Multidirectional Diagonal Dishcloth in Plymouth Boku and Galway Worsted

Multidirectional Diagonal Dishcloth in Plymouth Boku and Galway Worsted

What Is Being Made

This project creates a multidirectional diagonal dishcloth that doubles as a felted hotpad. The design uses two distinct yarn colors held together throughout construction, resulting in a textured, functional kitchen textile. The finished piece is intentionally felted to create a durable, absorbent cloth suitable for washing dishes or protecting hands from hot cookware.

Materials and Yarn

The dishcloth is worked using Plymouth Yarn Boku and Galway Worsted held together as a single strand. One 50-gram ball of Boku is combined with one 100-gram ball of Galway Worsted. The pattern specifies felted hotpads in Galway color 09 and Boku color 9 (with color 13 as an acceptable alternative), requiring one ball total for the felting component. Needles are size 11, and gauge is noted as not important for this project, making it accessible to knitters of varying experience levels.

Techniques and Construction Method

The dishcloth is constructed in two distinct triangle sections that build upon each other to create the multidirectional diagonal effect. The first triangle section begins with a loose cast-on of 2 stitches and increases gradually using the knitfront-and-back technique until reaching 30 stitches. This creates an expanding triangular shape that forms the foundation of the design.

The second triangle section employs a more complex construction method that integrates the two triangle pieces together. This section uses short-row shaping with increases and decreases worked strategically to create the diagonal pattern while simultaneously joining the sections. The pattern works increases at the beginning of odd-numbered rows while maintaining a slip-slip-knit decrease across a visible gap where the two sections meet. This technique creates the distinctive multidirectional quality of the finished cloth.

The top of the second triangle is shaped downward by transitioning from increases to decreases at the beginning of rows, continuing until only 6 stitches remain. The final rows use a knit-3-together decrease to rapidly close off the stitches, after which the yarn is cut and pulled through the last remaining loop to secure the piece.

Stitches Used

• Kf&b (knit front and back): Creates an increase by knitting into both the front and back loops of a single stitch, adding one stitch to the row
• SSK (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches individually as if to knit, then knitting them together through the back loop
• K2tog (knit 2 together): A right-leaning decrease that knits two stitches together as one
• K3tog (knit 3 together): A triple decrease used in the final rows to rapidly decrease stitches
• Garter stitch: Created by knitting every row, used for even-numbered rows throughout the pattern

Finishing and Felting Process

After completing the knitted piece, the dishcloth undergoes a felting process that transforms its appearance and function. The pattern instructs to felt the completed cloth while it remains damp, then stretch it into a square shape during the drying process. Once completely dry, the finished hotpad may be carefully shaved with a disposable razor to remove surface fuzz and brighten the colors. This finishing step enhances the visual appeal of the felted textile and creates a smoother, more refined surface suitable for kitchen use.