The Driftwood & Linen Hand Towel: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Kitchen Essential

Elevate Your Kitchen with the Driftwood & Linen Hand Towel

Ready to add a touch of modern sophistication to your kitchen? This free knitting pattern for the Driftwood & Linen Hand Towel is your next favorite project. Combining the elegant texture of slipped stitches with a delicate linen stitch border, this towel is both beautiful and functional. Knit in a soft, absorbent cotton-linen blend, it’s the perfect handmade essential for any sink, and it makes a thoughtful, stylish gift. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner, this pattern will guide you to create a stunning, textured piece you’ll be proud to display.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the recommended materials will ensure your towel matches the gauge and has the perfect drape and absorbency.

• Yarn: Approximately 200 yards of worsted weight cotton or cotton-linen blend yarn. The sample uses a warm oatmeal for the main body and a soft sage green for the borders. Great options include Knit Picks Dishie or Berroco Modern Cotton.
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles. Straight or circular needles will work fine.
• Other: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a crochet hook (size H/5.0mm or similar) for adding fringe.

Gauge & Finished Size

• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Always check your gauge to ensure your finished towel is the correct size.
• Finished Size: Approximately 16 inches wide by 24 inches long (including fringe).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully. The pattern is worked flat from the bottom up, with a beautiful slipped stitch texture in the main body and a neat linen stitch border at both ends.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sl: Slip stitch purlwise with yarn in back (wyib)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rep: Repeat
• WS: Wrong side
• RS: Right side

Pattern Notes

• The towel is worked flat from the bottom up.
• The main body uses a slipped stitch pattern that creates a beautiful, textured fabric that is highly absorbent.
• The top and bottom borders are worked in a simple linen stitch for a clean, modern finish.
• Fringe is added after knitting is complete.

Bottom Border

This creates a sturdy, flat edge for the bottom of the towel.

• CO 80 sts.
• Row 1 (WS): K1, *P1, K1; rep from * to end.
• Row 2 (RS): K1, *K1, P1; rep from * to end.
• Rep Rows 1-2 for a total of 6 rows (you will have 3 ridges of linen stitch on the RS).

Main Body

This is the textured, woven-like section. Repeat these 8 rows until the piece measures approximately 22 inches from the cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *Sl 1 wyib, K3; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 2 (WS): P2, *K1, P3; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2.
• Row 3 (RS): K2, *K1, Sl 1 wyib, K2; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 4 (WS): P2, *P2, K1, P1; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2.
• Row 5 (RS): K2, *K2, Sl 1 wyib, K1; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 6 (WS): P2, *P1, K1, P2; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2.
• Row 7 (RS): K2, *K3, Sl 1 wyib; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 8 (WS): P2, *P3, K1; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2.
• Rep Rows 1-8 until the piece measures approximately 22 inches from the cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

Top Border

This mirrors the bottom border for a symmetrical finish.

• Row 1 (RS): K1, *K1, P1; rep from * to last st, K1.
• Row 2 (WS): K1, *P1, K1; rep from * to last st, K1.
• Rep Rows 1-2 for a total of 6 rows (3 ridges of linen stitch on the RS).
• Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls as you bind off).

Finishing & Fringe

Complete your towel with these final steps for a professional look.

• Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all yarn tails securely on the wrong side.
• Blocking: Gently block the towel by wetting it and laying it flat to dry, shaping it to the correct dimensions. This will open up the stitches and even out the texture.
• Adding Fringe:
  • Cut 80 pieces of yarn, each 12 inches long. You will use 40 for the top edge and 40 for the bottom edge.
  • Fold one piece of yarn in half. Insert your crochet hook from the wrong side to the right side through the edge stitch at the cast-on or bind-off edge.
  • Hook the folded loop of yarn and pull it through the fabric, creating a loop on the right side.
  • Take the two loose ends of the yarn and pull them through the loop. Pull gently to tighten the knot.
  • Repeat this process for each stitch along both the top and bottom edges (one fringe per stitch).
  • Once all fringe is attached, trim the ends evenly to your desired length (about 2-3 inches is perfect).

Your Driftwood & Linen Hand Towel is now complete! Enjoy the modern, textured elegance it brings to your kitchen. Happy knitting!