Thursday, October 28, 2010

Ribbed Towel Toppers

I'm making towel toppers to go with dishcloths for Christmas gifts this year. I've noticed that most of the patterns out there are for garter stitch. I wanted something different. I liked how it turned out, so thought I'd share.

This pattern is for the toppers only. The bottoms are a simple k3, p2 rib.

These start out in a k5, p2 rib pattern which diminishes as the pattern goes on. I also did 2 buttonholes with a wider strap than most patterns use.

Unfortunately, I did the first ones in black, so it is hard to see the rib. I'll try to get some pictures of lighter ones up when I get them done.


These are done in regular, worsted - weight cotton, although you could use any weight and type of yarn (I would highly suggest sticking to cotton though).

I used 61 stitches, but as long as the number you cast on is divisible by 7 + 5 it will work.

To start, use a darning needle to create stitches down the middle of the towel. I found the instructions here to be helpful with this.

Rows from there:

1: Pick up all stitches
2: p5 *k2, p5, repeat from * to end of round
3: k5 *p2, k5, repeat from * to end of round
4: and all following even rows - knit all knit stitches and purl all purled stitches
5: repeat row 3
7: repeat row 3
9: k2, k2tog,k1, *p2, k2, k2tog, k1, repeat from * to end of round
11: k4 *p2, k4, repeat from * to end of round
13: k1, k2tog,k1, *p2, k1, k2tog, k1, repeat from * to end of round
15: k3 *p2, k3, repeat from * to end of round
17: k2tog, k1, *p2, k2tog, k1, repeat from * to end of round
19: k2, *p2tog, k2, repeat from * to end of round
21: k2tog, *p1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round
23-46: k1,p1 rib
47: k1, p1, k1, p1, cast off 2, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, cast off 2, k1, p1, k1
48: p1, k1, p1, k1, cast on 2, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, cast on 2, k1, p1, k1, p1
49-50: k1, p1 rib
51: k2tog across
52: k2tog beg & end of row
53: k2tog across
54: cast off remaining stitches

Weave in ends and sew on buttons.

7 comments:

  1. What a great idea! I have never thought of adding a topper onto my towels to hang them. This would save a lot of towels falling to the floor. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. I have some of these that my MinL made, years ago in crochet. Thanks for the knit version - Christmas gifts on the way!

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  3. What do you mean by "create stitches down the MIDDLE of the towel". It looks as though they are on either END of the towel.
    Thanks.
    Another Kathleen

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  4. I personally fold the towel in half when I make these and then create the stitches on the middle crease. Half the towel hangs down in front, half in back.

    You can cut the towel in half and create the holder on the end, but I personally like having the full towel.

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  5. My grandmother taught me how to knit when I was little, I think she is going to love this when I make it for Christmas! A really clever idea.<a href="http://www.electricianssheffield247.co.uk/>Electrician Sheffield</a>

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nice post.
    I like the way you start and then conclude your thoughts. Thanks for this nice information. I really appreciate your work, keep it up.

    Electricians Sheffield

    ReplyDelete
  7. est ce que ce tuto a des explications en francais

    ReplyDelete