Two-Color Moss Stitch Washcloth Knitting Pattern

I told you a couple of weeks ago that I’m taking part in the Knitted Kitchen Blog Hop, an almost year-long project where a group of knitting designers and special guests are sharing patterns for knit washcloths/dishcloths each week.

It’s my turn to share, and my project for the month is a two-color Moss Stitch washcloth.

I love Moss Stitch because it’s just slightly more entertaining than ribbing, being worked with a shift every two rows.

When you add a color switch, it makes a pattern that’s much more dynamic and looks a lot more complex than it is.

I worked mine to a size of 12 inches square, but the other great thing about this pattern is that it works on any even number of stitches, so you can easily adjust up or down if you like a cloth of different sizes.

I used two colors of Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton (thanks to Lion Brand for sponsoring the blog hop!) but you can use any 100 percent cotton yarn you like.

Two-Color Moss Stitch Washcloth Knitting Pattern

Materials:

1 skein each two colors medium weight cotton yarn (I used Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton in Cayenne and Blueberry); you’ll need about half a skein or 50 yards of each

pair of size 7 US/4.5 mm knitting needles

Gauge:

Gauge is not critical but I got 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches/10 cm in Moss Stitch.

Finished cloth measures 12 inches square.

Instructions:

Decide which color you want to use first and cast on 54 stitches.

Working in color A, *k1, p1. Repeat from * across.

Repeat this row.

Change to color B. *P1, k1. Repeat from * across.

Repeat this row.

Repeat these 4 rows, changing colors every right-side row, until piece measures 12 inches/30.5 cm. Do not cut the yarn between uses, just allow it to hang on the side and pick up the yarn when you need it again. Bind off in the last color you used. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

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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Many times when I write these posts I will say something like “you can use any yarn you want” or “this would be a great stash-busting project.” That’s just how my mind works. And my stash, too, since I probably have sweater quantity of two or three yarns at most, but tons of singles and odd balls and leftovers.

Blankets are generally a really good way to use up those bits, but in this case, I think you’re going to want to plan it out a bit better.

Looking at photos of the Color Study Blanket from Purl Soho, it looks like it’s made with two yarns held together, and that block in the center is worked with one of each color from the adjoining sides to make a mixed up color.

But that’s not actually how it’s done. This is three separate colors (four, really, with the neutrals in the corners) chosen form a yarn with an expansive palette so they play off each other. The project calls for a worsted weight superwash wool, which is a great choice for a blanket that’s both warm and washable.

This pattern was originally designed by Laura Ferguson and was updated by Hiromi Glover. It is worked in one piece in garter stitch intarsia, which is a great way to learn the intarsia technique if you don’t already know it. It comes in crib or throw sizes.

Despite the introduction to this post, I am going to go ahead and say that, yes, of course you could do this blanket with scraps or odd balls or even just choose five colors that don’t blend together so easily. But I really do love the look of the color play, and I think it would be worth your time to find colors that play well together to get a similar effect.

This pattern is available for free from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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