We all had to go to the dentist the other day. The dentist had all four of us set for the same time, and who know how many others :( It was over a hour before one of us was called in :(
I am sure everyone out there has come across this pattern in one form or other it is very basic, however I didn't realise how much I had evolved this pattern to fit my needs. So I thought I'd share mine with you all :)
I started this one at the dentist office and finished it there too ;) it is a very fast knit, but I had way more time than I needed :(
I often use these as a hot pad as well, so I place the yarn overs close to the edge. I like the speed of a yarn over to most other increases, but you can use any increase you like, knitting into the back loop works well :)
I really don't like large sized kitchen cloths. When I use them as hot pads I always mange to get them in the food ;(
I am a very messy cook, I swear I can't even open a can without making a mess, let alone cook lol. I try, but you know somethings just can't be helped ;) ... no this has nothing to do with why I cook outside so much ;) lol
I add a little chain loop on the end so I could hang them on the cabinets for easy reaching.
I use a size 6US needle, as I find they give me a nice and tight stitch for use as a hot pad, but still knit up fast.
If using as a hot pad always use yarn that can take the heat. I always use 100% cotton in worsted weight, and be sure to keep your stitches on the tight side or go to a smaller needle. As well as keeping to the knit stitch for thickness. As always be careful with anything hot :)
I don't like the way it hangs if knit into a square, the sides kind of fold in :( so I don't make mine square. They are also great for using up bits of cotton.
Mine are "work" cloths so I use whatever colors I have around :)
Cast on 6
k1, yo, k to end.
repeat until you have the size you want ( I go anywhere from 35 to 45 stitches across )
k1, yo, k2tog, k to end
repeat 5 times
k1, yo, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k to end
repeat until you have around 15 stitches
k1, yo, *k2tog, * to end, knitting the last stitch if need be ( the k2tog's give a slight curve to the cloth that makes hanging them easier )
Bind off, leaving tail long enough to make loop for hanging.
I use whatever size crochet hook I have around, making about a dozen chain stitches, join loop by weaving in end.
This style cloth can be changed up in so many ways. Go with what you like :)
The next time you find yourself sitting at the dentist office without a pattern give it a try :)