Why I Make Larger Washcloths

Simple changes can improve everyday routines.

I didn’t set out to make larger washcloths — I started with the standard sizes most patterns use. But they didn’t hold up to how we actually used them at home.

My husband is tall, and a regular-sized washcloth just felt too small in his hands. So instead of tweaking the pattern slightly, I went bigger: a full 16×16 knit washcloth. The difference was obvious the moment I used it — easier to hold, more comfortable, and genuinely nicer to use every day.

That one change turned into something more than a sizing fix. A larger washcloth isn’t just more comfortable — it makes an everyday routine feel a little smoother.

I kept the pattern itself simple on purpose. I wanted something calming to knit, with texture and structure that repeats easily rather than anything fussy — which means it works just as well for a first-time knitter as it does for someone more experienced.

As I kept knitting, I realized this is really the whole idea behind what I make: pieces that get used, not pieces that sit in a drawer. Larger washcloths have become one of the clearest examples of that — simple, useful, and still fun to knit because of the texture.

If your washcloths have always felt a little too small, I’d encourage you to try sizing up. It’s a small change, but it makes a real difference in daily use.

Ready to try it yourself? Start with the pattern that started it all: Checkered Textured Washcloth (16×16 Textured Knit Pattern). Or if you want to see how yarn choice affects the finished feel, check out my Cotton Yarn Guide for Washcloths.

As I continue, I’ll keep sharing simple knit patterns built around comfort, function, and everyday living.