Sunset Ombre Filet Mesh Gym Towel Wrap Crochet Free Pattern
Introduction
This Sunset Ombre Filet Mesh Gym Towel Wrap is the perfect quick win for anyone who wants a practical project with a little visual punch. It's designed for confident beginners and anyone comfortable with double crochet, so you can finish it in just a few evenings. The flat panel works up in warm sunset bands of yellow, orange, pink, and purple, with an airy diamond-mesh center that lets your towel breathe. Folded and buttoned around a rolled gym towel, it looks modern and tidy in your bag, and the soft worsted acrylic feels smooth and lightweight in the hand.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic yarn, approx. 200 yds total: Color A (yellow) 50 yds, Color B (orange) 50 yds, Color C (pink) 50 yds, Color D (purple) 50 yds
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, one button (about 1 inch/2.5 cm), stitch markers (optional)
- Finished size: Approx. 12 inches wide x 18 inches long (30.5 x 45.7 cm), excluding tab
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- dc — double crochet
- sc — single crochet
- sl st — slip stitch
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- sp — space
- RS — right side (the front of the work)
- [ ] — repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated
Gauge
4 dc and 2 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in filet pattern. To check, crochet a small swatch of the mesh rows and measure a 1-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your ch-2 spaces loose and even so the mesh squares stay open and square.
- Count your 6-dc side borders on every mesh row; they frame the panel and keep the edges straight.
- Change colors at the end of the last row of each band, working the final yarn over with the new color.
- Work the edging with a relaxed hand so the panel doesn't pull in at the corners.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Panel (worked flat in rows)
With A, ch 50.
Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across, turn (48 dc).
Rows 2-4: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in each st across, turn (48 dc). Change to B.
Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next 5 sts, [ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts] 9 times, ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in last 6 sts, turn. (Solid border: 6 dc each side; mesh: 10 squares)
Row 6: Ch 3, dc in next 5 sts, [ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts] 9 times, ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in last 6 sts, turn.
Rows 7-8: Repeat Row 6. Change to C.
Rows 9-12: Repeat Row 6. Change to D.
Rows 13-16: Repeat Row 6. Change to C.
Rows 17-20: Repeat Row 6. Change to B.
Rows 21-24: Repeat Row 6. Change to A.
Rows 25-28: Dc in each st across, turn (48 dc). Fasten off.
Edging
With RS facing, join A at top right corner.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around entire panel, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Button Tab
With A, ch 9.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn (8 sc).
Rows 2-6: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn (8 sc).
Buttonhole row: Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in last 3 sts, turn (8 sts).
Next row: Ch 1, sc in each st and in each ch-2 sp across, turn (8 sc).
Next 2 rows: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn (8 sc). Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Fold the panel in half widthwise to form a loop. Sew the short ends together, leaving the top 2 inches open for towel insertion. Sew the button tab to one short end at the top, opposite the opening. Sew the button to the other short end to match the buttonhole. Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side. Block lightly by misting with water and patting flat to shape; let dry completely before use.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the acrylic for cotton for a more absorbent, spa-like feel.
- Use a self-striping ombre yarn to get the sunset effect without changing colors.
- Add a second buttonhole row or a larger button for a chunkier, easier closure.
