Looking for a fun and functional project to knit? Look no further than knitted dishcloths! Dishcloths and washcloths are a great way to use up leftover scrap yarn, and they make wonderful gifts for friends and family. In this blog post, we’ll share 25 of our favorite free knit dishcloth patterns.
Easy Knit Dishcloth Patterns
Looking for a simple, practical project? What about a quick and easy dishcloth?
Knitted dishcloths and washcloths are the perfect instant gratification project – they’re easy to make and can be finished in an afternoon. Here are a few more reasons why we love knitting dishcloths:
- They’re great for using up leftover cotton yarn.
- They’re portable and perfect for travel knitting while waiting at the bus stop or riding in the car.
- Dishcloths are small – not much bigger than a gauge swatch – so they’re the perfect size for practicing new stitches and knitting techniques.
- And, of course, knit dishcloths make great gifts. A set of three or four different colored and patterned dishcloths makes a lovely hostess gift or housewarming present.
25 Free & Easy Knitted Dishcloth Patterns
Enjoy these free dishcloth knitting patterns! Happy knitting!
Modern Wash Cloths
These geometric washcloths bring a modern look to your kitchen. One of these is made with a color switch on the bias, while the other is created by using slipped stitches for the dotted effect. Together, they make the perfect pair!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima
Copycat Dishcloth
This pattern mimics a traditional dishcloth with its stockinette bands at each end. The author also includes some helpful advice for helping your dishcloth lay flat.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton
Snakes and Ladders Washcloth
Make a set of these in bright colors to add some fun while scrubbing at bath time! The snakes and ladders are created with a ripple and column effect.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton
Mamaw's Choice
There’s so much texture in this easy knit dishcloth pattern. This makes it excellent for really scrubbing off any dirt and grime and making your dishes and counters squeaky clean!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Solids
Free Tulip Flower Dishcloth
Sprinkle your kitchen with a touch of spring using this tulip flower dishcloth. If you love it, you can even knit one in every color and put them together for a flowery afghan!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Yarn
Shaker Dishcloths and Coasters
These circular dishcloths feature a beautiful shaker design that would also work well as a coaster set. These are easy to knit on DPNs, but you can also use circular or straight needles.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Worsted
Leafy Washcloth
These little leaves make a compact washcloth or even a cute table decoration. This pattern includes two options: a garter stitch leaf and a stocking stitch leaf.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Solids
Practical Little Heart
Spread the love with this cute heart dishcloth design! These little hearts are great for either kitchen or bathroom use.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Solids
The Shire Dishcloth
Channel your inner hobbit with this textured knit dishcloth. It’s made with simple knit and purl stitches - great for even the earliest beginner!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Estelle Yarns Sudz
The Secret Garden Dishcloth
Think roses and ivy and lilies with this lacy design inspired by The Secret Garden. Grace your kitchen or surprise a friend with this lovely, textured dishcloth design.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Estelle Yarns Sudz
Delightful Dishcloths
These practical dishcloths are beautiful with either a variegated or solid yarn. This simple diagonal dishcloth design is great for beginners or makes a simple, mindless knitting pattern for more advanced knitters.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Catona 25 Gram
Summer Sunday Brunch
This geometric knitted dishcloth pattern was inspired by 1950’s linoleum. Enjoy this simple, vintage pattern for cleaning up after Sunday brunch - or any other day of the week!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Peaches and Creme
Farmhouse Dishtowels
These simple, absorbent knitted dishcloths fit just perfectly in any farmhouse kitchen. They also make wonderful gifts!
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Cotton Pure
Rustic Cottage Dishcloth Collection
This collection of textured dishcloths makes the perfect set for the relaxing scene of the lake house or cottage. Each one is made with simple knit and purl stitches.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Village Yarn Craft Cotton Solids
Colorful Half + Half Washcloths
These cheery vintage dishcloths feature all kinds of fun color patterns. They’re perfect for either the bathroom or the kitchen.
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Cotton Pure
Waffle Stitch Washcloth
Using the suggested yarn and gauge, you can make a set of four beautiful washcloths with only one skein of yarn! These waffle stitch cloths also include a loop for convenient hanging.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Field Linen
Diagonal Dishcloth
The inset textured pattern in this dishcloth makes it perfect for knitters who want a slightly more challenging pattern. Enjoy this unique pattern!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Ballband Dishcloth
Looking for something a little different? This fun pattern is perfect for knitting anytime. Use variegated yarn or a solid color.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Peaches and Creme
Gramma's Dishcloth
Here’s a super simple pattern that’s made with knit stitches only. This classic dishcloth is great for beginners.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Spa Day Facecloth
Pamper yourself with this lovely facecloth, or make one to give to a friend. Use DK weight yarn for this soft, quick-to-knit pattern.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton DK
Midwest Dishcloth
There’s nothing like the comfort of a midwestern kitchen. Add a touch of homemade hospitality to the heart of the home with this basket-weave design dishcloth.
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Rico Creative Cotton Aran
Zickzack Dishcloth
This zigzag pattern makes for a unique dishcloth with lots of texture. Perfect for scrubbing!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Dishie
Starflower Dishcloth
Bring the garden inside any time of the year with this flower-shaped dishcloth. This pattern is designed with two different colors and is perfect for using up scrap yarn.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Dishie
Log Cabin Dishcloth
This dishcloth is created by knitting the inside first, then the border. It’s a classic for the cabin and beyond!
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Shine Sport
Quadrant Dishcloth
Use up your extra yarn with this colorful pattern. The clean lines make for a modern look that’s great for the kitchen or bath.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: CotLin
Supplies You’ll Need
You don’t need a lot of supplies to knit a dishcloth – just the basics!
- Yarn (cotton or a cotton blend is best)
- Knitting needles (check your pattern for the recommended type and size)
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Favorite Cotton Yarn for Dishcloths
Cotton is the most popular yarn choice for dishcloths and washcloths due to its washability and absorbance. For your convenience, I’ve included a recommended yarn for each pattern below. However, feel free to substitute another cotton or cotton blend of the same weight.
Some of my favorite dishcloth yarns include Lily Sugar’ n Cream, Dishie, and Peaches and Creme.
Tips for Knitting Dishcloths
Here are a few tips for knitting dishcloths and washcloths.
Use durable, cotton yarn.
Cotton yarn is the best choice for dishcloths because it’s absorbent and holds up well in the wash. Avoid acrylic yarns, which are not very absorbent and tend to simply spread water around.
Check gauge if the finished size matters.
If the finished size is important to you, check your gauge before getting started. Another reason to check your gauge is if you’re following a pattern that promises a specified number of washcloths per skein of yarn (as this will only be accurate if your gauge is correct).
Use dishcloths as an opportunity to test new stitches or techniques
When it comes to dishcloths, you don’t have much to lose. They don’t take a lot of yarn or a lot of time. So, if you have new stitches or techniques that you want to learn or practice, a dishcloth is the perfect place to try them out!
Use textured patterns and stitches for maximum scrubbing power.
Textured dishcloths are the most abrasive and effective for removing tough grime and stains from dishes and countertops. Nearly all the dishcloths included below offer beautiful textured patterns for the best scrubbing results.
FAQs About Knitted Dishcloths
In this section, you’ll see commonly asked questions about knitting dishcloths.
How many skeins of yarn does it take to knit a dishcloth?
Nearly all dishcloth and washcloth patterns take less than one regular skein of yarn. In fact, you may even be able to get a set of dishcloths out of your skein, depending on its yardage.
What kind of knitting needles are best for knit dishcloths?
Most dishcloths are made with medium-size knitting needles, often U.S. size 6 or 7. You can knit them with straight or circular needles, depending on your preference. I find that wooden needles paired with cotton yarn give me too much friction for comfortable knitting – so I prefer to use metal needles for dishcloths.
More Knitting Patterns
Once you finish your stack of dishcloths, check out some of our other favorite knitting patterns.
- 25 Free and Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 27 Free & Easy Knit Hat Patterns
- 25 Free & Easy Sweater Knitting Patterns (Great for Beginners!)
- 27 Free Fingerless Gloves Knitting Patterns
- 27 Free Loom Knitting Patterns for All Skill Levels
- 25 Free Headband and Ear Warmer Knitting Patterns
- 25 Free Crochet Basket Patterns
What’s Next?
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