Reverse-Bloom Flower Washcloth by Cindy Taylor

Reverse-Bloom Flower Washcloth

Knitting
October 2003
Aran (8 wpi) ?
16 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette stitch (St st)
US 6 - 4.0 mm
98 yards (90 m)
Flag of English English
This pattern is available for free.

Pattern description from Weekend Knitting: “I knitted my first washcloth when a pattern for a round one sparked my interest. I didn’t really think about using the washcloth. I just wanted to make something round, a shape I’d never tried to knit. Since then I have become a knitted-washcloth convert. At the end of a hectic day, I lather it up with soap, wash my face, and feel, at least for a moment that I am doing something special for myself. It’s amazing how something so seemingly inconsequential can actually have a profound effect (it nearly always compels me to take a deep, relaxing breath). The flower shape of the cushy cotton chenille washcloths shown here is achieved in what you could call a reverse-bloom style: First you knit the five petals (blooms) in garter stitch, then you attach them to each other by knitting them in the round; to finish, you work in stockinette stitch, with gradual decreases to the center. This project can be worked entirely on double-pointed needles, but you can see the flower come to life nicely, and you can leave the petals on the circular needle as you complete them, if you begin with the circular needle and change to double-pointed needles when necessary.”

Finished Measurements: 10.5 inches in diameter, measured at widest point

Yarn: Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille (100% cotton; 98 yards / 50 grams): 1 skein for each cloth. Shown in book in #6320 green, #2054 pink, and #2230 orange.

Needles:

  • 16” circular (circ) needle size US 6 (4 mm)
  • One set double-pointed needles (dpn) size US 6 (4 mm), longer than 8” recommended.
  • Change needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Stitch marker, yarn needle, stitch holders or waste yarn (optional).