Buffalo Plaid Kitchen Towel

Buffalo Plaid Kitchen Towel

Project Overview

The Buffalo Plaid Kitchen Towel is a crocheted dish towel designed by Jennifer Renaud. This intermediate-level project creates a functional kitchen accessory measuring 8.5 inches wide by 19 inches long. The towel features a distinctive buffalo plaid pattern created through strategic color changes, though crafters can also choose to work the design in a single solid color or striped variation.

What Is Being Made

This is a practical crochet dish towel suitable for kitchen use. The finished piece is a rectangular towel worked from the bottom edge upward, with an integrated buttonhole feature near the top edge for hanging or fastening purposes. The buffalo plaid colorway creates a classic, decorative pattern while maintaining the towel's functional purpose.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Buffalo Plaid Kitchen Towel employs several fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The primary construction method involves color changes worked throughout the piece to build the plaid pattern. The towel is worked from the bottom up, a common construction method that allows for easy finishing at the top edge. An easy buttonhole is incorporated near the top edge, providing a practical detail for hanging or securing the towel.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes two essential crochet stitches:

• Single Crochet (sc): A fundamental short stitch that creates a tight, dense fabric
• Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch that adds height and texture to the fabric

These stitches are alternated throughout the pattern (single crochet in one stitch, double crochet in the next) to create the textured pattern stitch that defines this design. The gauge for this stitch combination is 5 stitches and 10.5 rows over 3 inches.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for DK weight yarn (also referred to as 3-weight yarn). The sample was created using Knit Picks CotLin, a blend of 70% Tanguis Cotton and 30% Linen, which provides excellent absorbency and durability for kitchen use. Any comparable DK/3-weight yarn may be substituted.

Yardage Requirements: The total yardage needed is 230 yards. For the buffalo plaid colorway shown in the sample, the yardage is distributed as follows: 115 yards in Silver (main color), 60 yards in Cream (contrast color 1), and 55 yards in Dark Grey (contrast color 2). Crafters choosing to work a solid-colored or striped version would use a single 230-yard skein.

Tools and Notions: A size G/6/4.00mm crochet hook is required for proper gauge. Additional materials include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and one 1-inch button for the buttonhole feature. Standard needle and thread are needed to attach the button.

Pattern Notes

The pattern includes several helpful guidelines for successful completion. Turning chains are not counted in the stitch count unless specifically noted otherwise in the instructions. The design is flexible, allowing crafters to customize their finished towel by choosing between the buffalo plaid colorway, a solid single-color version, or a striped variation depending on personal preference and available yarn.