Seed Stitch Washcloth
A Free Knitting Pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels
This easy and quick seed stitch washcloth knitting pattern lets you learn the seed stitch. Plus, using these handmade washcloths feels so much better than store bought cloths. The 100% cotton yarn makes them both absorbent and exfoliating. A bundle of these in pretty colors might make a nice baby shower gift or housewarming present.
How this Seed Stitch Washcloth is Made
The seed stitch is a very simple knitting pattern that can be easily made by alternating knit and purl stitches in the pattern below.
Materials
Knitting Needles
Long Circular Needles
36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Or Straight Needles
9-inch (23 cm) long US No. 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Yarn
One 95-yard (2 ounce) skein of cotton worsted weight yarn* (shown in Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn), in your choice of color.
– one washcloth uses about 71.25 yards (1.5 oz.)
*Shown in Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn in “Robins Egg” and “White” (#AffiliateLinks). Weights estimated with Lily Sugar n’ Cream yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 19 yards (0.4 oz.).
Tools: A measuring tape and a darning needle.
- No. 7/4.50 MM 29” circular needles or 14” straight needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
- One 95-Yard (2 oz) skein Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 100% Cotton Worsted Weight Yarn in your preferred color
- Tapestry needle
Abbreviations
Gauge
19 stitches x 26 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 7 (4.5 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)
Instructions
(8 inches x 8 inches after washing in cold water; 8.5 inches x 9.25 inches before washing)
Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit flat, turning after each row.
Row 1: Cast on 40 stitches. Turn.
Row 2: *k, p* x 20. (40 stitches) Turn.
Row 3: *p, k* x 20. (40 stitches) Turn.
Rows 4 – 73: Repeat rows 2 and 3.
Row 74: Bind off loosely in the pattern of Row 2. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends.
In cold water, hand wash or machine wash on delicate. Block while still wet, ensuring cloths are roughly 8 inches square, then allow to air dry.
Size Notes
This washcloth will be an 8-inch by 8-inch square.
Care
If you use the materials called for in the pattern, your final product will be machine washable. To keep your seed stitch washcloth looking its best, hand wash or machine wash separately on delicate cycle in cold water. You may tumble dry on low heat.
More Washcloth Patterns
If you like this free sample pattern, you may also like my Simple Washcloth Collection. It includes:
- this pattern (a seed stitch washcloth),
- a seed stitch face scrubby,
- a full-size garter stitch washcloth,
- a garter stitch face scrubby,
- a stockinette stitch washcloth, &
- a stockinette stitch face scrubby.
Old Version
This pattern was revised in 2021. If you prefer the original version you can find it here: The original (2016) version of this Seed Stitch Washcloth Free Knitting Pattern.
©2016, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels. Revised 2021.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
great info!