laying it around my knees while sitting in a chair, but you can also put the open skein over the back of a chair or two chairs if you prefer.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello! It’s me again! I am also getting a round edge as opposed to a sharp triangle shape, and no, my cast on row is not tight, I had read the comment and made sure it was not. What is wrong? My only doubt is the transition from row 2 to row 3 of triangle 1: does it mean you start row 3 with 1 stitch on the right needle, and knit the other 71? And leave the marker where it is, that would be after the first 3 stitches? You mention pm on row 2 but no mention of a marker on row 3. Is the only thing I can think is confusing me. Otherwise why am I getting a round shape?? 🙁
Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for writing in! You should be starting Row 3 with two stitches on the right hand needle, the final stitch that wasn’t worked in Row 1 and the wrapped stitch, and will then knit all the way to the end of the row, across 70 stitches, with no need to add another marker. However, at this point, you should only have one corner, which is at the edge where you start the wrong side, or even numbered, rows. If the other edge, where you started Row 3 and the other odd numbered rows, is looking a little curved at the beginning of the triangle, that is normal! If you are working on a circular needle, this edge will continue to appear curved until you are close to or at the end of Triangle 1 as the stitches will take on the shape of the cable portion of the circular needle. If that still doesn’t clear things up, please feel free to send a picture of your work to customerservice@purlsoho.com and we will be happy to take a look!
Best,
Julianna
Hi I would first like to thank you for sharing all the lovely patterns, they have so much sophisticated style and fashion. I am loving all the color in this wash cloth but I am having trouble with the pattern instructions I am flying by the seat of my pants. I am especially having trouble with the color join. The pattern states to change on a wrong side row I understand that but where I get confused is in joining the second color of second triangle. Should it be at the beginning of the row ie where I casted on or at the beginning of the German short row or after the wrap and turn. And how do I cast on the 3rd color on the 2Nd triangle so that there is no overlapping of the 3rd color on to 2nd color (layout 3)I hope you can understand my question. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful; I wish this pattern would have more direction in referencing weather I should be on a right or wrong side Row when executing wrap and turn on 2nd triangle. I am sorry to complain but maybe this can help someone else. Thank you and I appreciate any help.
Hi Helen,
Thank you so much for the kind words and for writing in! Are you working more than one color in Triangle 2? For all of our layouts, we only changed colors in Triangle 1, and worked Triangle 2 in Color A only. I wouldn’t recommend adding stripes or color blocks to Triangle 2, since, as I think you have noticed, it doesn’t work well to change colors after the wrap & turn, but if you join your new color at the outside edge of the washcloth, the wrong side of the color change row shows on the right side of the washcloth. To knit Layout 3 as written, you should work all of your stripes and color changes in Triangle 1, always changing color on a right side row at the outside edge of the washcloth. After Triangle 1 is completed, you will join Color A by simply knitting across all the stitches on the needle and work all of Triangle 2 in Color A.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hi Laura I just read Cynthia’s note from June 17,2020 (good question) and am more confused should I be knitting across 70 st. As per rows 2&3in 2nd triangle with each wrap and turn (rows 7&8)? Thank you for being so patient.
Hi Helen,
Cynthia’s question only applies to Triangle 1 of these washcloths, and you will only be knitting across 70 stitches on Row 3 of Triangle 1. When you start repeating rows 4 and 5, each wrong side row, or repeat of Row 5, will be one less stitch long than the previous one.
Best,
Julianna
I struggled a bit changing w&t to German short rows, but boy, was it worth it! I love, love, love the results! And the Cotton Pure is pure heaven to knit with. I made 6 washcloths for friends (a COVID-19 gift) and finally made one for myself. I used it for the first time today and . . . well . . . it is special. I can’t recommend the yarn and the pattern enough.