Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Loofah, Washcloth, or Potholder- A Perfect Gift!

The full directions for this free pattern are included in this post, but if you prefer you can download a pdf copy. download now
Use any worsted weight cotton or cotton/linen blend to make these quick and easy circular washcloths! Use them flat as potholders as well, or braid some yarn and thread it through the eyelets, cinch it closed around a bar of soap and use as a loofah for a luxurious washing experience.

Mercerized cotton works great for washclothes and loofash, because it is exfoliating to wash with, a softer cotton (like Lily & Cream) works great for potholders because it creates a dense and not slippery texture.

Pair one of these loofahs with a bar of boutique soap, and you have a quick, inexpensive gift that will bring a little touch of luxury to each day for the receiver. Perfect for the holidays, hostess gifts, etc. 

Washcloth/Potholder/Loofah gift knit
Jen Stone-Gerardy – knitolution@gmail.com – www.knitolution.com
Gauge: 20st/4inches on size 8 needles (note- you can use yarn at another gauge, your loofah will just come out larger or smaller than the approx. 8” diameter that this gauge produces.
Cast on 19 sts.
Row 1: Knit one row and turn
Row 2: K3, yo, k15- 1 st remaining on needle.
Row 3: Turn, placing yarn to the back of the work, and knit to the end of the row. Do this for all odd numbered rows.
Row 4: K3, yo, k15- 2 sts remaining on needle.
Row 6: K3, yo, k15- 3 sts remaining on needle.
Row 8: Bind off 3 sts, k2, yo, k12- 4 sts remaining on needle.
Row 10: K3, yo, k12- 5 sts remaining on needle.
Row 12: K3, yo, k12- 6 sts remaining on needle.
Row 14: Bind off 3 sts, k2, yo, k9- 7 sts remaining on needle.
Row 16: K3, yo, k9- 8 sts remaining on needle.
Row 18: K3, yo, k9- 9 sts remaining on needle.
Row 20: Bind off 3 sts, knit to end of row.
Repeat Rows 1-20 7 more times.
Bind off all stitches.
Sew up the seam to make a circular dishcloth, and pull the center hole tight.
Wash and block so that it lays flat.
For loofah- make a braid long enough to go around the whole cloth. Thread it in and out of the centermost set of holes created by your yarn overs, tie the ends of the braid together, put soap in the middle and pull tight around it. Wash with the soap inside for an exfoliating luxurious washing experience!

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