|

how to knit a dishcloth that looks harder than it is

Sharing is caring!

wow your friends and family this summer with your knitting skills with this textured garter check dishcloth. learn how to knit a dishcloth that is actually simple, but looks super impressive!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

The textured garter checks in this dishcloth remind me of quilts and picnic baskets next to wildflower fields. To learn how to knit a dishcloth that looks vintage and pretty enough to be a hostess gift, scroll down!

The Quilted Fields dishcloth is beginner level pattern. You make small squares of knits and purls and border the whole thing with garter stitch to prevent curling.

>>you can scroll down for the free pattern below, or purchase the ad-free PDF here<<

quilted fields: how to knit a dishcloth

This is a written pattern that will have you knit flat back and forth on straight needles (or circular needles if you prefer).

Materials:

Size:

8″ x 8″ square, instructions to adjust height and width are below

Gauge:

14 sts/24 rows= 4″ in pattern

Pattern notes:

This pattern is for a worsted weight dish cloth using a pair of US 7 (4.5mm) 9″ straight needles. I chose to knit flat with bamboo circular needles. You can use another type of needle you find most comfortable. I also used the long tail cast on, but you can use a different method if you choose!

You can knit with any worsted weight yarn, as long as the gauge matches. To make your dishcloth longer or shorter, add or decrease the number of rows you knit. The pattern is written for a 8″ x 8″ square. If you need the dishcloth to be more narrow, cast on less stitches. If you need the dishcloth to be wider, cast on more stitches. Start small and cast on one more or one less and then test it. I recommend knitting your dishcloth slightly larger because cotton will shrink. Remember to take your time setting it up for the correct size you want!

You will cast on your stitches to the needle, knit in the pattern below until you make a square and then bind off the needles.

Make sure you watch my Knitting Basics playlist to see how to cast on, knit, and bind off. I also wrote a post for beginners learning to knit! If you would like to adjust the dish cloth’s length, keep in mind that you’ll need to increase or decrease the number of rows you knit. Tip: Check out this video on how to count rows as you knit in garter stitch. It’s very similar to this textured pattern.

>>This pattern is part of a beginner dishcloth knitting pattern eBook HERE!<<

quilted fields pattern dishcloth abbreviations (US) and skills:

co- cast on

k- knit

p- purl

st(s)- stitch(es)

rep- repeat

rs- right side of work (Front)

ws- wrong side of work (back)

how to knit a dishcloth with the quilted fields pattern

CAST ON edge

CO 35 sts using the long-tail cast on. You can watch this tutorial on how to cast on using the long tail method. If you’re having difficulty with that, try this fun video and rhyme!

how to knit a dishcloth

We’re going to start with a garter stitch edge, which means we’ll knit two rows. This prevents the dishcloth from curling and frames it beautifully!

Row 1-Row 2: Knit all sts

Row 3 (RS): k5, k5, p5, k5, p5 This means you will k5 and then knit 5, purl 5, knit 5, purl 5 all the way throughout the middle until the last 5 sts which you will knit 5.

Row 4 (WS): k5, p5, k5, p5, k5 This means you will k5 and then purl 5, knit 5, purl 5, knit 5, all the way throughout the middle until the last 5 sts which you will knit 5.

Rep Row 3 and Row 4 for a total of 3 times.

Row 9 (RS): k5, p5, k5, p5, k5 This means you will k5 and then purl 5, knit 5, purl 5, knit 5, all the way throughout the middle until the last 5 sts which you will knit 5.

Row 10 (WS): k5, k5, p5, k5, p5 This means you will k5 and then knit 5, purl 5, knit 5, purl 5 all the way throughout the middle until the last 5 sts which you will knit 5.

Rep Row 9 and Row 10 for a total of 3 times.

Rep Rows 1-10 for a total of 4 times and then Row 1 two more times, or until it reaches the length you want. You can count how many rows you have knit easily with this tutorial.

BINDING OFF


You will be taking the stitches off your needle one stitch at a time until the last stitch following this three step process:

  • Step 1: K 1 st
  • Step 2: K 2nd st
  • Step 3: Using your left needle, pass the first st on the right needle over the second st on your right needle, and off the right needle. You will now have 1 st on your right needle.

Repeat these three steps until you have one st left on your left needle and no sts on your right needle. You can follow this tutorial if needed. 

Next, you will pull your last st on your left needle to loosen it a bit. Carefully taking your st off your needle, cut a 2-3″ tail of your yarn. Pull the tail through the last st that you pulled off your needle and pull the tail to tighten and close the st loop. You can follow this tutorial if needed. 


weave in ends


Now we are going to weave in the yarn ends to finish both ends of the dishcloth.

Following the weaving in ends tutorial for the sides of your dishcloth from this video here, choose which end you are going to weave in first.

Thread your yarn needle with the tail of yarn and following the horizontal bumps of the row, weave the tail up and down down the row. I recommend going 1-2″ and then turning back the other direction 3-4 stitches.

Cut any of your tail that’s left. Repeat for the other end of your dishcloth. 

You did it! I hope cleaning up will be slightly more beautiful for you!

Pin it for later:

When you finish your Quilted Fields Dishcloth I’d love to see it! Feel free to tag me on Instagram @fthisyellowfarmhouse. You can also email me at [email protected] with your finished picture or questions!

More free knitting patterns:

Similar Posts