The Cloudberry Bloom Hooded Baby Towel and Washcloth Set Free Pattern – A Knitted Petal-Pleated Spa Duo

Transform bath time into a gentle, botanical ritual with this exquisite knitted hooded towel and matching washcloth set. Inspired by the delicate unfurling of flower petals, this pattern features a unique pleated ruffle edge that cascades along the bottom of each piece, creating a soft, dimensional texture that mimics blooming blossoms. Crafted in breathable, absorbent cotton, this set is as practical as it is beautiful—perfect for a modern nursery, a thoughtful handmade gift, or a special addition to your little one's daily routine. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner, this pattern offers a rewarding project with stunning results.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight 100% cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton) in Cloud White (MC) and Blush Pink (CC). Approximate yardage: Towel: 400 yds MC, 150 yds CC; Washcloth: 100 yds MC, 50 yds CC.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles—straight or circular, whichever you prefer.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional but helpful), and a tape measure.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Always check your gauge to ensure the finished dimensions match the pattern.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in pieces and seamed together. Follow each section carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, functional set in no time. All instructions are written for the towel first, followed by the washcloth.

Knitted Towel (approx. 28" x 28" before hood)

Main Body

1. Cast On: With MC, cast on 140 stitches loosely. A long-tail cast-on works beautifully here.
2. Stockinette Stitch: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side) for 24 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. This creates the smooth, soft main body of the towel.

Pleated Ruffle Edge (worked sideways along one long edge)

This is the signature detail of the Cloudberry Bloom set. The ruffle is created by picking up stitches along the cast-on edge and working a series of eyelet rows that gather the fabric into gentle pleats.

1. Pick Up Stitches: With the right side of the towel facing you, pick up and knit 140 stitches evenly along the cast-on edge (the bottom edge of the towel).
2. Row 1 (WS): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2 (RS): *K2, k2tog, yo*; repeat from * to end of row, ending with k2. (The yarn over creates an eyelet, and the k2tog decreases the stitch count, forming the pleat.)
4. Row 3: Purl all stitches.
5. Row 4 (RS): *K3, k2tog, yo*; repeat from * to end of row, ending with k3.
6. Row 5: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 6 (RS): *K4, k2tog, yo*; repeat from * to end of row, ending with k4.
8. Row 7: Purl all stitches.
9. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely knitwise. This loose bind-off is crucial to maintain the stretchy, ruffled edge.

Hood

1. Pick Up Stitches: With the right side of the towel facing you, pick up and knit 70 stitches along the center of the top edge of the towel (the edge opposite the ruffle). This should be centered, leaving roughly 35 stitches on each side for the towel body.
2. Stockinette Stitch: Work in stockinette stitch for 8 inches, ending with a wrong-side row.
3. Shape Hood (Decrease Section):
   • Next Row (RS): K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, k2tog, k2. (This decreases 2 stitches.)
   • Next 3 Rows: Work even (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 3 rows.
   • Repeat these 4 rows (decrease row + 3 even rows) until 40 stitches remain on your needle.
4. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches.
5. Seam the Hood: Fold the hood in half (right sides together) and sew the top seam to form a rounded hood. Weave in the ends securely.

Knitted Washcloth (approx. 10" x 10")

1. Cast On: With MC, cast on 50 stitches.
2. Stockinette Stitch: Work in stockinette stitch for 9 inches, ending with a wrong-side row.
3. Pleated Ruffle Edge:
   • With the right side facing, pick up and knit 50 stitches along the cast-on edge.
   • Repeat Rows 1-7 of the towel's ruffle pattern, adjusting the repeats so that the row ends correctly (e.g., for Row 2, end with k2; for Row 4, end with k3; for Row 6, end with k4).
   • Bind off loosely knitwise.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn ends on the wrong side of the fabric. Be thorough to ensure durability through many washes.
2. Block Gently: Block the pieces to shape. Cotton benefits from gentle wet blocking—soak in lukewarm water, gently squeeze out excess (never wring), lay flat on a towel, and shape to the correct dimensions. Allow to dry completely.
3. Optional Color Accent: For a pop of color and a polished finish, add a single crochet border in CC (Blush Pink) around the hood opening and the edges of the washcloth. This echoes the botanical theme and adds a delicate, feminine touch.

Your Cloudberry Bloom Hooded Baby Towel and Washcloth Set is now complete! This heirloom-quality set is not only a practical bath essential but also a beautiful keepsake. The soft cotton will become even more absorbent with each wash, and the unique petal-pleated ruffle will remain a cherished detail for years to come. Enjoy the process, and happy knitting!