I love a good hand towel, they can make a bathroom look sensational just by adding a bit of texture and colour and even better, they are super useful!
A little while ago I made a fantastic hand towel called the Home Sweet Home Dish/Hand Towel by Lady Jay Crochet. I made that in Fiddlesticks Finch in Jute colour and have been planning on making another one since!
The pattern is gorgeous however I really wanted to make a hand towel with a denser 'fabric' this time. So I decided that I would just design my own! When we created the Yarn Me Calm Community Calming Corona CAL we used Star Stitch and I absolutely loved the effect. So I decided that I would feature the Star Stitch in this hand towel and I am so glad I did because I love how it turned out!
As always when I create it can be a little bit of a frenetic space, the fabulous Kylie not only interpreted the first draft of the pattern for me, but also whipped up a test in no time at all! So this great little hand towel is named for her - Kylie You're A Star Hand Towel!
You can make this hand towel for anyone and substitute their name to let them know how much they are appreciated!
I used Fiddlesticks Finch again for this hand towel, it is 100% cotton in a 10 ply/worsted/aran/CYC #4 weight that is absorbent and soft and perfect for this purpose.
I chose a single colour for my Kylie You're A Star Hand Towel but Kylie did hers in 2 colours. Kylie did less rounds on her border and it looks amazing but in the single colour I love the thicker border. Isn't it funny how changing the colour can change the look significantly!
You can purchase a PDF digital download version of this pattern here.
You can also purchase a kit here.
Materials:
- 3 balls of Fiddlesticks Finch
- 4.5mm Hook (I used my trusty Tulip Etimo Red)
- Needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
Stitches used and abbreviations (in US terms):
CH - chain
SK - skip stitch
SS - slip stitch
SC - single crochet
BLSC - Back Loop Single Crochet (work in the back loop only)
HDC - half double crochet
DC - double crochet
HDCF - Half Double Crochet Foundation Stitch
Special Stitches:
Half Double Crochet Foundation Stitch
This stitch has been an absolute game changer for me, I used to detest that first row when I had to double or treble crochet into the chains I had made. I always found it fiddly, and more often than not that first row of chains was a different tension to the rest of the project. With the foundation stitch I don’t have these issues, it’s fantastic, I hope you get as much use out of it as I do!!!
- Slip stitch on hook
- Chain 2
- Put hook through 2nd chain from hook making sure you place your hook through 2 strands. Yarn over, pull up loop. (2 loops on hook)
- Yarn over, pull through the first loop only (chain stitch made)
- Yarn over, pull through all loops on hook (half double crochet made)
- Put hook through 2 strands of previous chain stitch. Yarn over, pull up a loop.
- Yarn over, pull through the first loop only see picture 2 (chain stitch made)
- Yarn over, pull through all loops (half double crochet made)
- Continue from 6-8 until desired length achieved.
I find it easier to turn my work so that the foundation stitches are working down, like a normal chain would.
Hints & Tips:
- Keep you star stitches fairly loose. This will keep the different parts tensioned evenly.
- The main body of the Hand towel is worked in rows, turning at the end of each row. The border however is worked in rounds.
- Pattern is written in US Terms.
- Every row of the main body should be 40 stitches excepting the star stitch rows which should have 20 star stitches.
Part One
Row 1
- Foundation hdc 40 stitches (see written instructions and video for help!). Turn.
Row 2
- Ch2, hdc in each stitch across. Turn (40)
Row 3
- Ch3, Skip the first chain on your hook and insert your hook into the second chain from the hook and pull up a loop, insert your hook into the third chain from the hook and pull up a loop
- Insert the hook in to the base and pull up a loop.
- Insert hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop (5 loops on your hook)
- Insert hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on your hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on the hook
- Ch1 to close your star stitch
- Insert hook into the ‘eye’ of the star stitch just made (see picture) and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook)
- Insert hook in between the last two bars of your star stitch (see picture) and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the base of the last bar of your star stitch (see picture) and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 6 stitches on the hook
- Continue to make star stitches until the end of the row. Once you have finished your final star stitch insert the hook into the eye and pull up a loop, then insert your hook into the base of the last bar of your star stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook). Yarn over and pul through 2, yarn over and pull through 2.
- You should have 20 star stitches.
- Turn your work but do not chain.
Row 4
- 2HDC in every ‘eye’ across. SS at the end to give a clean finish (see picture)
Row 5
- Turn your work and chain 3 to start your star stitch row.
- Skip the first chain from the hook and insert your hook into the second chain from the hook and pull up a loop, insert your hook into the third chain from the hook and pull up a loop
- Insert the hook in to the base and pull up a loop.
- Insert hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook)
- Insert hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on the hook
- Ch1 to close your star stitch
- Insert hook into the ‘eye’ of the star stitch just made (see picture above) and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook)
- Insert hook in between the last two bars of your star stitch (see picture above) and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the base of the last bar of your star stitch (see picture above) and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 6 stitches on the hook
- Continue to make star stitches until the end of the row. Once you have finished your final star stitch insert the hook into the eye and pull up a loop, then insert your hook into the base of the last bar of your star stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook). Yarn over and pul through 2, yarn over and pull through 2.
- 20 star stitches, turn your work but do not chain.
Row 6
- 2HDC in every ‘eye’ across. SS at the end to give a clean finish (see picture above)
Row 7
- Turn your work and chain 3 to start your star stitch row.
- Skip the first chain from the hook and insert your hook into the second chain from the hook and pull up a loop, insert your hook into the third chain from the hook and pull up a loop
- Insert the hook in to the base and pull up a loop.
- Insert hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook)
- Insert hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on the hook
- Ch1 to close your star stitch
- Insert hook into the ‘eye’ of the star stitch just made (see picture above) and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook)
- Insert hook in between the last two bars of your star stitch (see picture above) and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the base of the last bar of your star stitch (see picture above) and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 6 stitches on the hook
- Continue to make star stitches until the end of the row. Once you have finished your final star stitch insert the hook into the eye and pull up a loop, then insert your hook into the base of the last bar of your star stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook). Yarn over and pul through 2, yarn over and pull through 2.
- 20 star stitches, turn your work but do not chain.
Row 8
- 2 hdc in every ‘eye’ across. ss at the end to give a clean finish (see picture above) Turn.
Row 9
- Ch2, hdc in each st (40 HDC) Turn.
Row 10
- Ch2, hdc in each st (40 HDC) Turn.
Part 2
Row 11
- Ch1, 1 sc in the next 3 stitches.
- Insert your hook into the next stitch , yarn over and pull up a loop, instead of completing the stitch, make three chains into the loop you’ve drawn up. then complete the sc.
- 1 sc in the next stitch.
- Repeat alternating 1 sc and one ch3 sc until there are 3 stitches left, 1 sc in each and turn your work.
Row 12
- Ch2, Hdc in each st, Turn (40) .
Row 13
- Repeat Row 11
Row 14
- Repeat Row 12
Row 15
- Repeat Row 11
Row 16
- Repeat Row 12
Row 17
- Repeat Row 11
Row 18
- Repeat Row 12
Row 19
- Repeat Row 11
Row 20
- Repeat Row 12
Part 3
Row 21
- Ch2, 1 Hdc in each st. Turn.
Row 22
- Ch2, 1 Hdc in each st. Turn.
Row 23
- Ch3, Skip the first chain and insert your hook into the second chain from the hook and pull up a loop, insert your hook into the third chain from the hook and pull up a loop
- Insert the hook in to the base and pull up a loop.
- Insert hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop in the next (5 loops on hook)
- Insert hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on the hook
- Ch1 to close your star stitch
- Insert hook into the ‘eye’ of the star stitch just made (see picture above) and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook)
- Insert hook in between the last two bars of your star stitch (see picture above) and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the base of the last bar of your star stitch (see picture above) and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 6 stitches on the hook
- Continue to make star stitches until the end of the row. Once you have finished your final star stitch insert the hook into the eye and pull up a loop, then insert your hook into the base of the last bar of your star stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook). Yarn over and pul through 2, yarn over and pull through 2.
- 20 star stitches. Turn your work but do not chain.
Row 24
- 2HDC in every ‘eye’ across. SS at the end to give a clean finish (see picture above)
Row 25
- Turn your work and chain 3 to start your star stitch row.
- Ch3, Skip the first chain and insert your hook into the second chain from the hook and pull up a loop, insert your hook into the third chain from the hook and pull up a loop
- Insert the hook in to the base and pull up a loop.
- Insert hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop in the next (5 loops on hook)
- Insert hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on the hook
- Ch1 to close your star stitch
- Insert hook into the ‘eye’ of the star stitch just made (see picture above) and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook)
- Insert hook in between the last two bars of your star stitch (see picture above) and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the base of the last bar of your star stitch (see picture above) and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 6 stitches on the hook
- Continue to make star stitches until the end of the row. Once you have finished your final star stitch insert the hook into the eye and pull up a loop, then insert your hook into the base of the last bar of your star stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook). Yarn over and pul through 2, yarn over and pull through 2.
- 20 star stitches. Turn your work but do not chain.
Row 26
- 2HDC in every ‘eye’ across. SS at the end to give a clean finish (see picture above)
Row 27
- Turn your work and chain 3 to start your star stitch row.
- Ch3, Skip the first chain and insert your hook into the second chain from the hook and pull up a loop, insert your hook into the third chain from the hook and pull up a loop
- Insert the hook in to the base and pull up a loop.
- Insert hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop in the next (5 loops on hook)
- Insert hook in the next stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on the hook
- Ch1 to close your star stitch
- Insert hook into the ‘eye’ of the star stitch just made (see picture above) and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook)
- Insert hook in between the last two bars of your star stitch (see picture above) and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the base of the last bar of your star stitch (see picture above) and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 6 stitches on the hook
- Continue to make star stitches until the end of the row. Once you have finished your final star stitch insert the hook into the eye and pull up a loop, then insert your hook into the base of the last bar of your star stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook). Yarn over and pul through 2, yarn over and pull through 2.
- 20 star stitches. Turn your work but do not chain.
Row 28
- 2HDC in every ‘eye’ across. SS at the end to give a clean finish (see picture above)
Row 29
- Ch2, 1 Hdc in each st
Row 30
- Ch2, 1 Hdc in each st
Part 4
- Repeat Part 2
Part 5
- Repeat Part 3
Part 6 - Border
This is worked in rounds.
Round one
- Ch1, Sc1 in each stitch across the top of your hand towel.
- Sc1 ch2 sc1 in the last stitch (Corner made)
- You will now be working along the side of your hand towel.
- Sc1 in each stitch across the side. Sc1 ch2 sc1 in the last stitch (Corner made) I had a total of 66sc along side - make note of how many stitches you create in the side ensuring there is an even amount. when you create stitches on the opposite side make sure you have the same number!
- Sc1 in each stitch across the bottom Sc1 ch2 sc1 in the last stitch (Corner made). Sc1 in each stitch across the side.
- Sc1 ch2 ss to the first sc of the round (Corner made)
Round 2
- Working in the back loop only - blsc 1 in each stitch until corner, sc1, ch2 sc1 in the corner. Repeat for the remaining three sides and join with a ss to the first blsc.
Round 3
- Working in the back loop only - blsc 1 in each stitch until corner, sc1, ch2 sc1 in the corner. Repeat for the remaining three sides and join with a ss to the first blsc.
Round 4
- Working in the back loop only - blsc 1 in each stitch until corner, sc1, ch2 sc1 in the corner. Repeat for the remaining three sides and join with a ss to the first blsc.
Round 5
- Working in the back loop only - blsc 1 in each stitch until corner, sc1, ch2 sc1 in the corner. Repeat for the remaining three sides and join with a ss to the first blsc.
Round 6
- Working in the back loop only - blsc 1 in each stitch until corner, sc1, ch2 sc1 in the corner. Repeat for the remaining three sides and join with a ss to the first blsc. Finish off and weave in ends.
I had a little bit of yarn left over from my Hand Towel so I thought I would make a few make up removers with it! I'll pop them pattern up for those in the next blog!
You are welcome to share the pattern, however please acknowledge that the design belongs to Yarn Me Calm respecting my rights as a designer, thank you! I would also love it if you tag me if you make any of my designs!
I do my best to make sure that there aren't any errors but hey, I'm human! If you do find any bugs in the pattern please don't hesitate to contact me via email so I can iron them out!
I am not perfect so I definitely make mistakes!
If you have questions about this pattern, please contact me at
I hope you enjoy the pattern!
Andrea x
1 comment
Hi Andrea, a very attractive hand towel with great choice of stitches. After being away from the hooks for a while, it’s a wonderful project to entice me back. I love the way crochet can enhance our homes. Cheers Jodie