A knit dishcloth is the perfect little project. It takes one ball of cotton, it is done in an evening or two, and you can practice a new stitch without committing to a whole sweater. Plus, handmade cloths scrub better and last longer than most store-bought ones.
Here are 12 free knit dishcloth patterns that we opened and checked one by one. You will find classic grandma-style cloths, simple textured squares, fun shapes like a leaf and a heart, and soft face cloths for a spa gift basket.
Knit Dishcloth Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- 100% cotton worsted yarn
- US 6–8 (4–5 mm) straight knitting needles
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Small yarn scissors
- Locking stitch markers
- Row counter
1. Gramma’s Dishcloth (Grandmother’s 2nd Favorite)
Photo: Pam Sykes (PJ Allen)
This is a twist on the famous corner-to-corner Grandmother’s Favorite dishcloth, tweaked by the designer so both sides come out symmetrical. Each cloth uses about one ounce of yarn, so a single ball of cotton makes a small stack. It is a great first dishcloth and a relaxing knit once you know it.
- Designer: Pam Sykes (PJ Allen)
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Rustic Cottage Dishcloth Collection
Photo: Esther Braithwaite
This free collection gives you several dishcloths inspired by the designer’s 1902 vacation cabin. Each one uses a simple knit-and-purl texture framed by a contrasting garter border. It is described as easy and suitable for beginners, and it is a lovely way to try a few different textures.
- Designer: Esther Braithwaite
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Midwest Dishcloth
Photo: Truly Crochet
The Midwest Dishcloth has a classic basketweave look made with only knit and purl stitches, plus simple knit borders. It is worked back and forth, and the full pattern is on the page. If you can knit and purl, you can make this one, and the basketweave gives it a nice scrubby texture.
- Designer: Truly Crochet
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Aran or worsted (#4)
- Needle size: 5 mm (US 8)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Copycat Dishcloth
Photo: Leah Michelle Designs
The Copycat Dishcloth copies the look of a classic woven kitchen towel, with two stockinette bands near each end. Slipping the first stitch and purling the last keeps the edges tidy, and it lies flat without a separate border. It takes just one skein of cotton and is a quick, easy knit.
- Designer: Leah Michelle Designs
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Cotton, see pattern (sample uses Bernat Handicrafter Cotton)
- Needle size: US 8 (5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Mamaw’s Choice
Photo: Sarah Stevens
Mamaw’s Choice is a two-faced dishcloth: one side is textured and the other shows a slipped stitch design. It is quick to make and uses very little yarn, so it is great for scraps. Make a few in different colors and tie them with twine for a hostess gift.
- Designer: Sarah Stevens
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Leafy Washcloth
This cute washcloth is shaped like a leaf. There are two versions: one in garter stitch and one in stockinette with a little stem. It looks a bit cupped while you knit, but a quick wet block flattens it into a leaf. It only needs about 30 yards of cotton and teaches simple increases and decreases.
- Designer: Megan Goodacre
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: DK, worsted or aran cotton
- Needle size: 4–5 mm (US 6–8), to suit your yarn
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Practical Little Heart
Photo: Heidi Kirrmaier
This sweet garter stitch heart is knit seamlessly from the bottom up. Make it in linen for a face cloth or in sturdy cotton for the kitchen. It is a quick, thoughtful gift for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, and you can knit it in sport weight for a slightly smaller heart.
- Designer: Heidi Kirrmaier
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 4 (3.5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Free Tulip Flower Dishcloth or Afghan Square
Photo: Heather / Daisy and Storm
A tulip motif made with knit and purl stitches fills this square, framed by a moss stitch border. The page has both written rows and a chart. Use it as a spring dishcloth, or knit a pile of squares and join them into a blanket.
- Designer: Heather / Daisy and Storm
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK/light worsted or worsted
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6) or 4.5 mm (US 7)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Modern Wash Cloths
Photo: Emily Bolduan
This pattern gives you two modern cloths: a colorblock square knit on the bias with a border, and a slipped stitch cloth with a dot-grid look. They are quick to make, and in two or three coordinating colors they make a stylish matching gift set.
- Designer: Emily Bolduan
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Needle size: US 5 (3.75 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Spa Day Facecloth
Photo: Anne Mancine
The Spa Day Facecloth is soft, quick and made for pampering. It is written for DK yarn, with notes for a sturdier worsted weight version. Pair one with a bar of handmade soap and you have a sweet, budget-friendly gift.
- Designer: Anne Mancine
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3), worsted option included
- Needle size: US 6 (4 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Delightful Dishcloths
Photo: Charlotte Marjoribanks
These simple square dishcloths are worked flat in one piece. The designer suggests cotton or bamboo yarn so the cloths can be composted at the end of their life. Finished cloths may be sold if you let the designer know, which is handy for craft fair knitters.
- Designer: Charlotte Marjoribanks
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Fingering (#1)
- Needle size: US 6 (4 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Diagonal Dishcloth
Photo: Jana Trent
Once you have made a Grandmother’s Favorite, try this one. It follows the same corner-to-corner idea but adds a texture pattern across the middle. The designer says it is a tiny bit more challenging than the original and very satisfying to knit.
- Designer: Jana Trent
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 6 (4 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First dishcloth ever? Start with #1 Gramma’s Dishcloth or #3 Midwest. Both use basic stitches.
- Want to practice texture? #2 Rustic Cottage gives you several knit-and-purl patterns in one free download.
- Making gifts? #7 Heart, #6 Leaf and #8 Tulip are cute shapes people love to receive.
- Building a spa basket? #10 Spa Day and #9 Modern Wash Cloths are soft and quick.
- Ready for a small step up? #12 Diagonal Dishcloth adds texture to the classic corner-to-corner cloth.
FAQ
What is the best yarn for knit dishcloths?
100% cotton worsted weight yarn is the classic choice. Cotton is absorbent, holds up to hot water and scrubbing, and gets softer with every wash. Avoid acrylic for dishcloths, since it does not absorb water well. Linen and bamboo are nice options for face cloths.
What size should a knit dishcloth be?
Most dishcloths are 7 to 9 inches square. That is big enough to wipe a counter but small enough to dry quickly. Face cloths are often a bit smaller. If your cloth comes out too big, cast on fewer stitches or go down a needle size.
How many dishcloths can I get from one ball of cotton?
A standard 2.5 oz (about 120 yards) ball of worsted cotton usually makes one to two dishcloths, depending on the stitch pattern and size. Textured stitches use a bit more yarn than plain garter stitch.
Grab a ball of cotton and pick one of these patterns, and your kitchen will thank you.
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