Looking for a summer knitting project that is both beautiful and practical? Consider making some hand towels! With so many free knitted hand towel patterns available, you can create a set of lovely towels to suit any decor.
We will provide in-depth information on knitting techniques and patterns for making hand towels.
Learn how to customize towel sizes and add unique textures. Knitting cotton towels is a satisfying way to create pretty and useful items for your home.
Basket Rib Hand Towel Pattern
This free pattern is for a classic Basket Rib Hand Towel that uses just one skein of Knit Picks Cotlin yarn. The towel measures 9″ x 14″, making it larger than a fingertip towel but smaller than a standard bath towel. This size is great for drying hands or for use as a guest towel.
The Cotlin yarn used is a cotton and linen blend DK weight yarn that has great absorbency and durability. The linen content gives the knitted fabric extra texture. The towel can be safely machine washed and dried without shrinkage. The pattern is easy to customize by casting on more stitches in multiples of 4 + 2 to make the towel wider.
To knit the hand towel, cast on 50 stitches and work four rows in stockinette stitch to create a base. Then work Rows 1-4 of the basket weave pattern and repeat 26 times total. End by knitting 1 row before binding off. The basket weave pattern is simple, alternating knit and purl stitches in vertical stripes across the row. The wrong side rows have a 2-stitch garter stitch border on each side.
For a larger 11″ x 17″ hand towel, cast on 58 stitches and work the 4-row pattern repeat 30 times, using about 1.25 skeins of yarn. The pattern can be worked up in any worsted-weight cotton yarn as well.
Colorblock Hand Towel in Sunshower Cotton
This fun color block hand towel uses a sturdy linen stitch pattern worked in Purl Soho’s Sunshower Cotton yarn. The towel measures 18″ x 31″ for a generous drying area.
The linen stitch pattern has a smooth stockinette-like appearance on one side and a textured, nubby surface on the reverse side. This stitch is perfect for showing off the variegated color shifts in the Sunshower Cotton yarn.
Sunshower Cotton is a 100% organic cotton yarn with amazing colors created by a special printing process on the yarn. The colors are variegated in tones of white, pink, orange, turquoise, and more. Using multiple skeins held together makes beautiful color block stripes.
The towel begins with 118 stitches in the main color. Work 24″ of linen stitch, then change to the contrast color and continue for seven more inches before binding off with a special linen stitch bind-off row. Weave in the ends and block the finished towel.
Triangles Hand Towel – Free Knitting Pattern
This geometric Triangles Hand Towel uses just one ball of worsted-weight cotton yarn to make a 9″ x 17″ towel. The pattern is easy to memorize and features a textured triangle pattern that reverses on every row.
Cast on 44 stitches. The first six rows set up the base in a garter stitch. Then the triangle pattern begins, playing with blocks of knit and purl stitches. Each wrong side row slips the first stitch to create a nice chained selvedge edge.
The triangle pattern forms its shape by decreasing and increasing the size of the knit and purl blocks in the center of each row. The triangles point up on one side and down on the reverse side as the pattern is worked back and forth.
After working the full 34 rows, repeat twice, and continue in garter stitch for the remainder of the towel. End by working a few more rows of the triangle pattern before binding off. The boldly textured blocks make this an attractive and visually interesting hand towel for any decor.
Tips for Knitting Hand Towels
- Cotton yarn is best for towels since it is very absorbent and durable. Look for cotton yarns that are at least a DK or worsted weight to provide enough thickness.
- For a standard hand towel size around 16″ x 30″, cast on 90-110 stitches on size US 7-9 needles. Adjust needle size to match yarn recommendations.
- Include at least 10% linen or bamboo content in the yarn blend for added absorption and antimicrobial properties.
- Use basic stitches like garter, stockinette, or linen for the best texture. Add simple textured stitch patterns for visual interest.
- Machine wash and dry hand-knit towels on a low setting. Use a no-heat drying method like air drying or laying flat to prevent shrinkage.
- Add a crocheted or twisted fringe to the ends of the towel for a decorative touch.
- Make a set of towels in different colors that coordinate with your kitchen or bathroom.
- Hand-knit towels make great homemade gifts! Pair them with handmade soap or a candle.
- Use cotton yarn ends to sew on a homemade fabric label with care instructions for gifting.
With the variety of free knitted hand towel patterns available, you can create a personalized set of pretty and practical towels to suit any decor. Knitting cotton towels is a satisfying summer project!
FAQ
What is the best yarn for knitting hand towels?
The best yarn for towels is a cotton or cotton blend, like cotton/linen or cotton/bamboo. Look for yarns that are at least a DK or worsted weight. The cotton provides absorbency, while the blend adds extra texture and antimicrobial properties.
What size needles should I use?
For most worsted cotton yarns, US size 7, 8 or 9 needles are ideal. Match your needle size to the yarn’s recommended gauge for best results. Going up or down 1-2 needle sizes can adjust fabric density.
How many stitches should I cast on?
For a standard hand towel around 16″ x 30″, cast on 90-110 stitches. Adjust width as desired by casting on more or fewer stitches in multiples of 2 plus 1 for garter edges.
How can I add interest to a basic hand towel?
Simple textured stitch patterns add visual interest without much effort, like garter ridges, basketweave, linen, or seed stitches. Or make colorful stripes with bands of different colored yarns. Adding tassels or fringe along the ends provides a decorative touch.
What’s the best way to clean hand knit cotton towels?
Gently machine wash and dry hand towels on a low heat setting, then remove them promptly from the dryer. Laying flat or air drying prevents shrinkage. Wash towels before first use to maximize absorbency.
Conclusion
With this array of pattern options, yarn selections, and handy tips, you are ready to get started knitting beautiful hand towels. Whether making them for yourself or to give as gifts, hand knit cotton towels are sure to be appreciated. Their soft textures, custom colors, and practical absorbency make them a joy to use.
Knitting towels is a great way to use up cotton yarn and perfect your basic stitches. So cast on your next summer project – a set of lovely hand towels!
