Lately, it seems, everyone is having a baby or knows someone who is having a baby.

When designing garments for little ones, consider the look, feel and the drape of the fabric: a baby’s skin is delicate so a soft 2, 3 or 4ply cotton is suitable for a facecloth, although not all cotton yarn is suited to such tender skin, so choose one that is soft to the touch and 100% cotton for good water absorption. Yarn from different manufacturers behaves in different ways and even yarns of the same ply vary, so it is important that you swatch before your knit your final piece to ensure success.

The useful wash cloth can morph into an equally useful face cloth for a new born or, if you are feeling adventurous, into a baby shawl or blanket.

Stocking stitch is flat and gentle on one side and nubbly on the other for those grubby little baby bodies.
As a guide for 4ply, cast on 36 stitches using size 4mm needles. Some stitch patterns will require more or fewer stitches so play with designs until you get the effect that pleases you.
Knit 4 rows to make the edgeof the cloth then on odd numbered rows: K3, K 30 stitches for the central area pattern, K3 and on even numbered rows: K3, P 30 stitches for the central area pattern, K3.

Repeat these two rows until you have the shape you require…eg a square. The size of the square will depend on your row count according to your swatch.

Knit 4 rows for the edging and cast off.

Use this as a basic outline and add your own ideas and stitch patterns. Decide the size and shape of the fabric you want to knit. You might want to change the size of needle, the type of yarn and the number of stitches.

If you want to add a picture to the central area, first draw it onto graph paper and follow the squares as for cross stitch, one square to one stitch

Moss stitch is also suitable especially with a lovely soft 2 ply yarn
Moss stitch is a two stitch plus 1 pattern of K1, P1, so cast on 37 stitches for the central area plus the border. Repeat this pattern for each subsequent row and finish the central area on a wrong side row to ensure the pattern looks well as you complete the cloth with the border.

Another method to complete a facecloth is to knit from corner to corner on the diagonal. The shape of the square is increased from three stitches to 46 then decreased to three stitches.

So…Cast on three stitches and knit one row.

Next Row : Knit 1, make1 by picking up and twisting the horizontal thread between stitch 1 and 2 and knitting this as a stitch, knit to the end of the row. You will now have 4 stitches on your needle.

Next row: Knit1, make1 picking up and twisting the horizontal thread between stitch 1 and 2 and knitting this as a stitch, knit to the end of the row. You will now have 5 stitches on your needle.

Continue in this manner until you have 46 stitches on your needle. The shape of your fabric will now be a triangle. Now it is time to start decreasing stitches by knitting the first stitch in the row, knitting the next two stitches together then knitting to the end of the row. This will decrease the stitches by one on each row. Continue decreasing at the beginning of each row in this manner. When just three stitches remain on your needle it is time to cast off and tie in the ends. Your cloth will be a square at this stage. Cloth knitted on the diagonal retains its shape well.

If you have already knitted a pile of face cloths for the little one why not take these basic ideas and extend your fabric to make a shawl or a blanket. More stiches on your needles will give you a larger fabric, so knit as many as it takes according to the size you want and the swatch you prepare. Knit shapes that you can later stitch or crochet together or one large piece of fabric in soft cotton yarn, bamboo, merino, silk, or oh so luxurious cashmere. Imagine soft fabric, delightful colours, shapes and patterns. Your imagination, creative spirit and perseverance is all it takes as the process of knitting allows you to become more confident with each project. From little acorns oak trees grow.