Valley Yarns Lobelia Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Lobelia Facecloth

What Is Being Made

The Lobelia is a 10" x 10" square facecloth designed by Julie Turjoman. This homeware accessory combines delicate stitch textures with a generous, practical size, making it suitable for daily skincare routines including morning cleansing and makeup removal. An optional I-Cord loop can be worked into one corner for convenient hanging storage.

Craft and Skill Level

This is a beginner-level knitting project that requires no advanced techniques, making it an excellent introduction to textured knitting for new crafters. The straightforward construction and clear stitch patterns allow beginners to build confidence while creating a functional, attractive finished piece.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: The facecloth is worked from the cast-on edge upward in rows
• Worked flat: Knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, using straight needles for the main piece
• Seamless construction: The piece is created as a single unit without requiring seaming
• Lace elements: Yarn overs and decreases create openwork details within the texture pattern
• Optional I-Cord finishing: Double-pointed needles are used to create a decorative loop for hanging

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Lobelia features two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest and texture:

• Texture Stitch (center pattern): A 6-stitch multiple that alternates between stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) and reverse stockinette stitch (purl on right-side rows, knit on wrong-side rows). This pattern incorporates yarn overs and knit-2-together decreases on alternating rows to create a subtle lace effect. The Texture Stitch repeats over 6 rows and provides the main visual focus of the facecloth
• Seed Stitch border: A 2-stitch multiple pattern worked on all four sides, created by alternating knit and purl stitches on each row. This creates a textured frame that defines the edges and prevents curling

The combination of these stitch patterns—the structured texture at the center with the bumpy, stable seed stitch border—provides both aesthetic appeal and functional durability.

Materials and Yarn

The Lobelia is designed to be knitted in Valley Yarns Leverett, a premium cotton-linen blend yarn composed of 70% Pima Cotton and 30% Linen. One hank (50 grams, 109 yards) is required to complete the project. The suggested colorway is Seafoam. This fiber blend was specifically chosen for the facecloth because it offers crisp stitch definition—allowing the delicate texture patterns to show clearly—while providing durability and breathability ideal for skincare use.

Needles and Tools

• US size 4 (3.5 mm) straight needles for the main facecloth, or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge
• US size 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles for working the optional I-Cord loop
• Stitch markers to track pattern repeats and sections
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and blocking

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in the Texture Stitch, after blocking. The finished facecloth measures 10" x 10" in a single size. Achieving the correct gauge is important for obtaining the proper finished dimensions and ensuring the facecloth has the intended drape and texture.

Construction Overview

Each facecloth is worked as a single piece, knitted back and forth in rows from bottom to top. The center features the repeating Texture Stitch pattern, while all four edges are bordered with Seed Stitch to frame the design and provide structural stability. After knitting is complete, yarn ends are woven into the wrong side of the work, and the finished piece is blocked to the specified measurements to even out the stitches and enhance the stitch definition provided by the cotton-linen yarn.