Free Simple Dishtowel Dishcloth Knitting Pattern

Easy to Knit Patterns

A quick and easy pattern to knit for either a dishcloth or dishtowel depending on the size that you knit it in. You can make this pattern by adjusting the size to knit a dishcloth or dishtowel.

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When knitting a dishcloth or dishtowel be sure to choose the right cotton yarn for your project. Keep in mind that this item will be used quite a bit in your kitchen. This design uses a basic garter stitch, which is perfect for beginners and results in a textured, absorbent cloth. See more about the garter stitch in knitting below.

Size Variations for Towels and Dishcloths

• Dishcloth: Approximately 7-9 inches square.
• Dish Towel: 10-15 inches wide and 16-24 inches long.

Feel free to customize the size and colors to match your kitchen style.

Simple Knit Dishcloth/Dish Towel Pattern

Materials:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (variegated or solid colors).
• Needles: US Size 7-9 (4.5mm-5.5mm), depending on the desired fabric density.
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends.
• Scissors

Gauge (optional):

Not critical. Aim for a fabric that is not too loose (to ensure durability) or too tight (to remain flexible).

Learn How to Knit

Knitting Pattern

Pattern:

1. Cast On:
   Cast on 40 stitches for a dishcloth or 60-80 stitches for a dish towel (depending on desired size).
2. Body:
   Work in garter stitch (knit every row) (see below for details on how to knit a garter stitch) until the piece is square for a dishcloth or reaches your desired length for a dish towel.
3. Edges (optional for sturdier borders):
   For a neat edge, slip the first stitch of each row purlwise and knit the last stitch.
4. Bind Off:
   Bind off loosely in knit stitch.
5. Finishing:
   • Weave in loose ends with a tapestry needle.
   • Block if desired (optional for cotton yarn).

The garter stitch is one of the simplest and most beginner-friendly knitting stitches. It creates a fabric that looks the same on both sides and has a bumpy texture, which makes it perfect for projects like dishcloths, scarves, and blankets.

How to Knit Garter Stitch

1. Knit Every Row
   In garter stitch, you knit every single row, whether you’re working on the front side (right side) or the back side (wrong side) of your piece. There’s no need to purl or use any other stitches.
2. Texture and Appearance
   Garter stitch produces rows of horizontal ridges. Each ridge is formed by two rows of knitting (one row of stitches plus the row that comes back).

Why Garter Stitch is Great

• Stretchy and Flexible: The texture makes it naturally elastic.
• Reversible: It looks the same on both sides.
• Absorbent: Perfect for dishcloths and towels.
• No Rolling Edges: Unlike stockinette stitch, the edges of garter stitch don’t curl.

If you’re new to knitting, it’s an excellent way to practice your knit stitch while creating a functional project.

Purlwise refers to the direction in which you insert your needle into a stitch, and it’s most often used when working special techniques, such as slipping stitches. It means you insert your needle as if you were going to purl, but you don’t actually purl the stitch.

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How to Slip a Stitch Purlwise

1. Hold your work as if you were going to purl.
2. Insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch from back to front (just as you would if you were about to purl it).
3. Slide the stitch off the left-hand needle onto the right-hand needle without knitting or purling it.

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