Source illustrationAbout this image
Illustration from the source handbook, shown as a reference rather than a photograph of a tested reproduction.Historical pattern · Modern adaptation
Garter stitch washcloth
A square washcloth worked in plain knitting, with a small tape loop at one corner.
Before you begin
Materials
- Medium-weight cotton yarn, amount determined by your swatch
- Knitting needles that make a firm, comfortable fabric with your yarn
- Tapestry needle
- A short piece of washable tape for the loop
- Scissors and measuring tape
Quick reference
Abbreviations
- Knit
- Insert the right needle into the next stitch, wrap the yarn, pull a loop through, and slide the old stitch off.
One step at a time
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Choose yarn and needles
The 1918 source specifies medium-weight white knitting cotton and Red Cross No. 1 needles. Needle numbering is not a reliable modern size conversion, so make a small garter-stitch sample with cotton you can wash. The source gives no gauge.
- 2
Cast on 70 stitches
Cast on 70 stitches using a comfortable, even edge. Count each loop on the needle. Leave a tail long enough to weave in.
- 3
Knit every row
Knit every stitch across, turn the work, and knit every stitch again. This makes garter stitch. Continue until the cloth is close to square, measuring without stretching it.
- 4
Bind off and finish
Bind off loosely so the top edge can stretch. Weave in the yarn ends. Sew a small washable tape loop securely to one corner, as the source directs.
- 5
Wash and check the shape
Wash according to the yarn label and lay the cloth flat to dry. The source’s target is about 10 inches square; your result may differ with modern yarn and needle choices.
Modern adaptation. Check materials, measurements, and gauge before beginning.
Historical pattern · Modern adaptation
From Handbook of Wool Knitting and Crochet
Original heading: Washcloth · “Knitting for the Red Cross,” “Washcloth,” printed p. 16
Read the original wording and adaptation notes
Original wording
White knitting-cotton (medium weight); 1 pair Red Cross needles No. 1. Cast on 70 stitches, knit back and forth plain until cloth is about 10 inches square, and bind off. Sew a loop of tape to one corner.
What changed for this modern edition
- Modern needle sizes and cotton yarns are not directly specified by the source. Make a swatch and choose needles for a washable fabric.
- The source gives no row count or gauge. Work to the stated approximate square size, then measure after washing.
- The modern steps explain knitting and finishing. They have not been physically sample-tested.
View the original source illustration
Public domain in the USA. Rights status can differ outside the United States.
View the digitized book at Project GutenbergThe title page names the publisher and 1918, but no author. A nearby advertisement names a different book and is not evidence of this handbook’s authorship.
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