Tuesday 27 May 2014

Knitted Cloths

When I saw some gorgeous knitted cloths on Retromummy a few weeks back, I just knew I had to make some.
I followed her link to the pattern "The Almost Lost Washcloth Pattern" found here on the Simply Notable blog, ordered some worsted cotton yarn & when it arrived yesterday got straight to knitting. I have been knitting for just shy of 50 years, & found I wanted to clarify the pattern as it's quite brief. After reading through all the comments, which helped with my questions, I decided to write a more detailed pattern. 
These cloths are quick to knit up & I'm finding it quite addictive watching the circular shape grow. If you are new to knitting, or like me, just "need to know" as much detail as possible, I hope you find the extended pattern helpful. I have included some pictures which I hope you find useful to clarify some of the terms & steps.

Materials Needed
1 pair knitting needles 5mm (U.S. size 8 / Imperial size 6)
Cotton yarn - I used Lily Sugar n Cream (1 57g/20z ball enough for 2 cloths)
1 needle big enough for cotton thread to sew up cloth

Instructions
Getting started:
Cast on 14 stitches
Knit 1 row
Forming Points:
1. Knit 4 stitches, *yarn over * (see hint), knit 8 stitches, leaving 2 stitches at end of row unknitted
2. Turn & knit back (you now have 15 stitches in total)
3. Knit 4 stitches, yarn over, knit 7 stitches, leaving 4 stitches at end of row unknitted
4. Turn & knit back (you now have 16 stitches)
5. Knit 4 stitches, yarn over, knit 6 stitches, leaving 6 stitches at end of row unknitted
6. Turn & knit back (you now have 17 stitches)
7. Knit 4 stitches,  yarn over, knit 5 stitches, leaving 8 stitches at end of row unknitted
8. Turn & knit back (you now have 18 stitches)
9. Cast off 4 stitches & knit to end of row (back to 14 stitches)
10. Turn & knit one row.
  
One point knitted (Steps 1-10)                                                    Knitting back leaving 2 stitches (step2)
 








Repeat Steps 1 - 10
Repeat these steps 13 times so in total you will end up with 14 points.
Note - on the 14th point, instead of step 10, turn & cast off the stitches.
When you cast off, leave a long enough piece of yarn to stitch circle together.

                                                                        Casting off

Stitching Circle
Stitch up the 'sides' together using ladder stitch.
Slip needle through loops of stitches around the circle in centre & draw up to close the circle. Finish with a double knot, weave thread back through some stitches then cut.
Weave thread trail where you cast on through stitches then cut.

 Stitching up 'sides' - ladder stitch                                                           Closing the centre circle
 








 
Hint:
*Yarn over* - bring your yarn to the front of your work so when you knit the next stitch, you will actually be forming an extra stitch.
                                                         Yarn over - bring yarn to front

 I hope these instructions help you & you have as much fun as I have had making some of these cloths. Stocking up now for myself & for presents. 
Look forward to seeing any cloths you make.