Close Knit Washcloths
With its raised vertical ridges on one side and smooth scallops on the other, I fell in love with both the appearance and name of Close Stitch, especially for washcloths. After all, what gets closer to you than your washcloths?!
Perfect for sudsing and scrubbing, yet beautifully simple as an object alone, I have no doubt our Close Knit Washcloths would receive the approval of William Morris, who once said, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
The only challenging step of this project is choosing a color! With the help of several friends, we knit these washcloths in all forty-three colors of our newest yarn: Cotton Pure. Soft and gentle, simple and natural, Cotton Pure is just what you want a washcloth to be.
You may not be up for knitting all forty-three colors, but a trio of Cotton Pure is just the ticket for knitting nine washcloths in pretty colors. The perfect summertime knit, keep your stack of Close Knit Washcloths close by or gift them to your closest friends! -Laura
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoCloseKnitWashcloths, and #PurlSohoCottonPure. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 3 skeins of Purl Soho’s Cotton Pure, 100% organic cotton. Each skein is 279 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 810 total yards required, or 90 yards per washcloth. We selected our favorite trios of Cotton Pure in eight color combinations (pictured below).
- US 6 (4 mm), straight or circular needles
Note: One skein of Cotton Pure is enough yarn to make three washcloths, and three skeins is enough yarn to make nine washcloths.
Haystack
Melon
Conch Shell
Tea Rose
Prairie Aster
Well Water
Ice Pond
Rock Salt
Gauge
28 stitches = 4 inches in stitch pattern
Size
Finished Dimensions: 7 x 7 inches
Notes
How to Slip Stitches
Slip all slipped stitches purlwise.
How to Work the First Stitch of Each Row
Slipping the last stitch of the row can make working the first stitch of the following row a bit confusing. Here’s how to do it…
Row 1
Note: This does not apply to the first time you work Row 1, just every time after that!
Insert the right needle into the first stitch, and bring the working yarn over the top of the needle.
Use the tip of the needle to pull the working yarn through the stitch, as you normally would when making a knit stitch.
Row 2
Again, insert the right needle into the first stitch from front to back, as you normally would when making a knit stitch. Be sure the needle is under the working yarn (not over), so you can easily pull it through the stitch.
Pattern
Cast on 49 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1 (wrong side): Knit to last stitch, slip 1 with yarn in front (wyif).
Row 2: K2, *slip 1 with yarn in back (wyib), k1, repeat from * to last stitch, slip 1 wyif.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures approximately 7 inches from cast-on edge, ending with Row 2.
Bind off knitwise.
Weave in the ends and block as desired.
This looks lovely, would you have a similar pattern or suggestion of a pattern in crocket? Thank you!
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for the question! We do not have a crochet pattern with the similar stitch but we do have two crocheted washcloth patterns that would work well with our new Cotton Pure. The Mother’s Day washcloths and the Tunisian Crochet Washcloths would both be beautiful in Cotton Pure.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Wendy! Cassy’s right! I’ve crocheted the Tunisian Washcloths as an option and have done the Mother’s Day ones too and both are lovely. My mom actually loves the Tunisian weave as it’s sturdy and makes for very strong washcloths! Hope you have a great time and enjoy making them!! Karen
What needles are you using in the photo?
Hi Fran,
Thanks for writing us! We used US 6 needles for the washcloths. All the info can be found under materials. Thanks again!
-Adam
Greetings from sunny singapore! Am so happy that you finally have a cotton yarn which suits our climate here. Would you recommend this for the knit t shirt, stripe summer top and over the top top pattern?
Thanks!
Huili
Hi Hui Li!
I’m so glad you are pleased with the cotton! There are so many beautiful colors to choose from! This yarn will work with the Over the Top Top and the Striped Spring Shirt, not the summer version. Unfortunately the Knit T-Shirt uses a fingering weight yarn, but you could try to adjust the pattern for a sport/DK weight. I hope this helps! Enjoy the yarn!
-Adam
Thanks Adam! On the Striped Spring Shirt, do I use cotton pure for the stripes or continue with the suggested Line Weight?
Hui Li
Hi there!
You could do either! The Cotton Pure will give you a much broader stripe, while the Line Weight will be more like a pinstripe. It depends what you want. Good luck!
-Adam
Great pattern and gift idea. How would I go about adding a loop at one corner?
Hi Mimi,
That sounds like a great idea! You can refer to our Slip Stitch Dishtowels pattern for how to make a hang loop. Thanks for writing in!
-Adam
Sorry for my ignorance… but do you use this wash clothes for?
The only that comes to my mine is in the shower with body soap.
But, do you use to clean something else?
Hi Maria,
Thanks for writing in! I’d use the washcloth for the shower, but you could feasibly use it for dishes and other household needs. Good luck knitting!
-Adam
So the slip stitches at the front and the back of the row are just creating a different edge (border)?
Hi Randi,
Thanks for writing us! Yes, you are correct. The slipped stitches create a nice, neat edge. I hope you’ll like the technique!
-Adam
Thanks, Adam. I love the pattern…so,easy! Can’t wait to receive my yarn.
Perfection….both the pattern and the yarn! I can’t wait to knit these washcloths and planning how to use the yarn for my summer knitting! Thank you!
Julie
I get realy excitied when something from Purlsoho drops into my email. I am really twitchy about ordering stuff from the US because of foreign exchange rates and so on. But, I have a friend in New York who is happy to call into your shop and get yarns for me and send them back with my daughter, through Italy, to the UK – well, it is one way. Thanks for your inspiration
At the end of row 1, slip purl wise? What about the slips in row 2?
Hi Elzed,
Thanks for writing in! All slipped stitches are slipped purlwise! Good luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
Beautiful colors! What nice little short projects to do, especially sitting outside on the deck! Thank you!
Beautiful cotton do you have a simple pattern for knit pot holders using the yarn?
Hi Jolie,
What a wonderful idea! I think that these washcloths would make great pot holders if you just made them a bit bigger. They’d also make nice trivets! Thanks for the great suggestion!
-Adam
The names and colors of your yarns evoke and emotional response that I cannot describe. It is a comfort feeling. Thank you.
Love the simplicity of the pattern and the beautiful colors in the bundles! Would this knitted washcloth be considered more of a kitchen or ‘spa/personal’ washcloth? Just asking so I know how to ‘bundle’ this for Christmas presents. Thank you!
Hi Sandii,
Thank you for the nice comment! I think you can use the washcloth for both purposes. You should knit two for yourself and use one in the shower and one in the kitchen and see which you prefer. Personally, I think I’d prefer the washcloth in the shower but it might be a great scrubbie too! Good luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
I’m in “Soon to be grandmother mode”. These are just perfect and the bundles are all yummy. I’m finishing the Cozy Corners crib blanket now and these cotton washclothes will be a great addition to wash new baby. I’ll be making several. Wonderful gift for anyone!
Love this pattern and the yarn colors are gorgeous I especially like the dark red but wonder if it would bleed when run through the laundry. Again great pattern!
Hi Sabrina,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We are smitten with this new yarn as well. Our tests have shown that the yarn is color fast and has not run. Our washing instructions are to machine wash cold and tumble dry low. With this process the washcloths have come out looking just as fresh as when we finished knitting them!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Wyif and wyib what do these stand for
Hi Louisa,
Great question! Wyif means with yarn in front and wyib means with yarn in back. For a full list of our abbreviations, you can check our abbreviation and terms page here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knit/terms/
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I’m having trouble working that first slipped stitch, beginning on row 2, and a lot of questions. At the end of the first step, first stitch row 2, it looks like we’re creating a new knit stitch, but, you don’t tell us what to do with it after we pull the yarn through. Do we complete that knit stitch? Does it go to the right needle, or back onto the left needle? Does that “worked slipstitch” count as the first of the K2 in the directions of Row 2?
Maybe you can post bigger pictures, or a short video to help. Thanks, looks like a fun pattern.
Hi Susi,
I’m sorry this part of the pattern is giving you trouble! Hopefully I can help to explain it!
Your first stitch on row two does count as a stitch even though it’s a bit different than a knit stitch. That special knit technique where you drape the yarn over the right-hand needle is to tighten the edges. Think of it as a knit stitch that takes up less yarn. After pulling that first special knit stitch through you’ll knit one more stitch and then complete the slip stitch pattern. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Best,
Adam
Thanks for your reply, Adam. I THINK I’ve figured it out. But, in truth, it doesn’t “seem” like a process any different from a normal knit stitch, or else I’m doing it wrong. I’ve followed the written and pictured directions several times on my sample, and I “appear” to be making a normal knit stitch. That I’m making it from a “slipped stitch” at the end of row 1, doesn’t “seem” to affect the appearance of the stitch or the edge, or the process to make it. I’m only a half inch into my sample, so there may be a more visible difference later. At the moment, it doesn’t “seem” like a special stitch.
If I’m the only one confused, it’s probably not an issue. If others have had problems, perhaps you could make bigger pictures/different wording.
Thanks for taking the time to answer me, and the other knitters on this thread. Lovely pattern, can’t wait to try your yarn.
Susi
You are not alone, Susi. I too would like a video to better see this extra step. I’ve knit several rows and apparently do not understand the “drape.” ‘Even went to far as to find a knit stitch video, believing my bringing the working yarn over the right needle was the wrong way to knit.
Hello Lisa,
Thank you for reaching out- I will certainly pass along your request! In the mean time, is there anything specific that we can help you work though with this stitch?
I hope I can help and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Do you have a tutorial on this?
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for writing in! 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
i heart heart this pattern + am totally enjoying touching the cotton pure – its delish!!
i think i’m going to try a second cloth in nettle….
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for writing us and for your interest in our yarns! They are delicious! We do not currently do wholesale accounts, but you never know what the future brings. Stay tuned and follow us to know what we are up to!
Best,
Adam
Is this a soft cotton? Also, if I buy this, will you wind it into a ball in the store?
Hi Paula,
This cotton is very soft in my opinion and if you’d like for us to wind it in a ball, just say so in the notes before you make the purchase. I hope you’ll like it as much as I do!
Best,
Adam
j’aimerais avoir en français car il y beaucoup de truc qui m’intéresse . Merci !
Hello, Jocelyne!
Thank you so much for writing in! Unfortunately, all of our patterns are written in English. If there are specific patterns that you are interested in we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
What is the weight of this cotton? I have a cotton stash and want to get it right.
Many thanks – great idea
Hi, Barbara!
Thank you for writing in! Our Cotton Pure gets about 5-6 stitches per inch so it would be considered a sport weight. Please let us know if you have further questions!
Best,
Kumeko
I just do’t see the different between a knit stitch that you are talking about, as the first stitch on the first row – is there any trick here? Why not simply say KNIT first stitch?
I have a lot of ‘sport weight cotton’ but it knits up differently and on different needles than your directions. I will just simply try to go for 7+ inches – perhaps 9 inches- as 7 seems rather skimpy.
Hi Barbara,
You can certainly knit the washcloths omitting the first edge stitch. We tried knitting the first stitch and thought that it looked better with the special selvedge stitch. I think it’s a great idea to make these longer. Whatever you need for your personal use!
-Adam
Hi –
If I want to make these a bit larger am I correct to think it’s just a matter of casting on a few more stitches but keeping the count an odd number? Say I cast on 59 stitches instead of 49?
I’ve knit 3 so far and love the stitch and the yarn put I think a little larger would be nice too.
Susan
Hi Susan,
Thanks for writing in! You are correct! Best of luck!
-Adam
Hi! I made 2 washcloths already and really like the pattern. But I have a question about binding off: with a regular, knitwise BO, I end up with a really “ruffled” edge, all wavy. Any suggestion to correct that?
Hi Julie,
Thanks for the question. I suggest you knit an entire row before binding off. This will make the edge even. Good luck!
-Adam
Can you provide a printer-friendly version?
Hi Amy,
Thanks for writing in! All of our patterns are available in printer friendly versions. To print this pattern, please follow these instructions!
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.
Best,
Cassy
Do these shrink? If so how much? This yarn is just gorgeous!So hard to choose a color. I want them all.
-Billie Kay
Hi Billie,
Thanks for the kind comment! In our experience this yarn has very little to no shrinkage. Now for the tough part of choosing a color…
-Adam
Would this pattern work for a towel like in the Baby Bath set or would it be too loose?
Hi Jan,
Thanks for writing us. The slipped garter stitch in this pattern will suffice for a towel though it may be very plush. Personally, I would love it because I love a plush towel. Hope you’ll go ahead with the project!
Adam
Hi, can you tell me how many washcloths one skein will yield? Thanks!
Hi Alexis,
Thank you for writing in! One skein of Cotton Pure has enough yarn to make three washcloths, and one Bundle has enough yarn to make nine washcloths.
Best,
Cassy
Hi Adam,
I’m very new to knitting and love this project. I’d like to clarify if what I’ve done is correct so far. So for Row 1, I knitted to the end then for Row 2 knitted two stitches then is it Purl to the end of Row 2?
Thanks!
Hello Michelle,
Thanks for writing in! You are missing a couple of steps. The pattern is as follows;
Row 1 (wrong side): Knit to last stitch, slip 1 with yarn in front (wyif).
Row 2: K2, *slip 1 with yarn in back (wyib), k1, repeat from * to last stitch, slip 1 wyif.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures approximately 7 inches from cast-on edge, ending with Row 2.
There is no Purling in this pattern.
Hope this clears things up for you!
Warmly,
Marilla
A lovely pattern and I’m just starting my 5th wash-cloth!
Can you tell me if this stitch pattern has a name?
Many thanks,
Ros Pearl
Hello Rose,
Wow! You are speeding through washcloths- so happy to hear you are enjoying this pattern. The name of this stitch is the Close Stitch.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I am so excited about this pattern but am very confused!! Is there a video of row 1 and 2? I’m struggling to understand the meaning of wrong side and when to switch over step by step.
Thanks!
Hello Kelly,
Thank you for writing us. We do not currently have a video tutorial for this project, but I will pass along your request! Row 1 is your “wrong side” and row 2 is your “right side”. Your very first row will be “Knit to last stitch, slip 1 with yarn in front (wyif).” Every odd number row after this will be the same with the addition of “Insert the right needle into the first stitch, and bring the working yarn over the top of the needle. Use the tip of the needle to pull the working yarn through the stitch, as you normally would when making a knit stitch.” – as pictured.
I hope this clears things up for you! Let me know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
Could you please tell me the individual names of the colors in ‘Wellwater’ and ‘Icepond’? Thank you
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for writing in! I am happy to let you know what colors are in each bundle. The Wellwater bundle consists of White Caps Blue, Raindrop Blue (discontinued), and Cloud Gray. The Icepond bundle consists of Bucket Gray, Icicle Blue, and Freshwater Pearl.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
hi. how many wash cloths does each color skien make? Thank you.
Hi Sophie,
Thanks for writing in! One skein of Cotton Pure has enough yarn to make three washcloths, and one Bundle has enough yarn to make nine washcloths.
Best,
Cassy
I like my washcloths to have somewhat of a scratchy feel. Would your Lantern yarn work with this pattern, or do you have another yarn that would add the sort of “harsh” feel I’m looking for? What about combining a strand of Field Linen with the Cotton Pure? Any suggestions you might have would be appreciated!
Hi Norma,
Thanks for writing in! I think Lantern is just what you are looking for! It has a very satisfying “scrubby” texture for washcloths due to the linen wrap and thick and thin nature of the yarn. For this pattern, I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch in the slip stitch pattern on US 8 or 9 needles to determine your stitches per inch and multiplying that by 7 inches or your desired washcloth size to get your cast on number. You could follow these same instructions to make a double stranded washcloth with Field Linen and Cotton Pure, but I think you will find that over time Lantern will retain the rugged texture you are looking for better than Field Linen.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello! I bought a bundle of Cotton Pure for this project, but are those bundles no longer available? Thank you!
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we do not offer these particular bundles any more, but most of the original colors of Cotton Pure are still available, and you can select any three you like to create your own palette!
Best,
Julianna
Why does the pattern say slip with yarn in back (row 2) when your yarn is already in back having just knit a stitch? Am I missing something?
Hi Maralie,
Thanks for writing in! You are correct that your yarn will already be in the back of the work for knitting, so you don’t have to do anything special when slipping the stitches on Row 2. We included this instruction just for extra clarity, since you will be slipping with the yarn in front on Row 1, but it sounds like you’ve got it down pat!
Best,
Julianna
Thanks for your response. While waiting for it, I knit two wash clothes. I think I’m addicted; number 3 is on my needles.
Can you tell me the yarn colors in the Rock Salt bundle and the Prairie Aster? Thank you!
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately the original colors of Cotton Pure have been discontinued and are no longer available – I’m so sorry about that! In our current Cotton Pure palette, the closest colors we have to the originals would be Warm Rock, Heirloom White, and Gray Birch for the Rock Salt bundle, and Pink Allium, Wild Lavender, and Silver Quartz for Prairie Aster.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Can this pattern work for any odd number of stitches? If not, what can it work for (eg. multiples of 4 + 1 or something)?
Hi Q,
Thanks for asking about this! You are correct, any odd number of stitches will work for this pattern!
Best,
Cassandra
Thanks for the quick reply!!!
How do you order the Rocksalt collection. It doesn’t specify each color.
Hi Linda
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately, I’m sorry to say the original colors of Cotton Pure have been discontinued and are no longer available. In our current Cotton Pure palette, the closest colors we have to the originals would be Warm Rock, Heirloom White, and Gray Birch for the Rock Salt bundle. Hope this helps!
Best
Jessica
Hello from the PNW! I’m huge fan of this pattern + Cotton Pure and always take time out to knit a few (or a dozen!) for holiday gift giving. One question- has anyone used double strands of fingering weight Santolina using this pattern? My fingers have a difficult time using any needle smaller than a 6. Thanks and have a great day!
Hi Carrie,
Thanks for reaching out! you can absolutely modify this pattern to use any weight yarn. All you’ll need to do is adjust the number of stitches you cast on to ensure that the washcloths end up the correct size.
To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern. Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the width (7 inches) and cast on the nearest odd number. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili