Nr. 351 Church Merry Christmas guest towel

Nr. 351 Church Merry Christmas Guest Towel

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted guest towel with a festive Christmas theme, designed by Lotte Vilstrup Nielsen. The finished towel measures approximately 33 x 49 cm (13 x 19 inches), making it an ideal size for bathroom guest use or holiday decoration. The piece combines functional textile design with decorative patterning suitable for seasonal gifting or home décor.

Craft and Techniques

This project uses knitting as the primary craft method. The pattern is classified as beginner difficulty level, making it accessible to knitters new to the craft or those seeking a straightforward seasonal project. The construction relies on fundamental knitting techniques that build confidence in basic stitch work.

The towel employs a structured approach combining stockinette stitch sections with ribbed edging. The pattern begins with a cast-on foundation and uses a slip-stitch selvage technique, where the first stitch of every row is slipped purl-wise with yarn held at the back of the work. This creates a neat, finished edge ideal for a functional towel. The body features alternating rows of knit and purl stitches that create texture and absorbency appropriate for a cotton towel, with decorative patterning introduced in later rows to add visual interest.

Stitches Used

• Cast on: Foundation stitch creating 89 stitches
• Knit stitch (k): Primary stitch throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (p): Used to create texture and reversible fabric
• Slip stitch (purl-wise): Applied to selvage edges for a professional finish
• Ribbed pattern: Alternating knit and purl stitches (k1, p1 repeat) create elastic edging
• Stockinette sections: Rows of pure knit and purl create smooth fabric areas

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for 100% cotton yarn in a 4-ply weight, totaling 186 yards (170 meters). Two balls of 50g each are needed, allowing flexibility in color choice to suit any décor or preference. Cotton yarn is ideal for towels due to its absorbency, durability, and natural fiber properties.

Needles: A 30 cm (12-inch) knitting needle in size 3.25 mm (U.S. size 3) is required. The needle length accommodates the 89-stitch cast-on comfortably, while the needle size works with the 4-ply yarn to create appropriate fabric density for a functional towel.

Pattern Structure

The pattern begins with a ribbed border created through alternating knit and purl stitches across four rows, establishing a textured frame. The main body transitions into stockinette stitch sections with alternating knit and purl rows creating the absorbent fabric base. Decorative patterning is introduced in row 11 and beyond, where specific stitch placement (such as k20, p33, k20) creates visual motifs appropriate to the Christmas theme. This structured progression from border through body to decorative detail creates a well-balanced finished piece.