Checkered Textured Washcloth (16×16 Knit Pattern)
Simple, practical, and made for everyday use.
This 16×16 washcloth came out of a simple problem: I wanted something more substantial than a standard-size washcloth for everyday use. Here’s the full story behind why I started making them larger — but the short version is that bigger felt better, and it stuck.
II designed this one to keep the texture simple. It creates a soft checkered effect without being complicated, and it’s easy to follow for beginners.
If you are looking for a larger, textured washcloth that is both practical and calming to knit, this is a great place to start.
Materials:
- Approximately 180 yards Worsted weight cotton yarn
- US 8 (5mm) straight or circular needles
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Gauge:
18 sts x 24 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch
Abbreviations:
CO – Cast on
St(s) – Stitch(es)
K – Knit
P – Purl
Rep – Repeat
RS – Right side
Notes:
– This pattern uses a combination of seed stitch and textured repeats.
– This pattern is written for 73 stitches.
– Border is worked in seed stitch.
Border:
CO 73 sts.
Row 1: *K1, P1; rep from * to last st, K1.
Row 2-4: Rep Row 1.
Body:
Row 1 (RS): [K1, P1] twice, K5, *[P1, K1] twice, P1, K5; rep from * to last 4 sts, P1, K1, P1, K1.
Row 2: K1, P1, K1, P7, *K1, P1, K1, P7; rep from * to last 3 sts, K1, P1, K1.
Row 3: Rep row 1.
Row 4: Rep row 2.
Row 5: Rep row 1.
Row 6: K1, P1, *[K1, P1] twice, K1, P5; rep from * to last 9 sts, [K1, P1] 4 times, K1.
Row 7: [K1, P1] 4 times, *K7, P1, K1, P1; rep from * to last 5 sts, [K1, P1] twice, K1.
Row 8: Rep row 6.
Row 9: Rep row 7.
Row 10: Rep row 6.
Rep Rows 1-10 eight (8) more times, or until piece measures desired length.
Work Rows 1–4 again for border.
Bind Off:
Bind off in seed stitch (knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches).
Tip: Bind off loosely.
Weave in ends and block if desired.
Block lightly if needed to shape the washcloth.
Final Thoughts
This washcloth is a reminder that simple changes can make a big difference. A slightly larger size can turn something ordinary into something more useful.
As you knit, take your time and enjoy the rhythm of the pattern. This is a piece you can use daily or gift to someone who would appreciate a more practical size.
If you try this pattern, I would love to see how it turns out for you.
