Free Knit Pattern: Checker-Square Garter Dishcloth

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.

Free Patterns and Tutorials at Kayla K’s Thrifty Ways
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