Free Knit Bath Mitt Pattern

originally published Aug 22, 2020

Easy Free Knitting Pattern for a Bath Mitt or Shower Mitt

Looking for a quick and practical knitting project? This free knit bath mitt pattern works up fast and makes a wonderful handmade gift. Whether you're putting together a spa gift basket, creating thoughtful holiday presents, or knitting something useful for yourself, this cotton bath mitt is both pretty and functional.

I love giving handmade, heart-made gifts, and this knitted shower mitt is one of my favorite patterns for quick gift giving. Keep a few on hand for birthdays, holidays, housewarming gifts, or self-care packages.

The textured stitch creates gentle exfoliation while soft cotton yarn makes it perfect for everyday use in the bath or shower.

Why You'll Love This Bath Mitt

• Beginner-friendly knitting project

• Uses inexpensive worsted weight cotton yarn

• Great stash-busting pattern

• Makes a thoughtful handmade spa gift

• Quick to knit in an afternoon

• Durable and washable for everyday use

Materials Needed

One size.

What you will need:

• 1 ball of worsted weight cotton yarn (2 if you want to make a 2 color mitt as pictured)

• US size 4 and 6 straight knitting needles.

• Darning needle for sewing up.

• Diet Coke and your Creedence Clearwater Revival playlist. (Well, that’s not really NEEDED, but it makes it even funner!)

Free Knit Bath Mitt or Shower Mitt Pattern

Using size 4 needles cast on 36 stitches. Use main color if doing a 2 color mitt.

Mitt Body

Row 1: K1, P1 across. (36 sts)

Row 2: P1, K1 across. Cast on an additional 12 stitches. (48 sts)

Row 3: K1, P1 across all 48 stitches. Cast on an additional 12 stitches. (60 sts)

Row 4: P1, K1 across. (60 sts)

Row 5: K1, P1 across. (60 sts)

Rows 6-10: Repeat Rows 4 and 5.

Row 11: Bind off first 12 stitches of row. Work in seed stitch pattern (knit the purls and purl the knits) to the end. (48 sts)

Row 12: Bind off first 12 stitches of row. Work in seed stitch pattern to the end.

Rows 13-50: Continue working in seed stitch pattern. Piece should measure approximately 7¼ inches from the beginning.

Row 51: Knit 2 together across. (18 sts)

Row 52: Knit across. (18 sts)

Row 53: Knit 2 together across. (9 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a 25-inch tail. Thread tail onto a tapestry needle and run it through the remaining stitches twice, pulling tight. Secure, but do not trim the tail because it will be used later to seam the bath mitt.

Lace ruffle cuff.

From the front of the mitt, pick up one stitch in each of the original 36 stitches. Use your contrasting color if making the two-color version.

Row 1: Knit across, adding 10 stitches evenly spaced. (46 sts)

Row 2 (RS): K1 YO, K2tog, K9 to last stitch, K1.

Row 3 and all odd rows: Purl across.

Row 4: K1 K1, YO, K2tog, K6, SSK, YO to last stitch, K1.

Row 6: K1 K2, YO, K2tog, K4, SSK, YO, K1 to last stitch, K1.

Row 8: K1 K1, YO, K2tog, K6, SSK, YO to last stitch, K1.

Row 10: K1 K1, YO, K2tog, K6, SSK, YO to last stitch, K1.

Row 11: Purl across. (46 sts)

Picot Bind Off

This may look complicated, but it becomes very easy after a few repeats.

Slip the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left needle as if to knit, then cast on 2 additional stitches before that first stitch.

Bind off the next 4 stitches.

Now:

• Slip the last stitch worked back onto the left-hand needle.

• Cast on 2 additional stitches.

• Bind off the next 4 stitches.

Repeat these steps across the row.

Finish off, leaving a 10-inch tail.

Finishing Your Knitted Bath Mitt

Using the long tail left at the top of the mitt, sew the side seam of the bath mitt, around the thumb section, and up to the top of the ruffle.

If making a single-color bath mitt and you have enough yarn remaining, use that same tail to seam the ruffle. Otherwise, use the tail from the ruffle bind-off.

Weave in all ends.

Enjoy your handmade knit bath mitt!

FAQ

What yarn is best for a knit bath mitt?

100% cotton yarn is ideal because it absorbs water well, dries quickly, and holds up to repeated washing.

Can beginners knit this bath mitt?

Yes. If you know basic knit, purl, cast-on, and bind-off techniques, you can successfully complete this pattern.

How do you wash a knitted bath mitt?

Machine wash according to the yarn manufacturer's instructions and allow to air dry between uses.