Knitting a Dishcloth
A dishcloth is the perfect first project for a beginner. Small (10–15 cm square), forgiving (no fit requirements), and useful (everyone needs dishcloths). Most knitters return to dishcloths throughout their knitting life as easy gifts and travel projects.
Recommended A printable technique cheat-sheet for your knitting bag.
Best yarn
Cotton or cotton blend in worsted weight. Cotton is absorbent, washable on hot, and durable enough to last years of dishwashing. Lily Sugar'n Cream and Peaches & Cream are the most popular dishcloth yarns.
Best stitches
Garter stitch (no-fail). Seed stitch (decorative bumps that hold soap). Mosaic patterns (decorative two-colour designs). Linen stitch (extra texture for scrubbing).
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Best size
Cast on 30–40 stitches in worsted cotton on US 7 needles. Knit until square (about 25 cm). Bind off. Total knitting time: 1–2 evenings.
As a teaching project
A dishcloth is the perfect project for teaching new techniques: increases, decreases, mosaic, lace, cables — all can be practised on a dishcloth-sized canvas before committing to a larger project.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | cast on |
| BO | bind off |
Tips
- Use 100% cotton for absorbency and durability.
- A dishcloth is the perfect "test new technique" project.
- Make a stack — they are perfect last-minute gifts.
In depth
The humble dishcloth is the most underrated project in hand-knitting. Small enough for a beginner, useful enough for everyday life, and forgiving enough to teach almost any technique, the dishcloth is the project most knitters return to throughout their knitting life.