Hexagons

Hexagons Dishcloth by Joan Laws

What Is Being Made

The Hexagons is a knitted dishcloth designed by Joan Laws, measuring 7 inches by 7 inches (18cm x 18cm). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a functional kitchen textile featuring a geometric hexagon stitch pattern. The finished dishcloth is worked in a single color using mercerized cotton yarn, making it absorbent and durable for everyday kitchen use.

Craft and Technique Overview

This project is a knitting pattern that employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create its distinctive hexagonal texture. The pattern uses a combination of slip stitches, wrapped stitches, and dropped stitch manipulation to achieve dimensional geometric shapes across the fabric surface. These techniques work together to create visual interest while maintaining the structural integrity of the dishcloth.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The foundational stitch used throughout the pattern to create stable edges and structural sections
• Purl stitch (P): Used with yarn wrapping to create textured elements within the pattern
• Slip stitch (sl): Performed both with yarn in back (wyib) and yarn in front (wyif) to manipulate stitch placement and create the hexagon effect
• Wrapped stitches: Purl stitches with yarn wrapped twice around the needle, then dropped on subsequent rows to create elongated stitch elements
• Dropped stitch technique: Strategic dropping and picking up of stitches to create the dimensional hexagon shapes that define the pattern

Pattern Structure

The Hexagons pattern uses a repeating unit based on a multiple of 6 stitches plus 2 additional stitches. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 50 stitches and works through an 8-row repeat sequence. The pattern alternates between rows that establish the wrapped stitches, rows that manipulate these wraps through slipping and dropping, and rows that create the three-dimensional hexagon effect through strategic dropped stitch work. This structured repeat creates consistent geometric shapes across the entire dishcloth surface.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: TAHKI Stacy Charles 100% Mercerized Cotton, 108 yards per 100 grams, Color #3723 in Lime Green; 1 skein required
• Needles: Size 6 (4.00mm) knitting needles, or the size required to achieve proper gauge
• Gauge: 28.5 stitches and 40.5 rows per 4 inches (10cm) measured in the stitch pattern

Yarn Characteristics

The mercerized cotton yarn selected for this project is an excellent choice for dishcloths. Mercerized cotton has been treated to increase its luster, strength, and ability to accept dyes, resulting in vibrant color like the Lime Green specified. Cotton yarn is naturally absorbent and breathable, making it ideal for kitchen textiles that will be exposed to moisture and frequent washing. The yarn weight and yardage provided (108 yards) is sufficient to complete the 7-inch square dishcloth with the specified needle size and gauge.