Spooky Black Cat Shadow 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.

 

Joining Squares Into a Blanket

Turn this dishcloth pattern into a full-size throw by knitting multiple squares and seaming them together.

Planning Your Blanket

Each square finishes at approximately 8″ x 8.5″. Choose a layout based on the size you want — a 4×5 grid (20 squares) makes a lap blanket, 5×6 (30 squares) makes a throw, and 6×8 (48 squares) makes a twin-size blanket. You can knit every square as the cat motif, or alternate with plain garter/stockinette squares for a checkerboard look.

Materials for Assembly

• All finished, blocked squares
• Matching or contrasting yarn for seaming (smooth cotton or wool, not novelty yarn)
• Tapestry needle
• Removable stitch markers or pins
• Blocking mats and pins

Step 1: Block Every Square First

Block each square to the exact same finished size before joining. This is the biggest factor in whether the blanket lies flat. Wet or steam block, pin to 8″ x 8.5″, and let dry fully.

Step 2: Lay Out Your Design

Arrange all squares in your chosen layout before sewing anything, so you can balance the cat motifs and check they’re all facing the same direction. Take a photo for reference.

Step 3: Join Squares Into Rows

Mattress stitch (invisible seam):

1. Lay two squares side by side, right sides up, edges touching.
2. Thread a tapestry needle with seaming yarn.
3. Working bottom to top, pick up the horizontal bar between the first and second stitch on one square, then the matching bar on the neighboring square.
4. Alternate side to side, pulling snug every few stitches.
5. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Slip stitch crochet join (alternative):

1. With right sides together, insert your hook through both edge stitches.
2. Yarn over and pull through both layers and the loop on your hook.
3. Repeat along the edge, keeping tension loose to avoid puckering.

Step 4: Join the Rows Together

Join rows to each other along the long edges the same way. Match up vertical seams between squares so the grid lines up — pin first if needed.

Step 5: Add a Border

1. With right side facing, pick up stitches evenly around the entire edge, adding an extra stitch at each corner.
2. Work 4–6 rows of garter stitch, increasing one stitch at each corner every row.
3. Bind off loosely to avoid ruffling.

Step 6: Final Blocking

Give the whole blanket a light final block to even out seams and border. Lay flat, shape to size, and let dry completely.

Tips

• Weave in ends as you go rather than all at the end.
• Use the same needle size and yarn throughout for consistent tension.
• If mixing in plain squares, knit them to the same finished dimensions for a seamless join.