Friday, June 26, 2009

Star Washcloth Pattern

Hi Knitters,
Well, here it is! I am excited to bring you this summer washcloth pattern today. Here is some information you may like to now about the Star Washcloth pattern:

Yarn: Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille 1 skein each in Lacquer Red #9784, Bleach #1058 and Carib Blue #406
*note* Any worsted weight cotton will work great for this pattern!

Needles: US size 6, set of 4 double-pointed needles and 16-inch circular needles or size to obtain gauge

Materials:
stitch markers (5)
yarn needle
size H crochet hook (optional)
scissors
Gauge: 4 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch

Finished measurement: 9 inches from point to point
I want you to see the yarn I have used for these washcloths. I have completed the two stars and I have a lot of yarn leftover. I think I could get two stars out of each color and still have enough for the contrasting crochet edging. 

It was fun to figure out how to construct a star shape. I began with the center and knew that I had to have five edges for the star points to grow out of. Of course that means I needed to figure out how to make a pentagon. When I cast on I needed a number that would be divisible by 5. I thought of the center of the star as the top of a hat that would have 5 lines of decreases going toward the center. It took me 2 tries to get it right because the first center I made was too small. Washcloth should be bigger than your hand for comfortable use. Anyway, I thought you may be interested in how I worked out the pattern. The points are picked up on each of the five sides and worked in garter stitch.

I think the Stars would make a fantastic gifts for moms and dads, babies, children, grandparents, friends, hostess gifts for 4th of July parties, etc. The Star Washcloth would be cute in pastel colors or bright colors, not just red, white and blue. The star is a great shape for boys and girls.
I put my hand on to give you a size reference. Here are the skills you need to complete the Star Washcloth:
cast on
knit stitch
knitting in the round 
ssk
k2tog
picking up stitches
optional crochet: single crochet, slip stitch

The Star Washcloth Pattern is now available in my Pattern Shop for $3.50. The Pattern Shop is always at the top of my sidebar on the blog.

best, susie