I started this project a while back when I was working with the now-defunct Hochanda tv network in the UK.
The yarn is discontinued too but it is still a cute hand towel or washcloth!
So while the sample never quite got finished, here’s a pattern for a deeply textured two-colored hand towel, making use of the Beehive Stitch, which incorporates a k1b or Knit 1 Below.
You can use almost any cotton yarn you have to hand. Use a smaller than expected knitting needle size for a good, solid fabric – cotton grows when it gets wet!
The pattern is below- the video tutorial is available on YouTube-
Materials:
Two colors of 100% cotton worsted weight yarn, one each color of your choice (A), and white (B)
Knitting needles size 6/4.00mm or size needed for a firm fabric
Finished size: 12”/30cm x 24”/60cm
Gauge/Tension: 14 sts x 28 Rows = 4”/10cm in pattern stitch
Special Stitch: k1b – Knit 1 below, knit next st into stitch under the next stitch on the left-hand needle, push both loops off left hand needle when stitch is complete.
Note: It makes a neater back if you use a bobbin or separate ball of yarn for the 3 border stitches on the left-hand side of the towel. Always do those three stitches off the bobbin, even if the whole row is in A, to keep the floats short.
Bobbin is not added until Row 3.
Towel:
Wind off 12 – 15 yds/m of A for use on a bobbin or second small ball of yarn
With (main skein) A, cast on 41 sts.
Knit 4 rows.
Row 1: K4, k1b, *k1, k1b. Rep from * until 4 sts remain, k4.
Row 2:Knit.
Row 3: With A (main skein), k3, with B, k1b, *k1, k1b. Rep from * across until 3 sts remain, with A (bobbin), k 3.
Row 4: With A (bobbin) k3, with B, 35, with A (main skein) k3.
Row 5: With A (main skein) K4, *k1b, k1. Rep from * across until 3 sts remain, k 3 (bobbin).
Row 6: With A (bobbin) k3, with A (main skein) knit across.
Rep Rows 3 – 6 for pattern until work measures 23”/58cm or 1”/2.5cm less than desired finished length, ending with a wrong side row in A.
Knit 4 more rows in A, using main skein and ending off bobbin.
Bind off/cast off.
Weave in all ends.