Free Pattern Friday: Fran-tastic Washcloth!

Welcome to Free Pattern Friday Y'all. This week, we wax poetic on the glories of hand knitted washcloths. What is it about these almost-too-pretty-to-wash-with items that we love? Well, for one thing, they're quick to knit up because they're small. For another, even if you do decide they're too pretty for daily showers, you can use them to decorate the "good bathroom" (you know, the one for company). They can also double nicely as a Barbie blanket for the young doll lover in your life. Or, if you make enough of them, you can stitch them together into a big blanket.

Another plus? Washcloths are a great opportunity to try out new patterns before dedicating yourself to a bigger project using that pattern. That way, process of elimination, you can zero in on the patterns you think are prettiest or easiest depending on your knitting needs. (Confession: I most often prefer the easy route myself, though from time to time I get a wild hair and want to up the challenge.)

Good news for those of you already in love with knitting washcloths and those of you just toying with the idea-- HCW staff created a book of patterns that's available down at the store. At a mere five bucks, it's a total steal. Here are some samples of what you can make and if you scroll on down you can try out Fran's Heart Lace Washcloth pattern for free.

Happy knittin',
spike
p.s. Stay tuned for our Yarn Harlot Party Ticket Giveaway on Monday.


[Group shot]

[Suzanne's Washcloth-- Surprise--not-- It's got that woven look.]


[Kathy's Washcloth]

Fran's Heart Lace Washcloth



Materials:
1 skein Plymouth Oceanside Organic Cotton
US 6 needle

Note: SKP is slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over

Cast on 43 stitches

Work garter stitch for 4 rows.

Row 1: K4, *YO, K2tog, K3, YO, K1, YO, K3, SKP, YO, K1;repeat from*to last 3 sts, K3

Row 2 : K3, Purl 43, K3

Row 3 : K5, *YO, K4tog, YO, K3; repeat from * to end, end last repeat with K5

Row 4 : K3, Purl 37, K3

Row 5 : K4, * K1, K2tog, YO, K5, YO, SKP, K2; repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row 6 : K3, Purl 37, K3

Row 7 : K4, *K2tog, YO, K7, YO, SKP, K1; repeat from * last 3 sts, K3
Row 8 : K3, Purl 37, K3

Row 9 : K3, K2tog, YO, K9, YO, * SL1, K2tog, PSSO, YO, K9, YO; repeat from *, end last repeat with SKP, K3

Row 10 ; K3, Purl 37, K3

Repeat these 10 rows 4 more times and rows 1-4 once more to complete a heart motif.

Work garter stitch for 4 rows

Bind off.

Pattern adapted from The Vogue Ultimate Knitting Book