Gardiner Yarn Works Spa Cloth Set Homeware Knitting Pattern

Gardiner Yarn Works Spa Cloth Set

Project Overview

The Gardiner Yarn Works Spa Cloth Set is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by Chrissy Gardiner that creates a coordinated pair of homeware spa cloths. This set makes an ideal gift for any household, combining two distinct stitch patterns in a quick-to-knit format. Each finished cloth measures 8" x 8", making them practical yet decorative additions to any bathroom or kitchen.

What You'll Create

This pattern yields two individual spa cloths, each showcasing different stitch techniques. The set includes the Wide Hourglass Rib Cloth, which features an elegant combination of lace and rib stitches. The cloths are designed as practical, absorbent pieces suitable for spa or home use, and the pattern difficulty is rated as easy, making it accessible to knitters of various skill levels.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: Both cloths are worked from the cast-on edge upward to the bind-off
• Worked flat: The cloths are knitted on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for simple row-by-row progression
• Lace stitches: Yarn overs and decreases create openwork patterns that add visual interest and texture
• Cable and rib elements: Purl and knit combinations form structured vertical lines and textured patterns
• Seamless construction: No seaming required; each cloth is a single piece from cast-on to bind-off

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined into more complex stitch patterns. Key stitches include:

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The foundational smooth knit fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows
• Yarn overs (YO): Used to create decorative holes and lace elements throughout both cloths
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs for lace patterning
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK): A left-leaning decrease that balances the directional decreases in the lace sections
• Purl stitches (p): Create raised texture and define the rib patterns within the cloths
• Knit in front and back (k-fb): An increase stitch used to shape the fabric

The Wide Hourglass Rib Cloth specifically combines these stitches into a repeating pattern that creates an hourglass-shaped visual motif through strategic placement of yarn overs, decreases, and purl stitches. The pattern is worked over 37 cast-on stitches and progresses through multiple rows that establish both the lace and rib elements.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Each cloth in the set requires approximately 100 yards of worsted-weight cotton yarn. The sample cloths shown in the pattern were knitted using Cascade Luna yarn in two colorways: color #707 (red) for one cloth and color #722 (lavender) for the other. Cotton yarn is ideal for spa cloths due to its absorbency and durability in frequent washing.

Tools Required

• Size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles: Used for the flat, bottom-up construction of each cloth
• Yarn needle: Essential for weaving in ends after binding off

The pattern notes that gauge is not critical for this project, making it forgiving for knitters who may not achieve exact gauge specifications. The recommended gauge for reference is 18 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch, though variations will not significantly impact the finished cloth size or functionality.

Pattern Format and Instructions

The downloadable PDF provides both written row-by-row instructions and charted patterns, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method of following the design. The pattern includes a comprehensive abbreviations section and references an additional techniques section for chart reading guidance, ensuring clarity for knitters at all levels.