CLIPPER SHIP Cloth

CLIPPER SHIP Cloth by Ezcareknits

Project Overview

The CLIPPER SHIP Cloth is a beginner-friendly knitted dishcloth designed by Ezcareknits. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a practical 7" W x 7¼" H (18 cm x 18.5 cm) washcloth featuring a decorative pictorial design worked into the fabric using basic knitting techniques. The finished cloth is ideal for everyday kitchen use and makes an excellent handmade gift.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 100% Cotton in Medium/Worsted Weight, approximately 60 yards total
• Needles: Straight knitting needles, size 7 (4.5mm) or size needed to achieve proper gauge
• Finishing: Darning needle for weaving in ends

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginners, making it an excellent introductory project for learning stitch combinations. The design is created through strategic placement of knit and purl stitches to form a pictorial motif.

• Knit Stitch (K): The primary stitch used throughout the pattern, creating smooth stockinette areas
• Purl Stitch (P): Used strategically in specific rows to create contrast and define the decorative design elements
• Flat Knitting: Worked flat on straight needles using traditional back-and-forth rows rather than circular knitting

The pattern employs a charted design approach where knit and purl stitches are arranged in specific sequences across 50 rows to create the pictorial CLIPPER SHIP design. Rows alternate between right-side rows (worked with varied knit and purl combinations) and wrong-side rows (worked entirely in knit stitch), which is a common technique for creating textured designs on flat pieces.

Construction Method

The cloth begins with casting on 37 stitches and is worked in rows from bottom to top. The first 7 rows establish a garter stitch border (knitting every row) that frames the design. The main pictorial section spans rows 8 through 50, where the knit and purl stitch combinations gradually reveal the clipper ship motif. This technique, known as intarsia or picture knitting, creates the design without requiring color changes—instead relying on the visual contrast between raised knit stitches and recessed purl stitches.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as a beginner project, the CLIPPER SHIP Cloth requires only basic knowledge of casting on, knit stitches, purl stitches, and binding off. The pattern provides detailed row-by-row instructions, making it accessible to knitters new to picture knitting techniques. The small finished size and modest yardage requirement make this an ideal first project for practicing stitch control and following complex stitch patterns.

Finished Product

The completed washcloth is made from 100% cotton, making it absorbent, durable, and machine-washable—perfect for kitchen use. The decorative knitted design adds visual interest while maintaining the practical functionality of a standard dishcloth. The garter stitch borders provide structure and prevent curling, ensuring the cloth lays flat during use and washing.