Chains Square

Chains Square Dishcloth by Terry Morris

Project Overview

The Chains Square is a 7" x 7" knitted dishcloth designed by Terry Liann Morris. This intermediate-level project demonstrates how slipped stitches combined with simple knit and purl stitches can create an intricate chain-like visual pattern using three colors of worsted weight yarn. The design works up quickly since you knit with only one color at a time, making it an accessible project for knitters looking to expand their stitch repertoire.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a decorative and functional dishcloth featuring a chain motif. The finished square measures 7 inches on each side and is designed to be washable, making it practical for kitchen use. The pattern is part of a Holiday Mystery Gifts collection, suggesting it works well as a handmade gift item.

Techniques Used

• Slipped stitches: The primary technique that creates the chain pattern. All slipped stitches are worked as if to purl with the yarn positioned on the wrong side of the square, which is essential for achieving the correct visual effect.
• Color changes: The pattern incorporates three distinct yarn colors that are changed at specific points in the instructions, allowing the chain design to emerge through strategic color placement.
• Simple stitch combinations: Basic knit and purl stitches are combined with the slipped stitches to build the overall pattern structure.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch
• Purl stitch
• Slipped stitches (worked as if to purl)

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Worsted weight washable yarn in three colors. The sample square uses Brown (A), Cream (B), and Grey (C), though any three-color combination can be substituted. Worsted weight yarn is chosen for its durability and washability, making it ideal for kitchen dishcloths.

Needles: US size 7 (4.5mm) needles, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. The pattern allows flexibility in needle size selection based on individual yarn characteristics and desired finished dimensions.

Gauge: 5 to 5.5 stitches equal 1 inch over the total square including borders. The pattern notes that because worsted weight yarns vary significantly in actual size, knitters can adjust their gauge and cast-on stitch count to achieve the best results for a 7-inch finished square with a flexible fabric.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the individual stitches used are basic, the combination of slipped stitches with color changes and the need to manage yarn tension across multiple colors requires some knitting experience. The technique of working slipped stitches correctly—as if to purl with yarn on the wrong side—is a skill that intermediate knitters should be comfortable executing.

Pattern Format

The Chains Square is available as a free downloadable PDF pattern, making it accessible for knitters seeking no-cost projects. The downloadable format allows crafters to print the instructions for easy reference while working.