This is a cloth that only gets better with age and use!
I started making these in 1994 after a brainstorm when I couldn't get
rid of some mildew in clothing here in Puerto Rico. I knew that wool didn't
mildew and from past dryer accidents, knew that it would felt/full up beautifully
to give a dense fabric with texture and long wearability. Any textured
pattern can be used in center.
**Note: do not use bleach on wools, they turn yellowish and it weakens
the fiber.
Materials:
Needles: size 6 straights
Yarn: Any medium weight 2ply wool or wool/mohair combination. Handspun
yarns are great for this pattern.
**Do not use superwash treated wool yarns**
Level:
Advanced beginner-intermediate.
Abbreviations:
tfl = through front loop
Pattern:
CO 34 sts.
Knit all stitches for 6-8 rows: approx. 1 inch.
Edging stitches: K4 at beginning and end of every row.
Pattern Stitch:
Rows 1-3: K2, P2 across the pattern 26 sts.
Row 4: Mock Cable row:
*YO, K2tog up tfl, YO, K2tog down tbl, YO** repeat from * to ** to
end of pattern section. (you should end in a YO)
Row 5: Adjustment row: P2, K2 across the pattern (end w P2) 26 sts.
Note: at this point you will have 5 sts left on your left needle:
Adjustment: K2tog tfl, K3 for left edge.
Row 6-8: Knit the knits, Purl the purls in the basic pattern fashion.
Repeat Rows 4-8 for 6”.
End of Pattern Section.
Top edging: K all sts for 6-8 rows.
Bind Off.
Weave ends in.
Fulling:
Method 1: start doing dishes or washing your face :)
Method 2: Throw cloth in with a load of jeans or color matching load.
Wash - Hot Water, Rinse - cold Water.
Dryer: optional.
**Note: you get a denser cloth when put through the dryer occasionally.