This is a thick, nubby cloth. Because this stitch (Astrakan, also known as Trinity) makes a bobbled-like surface, the washcloth is good for after-jogging showers or anytime that someone wants a more invigorating shower or bath experience...or in a sauna.

[Note: If you use 100% cotton yarn, and it's not preshrunk, make a larger version to allow for the post-washing shrinkage...or this could become a trivet <g>. Linen or hemp yarns would also work well, just allow for shrinkage, etc.]

Materials

Cotton or cotton-blend yarn in worsted-weight (or sport-weight used double)
Size US 9-11 needles, depending on personal knitting gauge

Finished size: 11-12" square

Stitch: Astrakan aka Trinity

Pattern

4-row repeat with approx. 1 1/4" border of garter stitch

Directions:

Cast on 44 stitches and knit for 5 or 6 rows, forming border of garter
stitch. Then switch to pattern as follows:

Row 1: K4, *[K1, P1, K1 ALL into next stitch; P3 together] repeat from * to within 4 stitches of end of row, K4.

Row 2: K4, P 36, K4

Row 3: K4, *[P3 together; K1, P1, K1 ALL into next stitch] repeat from * to within 4 stitches of end of row), K4.

Row 4: Repeat row 2.

Repeat these 4 rows until the cloth is approx. 1 1/4" so less than square, then knit 5 or 6 rows and bind off.

Using the same yarn, braid, crochet or I-cord a 2" length and attach to corner of cloth for hanging loop.

Variation: Scrubby Soap Sack
Follow the instructions but make a rectangle about 5" wide instead of a square, fold in half width-wise and stitch up the 2 side seams. Weave some yarn through the unstitched end to make a drawstring and add loop as above. Put a bar of soap inside the envelope, tie it closed with slip-bow and use as a loofa.

Another idea (better, I think) is to make a cord long enough to fit over the hand as a wrist loop for the soap sack, making it easier to use in the shower, which kids love!

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