This dishcloth looks deceivingly difficult, but garter stitching and slipped stitches keep it simple. The stitch pattern is easy to memorize but keeps you interested.
You will need cotton yarn in two contrasting colors. I used Size 8 needles for a gauge of approximately 4 stitches/inch. The finished size is a generous 10 1/2″ square.
To Begin, cast on 51 stitches with white. Knit 1 row. Do not tie off.
Row 1: Attach Red. K 1, *sl 1, K 11* across to last 2 sts; sl 1, K1.
Row 2 and all alternating rows: Use the same color from previous row to knit all knit stitches and slip all slipped stitches with the yarn in front.
Row 3: Using white, K 4, *(sl 1, K 1) 3 times, sl 1, K 5* across to last 11 stitches, *sl 1, K 1* three times, sl 1, K 4.
Row 5: Using red, K 3, *sl 1, K 7, sl 1, K 3* to end.
Row 7: Using white, K 2, *sl 1, K 3, sl 1, K 1* to last stitch, K last stitch.
Row 9: Using red, K 5, *sl 1, K 3, sl 1, K 7* across to the last 10 stitches, sl 1, K 3, sl 1, K 5.
Row 11: Using white, K 2, *sl 1, K 1, sl 1, K 5, (sl 1, K 1) twice* across to the last stitch, K last stitch.
Row 13: With red, K 7, *sl 1, K 11* across to last 8 stitches, sl 1, K 7.
Row 15: As for 11
Row 17: As for 9
Row 19: As for 7
Row 21: As for 5
Row 23: As for 3
Repeat these 24 rows 3 times more.
Repeat Row 1 once more.
Knit 2 rows in white. Bind off in knit.
Despite the colorwork, this dishcloth keeps a cute rear view.
Check out the Tutorials page for more free patterns including hats, dishcloths, and more!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
My birthday is in December….red is my favorite color. You already know that though. Mom
This is awesome! I love knitting dishcloths and this pattern is so gorgeous, I might use it for a table runner and placemats too! Thank you so much for offering it free!
I love the thick, sturdy fabric that garter stitch creates. Placemats and a table runner would utilize this well. Great idea!
Thanks for this pattern! I have started knitting and am looking for different dishcloths for practice and for sprucing up my sorry lot of old ragged cloths that currently reside in the towel drawer in the kitchen. Looking forward to trying this out, and seeing you on Saturday!
What a great pattern! Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for sharing your pattern. I love this cloth
Kayla-
Thank you for sharing this pattern with us. It is so cute. It’s great for anyone, especially those just learning to knit, who want to try knitting with two different yarn colors.
Happy Knitting,
-Tina
Hi I love your pattern for the checkered square dishcloth,I would like to make it a little bigger for a towel could you tell me how many more stitches I would have to add.Thank you.
Mary B