Luxurious Bath Rug in Red Heart - LM5997 - Downloadable PDF

Luxurious Bath Rug in Red Heart – Pattern LM5997 by Laura Bain

This free downloadable knitting pattern by designer Laura Bain guides you through creating a cozy, textured bath rug using Red Heart Pomp-a-Doodle™ super chunky yarn. The finished rug measures 18" [45 cm] x 22" [55 cm], making it a practical and decorative addition to any bathroom. Rated as a beginner-level project, this is an ideal pattern for newer knitters looking to build confidence while producing a genuinely useful homeware item.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a single flat bath rug with a built-in pompom texture, courtesy of the specialty yarn used. The rug features a classic two-color stripe design that adds visual interest without requiring complex colorwork techniques. A nonskid mat is sewn to the underside for safety and practicality, making this as functional as it is attractive.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Red Heart Pomp-a-Doodle™ (Art. E875), a super chunky weight yarn with built-in pompoms — 2 balls in 9348 Beach House (Color A) and 2 balls in 6502 Aqua (Color B)
• Knitting Needles: Susan Bates® knitting needles, 8mm [US 11]
• Additional Materials: A yarn needle, a small amount of coordinating scrap yarn, and a piece of nonskid mat cut to fit the rug

Techniques Used

• Knit Cast On: The rug begins with a cast on of 20 stitches using the Knit Cast On method, with 2 stitches placed between each pompom of the specialty yarn. This method is beginner-friendly and creates a neat, firm edge.
• Two-Color Striping: Colors A and B are alternated every two rows. Rather than cutting the yarn at each color change, both yarns are carried up the side of the work, reducing the number of ends to weave in and keeping the edges tidy.
• Bind Off: The rug is bound off with two stitches between each pompom, mirroring the cast on for a consistent finish.
• Finishing: Ends are tucked in securely, and a nonskid mat is sewn to the underside using scrap yarn and a yarn needle, providing grip on bathroom floors.

Stitches Used

• Knit 1, Purl 1 (K1, P1): The entire body of the rug is worked in a simple Knit 1, Purl 1 ribbing pattern between each pompom. This stitch combination creates a subtle texture and helps the fabric lie flat, which is especially important for a floor rug.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is straightforward and highly repetitive, making it easy to memorize after just a few rows:

• Rows 1 & 2: Work K1, P1 between each pompom using Color A (9348 Beach House); carry yarn up the side without cutting.
• Rows 3 & 4: Work K1, P1 between each pompom using Color B (6502 Aqua); carry yarn up the side without cutting.
• Repeat Rows 1–4 until the work measures 22" from the cast on edge, then bind off.

Gauge

Gauge is noted as not important for this project, which is typical for home accessories like rugs where exact sizing is flexible. This makes the pattern even more accessible for beginners who may not yet be comfortable with gauge swatching.

Why This Pattern Stands Out

The use of Red Heart Pomp-a-Doodle™ yarn is central to the appeal of this design. The yarn's built-in pompoms emerge naturally as you knit, creating a plush, dimensional surface without any additional embellishment. Combined with the two-tone stripe in