Bath time has a reputation problem. It is all fun and games warm water, bubbles, rubber ducks, a reasonably cheerful baby, and then someone produces a flannel and the whole thing gets a little frought.
These baby bath mitts are my attempt to keep the fun going. Meet Bacon Butty the pig and Garlic Sauce the frog, a baby bath mitt knitting pattern for two character mitts worked in King Cole Cottonsoft DK. Cotton, washable, quick to knit, and small enough that you could have both finished in a weekend. Disclaimer, whether bath time becomes more enjoyable is, I’m afraid, between you and the baby. I can not be held responsible for your story telling or singing.
What You’ll Make
This baby bath mitt knitting pattern produces two character mitts, a pink pig with gathered snout and little pointed ears, and a green frog with stuffed round eyes and a crocheted smile. Each mitt is worked flat in two panels and sewn together. The pig is entirely on straight needles. The frog requires a small amount of using on DPNs for the eyes, but nothing to time consuming.
Both mitts are one size: 15 cm wide by 16 cm long (6in x 6.25in). Sized for little hands, and the right shape for an adult hand to do the actual scrubbing (I mean gentle washing).
They make a lovely baby shower gift, particularly if you knit both together and tuck them into a gift basket. I’ve been designing baby and children’s knitting patterns for 18 years, and quick, whimsical things like these are always the ones people come back to tell me about.
If you would like a clean, printable version to keep in your project bag, the PDF is available in the shop. Newsletter subscribers get 50% off, so if you are already on the list, check your inbox for your discount code.
Materials
Yarn
King Cole Cottonsoft DK (100% cotton, 210m / 229yds per 100g ball)
- Yarn A: Blush (3363)
- Yarn B: Dusky (3211)
- Yarn C: Sage (1576)
- Yarn D: White (710)
- Yarn E: Black (746)
Very small amounts of Yarns B, D, and E are used. Any DK weight washable yarn in those colours from your stash will work perfectly. A good stash buster, this one.
Needles
- 3.25mm straight needles
- 3.25mm DPNs, set of four (for frog eyes only)
- 3mm crochet hook (optional, for frog mouth)
Also Needed
- Darning needle
- Stitch markers
- Stitch holder
Finished Measurements
15 cm wide x 16 cm long (6in x 6.25in)
Tension
22 sts x 28 rows = 10cm x 10cm using 3.25mm needles and stocking stitch.
To save time, take time to check your tension. A looser tension will produce a larger mitt; a tighter tension will produce a smaller one. For bath mitts it is not critical, but it is worth knowing before you start.
Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are used in this baby bath mitt knitting pattern:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
| k2tog | knit two stitches together (one stitch decreased) |
| ssk | slip, slip, knit (one stitch decreased) |
| m1 | make one stitch |
| sl1 | slip one stitch |
| PM | place marker |
| WS | wrong side |
| RS | right side |
| CDD | slip next two stitches together as if to knit, knit next stitch, pass slipped stitches over (two stitches decreased) |
| DPN | double pointed needle |
| psso | pass slipped stitch over |
For a full reference guide, download the free Knitting Abbreviations Guide from the shop.
The PDF version includes a handy materials summary page, so everything you need is in one place when you are standing in the yarn shop. Grab your copy here, or sign up to the newsletter for 50% off.
Before You Start
A few things worth knowing before you cast on.
Check your tension first
Knit a small swatch in stocking stitch and measure it against the tension given. If your swatch is too loose, go down a needle size. If it is too tight, go up a needle size. For a bath mitt this is not critical, but it takes five minutes and saves a lot of puzzling later.
Using a stitch holder
The body shaping divides the stitches to work the arms and head separately. Slip the stitches you are not currently working onto a stitch holder to keep them safe. A spare length of yarn threaded through the stitches works just as well if you do not have a stitch holder to hand.
Joining yarn for a new section
When the pattern says to rejoin yarn, leave a tail of around 15 cm. This gives you enough to weave in neatly at the making up stage. For the contrast colour sections, the amounts needed are very small, so this is a good opportunity to use up any DK weight cotton you have in your stash.
Making up
The mitts are sewn together at the end rather than joined as you go. Use mattress stitch for the side and top seams for the neatest finish. If you have not used mattress stitch before, Very Pink Knits has a clear video tutorial that is well worth a watch.
Baby Bath Mitt Knitting Pattern Instructions
Bacon Butty (the pig)
Make two pieces. Cast on 22 sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn A.
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2 (and all even rows): Purl.
Row 3: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. [24 sts]
Row 5: Knit.
Row 7: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. [26 sts]
Row 9: Knit.
Row 11: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. [28 sts]
Row 13: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. [30 sts]
Row 15: Knit.
Row 17: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. [32 sts]
Row 19: Knit.
Row 21: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. [34 sts]
Row 23: Knit.
Row 25: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. [36 sts]
Row 27: Knit.
Row 29: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. [38 sts]
Row 31: Knit.
Row 33: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. [40 sts]
Row 35: Knit.
Row 37: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. [42 sts]
Row 39: Knit.
Row 41: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. [44 sts]
Row 42: Purl.
Left arm shaping
Row 1: K33, PM, k1, ssk, knit to end (turn and work on these 10 arm stitches after the marker only).
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. [8 sts]
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. [6 sts]
Row 6: Purl.
Cast off.
Right arm shaping
With WS facing rejoin Yarn A and purl first row.
Row 1 (RS): K8, ssk, k1 (turn and work on these 10 sts only).
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: K1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1. [8 sts]
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: K1, k2tog, k2, ssk, k1. [6 sts]
Row 6: Purl.
Cast off.
Head shaping
With RS facing rejoin Yarn A to remaining 22 sts.
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Purl.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 four times in total.
Row 9: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [20 sts]
Row 10: Purl.
Row 11: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [18 sts]
Row 12: Purl.
Cast off.
Outer Ears (make two pieces)
Cast on 15 sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn A.
Row 1: Sl1, knit to end.
Row 2: Sl1, purl to end.
Row 3: Sl1, ssk, k9, k2tog, k1. [13 sts]
Row 4: Sl1, purl to end.
Row 5: Sl1, ssk, k7, k2tog, k1. [11 sts]
Row 6: Sl1, purl to end.
Row 7: Sl1, ssk, k5, k2tog, k1. [9 sts]
Row 8: Sl1, purl.
Row 9: Sl1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1. [7 sts]
Row 10: Sl1, purl.
Row 11: Sl1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. [5 sts]
Row 12: Purl.
Row 13: Sl1, CDD, k1. [3 sts]
Row 14: P3tog.
Fasten off.
Inner Ears (make two pieces)
Cast on 11 sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn B. Work as outer ears from row 7 to end.
Snout (make one piece)
Cast on 18 sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn B.
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Purl.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 four times in total.
Cast off.
To Make Up Bacon Butty
Sew the front and back body panels together. For the ears, with WS facing sew an inner ear into the centre of each outer ear, then sew to the head using the photo as a guide.
Using black yarn, embroider the eyes.
For the snout, work a running stitch around the cast on stitches, up the side, across the cast off stitches, and down the remaining side. Pull the yarn to gather and form the snout shape. Work bullion stitches in black yarn for the nostrils, then sew the snout to the head.
Enjoying the pattern so far? The PDF version is available in the shop if you would like a printed copy to take to your knitting group. Newsletter subscribers receive 50% off, so sign up here if you are not already on the list.
Garlic Sauce (the frog)
The body panels are made in exactly the same way as the pig, using Yarn C instead of Yarn A.
Eyes (make two)
Cast on 8 sts using 3.25mm DPNs and Yarn D, join into the round taking care not to twist.
Round 1: Knit.
Round 2: *K1, m1; rep from * to end. [16 sts]
Round 3: Knit.
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: *K2, m1; rep from * to end. [24 sts]
Round 6: Knit.
Change to Yarn C.
Round 7: Knit.
Round 8: Purl.
Round 9: Knit.
Round 10: *K1, k2tog; rep from * to end. [16 sts]
Round 11: Knit.
Round 12: Knit.
Stuff very lightly. The eyes need to be fairly flat.
Round 13: *K2tog; rep from * to end. [8 sts]
Cut yarn, pull through remaining stitches, pull tight to close and secure with a few stitches. Use a running thread through the cast on stitches and pull tight to close.
Pupils (make two)
Cast on 7 sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn E.
Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2: Ssk, k1, psso, k3, k2tog. [5 sts]
Row 3: Purl.
Row 4: Ssk, k1, psso, k1, k2tog. [3 sts]
Row 5: P3tog.
Cut yarn, pull through remaining stitches, pull tight to finish. Using the photo as a guide, sew the pupils to the eyes.
To Make Up Garlic Sauce
Sew the front and back body panels together. Sew the eyes to the head using the photo as a guide.
For the mouth, using a 3mm hook and Yarn E, make a crochet chain approximately 6cm long. The chain should be firm and tight. Sew onto the face to form a smile using the yarn tails.
A Note on Toy Safety
These bath mitts are designed for supervised bath time use. If you plan to sell finished items made from this pattern, it is worth familiarising yourself with the toy safety guidelines that apply to handmade items for children. The UK Hand Knitting Association has a helpful overview of the relevant regulations, including guidance on small parts, materials, and CE marking. King Cole yarns, used in this pattern, are listed as compliant.
A Note on the DPNs
The frog eyes are worked in the round on double pointed needles. If you have not used DPNs before, do not be put off. You are working on a very small number of stitches, so it is a good low-stakes introduction to the technique. Very Pink Knits has a clear video tutorial on using double pointed needles if you would like to watch before you start.
Get the PDF Version
The pattern above is free to follow on the blog. If you would prefer a clean, printable PDF to keep in your project bag, the Frog & Pig Bath Mittens PDF is available in the shop.
Newsletter subscribers receive 50% off the PDF. If you are already subscribed, check your inbox for your discount code. If you are not yet on the list, sign up here and the code will come straight to you.
More Baby Knitting Patterns
If you enjoyed this baby bath mitt knitting pattern, you might also like:
- The Flopsy Bunny Rattle — another quick, giftable baby knit
- Bumble Bee Baby Booties — a free pattern for fabulous booties
- Browse all baby and children’s patterns in the Jane Burns shop
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different yarn for this baby bath mitt knitting pattern?
Yes. The pattern calls for King Cole Cottonsoft DK, but any DK weight cotton yarn will work. The key things for a bath mitt are that the yarn is 100% cotton (or at least cotton-rich), machine washable, and soft enough for baby skin. Avoid anything with a rough texture or that is not clearly labelled as washable.
Do I need DPNs for both mitts?
Only for the frog. The pig is worked entirely on straight needles. The DPNs are used for the frog’s eyes only, so if you are not confident with them, you could start with the pig and come back to the frog once you have had a practice.
Can I sell items made from this pattern?
Finished items made from this pattern may be sold in small quantities, with credit given to Jane Burns for the design.
Is this a good beginner knitting pattern?
The pig is suitable for a confident beginner. You will need to be comfortable with increases and decreases, working from a stitch holder, and basic making up. The frog adds a short section on DPNs, which makes it better suited to someone who has knitted a project or two already.
I would love to see your finished Bacon Butty and Garlic Sauce. Share a photo on Facebook or Instagram and tag #janeburnsdesigns so I can find you. There is nothing better than seeing these little characters brought to life in different colourways.
Happy Knitting, Jane 🧶