Flower knitted Square

Flower Knitted Square by Karin Burkart

What is Being Made

The Flower Knitted Square is a versatile small knitted square designed by independent designer Karin Burkart. This pattern creates a finished square that can be used as a dishcloth, facecloth, or washcloth. The designer's primary use for these squares is as modular components for larger baby blankets—multiple squares are knotted together and sewn to create a complete blanket. The finished size varies depending on yarn weight selection, making this pattern adaptable to different project needs and yarn availability.

Finished Dimensions

The square's finished size depends on the yarn weight used:

• DK Weight: Approximately 15 x 15 cm
• Aran Weight: Approximately 18 x 18 cm

Techniques Used

This beginner-level knitting pattern employs several fundamental techniques suitable for newer knitters. The pattern uses a slip stitch edge technique, where the first stitch of each row is slipped as if to purl, creating a neater and more finished border appearance. The square features a garter stitch border on all sides, with the border stitches worked consistently throughout. The pattern requires loose casting on and casting off to maintain even tension and prevent tight edges that could distort the square's shape.

Stitches Used

The Flower Knitted Square uses basic knitting stitches appropriate for beginners:

• Knit (kn): The primary stitch worked on right-side rows
• Purl (pr): Worked on wrong-side (back) rows to create the fabric structure
• Slip Stitch (sl1p): Slip one stitch purl wise, used at the beginning of each row for edge definition

Pattern Structure

The square consists of 36 stitches cast on and 48 rows total. A 3-stitch garter stitch border frames all sides, with 3 rows of garter stitch at both the beginning and end of the pattern. These border stitches are always knitted to create a stable, finished edge. The interior of the square is worked in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), creating the contrast with the garter stitch border.

Materials Required

This pattern is designed to work with cotton yarn in two weight options. Cotton yarn is specified to ensure the squares are suitable for their intended use as dishcloths, facecloths, and washcloths, as cotton provides durability and absorbency for these applications.

For DK Weight Version:

• Two 3mm knitting needles
• Approximately 18 grams of DK weight cotton yarn
• Gauge: 22 stitches x 32 rows over 10 x 10 cm

For Aran Weight Version:

• Two 4mm knitting needles
• Approximately 25 grams of Aran weight cotton yarn
• Gauge: 20 stitches x 28 rows over 10 x 10 cm

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-level, making it ideal for knitters new to the craft or those seeking a quick, satisfying project. The use of only knit and purl stitches, combined with straightforward row counting and minimal shaping, ensures accessibility for developing knitters while still producing a polished, professional-looking finished square.

Pattern Format

The Flower Knitted Square is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, allowing immediate access to complete instructions for crafting this versatile square component.