Free Designer Dishtowel Knitting Pattern

Making dishcloths is a great way for a knitting novice to practice new stitch patterns.These projects are quick, fun to make, and useful. Try the three patterns shown here, and beware: They're habit-forming!

Picture of three hand-knit dishtowels.
Dishtowels so easy to make that you
can watch TV while you're knitting.

Techniques

Binding off -- BO
Casting on -- CO
Garter stitch
Knit stitch -- k
Purl stitch -- p
Weaving in yarn tails

Size

9x11 inches (23x28cm)

Gauge

Blue dishcloth: 19 stitches/32 rows=4" (10cm) in pattern
Yellow dishcloth: 18 stitches/28 rows=4" (10cm) in pattern
Multicolor dishcloth: 19 stitches/33 rows=4" (10cm) in pattern

Note: Exact gauge isn't necessary; the finished dishcloths will either be slightly smaller or larger if your gauge is a bit off.

What You'll Need

Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn, about 75 yards (69m) for each dishcloth

We used: Lily Sugar'n Cream (100% cotton): #26 Light Blue, 1 ball; #86 Lemon Chiffon, 1 ball; Lily Sugar'n Cream Crafter's Cotton (100% cotton): #201 Cool Breeze, 1 ball

Needles: US size 7 (4.5mm)

Notion: Tapestry needle

Making the Blue Dishcloth

Cast on 43 stitches.

Row 1: Knit 3, *purl 1, knit 3**; repeat from * to ** to end of row.
Row 2: Knit.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 110 (28cm). Bind off. See Finishing, below.

Making the Yellow Dishcloth

Cast on 42 stitches. Knit in garter stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows.

Begin main pattern
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Knit 4, purl 34, knit 4.
Row 3: Knit 4, purl 5, [knit 4, purl 6] 2 times, knit 4, purl 5, knit 4.
Row 4: Knit 4, purl 34, knit 4.
Row 5: Knit.
Row 6: Knit 4, purl 34, knit 4.
Row 7: Knit 8, [purl 6, knit 4] 3 times, knit 4.
Row 8: Knit 4, purl 34, knit 4.
Repeat these 8 rows for pattern. Work even until piece measures about 101/4" (26cm), ending with row 8. Knit 6 rows in garter stitch. Bind off. See Finishing, below.

Making the Multicolor Dishcloth

Cast on 43 stitches.

Row 1: [Knit 1, purl 1] across row.
Repeat for desired length, beginning each row with a knit stitch to create seed-stitch pattern. Bind off. See Finishing, below.

Finishing the Towel

Cut yarn, leaving about 6" (15cm) tail. Thread tapestry needle, and secure yarn by weaving across a few stitches on wrong side of work.

Another beginners' favorite is the pot holder. On the next page we have found a great, classic pattern for you to try out.

How to Care for Hand-knit Dishcloths

Machine-wash or hand-wash them in cold water using mild soap. Do not bleach. Rinse well in cold water. Squeeze gently, and roll in a towel to remove excess water. Reshape and lay flat to dry. Wash dark colors separately.

For more helpful knitting tips and interesting patterns, try: