Introduction: Handheld Facial Decontamination Device Aka an Instructables Robot Washcloth

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Your kids have been running amuck and are filthy. You have no clean towels. You have a yarn stash that's getting out of control. And there's a fiber arts contest on Instructables. What do you do? You make your very own Instructables Robot knit washcloth and document it, naturally.

Knitting is fun and washcloths are quick and easy. Washcloths aren't your thing? Make it a dish cloth. A soft and absorbent napkin. The options are endless.

This is a quick and easy pattern I threw together to incorporate our favorite robot, mishapened smile and eyes and all. The pattern is knitted in a worsted weight and measures approximately 9"x9.5". Make sure to use 100% cotton if you want it to absorb, acrylic yarn will just smear liquids around.

Supplies

You will need the following:

  • 1 skein of worsted weight 100% cotton yarn. I like Dishie from Knitpicks. I used the Creme Brulee.
  • 1 pair of straight knitting needles in your desired size. I used sized 9, also from Knitpicks
  • 1 large eye needle for weaving in ends. These work well.

Step 1: Let's Get Started!

This pattern is knitted flat. Your robot will show up as a relief on both sides of the washcloth. After I cast on my stitches, I like to leave a long enough tail that I can weave it back in to the knitting as I go (see second picture in this section). I use both the tail of the yarn and the working thread to knit my first row for at least a few stitches. This will weave the initial tail in to your work as you go so you don't have to weave it in later.

There's no way to make the pattern more enjoyable to read. So for your own sanity don't forget to take breaks as needed. Grab a snack, walk the dog, stand on a rock mat and massage your feet. Whatever makes you happy.

Instructuables Robot Washcloth Pattern:

For the sake of this pattern, please note the following abbreviations:

  • CO - Cast on
  • k - knit (k3 - knit 3, etc)
  • p - purl (p4 - purl 4, etc)
  • BO - Bind off

Start by CO 40 stitches

Rows 1-6: k40

Rows 7, 9, and 11: k3, p34, k3

Rows 8 and 10: k40

Row 12: k3, p1, k32, p1, k3

Row 13: k5, p29, k6

Row 14: k3, p4, k27, p3, k3

Row 15: k6, p27, k7

Row 16: k3, p5, k25, p4, k3

Row 17: k8, p23, k9

Row 18: k3, p7, k21, p6, k3

Row 19: k9, p20, k11

Row 20: k3, p8, k1, p18, k1, p6, k3

Rows 21, 23, 25, and 27: k9, p20, k11

Row 22, 24, 26, and 28: k3, p8, k20, p6, k3

Row 29: k9, p3, k13, p4, k11

Row 30 and 32: k3, p8, k20, p6, k3

Row 31: k9, p20, k11

Row 33: k4, p30, k6

Row 34: k3, p3, k4, p1, k20, p1, k4, p1, k3

Row 35: k9, p20, k11

Row 36: k3, p8, k20, p6, k3

Row 37: k9, p6, k2, p4, k3, p5, k11

Row 38: k3, p8, k4, p5, k2, p4, k5, p6, k3

Row 39: k9, p5, k4, p2, k5, p4, k11

Row 40: k3, p8, k4, p5, k3, p2, k6, p6, k3

Row 41: k9, p12, k3, p5, k11

Rows 42, 44, 46, 48, and 50: k3, p8, k20, p6, k3

Rows 43, 45, 47, 49, and 51: k9, p20, k11

Rows 52 and 54: k3, p34, k3

Rows 53 and 55: k40

Rows 56-60: k40

BO knitwise and weave in any loose ends

Step 2: Enjoy Your New Robot Slave

That's it! You've now created your very own instructables robot cleaning slave.The pictures show both sides of the washcloth. Some find one side easier to see then the other, but both work equally well for cleaning.