Free Pattern of the Week!

This weeks Free pattern is Petticoat Dishcloth from KnitPicks.

Finished Measurements Approximately 9” diameter
Needles US 5 (3.75mm) two 16” circular or size to obtain gauge US 5 (3.75mm) DPNs or two 24” circular needles for two circulars technique, or one 32” or longer circular needle for Magic Loop technique, or size to obtain gauge

This project is a great scrap-buster if you have leftover DK or sport weight cotton yarn. The ruffles will become more distinct after washing and drying. Pair with a bar of fancy soap for a thoughtful teacher or hostess gift. 

If you are new to working in the round, a Knitted Cast On may make it easier not to twist your stitches when you join the ends. Knitted Cast On instructions can be found here: http://tutorials.knitpicks.com/wptutorials/knitted-cast-on/ 

The technique for joining the ruffles is very similar to the 3-Needle Bind Off, except that the stitches are left on the needle rather than bound off. Instructions for 3-Needle Bind Off can be found here: http://tutorials.knitpicks.com/wptutorials/3-needle-bind-off/ 

Ruffle Pattern (in the round over an odd number of sts) 

Round 1, 3, and 5: *K1, P1, rep from * to last st, K1. 

Round 2 and 4: *P1, K1, rep from * to last st, P1. 

Round 6: Knit. 

Round 7: *K2tog, rep from * to last st, K1. 

Directions 

Outer Ruffle With MC and one 16” circ needle, CO 239 sts. PM and join into round, taking care not to twist. Work Ruffle Pattern. (120 sts rem) Knit 2 rnds. Next rnd: *K2tog, K6, rep from * to end. (105 sts rem) Knit 1 rnd. Break yarn and set aside. Do not remove sts from needle. 

Middle Ruffle 

With CC1 and second 16” circ needle, CO 209 sts. PM and join into round, taking care not to twist. Work Ruffle Pattern. (105 sts rem) Knit 1 rnd. 

Join Middle Ruffle to Outer Ruffle Place Outer Ruffle inside Middle Ruffle so that the LH needle for Outer Ruffle is directly behind the LH needle for Middle Ruffle. *Knit first st of Middle Ruffle tog with first st of Outer Ruffle, rep from * to end. Set empty needle aside. 

*K2tog, K5, rep from * to end. (90 sts rem). Knit 1 rnd. Break yarn and set aside. Do not remove sts from needle. 

Inner Ruffle

 With CC2 and first 16” circ needle, CO 179. PM and join into round, taking care not to twist. Work Ruffle Pattern. (90 sts rem) Knit 1 rnd. 

Join Inner Ruffle to Middle Ruffle Place Middle Ruffle inside Inner Ruffle and join as with earlier ruffles. Set empty needle aside. Place markers every 6 sts. Work remaining rounds, changing to DPNs, two circulars, or Magic Loop as needed: 

Round 1: *K2tog, knit to m, rep from * to end. (75 sts rem) 

Round 2 and 3: Knit. 

Round 4: *K2tog, knit to m, rep from * to end. (60 sts rem) 

Round 5 and 6: Purl. 

Round 7: *P2tog, p to m, rep from * to end. (45 sts rem) 

Round 8 and 9: Purl. 

Round 10: *P2tog, p to m, rep from * to end. (30 sts rem) 

Round 11: Purl. 

Round 12: *K2tog, rep from * to end, removing markers as you go. (15 sts rem) 

Round 13: *K2tog, k1, rep from * to end. (10 sts rem) 

Round 14: *K2tog, rep from * to end. (5 sts rem) 

Round 15: K2tog twice, k1. (3 sts rem) 

Break yarn, leaving a 10” tail.

Finishing - Using yarn needle, thread yarn tail through remaining sts; tighten to close center. Weave in ends, wash and block lightly to approximately 9” diameter. 

The Original Pattern can be found at http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Petticoat_Dishcloth_Pattern__D55817220.html