Two inherited samplers formed the starting point for this pattern – an embroidery sampler and a knitting sampler. The embroidery sampler was made by an 8-year-old Frisian girl in 1941. The date and maker of the knitting sampler are unknown. Elements from both were adapted and combined to make this monogrammed guest towel. The yarn left over from the monogram can be used to knit a small face cloth. The pattern includes:

• Clear knitting instructions and charts for towel AND face cloth.
• A complete knittable alphabet.
• Instructions for designing your own monogram.
• Tips for knitting the monogram and the I-cord loop.

Yarn
Aran/worsted-weight cotton: MC approx. 150 g/225 m/246 yds; CC approx. 50 g/75 m/82 yds.

Shown here in:
Cream/taupe version: Lana Grossa, ‘LineaPura Organico’ (100% organic cotton; 90 m/98 yds/50 g), 3 balls shade 006 ‘Ecru’; 1 ball shade 003 ‘Taupe’.
Linen/red version: Rowan ‘Handknit Cotton’ (100% cotton; 85m/93 yds/50 g), 3 balls shade 205 ‘Linen’; 1 ball shade 215 ‘Rosso’.
Blue version: Drops ‘Paris Recycled Denim’ (100% cotton; 75 m/82 yds/50 g), 3 balls shade 103 ‘Dark wash’; 1 ball shade 101 ‘Light blue’. (After knitting the sample, only 1 gram was left of MC ‘Dark Wash’. To be on the safe side, buy an extra ball – it can always be used for a second face cloth).

Needles & Notions
4.5 mm (US 7) knitting needles (or other size to obtain the correct gauge); tapestry needle.

Gauge
19 sts x 26 rows in mini-block pattern = 10 x 10 cm/4 x 4”.
Gauge is not crucial, but differences will affect the size of the finished towel and quantity of yarn needed.

Finished measurements:
Guest towel: approx. 32 cm/12.5” x 46 cm/18”
Face cloth: approx. 20 cm/8” x 21 cm/8¼”

Read the blogpost about the Monogrammed Guest Towel for more pictures and background information.