Bumpy Bath Mats

Crocheted bath mats are especially nice because they not only are washable, but they improve when washed.  Cotton shrinks when washed, so it tightens up and actually feels softer after the first washing.  The stitch used to make the Bumpy Dishcloths is great for bathmats because the bumpiness feels good on your feet. I like variegated yarn for bathmats because it makes interesting patterns and the border looks neat.

These make great gifts.  I've given a set of them to both of my brothers as Christmas gifts when they resided in dorms.  Guys, especially dorm dwellers, are difficult to shop for, let alone make something for, but these work well in dorms.  With two, you can put one in front of the sink and one in front of the tub. 

Here's the pattern:
Ch 54

Row 1: sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sc across, ch 1, turn

Row 2: sc, (tc, sc) x 13, ch 1, turn

Row 3: sc across, ch 1, turn

Row 4: sc, sc, (tc, sc) x 12, sc, ch 1 turn

Row 5: sc across, ch 1, turn

Repeat Rows 2-5 eight times, so that there are 18 rows of bumps. 

Border:

Round 1: sc around with 3 sc in each corner

Round 2: sc around with 3 sc in each corner

Slip stitch and fasten off.

This is the pattern for the bath mat I made for myself.  I made a larger size for my brothers by simply repeating the pattern more times.  Another modification that I have done is to make it with two strands at once.  It makes it thicker, so you don't need as long of a chain initially or do as many repeats.   Essentially, repeat the pattern until you are happy with the size. 

I made this using Sugar and Cream cotton yarn in Crown Jewel Ombre with a J hook.