Be Good Bath Mat Tutorial
With just 2 skeins of Jersey Be Good yarn from Wool and the Gang and a pair of size 17 needles, you can knit a custom-sized bath mat perfect for your space. Think about using this pattern to create a washcloth or baby blanket as well - a knitted rectangle is a very useful shape!
Materials
Two skeins of Wool and the Gang Jersey Be Good yarn (shown here in True Blue)
24" size 17 knitting needles
Finished Dimensions: 14" x 20"
This pattern has 5 sections: First corner, increase section establishes width, middle section establishes length, decrease section closes the rectangle, final corner
First corner
Using a long-tail cast on, CO 3 stitches.
RS: K1, m1, K1, m1, K1 (5 stitches)
WS: Slip 2 pwise, K1, P2
RS: Slip 2 kwise, m1, K1, m1, K2 (7 stitches)
WS: Slip 2 pwise, K to last 2 stitches, P2
Begin increase section
RS: Slip 2 kwise, k1, m1, knit to last 3 stitches, m1, K3
WS: Slip 2 pwise, knit to last 2 stitches, P2
The first and last three stitches of each row create the I-cord edging.For a square, work decrease section immediately. For a rectangle, work decrease section starting after a WS row.
When your mat reaches the desired width, begin middle section.
Middle section
RS: Slip 2 kwise, K1, m1, knit to last 5 stitches, SSK, k3
WS: Slip 2 pwise, knit to last 2 stitches, P2
During this section, the stitch count remains the same. To get the most out of the Jersey Be Good yarn (and not have to get a third skein for the last little bit), take note of how many ridges you worked in the middle section before you joined the second ball. Work that many again (or one less to be 100% certain to have enough yarn) before working the decrease section.
When mat reaches the desired length, begin decrease section.
Decrease section
RS: Slip 2 kwise, K1, k2tog, knit to last 5 stitches, SSK, K3
WS: Slip 2 pwise, knit to last 2 stitches, P2
Work this two row decrease pattern until 10 stitches remain when you’re ready to work a RS row.
Final corner
RS: Slip 2 kwise, K1, k2tog, ssk, K3 (8 stitches)
WS: Slip 2 pwise, K4, P2
RS: Slip 2 kwise, k2tog, ssk, k2 (6 stitches)
WS: Slip 2 pwise, K2tog, P2 (5 stitches)
RS: Slip 2 kwise, ssk, K1 (4 stitches
Bind off 4 stitches in purl and weave in all ends. Block mat if desired, but know that it is very absorbent and will take a very long time to dry!
Now that you are finished enjoy your new, custom bath mat and don't forget to share your results with #begoodbathmat!
Comments on this post (4)
Hi Rene! You are right – in the increase section, you increase one on each side on the RS and nothing on the WS. When it is the desired width, you can either work the middle section for a rectangle or proceed immediately to the decrease section if you want a square. Hope that helps! Let me know if not.
Miranda
— Fancy Tiger Crafts
I’m confused on the increase section. Do I knot RS and WS then start the decrease? Or do I get o to the desired width then start middle section.
Thanks
Rene
— Rene
Hello Louise,
You can find them on our website! https://www.fancytigercrafts.com/collections/needles/products/24-circular
— Fancy Tiger Crafts
any suggestions where to buy size 17 – 24" knitting needles ?
— Louise