My “Moose Hero” never gives up. He just tries and tries, and tries again!

On this mosaic-knitted towel, persistence is rewarded when “Moose Hero,” after many trials, finally pulls a rabbit out of his hat. I hope his triumph makes you smile.

Mosaic-knitting is worked all in knit or slipped stitches, an easy project for experienced knitters and perfect for beginners who like a bit of challenge. The mosaic-knitting technique gives you two-color results while you knit with just one color at a time!

Choose your own colors for a strong contrast between the dark-colored image and light-colored background. For absorbency, I recommend cotton, linen, or hemp fibers. The pictured sample was knitted with two colors of worsted-weight Peaches & Crème 100% cotton. “Good Earth” is a variegated brown and gold set against a background of off-white “Ecru.”

Gauge is not critical for this project, so use the most comfortable needle size for your choice of yarn.
I suggest U.S. size 8 (5.0 mm) needles for worsted-weight yarn or size 6 (4.0 mm) needles for dk-weight yarn, to knit a towel with a good amount of drape.

I like the “double-chain cast-on” to give a firm edge that is matched perfectly by a “double-chain bind-off.” Two methods for the “double-chain cast-on” are explained in these tutorials:

• Double-Chain Cast-on with a Crochet Hook, tutorial by Luise O’Neill: https://impeccableknits.wordpress.com/tutorials-tips-tricks/double-chain-cast-on/

• “Chinese Waitress” Double-Chain Cast-on with Knitting Needles, tutorial by Liat Gat: https://knitfreedom.com/online-class-chapter/chinese-waitress-cast-on/

I also like the “double-chain bind-off” as a perfect match for the “double-chain cast-on.” A good method is explained in this tutorial:

• Double-Chain Bind-off, tutorial by Ann Kingstone: https://annkingstone.com/obsessive-cast-off/

Note that I recommend an optional smaller needle (or hook) for a firm double-chain cast-on or bind-off. If you are using size 8 (5.0 mm) needles for your project, you can use a size 6 (4.0 mm) needle or size G (4.0 mm) hook. If you are using size 6 (4.0 mm) needles for your project, you can use a size 4 (3.5 mm) needle or size E (3.5 mm) hook.

Finish your project by working in all yarn ends. To treat for color-fastness before using, soak in a pan of cool water mixed with one cup white vinegar and one cup Epsom salts for at least one hour or overnight. Rinse in cold water. To block (or to launder), wash in warm water and dry on medium heat; remove when slightly damp and reshape (or line dry).

This “Moose Hero” mosaic-knitting pattern is available for immediate download in my Ravelry store. You may use the pattern to knit for yourself, for charity, or for sale (please credit Janet Bailey Designs for the pattern). You may not sell the pattern or give it away. Thank you for supporting my designs!

I hope you enjoy knitting your own “Moose Hero”!