Knit Dish Towel Topper

This pattern, and the pdf, is now available on my new blog:

http://queenrapunzel.com/2009/12/knit-kitchen-dish-towel-set/ Please visit there instead as the following information is no longer updated...

Make this fun and cheerful set to give as a gift or just for yourself! Use bright colors to give your kitchen a sassy kick.

Again, this isn't socks or sweaters, so toss the thought of the dreaded gauge swatch. Want to use a different yarn or needle size? Go for it. I used garter stitch because it gave a funky texture to this bright and festive yarn. You could use stockinette, or whatever works for you. Make it work for you, just have fun with this quick and easy project. Warning, be sure to make lots to give away as this one is super popular!

Knit Dish Towel Topper
Peaches & Creme (or other cotton worsted) 2 oz ball. (I used Fiesta Ombre)
Pair of size 8 needles (5.0mm)
Large yarn needle
Dish towel

Fold the dish towel in thirds the long way, then in half. (Just like you'd fold it to put away, or how it comes when you buy them). Take a long length of yarn (about twice an arm's length) and double it over in half, threading the two ends through the eye of the needle...see pic...



Secure yarn at one end of towel as shown in photos below.



Sew across top of towel's folded edge with a backstitch. Make stitches about 1/4" long. My towel had 20 sts across. The amount of stitches will vary by how big your towel is and what size it is folded to, just make the amount of stitches an even number.






Pick up the stitches on one needle. Work in garter stitch for 1.5". (Before the last st of each row, bring the yarn forward and then slip the last st as if to purl. That just gives a nice and smooth edge to your knitting.)

Begin Decrease Row:
*K1, K2tog, k across until 3 sts rem. k2tog, yarn forward and sl last st as if to purl. Turn. Rep * to end until 8 sts remain.

Work in garter st with these 8 sts until work measures 8-8.5" from the start (unstretched).
Then rep the Decrease Row until 4 sts rem. Bind off all sts, break yarn and secure. Attach velcro closure.

For button closure option:
Work pattern as above until you have 8 sts and your work measures 7 3/4" (19.5 cm) from start. Work buttonhole:
Row 1: k3, bind of 2, k2, yarn forward and sl last st as if to purl
Row 2: k2, yo 2, k2
Row 3: k across, sl last st as if to purl (8 sts)
Row 4: k1, k2tog, k until 3 st rem, k2tog, sl last st as if to purl
Rep Row 4 until 4 st rem. Bind off all sts. Secure. Attach a button of sufficient size to match.

Correction! Thank you anonymous poster!

row 1 - K3, K2 more, bind off 1, K 1 more, bind off 1, K1, yarn forward (between needles), slip last stitch purl wise.
row 2 - K3, YO2, K3
row 3 - knit

Optional Decorative Edging:
Stitch loose loops along botton front edge of towel, about 1/4" apart. (Looser is bette than too tight, you can always tighten it up later.) Work sc across, ch 2, turn. Work 3 dc in 1st st. ch 1. Work 3 dc in 3rd st. ch 1. Work 3 dc in 6th st. ch 1...continue across in this pattern. After last st, ch 1 turn. Sc across. Fasten off, break yarn, secure.


To make the potholder Click Here

To make the dishcloth:

Mindless Dishcloth
1 ball cotton worsted yarn, 1 pair size 8 needles (5.0 mm)...or whatever you wish

Cast on 33 st. Work in garter st until desired size. Work sc around edge, if desired for a nice finish...working 3 sc in each corner for smooth corners.
That's how easy it is and why it's called the Mindless Dishcloth! (Click here for a crochet version of the Mindless Dishcloth)

You’re welcome to make this projects for yourself, to give as gifts, or to sell. Want to share the pattern? Share this link pattern: http://findingsalihah.blogspot.com/2006/12/knit-dish-towel-topper.html