Spooky Black Cat Dishcloth

Nothing says Halloween quite like a spooky black cat, and this knitted dishcloth is the perfect way to add a little seasonal fun to your kitchen. Worked in an easy knit-and-purl design, the black cat appears almost like a shadow when finished — making it as delightful to display as it is to use. This dishcloth is a quick knit that works up beautifully with cotton yarn and makes a sweet handmade gift.

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What you need

Finished Size

Approx. 8″ x 8.5″ (20 x 21.5 cm)

Materials

• 1 skein cotton yarn (Lily Sugar ’n Cream or similar)

• US 3 (3.25 mm) needles

• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

Not critical for this project.

Stitches Used

• K = Knit

• P = Purl

The design is worked using knits and purls to create the black cat motif.

Instructions

Pattern Instructions

Cast on 41 stitches.

Border Setup (Rows 1–6):
(K1, P1) to last stitch, K1

Main Section

Row 7 (and all odd rows):
(K1, P1) x2, P to last 4 sts, (P1, K1) x2

Row 8: (K1, P1) x2, K33, (P1, K1) x2
Row 10: (K1, P1) x2, K8, P18, K7, (P1, K1) x2
Row 12: (K1, P1) x2, K9, P10, K7, P1, K6, (P1, K1) x2
Row 14: (K1, P1) x2, K10, P8, K9, P1, K5, (P1, K1) x2
Row 16: (K1, P1) x2, K9, P10, K9, P1, K4, (P1, K1) x2
Row 18: (K1, P1) x2, K8, P12, K9, P1, K3, (P1, K1) x2
Row 20: (K1, P1) x2, K7, P14, K8, P1, K3, (P1, K1) x2

Row 22: (K1, P1) x2, K7, P14, K8, P1, K3, (P1, K1) x2
Row 24: (K1, P1) x2, K8, P12, K9, P1, K3, (P1, K1) x2
Row 26: (K1, P1) x2, K9, P10, K9, P1, K4, (P1, K1) x2
Row 28: (K1, P1) x2, K10, P8, K9, P1, K5, (P1, K1) x2
Row 30: (K1, P1) x2, K12, P4, K10, P1, K6, (P1, K1) x2

Row 32: (K1, P1) x2, K13, P2, K10, P1, K7, (P1, K1) x2
Row 34: repeat Row 32
Row 36: repeat Row 32
Row 38: (K1, P1) x2, K13, P2, K11, P1, K6, (P1, K1) x2
Row 40: (K1, P1) x2, K5, P1, K7, P2, K7, P1, K4, P1, K2, P1, K2, (P1, K1) x2

Row 42: (K1, P1) x2, K3, P1, K2, P1, K3, P8, K3, P1, K2, P1, K3, P2, K3, (P1, K1) x2
Row 44: (K1, P1) x2, K4, P2, K1, P14, K1, P2, K9, (P1, K1) x2
Row 46: (K1, P1) x2, K6, P16, K11, (P1, K1) x2
Row 48: (K1, P1) x2, K3, P22, K8, (P1, K1) x2
Row 50: (K1, P1) x2, K6, P16, K11, (P1, K1) x2

Row 52: repeat Row 50
Row 54: (K1, P1) x2, K7, P14, K12, (P1, K1) x2
Row 56: (K1, P1) x2, K8, P12, K13, (P1, K1) x2
Row 58: repeat Row 56
Row 60: (K1, P1) x2, K8, P3, K6, P3, K13, (P1, K1) x2

Row 62: (K1, P1) x2, K8, P2, K8, P2, K13, (P1, K1) x2
Row 64: (K1, P1) x2, K8, P1, K10, P1, K13, (P1, K1) x2

Row 66: (K1, P1) x2, K33, (P1, K1) x2

Finishing Border

Rows 68–73: (K1, P1) to last stitch, K1

Bind off in pattern.

Finishing

Weave in ends. Block by gently pressing down the stockinette areas so the purl stitches stand out, making the cat design pop. Lay flat to dry.

This little dishcloth is a fun way to practice texture knitting while creating something seasonal and practical. Knit a stack of them for gifts or keep one by the sink to add some Halloween cheer to your home.