my sneaky simple knit camping dishcloth
if you’re spending some time camping in the woods, and are looking for a super simple dishcloth to knit, check out the Forest Ridges dishcloth! This free knit camping dishcloth pattern uses knit and purl stitches to create a chevron seed stitch pattern that looks like pine trees!
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I’m going camping this weekend, and it’ll be over 5 times I’ve camped this summer. Guys, it’s June 25th! Camping is on the brain here this summer. As have knit camping dishcloths.
Whenever we go camping, whether in our backyard or at a campground, a yarn-related project must also be packed and get worked on.
I wanted to share with you how to make a simple knit dishcloth that looks like a treeline, but without anything complicated. No cables or colorwork! Forest Ridges is the perfect knit camping dishcloth!
The chevron seed stitch is pretty rhythmic and easy to work on at camp or on the road to camp!
>>you can scroll down for the free pattern below, or purchase the ad-free PDF here<<
forest ridges knit camping dishcloth pattern
This is a written pattern that will have you knit flat back and forth on straight needles (or circular needles if you prefer).
Materials:
- US 7 (4.5mm) straight 9″ knitting needles or 9″ circular needles
- Approx. 95 yds of worsted weight cotton yarn (Knit Picks Dishie in “Jalapeño”)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle to weave in ends
- Tape measurer or ruler
Size:
8″ x 8″ square, instructions to adjust height and width are below
Gauge:
16 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.
>>Check out more beginner knit dishcloths here!<<
knit camping dishcloth abbreviations (US) and skills:
co- cast on
k- knit
p- purl
st(s)- stitch(es)
rep- repeat
knit camping dish cloth: a free knitting pattern
Pattern is written for a 8″ x 8″ square dish cloth.
Note: For additional information about sizing, see “The Notes” on Page 3 of this pattern.
CAST ON edge
CO 38 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!
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: k3, *p1, k3, p1, k3* until the last 3 sts, k3. This means you will k3 and then purl 1, knit 3, purl 1, knit 3 all the way throughout the middle until the last 3 sts, which you will knit.
Row 4: k3, *k1, k5, k1, p1* until the last 3 sts, k3. This means you will k3 and then knit 1, purl 5, knit 1, and then p1 all the way throughout the middle until the last 3 sts which you will knit.
Row 5: k3, *k2, p1, k3, p1. k1* until the last 3 sts, k3. This means you will k3 and then knit 2, purl 1, knit 3, purl 1, and then knit 1 all the way throughout the middle until the last 3 sts which you will knit.
Row 6: k3, *p2, k1, p1, k1, p3* until the last 3 sts, k3. This means you will k3 and then purl 2, knit 1, purl 1, knit 1, and then p3 all the way throughout the middle until the last 3 sts which you will knit. instructions
Rep Rows 3-6 for a total of 12 times and then Row 1 twice more, 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’re finished! Time to hit the woods!
Pin it for later:
When you finish your Forest Ridges 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!
