Knit a Washcloth Inspired by Waffles

Every month The Kitchen Sink Shop releases a dishcloth knitting pattern, and they seem to mostly have a food theme. This one, for example, is said to be inspired by the designs on waffle makers, thus the Belgian Waffle Dishcloth.

As an aside, I wasn’t sure I knew the difference between Belgian waffles and non-Belgian waffles, but they say the Belgian variety is denser, made with yeast and has a caramelized sugar coating. So maybe a little more like funnel cakes than waffles? Maybe I need to go to Belgium and find out!

Anyway, about the dishcloth. The pattern calls for a worsted weight cotton yarn, which makes a thick and durable washcloth. (This would be a great one for a yarn like Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, because the yarn is mercerized, giving it a little shine that’s fun for a dishcloth.)

It has an easy lace pattern that looks like diamonds, or waffle iron prints if you will. The edges are worked in garter stitch and are just a little wavy. It looks like it would be pretty quick and easy to knit and a nice low pressure introduction to lace knitting if that’s something you haven’t done before.

This and all the future dishcloths of the month are available on Ravelry.

And speaking of using dishcloths and washcloths as a way to learn new skills, many years ago now I published some easy washcloth patterns here that you might want to try using two-color bias knitting, moss stitch in two colors (on of my favorites!), loop stitch, and working a circle from the center out.

Washcloths and dishcloths are ideal learning patterns because they’re small and they’re useful. We still use those washcloths (some in the kitchen, and some my daughter uses). They’re a fun way to play with stitches no matter your skill level.

[Photo: The Kitchen Sink Shop]

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Adding eyelets to a project is a great way to make it more wearable in the summer, and these mesh and eyelet sweater patterns are perfect for summer (and beyond!) for layering.

The Inez Summer Sweater from Happy Love Co combines eyelets and dropped stitches (along with some garter and stockinette) to make a casual and fun summer sweater. The pattern is one size (56 inches or 142.24 cm) around, and is meant to be worn oversized. But it’s an easy enough pattern you could alter it to suit you without too much difficulty. It calls for worsted weight cotton yarn.

Another fun project using dropped stitches in the Stella Blouse from Thelma Steimann. It calls for a fingering weight silk yarn and is worked on larger than expected needles and also uses dropped stitches. The pattern includes eight sizes, with a bust circumference ranging from 33.5 to 51.5 inches, or 85-131 cm. You can grab a copy on Ravelry.

The Design Studio Knits has a nice summer cotton tee that uses worsted weight yarn worked on larger needles so it has a mesh effect while still being worked in stockinette stitch. It’s worked in one piece and is another one size pattern, meant to fit an actual chest measurement ranging from 34 to 46 inches (that’s 86 to 117 cm).

A similar look with a cropped shape and four available sizes comes from A Box of Twine. This one is a DK weight yarn knit on large needles and still has an oversized look (for instance the size small is 42 inches/106.68 cm at the bust). It’s worked flat so this is a great one for beginners.

If you want something a little more structured, try the Pip Cardigan from Yoko Johnston. This sport weight cardigan has an allover eyelet pattern and options to close with a zipper or buttons. It’s worked from the top down and has six size options. This one is also oversized, with finished measurements ranging from 51.5 to 64.5 inches, or 131 to 164 cm). You can find this one on Ravelry.

Or check out Endlessly by Amy Gunderson, a free pattern from Knitty. This pullover uses a cable and lace pattern that is easy to knit and to wear. It uses DK weight yarn and has nine size options. The chest measurement ranges from 34.75 to 66.75 inches, or 88.5 to 169.5 cm, and is meant to be worn with a little positive ease.

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