Knitting

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Two-Color Moss Stitch Washcloth Knitting Pattern

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Two-Color Moss Stitch Washcloth Knitting PatternI 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 PatternTwo-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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Have you read?

A Nostalgic Christmas Pudding Knitting Pattern for Your Handmade Decorations

There are some Christmas decorations I’ll always have a soft spot for, and a little knitted Christmas pudding is definitely on that list. Brown yarn, white icing and a cheerful red cherry—it’s a simple combination, but it brings back that lovely feeling of unpacking the handmade decorations each December.

This Christmas pudding knitting pattern from CraftBits is a small decorative project worked on straight needles. If you enjoy knitting Christmas ornaments but prefer to avoid working in the round, the flat construction makes this one worth a look.

A Small Project for Leftover Yarn

One of the appealing things about this project is its modest materials list. The pudding uses brown and white 8-ply yarn, with a little red yarn for the cherry and green felt for the holly leaves. You’ll also need 4 mm needles, stuffing and your usual sewing-up supplies.

It’s the sort of project that sends me straight to the leftover yarn basket. Those small balls that seem too useful to throw away finally have somewhere to go, and you can choose a rich chocolate brown or a softer, more muted shade depending on your Christmas colours.

The felt leaves are a practical finishing touch, too. They give the pudding its familiar festive appearance without adding another fiddly knitted component.

How the Knitted Pudding Comes Together

The pattern begins with 40 stitches and a brown stocking-stitch section. Colour changes introduce the white icing, followed by a white top that decreases towards the centre.

Once the knitting is finished, the piece is sewn together, stuffed and gathered at the bottom. A separately knitted cherry and the felt holly leaves complete the decoration.

I like projects where the finishing makes such a difference. A flat piece of knitting becomes a rounded little ornament, and those final details give it personality. It would look lovely tucked into a Christmas shelf display or sitting among greenery on a mantelpiece. You could also add a securely attached hanging loop for the tree.

A Pattern Detail to Check Before Starting

The design is charming, but the published instructions would benefit from a clearer technical edit. Some readers have reported difficulties with the colourwork rows, particularly the stated row endings.

I haven’t knitted a sample myself, so I wouldn’t describe this as a tested recommendation for a first colourwork project. Before starting, read through the pattern and check that each colourwork row accounts for all 40 stitches. Keep the carried yarn loose enough that the fabric can expand when stuffed.

A little more detail about the cast-on colour, finishing and finished measurements would also make the tutorial easier to follow.

A Lovely Idea for a Traditional Handmade Christmas

What appeals to me most is the pudding’s old-fashioned simplicity. It doesn’t need beads, elaborate embellishments or a perfectly coordinated decorating scheme. The knitted texture and little holly topper do the work.

For knitters comfortable checking a pattern and sewing up small projects, it’s a sweet source of festive inspiration. I’d be tempted to make a small collection in slightly different browns, keeping that lovely homemade character rather than trying to make every pudding identical.

Find the Christmas pudding knitting pattern at CraftBits and read through the instructions and reader comments before casting on.