How to Knit a Dishcloth

How to Knit a Dishcloth

Are you looking for an ideal guide on how to knit a dishcloth? An easy-to-follow guide will help you learn and master dishcloth knitting skills even if you are a beginner. Start by acquiring the required materials, then follow instructions to make a perfect dishcloth.

Below is how to knit a dishcloth for beginners.

How to Knit a Dishcloth for Beginners

Image Source: Under a Tin Roof

This guide helps you learn how to knit a dishcloth with a straightforward and basic pattern.

Materials Required

• • Darning needle
  • Cotton yarn (recommended)
  • Knitting needles
  • Scissors
  • Stitch markers

Note: you’ll knit diagonally from one corner to the other

Step 1: Make a slip knot that will count as your first stitch

Step 2: Cast on three more stitches to have a total of four stitches on the left side knitting needle

Step 3: R1; k4

Step 4: R2; k2, yo and knit across

Step 5: Repeat r2 until you have a total of 46 sts on the needle

Step 6: R3; k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, knit to the end of the row

Step 7: Repeat r3 until you have six stitches on the needle

Step 8: Cast off, cut the ends, leaving about six inches of a dangling tail which you will then weave in the ends using a knitting needle.

How to Knit a Dishcloth with Pictures

When learning how to knit a dishcloth, a guide with pictures will help you understand the skill better and faster. That’s why in this guide, we shall show you how to knit a dishcloth step by step with pictures.

Step 1: Make a slip knot.

Image Source: Wiki How

Step 2: Cast on 19 sts to have a total of 20 stitches

Image Source: The Spruce Crafts

Step 3: Knit one time on each cast-on stitch.

Image Source: Craftsy

Step 4: Repeat knitting up to the row end, then turn on your fabric.

Image Source: Dreams Time

Step 5: Continue knitting for 20 rows or more if you want a bigger size.

Image Source: Master Class

Step 6: Finish by Casting off and leave a six inches tail to weave in.

Image Source: Knit with Henni

Step 7: You finished knitting!

Image Source: Stitch and Unwind

What Size Knitting Needles for a Dishcloth is the Best

One of the materials you should have is the best knitting needles besides the yarn. Knitting needles determine the outcome of your project.

For a dishcloth to have a seamless look and display the pattern, you’ll need a needle that matches the yarn size recommended for your pattern.

Knitting with smaller needles will result in a tight dishcloth, and it will be hard to see the pattern. To save the design, you’ll be required to knit as you pull the yarn to loosen it, like when learning how to knit socks.

Smaller knitting needles of four or five inches will only knit your pattern rectangularly because of the fixed number of rows.

So the best size knitting needles for a dishcloth is size seven, as you can see on this how to knit a dishcloth tutorial video.

Best Knit Dishcloth Patterns

Knitting a dishcloth is enjoyable and straightforward because you only knit 20 rows, and you are done! Besides, there are several patterns that you can blend and yet have a beautiful dishcloth.

Let’s explore and see some of the best-knit dishcloth patterns.

      1. Diagonal Knit Dishcloth Pattern

Image Source: Ravelry

This dishcloth knitting pattern is unique and easy to knit. It’s best worked on a thick yarn to bring the beauty and pattern out. When starting, you cast on fewer stitches from one corner then increase towards the center before you begin decreasing stitches as you head towards the diagonal corner. The pattern has attractive diagonal stripes.

      2. Irish Moss Stitch Dishcloth Pattern

This dishcloth is knitted with a moss stitch pattern which is friendly for beginners. However, the outlook of the dishcloth looks impressive.

      3. Seed Stitch Dishcloth Pattern

The combination of garter stitch at the border and seed stitch at the center makes this dishcloth pattern look magnificent, not to mention the bright colored yarn, which brings out its attractiveness. It is easy to knit for beginners and used for dishwashing or gentle scrubbing.

      4. Patterned Scrubbing Dishcloth Pattern

This dishcloth is best knit with 100% cotton textured yarn and in a free patterned design and used for scrubbing dishes and cleaning kitchen surfaces.

Image Source: Wandering Hoof Ranch

      5. Honey Bee Dishcloth Pattern

Like the bee, this honey bee dishcloth looks attractive and sweet. You can hang it on a display wall in the kitchen and use it occasionally because it looks exceptional. The honey bee dishcloth is knit with a design depicting a bee.

     6. Simple Eyelet Dishcloth Pattern

Dishwashing doesn’t have to be boring! This pretty and unique dishwashing cloth with an eyelet to hang in the kitchen hooks gives an enjoyable cleaning experience. The pattern can include one or two colors depending on your taste and the purpose of the cloth. The ridge stitch design combined with an eyelet at the casting off edge makes the dishcloth very unique.

      7. Easy Farmhouse Dishcloth Pattern

Image Source: Whos Home Made

Learning how to start knitting? This easy farmhouse dishcloth pattern is for you! The design is simple and best for beginners because you only use purl and knit stitches. Knit as many pieces as possible to master the pattern art.

      8. Easy Everyday Dishcloth Pattern

Easy everyday dishcloth is best knit using garter stitch, making it look great on your kitchen surfaces. It’s easy to knit for beginners and perfect for experienced knitters to try out a combination of colors and patterns. Since a dishcloth is a short project, you can use it to experiment with various knitting techniques.

      9. Circular Dishcloth Pattern

Most dishcloths have similar shapes, but this circular dishcloth has a unique pattern and design. You knit it in the round as you turn your fabric from side to side. You can combine colors or knit using one color.

      10. Simple Stripe Dishcloth Pattern

Image Source: Pinterest

Looking for a perfect color and stitch combination on your dishcloth? Try a simple stripe with red and white colors. Also combined with stockinet stitch at the center and seed stitch at the border to avoid curling.

Dishcloth pattern	Knitting Skill  Level
Simple stripe	Intermediate/expert
Easy everyday	Beginners
Easy farmhouse	Beginners
Simple eyelet	Intermediate
Honey bee	Expert
Diagonal	Intermediate
Seed stitch	Beginners

How to Knit a Washcloth

A washcloth is a cloth used for washing your body, hands, or face. And yes! You can confuse it with a dishcloth because of the size, patterns, and colors. While it’s durable and gentle on your body, the yarn is 100% cotton.

To learn how to knit a washcloth, watch this video and read on.

Materials Required

• • Knitting needle size 7
  • 100% Cotton yarn
  • Tapestry needle
  • Tape measure
  • Scissors

Here is the process;

Step 1: Cast on 30 stitches

Step 2: Work the first three rows in garter stitch (this will form the border)

Step 3: Knit row 1

Step 4: Purl row 2

Step 5: Knit4, [purl2, knit2], knit2 for the last two stitches on row 3

Step 6: [Knit 2, Purl2], knit2 for the last two stitches on row 4

Step 7: Repeat row one to four for eight sets, then knit three rows before casting off.

How to Knit a Dish Towel for Beginners

Dish towels make your kitchen look cozy and replaces paper towels which are not environmentally friendly. Dish towels can be knit with one color yarn, but two colors make them look prettier and appealing to the users. Here is a dish towel knitting pattern

Cast on 40 stitches

Row 1: Knit all stitches the same way

Row 2: Knit three,*purl four, knit two; repeat from *to last stitch, then knit one

Row 3: Knit all stitches the same way

Row 4: Knit one, Purl three,*Knit two, Purl four; repeat from* to last six stitches; knit two, purl three, knit one. There you have it!

Use your skills on how to cast off knitting and how to sew in ends to finish your dish towel.

How to Knit a Rag

Want to add some warmth to your space? Add knitted rags, then check out our sewing room ideas, and you’ll notice the change. A rag with two different patterns looks neat and welcoming. In this guide, you will learn to sew together garter and stockinette stitch to knit a rag.

Note: For a warm experience, knit your rags with double strands of your yarn. Also, to avoid bulkiness, knit the rag in phases which you’ll later join.

• • Phase 1&3 Garter Stitch

Step 1: Cast on 30 stitches using double strands of your cotton yarn

Step 2: Row 1: Knit 30

Step 3: Continue knitting until the fabric measures four feet.

Step 4: Cast off and weave in ends.

• • Phase 2: Stockinette

Step 1: Cast on 30 stitches using double strands of cotton yarn

Step 2: Row 1: Knit 30

          : Row 2: Purl 30

Step 3: Repeat row one and two until the fabric measures four feet

Step 4: Cast off and weave in ends

Step 5: Thread your tapestry needle with double strands of your yarn. Using the best sewing tips and tricks, sew in phases 1& 3 on either side of phase 2, then weave in the ends.

Abbreviation	Meaning
K	Knit
P	Purl
R	Row
WS	Wrong side
RS	Right side
STS	Stitches
K2tog	Knit two together
CO	Cast on

Pro Tips for Knitting a Dishcloth

• • Yarn Quality

A dishcloth ought to be soft; thus, you require a smooth yarn. Use 100% cotton yarn for all your knitting. It has a fine finish and lasts longer without wearing out besides displaying your pattern. You can also use cotton yarn made from upcycling clothes.

• • Size

The standard dishcloth size is 20 by 20 inches, although you can make it smaller or bigger to fit your preference. To achieve the appropriate size, you have to know how to cast on knitting because it’s the starting point of any knitting project. Anything above or below the stitches on your pattern guide will give different results.

• • Knit Simple Patterns

Like any other knitting project, a dishcloth can be challenging to knit if you use the skills above your level. For perfect results and fast learning, start with simple patterns at your skill level. For instance, if you don’t know how to read knitting patterns, it can be hard to knit a multi-patterned dishcloth or even know how to knit a blanket which is a long project.

• •  Knit with the Right Needle Size

Dishcloths are best knit using knitting needle size seven. Anything above or below this will compromise the pattern outcome of your knitting. A smaller size will tighten your dishcloth and fail to show the pattern, while a bigger size will loosen up the stitches, interfering with the pattern. For a perfect pattern, combine the right needle with the correct skein.

• • Insert Labels

Labels represent brand identity and market your work when you are not around.

Care labels help your clients know how to take care of the dishcloth to avoid wear and tear. They also create a caring perception to the clients.

Woven labels represent professionalism and brand image. Whenever a client buys a dishcloth with a brand label, they will always come back and refer friends to dishcloths with that particular label. It’s an excellent way to market your products.

Conclusion

Learning how to knit a dishcloth can be fun –you try out different patterns, learn new skills and become a pro in a short while since the projects are concise. While most beginners view dishcloth patterns as challenging to understand, advanced knitters use them to sharpen their skills.

All you need to succeed is a printed pattern, proper materials, consistency, and utilizing the tips discussed here. You can also watch this video for a step-by-step guide. 

Have you finished knitting your first dishcloth?