Housewarming, and the gifts that come with it. Or the ones that don't.
When my wife and I moved into our apartment we didn't have a housewarming party, though we aren't really the type who would throw that type of party anyhow. It got me thinking as I look at our towels and things, how nice it would be to have gotten a set when we moved in as a memory gift. That being said, we are in our early 20's and none of our friends know how to knit or have any desire to learn (trust me, I've asked). If they had, I would have more knitting friends than what I do.
Anyhow, when I thought of making this dish set, mostly because I thought of my cousin, and her desire for housewarming gifts for her wedding, I thought of this cloth and towel set. Something simple enough to make in a weekend or a couple of nights during the week. Make a few sets and store them for special occasions, or just make some sets for yourself that you think would make your house look nice. ( I know I have some teal and purple that would make a great Halloween set, which is on my list of cast ons alongside a few sweaters for the family and of course my favorite... socks).
Below you will find the free version of the pattern that is also available as an ad free PDF on my product page. This pattern is beginner friendly, and only uses knit and purl stitches to create this fun and easy pattern!
I would love to see your knit up version of this pattern, so tag us on your IG posts @thistlestitchdesign !
Gauge:
Not terribly important. But 5 stitches by 5.5 rows in an inch.
Supplies:
Roughly 100 grams of cotton worsted weight yarn, or DK weight held double. (It is important that the yarn is cotton and not a poly-blend so that it absorbs water well, and can be color safe bleached. I have not done this with wool so I am not sure of the results but if you have please let me know in an email!!)
US 9 needles
Tapestry needle to weave in ends
Stitches:
K- knit
P-purl
Pattern:
Dishcloth:
Cast on 25 stitches using the long tail cast on method.
Rows 1-5: knit across the whole row.
Row 6: knit 2 (3 for a slightly thicker border) and purl across row until 2 (or 3) stitches remain.
Row 7: knit across whole row.
Repeat rows 6 & 7 until dishcloth is approximately 4.5 inches long. Ending on a row 6.
Knit across the whole row for the last 5 rows and cast off.
Weave in ends to finish.
(If you like slightly bigger dishcloths, I would recommend 30 stitches wide, and until the dishcloth is 5.5 inches long )
Dishtowel:
Cast on 40 stitches using the long tail cast on method.
Knit across the first 5 rows.
Row 6: knit 2, then purl across until 2 stitches remain, and knit those 2 stitches.
Row 7: knit across the whole row.
Repeat rows 6 & 7 until cloth measures approximately 14.5 inches long. Ending in a row 6.
Knit the last 5 rows across the whole row, and cast off.
Weave in the ends to finish.