Worked entirely in garter stitch, this free dishcloth knitting pattern is easy enough for beginners while still giving you a chance to practise increasing, decreasing and counting stitches.
The finished cloth can be used as a kitchen dishcloth, cleaning cloth, face washer or handmade gift.
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What you need
A smooth 100% cotton yarn is the most practical choice for this project. Cotton gives the dishcloth good absorbency and stitch definition and can usually cope with regular washing.
Check the yarn label for the manufacturer’s washing and drying instructions before beginning.
Knitting Abbreviations
K: Knit
YO: Yarn over
K2tog: Knit two stitches together
St(s): Stitch or stitches
CO: Cast on
BO: Bind off
Some knitting projects require several pages of instructions, four stitch markers and a quiet room where nobody dares ask you what is for dinner.
This is not one of those projects.
This easy diagonal knit dishcloth pattern is worked entirely in garter stitch and uses just one repeating increase row followed by one repeating decrease row.
You begin at one corner with four stitches. A yarn over is added on every increase row, gradually widening the knitting into a triangle. Once you reach 45 stitches—or your preferred width—you begin decreasing back towards the opposite corner.
The result is a square cotton dishcloth with diagonal garter-stitch ridges and a row of decorative eyelet holes around the outside.
It is a practical first project for knitters who are ready to move beyond a basic rectangle. You will practise increasing, decreasing and reading your stitches without committing to an entire jumper.
Before You Begin
This pattern is worked back and forth on straight needles.
Every row is a right-side row because garter stitch looks the same on both sides. The finished dishcloth is completely reversible.
The yarn-over holes are intentional. They create the decorative eyelet border and should appear evenly around all four sides.
Place a removable marker on the front of the work after the first few rows if it helps you remember which corner you started from. It is not required for the pattern.
Instructions
Cast On
Cast on 4 stitches.
Setup Row
Row 1: Knit all 4 stitches.
You are now ready to begin the increase section.
Increase Section
Increase Row: K2, YO, knit to the end of the row.
Repeat the Increase Row until there are 45 stitches on the needle.
Each repeated row adds one stitch.
Your knitting will gradually form a triangle, with a line of eyelet holes running along both sloping sides.
Count the stitches every few rows. It is much easier to correct a forgotten yarn over after two rows than after twenty.
Checking the Increase Maths
The yarn over creates one new stitch.
No stitches are decreased during this row, so the total stitch count increases by one:
Begin with 4 stitches.
Work the Increase Row once: 5 stitches.
Work it again: 6 stitches.
Continue until 45 stitches are on the needle.
Checking the Size
At 45 stitches, the two straight sides of the triangle should each measure approximately 8½ inches or 21.5 cm.
Your measurements may differ depending on your yarn, needles and knitting tension.
For a more reliable fit, measure the outside edge of the triangular piece rather than relying only on the stitch count.
Once that edge reaches the desired finished width of your dishcloth, begin the decrease section.
Decrease Section
Decrease Row: K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, knit to the end of the row.
Repeat the Decrease Row until 4 stitches remain.
Each repeated decrease row removes one stitch overall.
Checking the Decrease Maths
The first K2tog removes one stitch.
The yarn over adds one stitch.
The second K2tog removes one stitch.
That gives a net decrease of one stitch:
One stitch removed
One stitch added
One stitch removed
Total decrease: one stitch
The yarn over maintains the eyelet edging while the paired decreases shape the second half of the dishcloth.
Binding Off
When 4 stitches remain, bind off all stitches knitwise.
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail approximately 6 inches or 15 cm long.
Pull the yarn tail through the final loop and tighten gently.
Use a yarn needle to weave the beginning and ending tails securely through the back of the garter-stitch ridges.
Trim away the excess yarn.
Optional Hanging Loop
A hanging loop can be added before cutting the yarn.
After binding off the final stitch:
Enlarge the remaining loop slightly.
Use a crochet hook to make a chain approximately 2–3 inches or 5–7.5 cm long.
Slip stitch the end of the chain back into the corner of the dishcloth.
Fasten off securely.
Weave the yarn tail into the back of the fabric.
No crochet hook? Twist a short length of matching yarn into a cord and sew both ends securely into the corner.
Make the loop large enough to fit over your kitchen hook but not so large that it trails into the washing-up water. That is the sort of lesson one generally learns only once.
Adjusting the Finished Size
One of the advantages of a corner-to-corner knit dishcloth pattern is that the size can be changed without recalculating the entire pattern.
Continue the increase section until the outside edge of the triangle reaches the width you want. Then begin the decrease section.
As an approximate guide:
Small Face Washer
Increase to approximately 36–38 stitches.
Expected finished size: 7–7½ inches or 18–19 cm square.
Standard Dishcloth
Increase to approximately 44–46 stitches.
Expected finished size: 8–9 inches or 20–23 cm square.
Large Cleaning Cloth
Increase to approximately 50–54 stitches.
Expected finished size: 10–11 inches or 25–28 cm square.
These are approximate measurements. The most accurate method is to measure your knitting before beginning the decreases.
How to Make a Matching Set
Write down the following details after finishing your first dishcloth:
Yarn brand and colour
Yarn weight
Needle size
Maximum stitch count
Finished measurement
Use the same details for every cloth in the set.
Even small changes in yarn thickness or knitting tension can alter the final size. Recording the maximum stitch count is the easiest way to create matching dishcloths later.
Choosing the Best Yarn
A washable cotton yarn is recommended for knitted dishcloths because it creates a durable fabric with useful texture.
Good choices include:
100% cotton kitchen yarn
Recycled cotton yarn
Cotton and bamboo blends
Cotton and linen blends
Leftover worsted-weight cotton yarn
Avoid yarns that are very fluffy, loosely spun or labelled hand wash only.
A kitchen dishcloth needs to cope with water, regular washing and the occasional encounter with whatever has baked itself onto the bottom of the casserole dish.
Using Variegated Yarn
Variegated and self-striping yarns work particularly well with diagonal knitting.
Because the rows grow longer during the first half and shorter during the second half, the colour changes form angled stripes and bands across the cloth.
You can also create your own stripes by changing colours at the beginning of a row.
To avoid lots of ends:
Change colour every 6–10 rows.
Carry the unused yarn loosely up the side when making narrow stripes.
Twist the two colours together at the edge before knitting the first stitch.
For a scrap-yarn dishcloth, use several small amounts of cotton yarn in coordinating colours. Keep all the yarns approximately the same thickness.
Optional Striped Variation
Cast on and complete the pattern as written, changing colours as follows:
Colour A: 10 rows
Colour B: 10 rows
Colour C: 10 rows
Repeat the colour sequence throughout the increase and decrease sections.
Change colour at the beginning of a row. Leave a tail long enough to weave in securely later.
The changing row lengths will make the stripes appear diagonal rather than horizontal.
Blocking the Dishcloth
Blocking is optional, but it can help straighten the corners and make the finished cloth look more even.
Soak the dishcloth in lukewarm water.
Gently squeeze out the excess water.
Do not twist or wring the knitting.
Place it flat on a clean towel.
Gently shape it into an even square.
Smooth the eyelet edging.
Allow it to dry completely.
Cotton can relax and change shape after washing. Reshape the cloth while damp whenever necessary.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
My Stitch Count Is Not Increasing
Check that you are making the yarn over before knitting to the end of the row.
The increase row must be:
K2, YO, knit to the end.
The yarn over is the stitch that increases the count.
My Dishcloth Is Increasing by More Than One Stitch
You may be wrapping the yarn around the needle more than once or accidentally making a yarn over at the end of the row.
Count the stitches after every row until the problem is resolved.
My Dishcloth Keeps Getting Wider During the Decrease Section
Check that you are working both K2tog decreases.
The decrease row must be:
K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, knit to the end.
Using only one K2tog will cancel out the yarn-over increase but will not make the row narrower.
My Eyelet Border Has Disappeared
A yarn over may have been missed or accidentally knitted together with the following stitch.
Look for the small open hole near the edge. If the hole is missing and the stitch count is wrong, carefully unknit the row and work it again.
The Eyelet Holes Are Uneven
Uneven holes are usually caused by inconsistent yarn tension.
Try to wrap every yarn over with the same amount of tension. The holes may also become more even after washing and blocking.
The Corners Look Rounded
Make sure you begin the decrease section at the same maximum stitch count you intended.
Blocking can sharpen slightly rounded corners.
A handmade dishcloth does not need to pass an architectural inspection, though. A slightly relaxed corner will not affect how well it works.
The Edge Is Too Loose
Try knitting the first and last stitches of each row a little more firmly.
Do not pull them excessively tight, as this can make the edge pucker.
I Lost Count of My Stitches
Count the stitches currently on the needle.
If you are still in the increase section, continue until you reach your chosen maximum count.
If you cannot tell which section you are working, look at the shape:
A growing triangle means you are increasing.
A full diamond or square shape with the upper edges narrowing means you are decreasing.
Turning It Into a Washcloth
For a softer face or body washcloth, choose a smooth cotton or cotton-and-bamboo yarn.
Make the cloth slightly smaller by beginning the decreases at approximately 36–40 stitches.
Wash the finished cloth before its first use to remove any manufacturing residue and allow the stitches to settle.
A set of handmade washcloths can be paired with soap, bath salts or hand cream for a quick gift.
Tie three coordinating cloths with cotton ribbon or place them in a small basket. It looks rather luxurious for a project made from what might otherwise have been three lonely partial balls of yarn.
Handmade Gift Ideas
This diagonal knit dishcloth makes an easy handmade gift for:
Housewarmings
Bridal showers
Teacher gifts
Christmas hampers
Mother’s Day
New neighbours
Market stalls
Care packages
Pair a kitchen dishcloth with:
A wooden dish brush
Natural dish soap
A tea towel
A handmade potholder
A small jar of kitchen scrub
A printed care tag
For a bathroom gift, pair a softer washcloth with handmade soap or bath products.
Care Instructions
Wash according to the instructions on the yarn label.
Most cotton dishcloths can be washed in warm water and dried flat or tumble dried on a low setting.
Avoid fabric softener because it may leave a coating on the cotton and reduce its ability to absorb water.
Allow the dishcloth to dry fully between uses.
Make several and rotate them regularly rather than leaving one damp beside the sink for days.
Instructions
Knitting Abbreviations
K: Knit
YO: Yarn over
K2tog: Knit two stitches together
Sts: Stitches
CO: Cast on
BO: Bind off
Introduction
Hand-knitted dishcloths are one of those wonderfully practical projects that never seem to go to waste. They are quick to make, useful around the home and ideal for using leftover balls of cotton yarn.
This diagonal knit dishcloth pattern is worked from one corner to the opposite corner. The first half of the cloth increases by one stitch on every row. Once the cloth reaches the desired width, the second half decreases by one stitch on every row.
The yarn-over stitches form small decorative holes around the outside edge, while the garter-stitch centre creates a thick, textured surface that works well for washing dishes and wiping benches.
It is also a forgiving project for beginner knitters. Gauge is not especially important, and you can easily adjust the finished size by knitting more or fewer increase rows.
Just remember to count your stitches occasionally. Dishcloths are quite forgiving, but even they struggle to disguise six accidental extra stitches.
Instructions
Cast On
Cast on 4 stitches.
Beginning Row
Row 1: Knit all stitches.
Increase Section
Row 2: Knit 2, yarn over, knit to the end of the row.
Repeat Row 2 until you have approximately 44 stitches on your knitting needle.
The dishcloth should now look like a triangle.
You may stop increasing earlier for a smaller cloth or continue increasing for a larger cloth.
Decrease Section
Decrease Row: Knit 1, knit 2 stitches together, yarn over, knit 2 stitches together, then knit to the end of the row.
Repeat the Decrease Row until 4 stitches remain.
Finishing
Bind off the remaining 4 stitches.
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail approximately 6 inches long.
Pull the yarn through the final loop and tighten gently.
Use a yarn needle to weave in the beginning and ending yarn tails.
How the Stitch Count Works
During the increase section, the yarn over adds one new stitch to every row.
During the decrease section:
- The first knit-two-together removes one stitch.
- The yarn over adds one stitch.
- The second knit-two-together removes one stitch.
This gives you an overall decrease of one stitch per row while keeping the decorative eyelet border intact.
Adjusting the Dishcloth Size
This diagonal knitted dishcloth can be resized without changing the pattern.
For a smaller washcloth, begin the decrease section when you have approximately 36–40 stitches.
For a standard kitchen dishcloth, begin decreasing at approximately 44 stitches.
For a larger cleaning cloth, continue increasing until you have approximately 50–55 stitches.
You can also measure along one straight edge of the triangle. Begin the decrease section once that edge reaches your preferred finished width.
Blocking the Finished Dishcloth
Blocking is optional, but it can help straighten the edges and improve the square shape.
Soak the finished dishcloth in lukewarm water.
Gently squeeze out the excess water without twisting or wringing the fabric.
Place the dishcloth flat on a dry towel and gently shape it into an even square.
Leave it flat until completely dry.
Yarn Suggestions
Smooth cotton yarn works best for this project because it clearly shows the stitches and eyelet edging.
Suitable yarn options include:
- 100% cotton kitchen yarn
- Recycled cotton yarn
- Cotton and bamboo blends
- Cotton and linen blends
- Leftover cotton yarn from other projects
Variegated and self-striping yarns are particularly effective because the colours form diagonal bands across the finished cloth.
You can also change colours every few rows to create a striped dishcloth. This is a handy way to use the little leftover balls of cotton yarn that are somehow too small for another project but apparently too precious to throw away.
Care Instructions
Wash the finished cotton dishcloth in warm or hot water according to the yarn label.
Lay the cloth flat or tumble dry on a low setting.
Avoid using fabric softener because it can coat the cotton fibres and reduce absorbency.
Allow the cloth to dry fully between uses.
Common Problems
The Stitch Count Is Not Increasing
Make sure you are completing the yarn over before knitting the remaining stitches.
The yarn over creates the extra stitch needed to make the cloth wider.
The Dishcloth Keeps Getting Wider During the Decrease Section
Check that you are working both knit-two-together decreases.
The correct sequence is:
Knit 1, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2 together, knit to the end.
The Eyelet Border Has Disappeared
A yarn over may have been missed or accidentally knitted together with another stitch.
Check your stitch count every few rows so you can catch mistakes early.
The Edges Look Loose
Cotton yarn does not spring back as much as wool. Try knitting the first and last stitches a little more firmly.
The Finished Cloth Is Slightly Uneven
A small amount of unevenness is normal and usually improves after washing and blocking.
Handmade dishcloths do not need to be perfectly square to be useful, which is good news for those of us whose knitting occasionally develops a personality of its own.
What do you think of this project? Let us know!