4 Lacy Hearts a Free Knit WashCloth Pattern

As of late my favourite knitting projects have been decorative washcloths. They are relatively easy to make, quick to create, and have a wonderfully practical purpose when complete.

This 4 heart pattern is my latest experiment with spacing to create a design. The lace like design of the hearts is delightfully decorative. It is a simple yet effective design to add a touch of elegance to this otherwise everyday item. Made from 100% cotton these handmade knit cloths put the store purchased dishcloths to shame. There is just no comparison to that of personal workmanship.

These can be used in either the kitchen as a dishcloth or in the bath as a washcloth. Delightful as wedding and new baby gifts they also make for excellent craft fair sales if you are looking to bring in a little extra money in around the holiday season. I have gifted many away but also sold a few and of course have kept some for my own personal use.

When working on dishcloths I always use a 100% Cotton Yarn. This insures that the finished product will be of a soft and thirsty material yet durable enough to hold up well over numerous washings. This project is made using Bernat Handicrafter Cotton.

Needles are size 4mm or size 6 U.S. or size 8 U.K.

Stitch Abbreviations:

K = Knit

P = Purl

S = Slip one stitch (move one stitch over to other needle)

YO = Yarn over (increase by laying yarn over needle to act as another stitch)

SSK = Slip slip knit (slip 2 stitches onto other needle then knit together as one stitch)

PSSO = Pass slipped stitch over

Cast on 41 stitches

Rows 1 to 6: K1 P1 across row

Row 7: K1, P1, K1, P1, Knit to last 4 stitches P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 8: K1, P1, K1, Purl to last 4 stitches P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 9: K1, P1, K1, P1, K5, K2tg, YO, K18, K2tg, YO, K6, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 10 and all even number rows: K1, P1, K1, P1, Purl to last 4 stitches, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 11: K1, P1, K1, P1, K4, K2tg, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K15, K2tg, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K4, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 13: K1, P1, K1, P1, K3, K2tg, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K13, K2tg, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K3, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 15: K1, P1, K1, P1, K2, K2tg, YO, K5, YO, SSK, K11, K2tg, YO, K5, YO, SSK, K2, P1. K1, P1, K1

Row 17: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, K2tg, YO, K7, YO, SSK, K9, K2tg, YO, K7, YO, SSK, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 19: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, K2tg, YO, K2, K2tg, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K9, K2tg, YO, K2, K2tg, YO, K3, YO, SSK K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 Row 21: K1, P1, K1, P1, K3, YO, (S1, K2tg, PSSO), YO, K1, YO, (S1, K2tg, PSSO), YO, K13, YO, (S1, K2tg, PSSO), YO, K1, YO, (S1, K2tg, PSSO), YO, K3, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 23: K1, P1, K1, P1, Knit to last 4 stitches, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 25: K1, P1, K1, P1, Knit to last 4 stitches, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 27: K1, P1, K1, P1, Knit to last 4 stitches, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 29: K1, P1, K1, P1, Knit to last 4 stitches, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 31: K1, P1, K1, P1, Knit to last 4 stitches, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 33: K1, P1, K1, P1, Knit to last 4 stitches, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 35: K1, P1, K1, P1, Knit to last 4 stitches, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 37: K1, P1, K1, P1, K5, K2tg, YO, K18, K2tg, YO, K6, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 39: K1, P1, K1, P1, K4, K2tg, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K15, K2tg, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K4, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 41: K1, P1, K1, P1, K3, K2tg, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K13, K2tg, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K3, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 43: K1, P1, K1, P1, K2, K2tg, YO, K5, YO, SSK, K11, K2tg, YO, K5, YO, SSK, K2, P1. K1, P1, K1

Row 45: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, K2tg, YO, K7, YO, SSK, K9, K2tg, YO, K7, YO, SSK, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 47: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, K2tg, YO, K2, K2tg, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K9, K2tg, YO, K2, K2tg, YO, K3, YO, SSK K1, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 49: K1, P1, K1, P1, K3, YO, (S1, K2tg, PSSO), YO, K1, YO, (S1, K2tg, PSSO), YO, K13, YO, (S1, K2tg, PSSO), YO, K1, YO, (S1, K2tg, PSSO), YO, K3, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 51: K1, P1, K1, P1, Knit to last 4 stitches, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 52 to 57: K1 P1 across row - cast off on final row.

I hope you enjoy this pattern and if you are feeling creative perhaps you will try to create your own distinct pattern. The key is to graph out the pattern first as this is generally the best way to insure success when working on a new piece. I've discovered that there are a number of ways to place images within a knit pattern and using trial and error you can get the hang of creating your own patterns relatively quickly.

Working with the open lace pattern concept all you have to do to create a pattern is to use a combination of "K2tg + YO" to strategically create spaces that outline an image. "YO + SSK" can be used on an opposing side to create a slant in the opposite direction.

You can plot out your pattern on graph paper using cookie cutters, children's shape makers, or freehand to create the design. Keep in mind that simple shapes will show up best.

The next pattern I plan to create will be similar to this one but with a 5th heart added into the center of the washcloth. After that I will try stars, flowers, or perhaps four leaf clovers to replace the hearts in this project. There are so many patterns one can branch off of the first one.

There are many yarns that one can use but it is important to note that most truly do have a specific reason to be used in a specific project. From thick bulky types to the thin baby yarns most are available in a variety of options and colours. There are also quite a few yarn blends consisting of two or more different fibres so it is wise to know the qualities that each type possesses before selecting which you will use.

Wool: Available in numerous varieties the selling feature of wool is its warmth. Generally most wools are made from sheep's wool which as a yarn can be itchy to the touch however there are others that will likely be more pleasant. The wool from Merino sheep is much softer so now a quality choice in yarns. Alpaca wool is made from the fur of Alpacas and creates a silky soft highly luxurious yarn. Cashmere is made from the downy underfur of Kashmir goats making it likely the softest option but also a much more expensive choice as well. Most wools come in a blend thus creating a warm highly durable product.

Cotton: A strong natural yarn that is very durable. It washes well so is often used in the creation of products that will require frequent washings. !00% cotton is the best option for dishcloths or other wash cloth projects and is the only yarn I will use for these projects.

Acrylics: Consisting of man made fibres these yarns are generally some of our most reasonable priced options. Polyester, nylon, and rayon may be some of the fibres used to create these yarn blends.

Today yarn crafters have a wide choice of blends, brands, and colours to select from allowing us to create each our own delightfully unique handmade items. Whether they are made for gifting or to sell creating handmade knit items is a wonderful past time to pursue.