Free knitting pattern ·
Garter Stitch Dishcloth Pattern: Free Easy Knit for Beginners
| Finished size | 8 x 8 in (20 x 20 cm) |
|---|---|
| Yarn | Worsted weight cotton, about 80 yd |
| Needles | US 7 (4.5 mm) |
| Stitches used | Knit stitch only (garter stitch) |
| Level | Beginner, first project |
| Time | about 2-3 hours |
| Rows | 72, every row 36 stitches |
| Price | Free |
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What you need
- Worsted weight (CYC #4) 100% cotton yarn, about 80 yd
- US 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles
- Tapestry needle and scissors
How it's made, in short
- Cast on. Cast on 36 stitches with the long-tail cast on.
- Knit every row. Knit all 36 stitches on every row for 72 rows; you will count 36 ridges on each side.
- Bind off. On the next row (the right side), bind off all stitches knitwise.
- Finish. Weave in both tails and wash the dishcloth; lay it flat to dry.
Tips
- Count your ridges in pairs of rows: one ridge is two knitted rows.
- Slip the first stitch of every row purlwise if you want very neat edges; it does not change the size.
- Knit loosely enough that the needle slides through cotton easily; cotton does not stretch like wool.
The free pattern
US knitting terms. The number in brackets is how many stitches you should have.
Size: 8 x 8 in (20 x 20 cm) after a gentle wash
Yarn: Worsted weight (CYC #4 Medium) 100% cotton, about 80 yd (73 m). One 2.5 oz (71 g) ball of kitchen cotton is plenty.
Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles
Notions: tapestry needle, scissors
Gauge: 18 stitches and 36 rows (18 garter ridges) = 4 in (10 cm) in garter stitch. Gauge is not critical for a dishcloth; a different gauge only changes the size.
Abbreviations: CO cast on, k knit, BO bind off, RS right side, st(s) stitch(es)
Instructions
CO 36 sts with the long-tail cast on. (36 sts)
Row 1 (RS): k36. (36 sts)
Rows 2-72: k every row. (36 sts)
After row 72 you have 36 garter ridges on each side and the right side is facing you again.
BO all sts knitwise on the next row. Cut the yarn, pull it through the last loop.
Finishing
- Weave in the cast-on tail and the bind-off tail along the edge stitches with the tapestry needle.
- Wash and lay flat to dry. Cotton shrinks a little in the first wash; that is allowed for in the 8 in size.
How we checked it: knitlib: 72 rows executed, 0 halts; finished size 8.00 x 8.00 in; 36 garter ridges; yarn estimate 80 yd. We work hard to get every number right, but mistakes can still happen; tell us at hello@craftuary.com if anything is off.
Want it on paper?
The printable PDF (US Letter and A4) is free with a Craftuary account.
Get the printable PDF freeQuestions
How many stitches do I cast on for a knitted dishcloth?
For this 8 inch dishcloth, cast on 36 stitches in worsted weight cotton on US 7 (4.5 mm) needles. For a 7 inch cloth, cast on 32; for 9 inches, 40.
What yarn is best for a knitted dishcloth?
100% cotton in worsted weight (CYC #4). Cotton soaks up water and survives hot washes; acrylic does not absorb well.
Is a garter stitch dishcloth good for beginners?
Yes. Garter stitch is knit every row, so it is the one stitch you need. Most beginners finish this dishcloth in two to three hours.
How do I know when it is square?
Count the ridges: 36 ridges on each side (72 rows) on 36 stitches makes it square at this gauge. Fold one corner to the opposite edge to check.
The pictures are drawn from the pattern's own measurements and stitches; your finished piece will vary a little with your materials.
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