Everyday Essential Dishcloth
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Are you ready for the next pattern in my FREE dishcloth series? Here is March's free dishcloth pattern! This one is a super easy and simple one, which would be perfect for someone learning to knit, or someone just wanting a quick mindless project! Click here to check out some of my other free dishcloth patterns!
The Everyday Essential Dishcloth is exactly as the name suggests, a simple classic dishcloth that you'll use every day! These dishcloths are super quick to make and so practical in your home/kitchen. I love using these dishcloths as a great way to add long lasting, quality products to your home! You can pop them in the washer and dryer and they will last for years! These are knit using the soft, squishy Knitpicks Dishie yarn, or any other worsted weight cotton yarn you can achieve gauge with!
I have been using my favourite cotton yarn for all my dishcloth designs, KnitPicks Dishie cotton yarn! This design is using the color Kenai! Dishie is a really soft and flexible cotton yarn, while still having enough structure, and it doesn't split while working with it!
You can use any weight 4 worsted cotton yarn for these patterns, but I definitely recommend Dishie yarn for dishcloths if you haven't tried it before!
I hope you enjoy this free pattern! If you would like to purchase an ad free PDF copy of the pattern, it is available on Ravelry, Etsy and my website at a low price. Make sure to tag me on Instagram @perfectlyknotted and use the hashtag #EverydayEssentialDishcloth so I can see what you make! You may sell finished items but please credit Perfectly Knotted as the designer. Selling or distributing this written pattern as your own is a violation of copyright and will not be tolerated.
Materials
- 5 mm needles (US 8)
- ~54 yards / 28 grams of worsted weight (4) cotton yarn. Click here for my favorite cotton yarn.
- Scissors
- Measuring tool
- Tapestry needle
- Optional: 2 stitch markers
Size
This pattern makes a dishcloth that is approx. 8 x 8 inches (20 x 20 cm).
Abbreviations
st(s) stitch(es)
k knit
p purl
RS right side of work
WS wrong side of work
sl slip stitch (purlwise)
wyib with yarn in back
Gauge
Note: Gauge is not super important for this design, as the sizing of the finished items does not need to be exact. I recommend using a needle size that will get you fairly close to this gauge, but can be a little off. You can adjust the size of the dishcloth if needed as well!
Gauge swatch should be in pattern (rows 5-8 of pattern), and blocked.
4” x 4” (10 x 10 cm) = 17 sts x 23 rows
Tips
- Keep track of row counts and any sizing modifications so that you can replicate it if you make more!
- I use a digital row counter to keep track of my rows.
- You could use stitch markers to mark between the I cord edging and the body stitch pattern to make it clear where to switch.
- Pay careful attention to the beginning and end of each row for the I-cord edge. The first two stitches will always be slipped with yarn in back, and the last two stitches will always be purled.
- When knitting the 3rd stitch (after the 2 slipped stitches), pull the yarn fairly snug to ensure your I-cord edge isn’t too loose. Note: the first few rows the I-cord edge will look loose no matter what, it tightens up as you progress.
- In this pattern, even rows are the wrong side, odd rows are the right side (though the design is almost the same on both the RS and WS).
Pattern
To purchase an ad free PDF copy of this pattern, click here!
Click here for the best cotton yarn ever!
Dishcloth Pattern
Using the Long Tail Cast On (or any other preferred cast on method), cast on 36 stitches. (can add/subtract stitches to alter size if desired)
Row 1 (RS): sl 2 wyib, k until you have 2 sts left, p2
Rows 2-4: repeat Row 1
Row 5 (RS): sl 2 wyib, k until you have 2 sts left, p2
Row 6 (WS): sl 2 wyib, p all
Row 7 (RS): sl 2 wyib, p all
Row 8 (WS): sl 2 wyib, k until you have 2 sts left, p2
Rows 9 - 40: repeat rows 5 - 8, 8 more times
(Note: add/subtract repeats of rows 5 – 8 if you find your row gauge is off and you need to alter your length)
Rows 41-42: repeat rows 5 and 6 once more
Row 43 (RS): sl 2 wyib, p all
Rows 44-46: repeat Row 43
Bind off all stitches. For the cleanest edge, I recommend binding off purlwise.
Weave in ends and block your piece to straighten out the edges and corners!
Loop (optional):
I often add a removable rivet style thin label to a corner of my dishcloth as a hanging loop. You could also tie a couple strands of leather as a hanging loop, or crochet a chain loop.
Thanks for knitting with me! I can’t wait to see what colors you choose to make your dishcloths! If you’d like to check out Dishie yarn you can click here.
Remember to tag me on Instagram @perfectlyknotted and use the hashtags #EverydayEssentialDishcloth so I can see what you make!
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