Nr. 502 Daffodils 89 stitches

Nr. 502 Daffodils 89 Stitches Knit Dishcloth by Lotte Vilstrup Nielsen

What Is Being Made

Nr. 502 Daffodils is a beginner-friendly knit dishcloth pattern designed by Lotte Vilstrup Nielsen. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished dishcloth measuring 28 x 35 centimeters (approximately 11 x 14 inches). The design features a daffodil motif worked into the fabric using 89 cast-on stitches, making it an ideal project for knitters new to colorwork or textured patterning within a simple, practical garment.

Techniques and Skills Used

This knitting pattern is classified as beginner difficulty level and requires fundamental knitting techniques that make it accessible to those just starting their knitting journey. The primary techniques employed in Nr. 502 Daffodils include:

• Cast on: The foundation technique for creating the initial 89 stitches on the needles
• Knit stitch (k): The basic right-leaning stitch that forms the majority of the fabric structure
• Purl stitch (p): The reverse of the knit stitch, creating texture and depth, particularly used in the ribbed border and the daffodil motif
• Slip stitch: Used throughout the pattern by slipping the first stitch of every row purlwise with yarn at back of work, a technique that creates a neat, finished edge

Stitches and Pattern Structure

The pattern uses a combination of knit and purl stitches to create visual interest and the daffodil design. The first four rows establish a ribbed border using an alternating (k1, p1) pattern across the entire row width. This ribbed edging provides elasticity and a professional finished appearance to the dishcloth edges.

From row 5 onward, the pattern transitions into the main body where the daffodil motif emerges through strategic placement of knit and purl stitches. The pattern uses charted rows that combine blocks of purl stitches (which create raised texture) with knit stitches to form the flower design. For example, row 6 reads: k29, p8, k2, p3, k3, p4, k32, demonstrating how the stitch sequence shifts to build the daffodil image across the fabric width.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Nr. 502 Daffodils is designed to be worked with 100% cotton yarn in a 4-ply weight. The pattern requires 186 yards (170 meters) of yarn, which is provided in a single 50-gram ball. Cotton yarn is an excellent choice for dishcloths as it is absorbent, durable, and becomes softer with washing and use. The pattern specifies that yarn color is flexible—knitters may choose any color that suits their preference or kitchen décor.

The recommended needles are 30-centimeter (30-inch) straight knitting needles in size 3.25 millimeters (U.S. size 3). This needle size is appropriate for 4-ply yarn and creates a fabric with good stitch definition, allowing the daffodil motif to be clearly visible in the finished dishcloth.

Why Choose This Pattern

As a beginner-level project, Nr. 502 Daffodils offers knitters the opportunity to practice fundamental techniques while creating a beautiful, functional item for the home. The pattern's focus on basic knit and purl stitches makes it ideal for building confidence and muscle memory. The finished dishcloth is practical for daily kitchen use while serving as a handmade gift or personal keepsake that showcases the maker's growing knitting skills.