Knitting

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Knitted Kitchen Blog Hop: Cartridge Rib Dishcloth

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cartridge rib dishcloth knitting patternIt’s time for another installment of the Knitted Kitchen Blog Hop. If you missed it last month, a group of knitting bloggers are getting together to share a new dishcloth/washcloth pattern every week this year (well, except for in December). It’s a great way to learn new knitting skills and techniques on a small scale and start using more reusable dishcloths and washcloths in your home.

My pattern this month was inspired by a scarf pattern from Purl Soho that I shared earlier this month. It uses Cartridge Rib, an easy stitch pattern that makes a rib-like fabric with no purling at all. I had never tried this stitch before — and frankly was a little skeptical that it would take as long to work as regular ribbing because of the slipped stitches — so I thought this was the perfect reason to give it a go.

It’s really fun and easy and I do think it’s a little faster than conventional ribbing, though you do have to move the yarn around a bit to make it work. Still, it’s a cool technique and one of those things it’s fun to show off to your knitting friends.

Cartridge Rib Dishclothcartridge rib dishcloth knitting pattern

Materials:

  • one skein Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (I used about 75 yards total to make a small washcloth); mine is color 102, Aqua
  • pair of size 7 US/4.5 mm knitting needles

Gauge:

Gauge is not critical but I got about 7 stitches and 8 rows per inch in pattern stitch

Size:

Washcloth shown is about 8 inches square. Instructions are give for 8-inch and 10-inch squares, with the larger size instructions in parentheses.

To make a different size, ensure that the number of stitches is a multiple of 4 plus 3 for the pattern to work.

Instructions:

Cast on 55 (71) stitches.

Row 1: Knit 3, *slip 1 with yarn in front, knit 3. Repeat from * to end.

Row 2: Knit 1, *slip 1 with yarn in front, knit 3. Repeat from * to last 2 stitches, slip 1 with yarn in front, knit 1.

Repeat these two rows until piece is square, ending with row 2. Bind off and weave in ends.

More Dishcloth Patterns

Check out my other patterns from the series: Vine Lace Dishcloth | Ridged Ribbon Eyelet | Two-Color Moss Stitch Dishcloth

Why use dishcloths? Dishcloths are re-useable and save on kitchen waste. Most dishcloths are made using cotton yarn and can be thrown into the washing machine when dirty. This makes them very hygienic, especially when compared to kitchen sponges, which sit on the sinks for days if not weeks.  Another great thing about dishcloths is when it comes to knitting the knit up quickly and are great for gift giving. Everyone needs a dishcloth.  For gifting, It’s not something that has to be in fashion or a certain colour for the recipient to like it, though there are so many great dishcloth pattern designs out there.

Looking to knit more dishcloth patterns ? Check out these dishcloth patterns on Etsy 

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Free Trauma Teddy Knitting Pattern – A Simple Comfort Bear To Knit And Donate

There is something incredibly touching about a handmade teddy bear, especially when it has been knitted with the purpose of bringing comfort to someone who needs it most. This free Trauma Teddy knitting pattern from CraftBits is one of those simple, practical knitting projects that reminds us handmade things can still make a very real difference.

The idea of a Trauma Teddy is closely connected with comfort, care, and kindness. The Australian Red Cross began hand-knitting Trauma Teddies back in 1990, and since then, these soft little bears have been given to children experiencing frightening, lonely, or overwhelming moments. They might be handed to a child in an ambulance, in hospital, after an emergency, during a disaster response, or when a little reassurance is needed.

That is what makes this basic knitted teddy bear pattern so special. It is not about creating a fancy collector’s bear or a toy with dozens of tiny details. It is about making something soft, safe, and comforting — the kind of bear a child can hold onto when everything feels a bit too big.

You can find the free pattern here: Free Trauma Teddy Knitting Pattern on CraftBits

This CraftBits Trauma Teddy pattern is a good choice for knitters who enjoy charity knitting, comfort knitting, or small stash-busting projects. The pattern uses basic supplies and includes yarn and needle suggestions, with a note that one skein can make several bears. That makes it a practical option if you are knitting for a donation drive, a community group, hospitals, emergency services, or simply making a few handmade teddy bears to keep on hand for comfort gifts.

What I like about this pattern is its simplicity. The bear has a classic, straightforward shape with a small scarf for personality. It is the kind of project you can knit without needing to buy half the yarn shop, which is always a bonus when the stash cupboard is already giving you side-eye. Leftover washable yarn from baby blankets, jumpers, scarves, or odd balls from past projects would work well here.

For a Trauma Teddy or any bear intended for donation, yarn choice matters. A soft, washable yarn is usually best, especially if the teddy may be handled often or given to a child. Acrylic yarn or washable wool blends are practical choices because they are easy to care for and durable. If you are planning to knit a batch, yarn packs from places like Mary Maxim or basic washable yarn from Amazon can be useful, along with good-quality toy stuffing and a blunt yarn needle for sewing up.

The face is another important detail. For donation bears, embroidered eyes, noses, and mouths are much safer than buttons, beads, or loose embellishments. Even though safety eyes are popular in toy making, many organisations prefer fully stitched features so the bear stays soft and child-safe. A few simple stitches are all you need to give your knitted teddy a gentle expression.

The scarf is a sweet finishing touch and a lovely way to use tiny scraps of yarn. You could make each scarf in a different colour, use bright cheerful shades, soft pastels, rainbow stripes, or even colours that match a local charity or community group. Just make sure the scarf is securely attached if the bear is being donated.

This free Trauma Teddy knitting pattern is best suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic knitting and sewing pieces together. Confident beginners could also give it a try, especially if they are patient with the finishing stage. As with most knitted toys, do not judge the bear too early. Before stuffing and sewing, toy pieces can look a little odd — sometimes more “lumpy potato” than beloved teddy bear — but it all comes together beautifully at the end.

If you enjoy meaningful knitting projects, this is a lovely one to add to your list. It is affordable, useful, and heartfelt, and it turns a small amount of yarn into something that may bring comfort at exactly the right moment.

You may also like our roundup of the best free teddy bear knitting patterns for more knitted bear ideas, or browse these knitting patterns to use your yarn odd balls if your stash is full of little leftover balls waiting for a purpose.

Pattern details

Pattern: Free Trauma Teddy Knitting Pattern
Project type: Knitted teddy bear
Best for: Charity knitting, comfort donations, handmade gifts, stash-busting
Skill level: Beginner to confident beginner
Supplies: Yarn, knitting needles, toy stuffing, yarn needle, embroidery thread or yarn for the face
Recommended yarn: Soft washable acrylic, washable wool blend, or smooth leftover yarn
Safety note: Use embroidered features for bears intended for children or donation

This is a simple little bear with a big purpose, and that is exactly why I love it.