Free Pattern: Tailgating Towel

Several people on my gift list are football fans, mostly for the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles. I thought a towel in team colors would make a great gift. One that would be strong enough for bbqs or tailgating on game day, and still look nice throughout the year.

Tailgating Towel Crochet Pattern

This pattern is available for free below. An ad-free, downloadable PDF of this pattern with all of the photos is available to purchase from my shops: Ravelry | Etsy

Materials

Yarn: Sugar ‘N Cream cotton yarn – 180 yards main color (Hot Orange); 60 yards center stripe (Bright Navy)
Crochet Hook: J (6mm)
Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Measurements

Gauge: 4” = 13 hdc sts and 9 hdc rows
Measurements: 22” long x 11.5” wide

Tips – please take a second to read this section

The first stitch of each row is worked into the same stitch as the turning chain unless noted.
Numbers at the beginning of each line may refer to steps and not indicate number of rows.
Stitch count remains the same unless noted at end of row/round.
If you have any questions about this pattern please contact [email protected].
Finger shape the pieces for a smooth edge (see tips on last page)
Reminder: sc 3 = sc one st in each of the next 3 sts; 3sc in next st = work 3sc sts in the next (one) st

Special Sitches

FPDC Cluster: Front Post Double Crochet Cluster

YO, insert hook around the next post, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops on hook. YO, insert hook around the same post, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops on hook, YO and pull through all 3 loops on hook.

See help photos at the end of this pattern if needed.

Directions

This is worked from one long side to the other.

1. With a J hook and worsted weight cotton yarn, ch 64, sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (63sts)

2. Ch 2, turn, hdc in the same st and in each st across. Stitch count will remain the same for each row.

3. Ch 2, turn, hdc in the same st, hdc 2, *sk 1, FPDC Cluster (see “special stitch” on page 1), hdc in same st as cluster, hdc in each of the next 2 sts*, repeat to end of row. (63sts)

Tips

You will not be working into the skipped st. Leave it empty.
There should be 3 hdc posts between each rib created by the FPDC Cluster. See diagram at the right. The pink arrow designates the post for the FPDC cluster. You should work the cluster around the 4th post from the previous rib.

4. Repeat steps 2-3 three more times. Make sure to end with a cluster row (step #3).

5. Ch 2, turn, hdc in the same st and in each st to end of row.

6. Finish off the current yarn and change colors for the center stripe (Sample: Navy Blue). Ch 2, turn, hdc in the same st and in each st to end of row.

7-9. Ch 1, turn, hdc in the same st and in each st to end of row.

10. This step creates the keyhole in the towel to use for hanging. Ch 2, turn, hdc in the same st, hc 7, ch 10, sk 10, hdc in each st to end of row.

11. Ch 2, turn, hdc in the same st, hc 44, hdc 10 across ch, hdc 8.

12-13. Ch 1, turn, hdc in the same st and in each st to end of row.

14. Finish off the current yarn and change to the original color (Sample: Orange). Ch 1, turn, sc in the same st and in each st to end of row.

15. Repeat steps 2-3 four times.

16. Ch 1, turn, sc in the same st and in each st to end of row.

17. This step is worked around the outer edge of the piece. Do not turn. Ch 1, sc in the same st. Sc evenly down the long edge of the towel. (sc, ch 1, sc) in the first st of the bottom row. Sc in each st until 1 st remains, (sc, ch 1, sc) in the last st. Sc evenly up the second long edge of the towel. (sc, ch 1, sc) in the first st of the top row. Sc in each to the end of row. Ch 1, sl st in the first st of this round to join.

18. This step is also worked around the outer edge of the piece. Sl st in each st down the side of the towel, making sure it isn’t worked too snug or the side will cinch together and be shorter than to start.

(ch 1, sl st) in each st across the bottom edge. Sl st in each st up the other side of the towel. .

(ch 1, sl st) in each st across the top edge. Finish off and weave in the end.

See photos below for hanging the towel.