Free Pattern: Cactus Washcloth
Long ago, when I was thinking about coming up with a few patterns, I was pretty sure the first pattern or 2 I released would feature cacti. Obviously I got distracted by another somewhat prickly thing – the pineapple. But now is the time for these cacti to start making their way into the world.
Like the pineapples the pattern of the cactus is achieved through a change in texture. I chose seed stitch to mimic the prickles sticking out from a cactus. The centre of the cactus is centred on the washcloth, but the cactus itself is not symmetrical, as I don’t think there are real cacti out there that have 2 identical arms. And since you can look at a real cactus from any direction, it is also reversible.
Scroll down for the FREE pattern or get the printable PDF for $2.
——————————————
Check out my other cactus knitting patterns:
——————————————
This washcloth should also be blocked, as it is a little curly and bumpy without it. I again used the wet cloth over my pinned down washcloth method using my iron to block.
Scroll down for the FREE pattern or get the printable PDF for $2.
Pattern
Gauge: 2″ x 2″ (5 cm x 5 cm) = 13 rows x 9 stitches in stockinette (blocked)
Finished measurements: 8″ x 8.5″ (20 cm x 21.5 cm)
Materials:
- 4.5 mm needles (US 7)
- ~ 32 g / 50 yds worsted weight cotton (I used Bernat Handicrafter, other options could include (affiliate links))
- Blocking mat
- Blocking pins
Abbreviations used:
– k: knit
– p: purl
Scroll down for the FREE pattern or get the printable PDF for $2.
Pattern:
– Cast on 37 stitches (I prefer the long tail cast on)
– R1-5: *k1 p1* repeat to end of row
– R6: k1 p1 k1 p1, k29, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R7: k1 p1 k1 p1, p29, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R8-9: repeat rows 6 and 7
Start the cactus:
– R10: k1 p1 k1 p1, k13, p1 k1 p1, k13, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R11: k1 p1 k1 p1, p12, k1 p1 k1 p1 k1, p12, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R12: k1 p1 k1 p1, k11, *p1 k1* for 7 stitches, k11, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R13: k1 p1 k1 p1, p11, *p1 k1* for 7 stitches, p11, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R14-23: repeat rows 12 and 13
Scroll down for the rest of the FREE pattern or get the printable PDF for $2.
Start the cactus arms:
– R24: k1 p1 k1 p1, k11, *p1 k1* for 14 stitches, k4, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R25: k1 p1 k1 p1, p4, *k1 p1* for 14 stitches, p11, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R26: k1 p1 k1 p1, k11, *p1 k1* for 14 stitches, k4, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R27-28: repeat rows 25 and 26
– R29: k1 p1 k1 p1, p4, *k1 p1* for 20 stitches, p5, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R30: k1 p1 k1 p1, k5, *p1 k1* for 13 stitches, k4, k1 p1 k1, k4, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R31: k1 p1 k1 p1, p4, k1 p1 k1, p4, *p1 k1* for 13 stitches, p5, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R32: k1 p1 k1 p1, k5, *p1 k1* for 13 stitches, k4, k1 p1 k1, k4, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R33: k1 p1 k1 p1, p4, k1 p1 k1, p4, *p1 k1* for 7 stitches, p3, p1 k1 p1, p5, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R34: k1 p1 k1 p1, k5, p1 k1 p1, k3, *p1 k1* for 7 stitches, k4, k1 p1 k1, k4, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R35-40: repeat rows 33 and 34
– R41: k1 p1 k1 p1, p11, *p1 k1* for 7 stitches, p3, p1 k1 p1, p5, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R42: k1 p1 k1 p1, k5, p1 k1 p1, k3, *p1 k1* for 7 stitches, k11, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R43: repeat row 41
– R44: k1 p1 k1 p1, k11, *p1 k1* for 7 stitches, k11, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R45: k1 p1 k1 p1, p11, *p1 k1* for 7 stitches, p11, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R46: repeat row 44
– R47: k1 p1 k1 p1, p12, *k1 p1* for 5 stitches, p12, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R48: k1 p1 k1 p1, k13, p1 k1 p1, k13, p1 k1 p1 k1
Finish it off:
– R49: k1 p1 k1 p1, p29, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R50: k1 p1 k1 p1, k29, p1 k1 p1 k1
– R51-52: repeat rows 49 and 50
– R53-57: *k1 p1* repeat to end of row
– R58: bind off in pattern (k1 p1)
I’d love to see your work! Make a project on Ravelry, and use #knittlecactus on Instagram!
