Double Seed Stitch Hand Towel

Knitting is good for so much more than scarves. Its a great way to make things for your home too. Check out this free knitting pattern for a double seed stitch hand towel. This project uses a simple combination of knit and purl stitches, with cotton yarn makes a beautiful hand towel. You can find lots of great options for cotton yarn, like this pink, from Lion Brand.

Cotton hand towels make great gifts. I’ve made them for myself, for newlyweds, and as home warming gifts. Actually, they’re so soft I’ve even made them for baby showers too. This double seed stitch hand towel uses a pattern called moss stitch for the border, and stockinette stitch at the center. Moss stitch, also called double seed stitch uses four rows of alternating knits and purls. It’s really simple to master, but looks really pretty in your projects.

What You Need to Knit the Double Seed Stitch Hand Towel

You’ll need a nice, soft cotton yarn. Cotton is absorbent, durable, and makes a great hand towel. For this project I’ve used Lion Brand Yarn. Dishie from KnitPicks, Sugar and Cream, and Peaches & Cream are also other options!

When it comes to choosing your needle, I like to size down from the yarn label’s recommendation. For this project, a US size four needle is the perfect size. It will keep your towel flexible and fabric like without making your tension too tight.

To start, cast on 57 stitches. If you need to adjust for size, keep the number of stitches odd.

Row 1: *Knit One, Purl One* Repeat to the end of the row.
Row 2: *Knit One, Purl One* Repeat to the end of the row.
Row 3: *Purl One, Knit One* Repeat to the end of the row.
Row 4: *Purl One, Knit One* Repeat to the end of the row.

Rows 5 – 12: Repeat Rows 1-4.

Grab two stitch markers. And place them 7 stitches in from each end of your project.

Row 1: *Knit one, Purl one* Repeat to the stitch marker. Knit to Marker, *Knit one, Purl one* Repeat to the end of the row.
Row 2: *Knit one, Purl one* Repeat to the stitch marker. Purl to Marker, *Knit one, Purl one* Repeat to the end of the row.
Row 3: *Purl one, Knit one* Repeat to the stitch marker, Knit to Marker, *Purl one, Knit one* Repeat to the end of the row.
Row 4: *Purl one, Knit one* Repeat to the stitch marker, Purl to Marker, *Purl one, Knit one* Repeat to the end of the row.

Repeat these rows until your project measures 20.5 Inches.

Finally, bind off your live stitches by following these instructions:

• First, knit one stitch, and place it back on the left hand needle.
• Then, Knit two together, and place the stitch back on the left hand needle.

Repeat this second step until you have one stitch remaining. Cut your working yarn and knot it in this last stitch. Sew in your yarn tails.