Beginner Friendly Knit Rice Stitch Facecloth:  Free Pattern

Beginner-Friendly Knit Rice Stitch Facecloth  by Janice Jones |Updated December 2025

A hand-knit facecloth is not only practical but very eco-friendly.  Any way we can reduce our carbon imprint is good for the earth and good for everyone.  

Even if you are learning how to knit, a knit facecloth or dishcloth can be an easy project to practice your new favorite hobby and give as gifts.  

The knit rice stitch is used to make this facecloth.  It is an easy two-row repeat that uses only knit and purl stitches.  So if you can knit and purl, you can make this easy facecloth

Knitted Rice Stitch dishcloth draped over a kitchen sink

Directions for Making the Beginner-Friendly Knit Rice Facecloth

If you need a little refresher on the knit rice stitch, check out this tutorial first, on how to make the knitted rice stitch, including working through the front and back loops.

Knitted rice stitch dishcloth or facecloth shown on a kitchen counterKnitted Rice Stitch Dishcloth (wrong side of the fabric)

Abbreviations

k= knit

p= purl

tbl= through back loop

tfl= through front loop (knit normally)

CO= cast on

BO= Bind off

sts= stitches

RS=right side

WS= wrong side

* * Repeat the instructions between the two asterisks.

Supplies Needed for This Project

Flat photo of the knitted rice stitch dishclothBeginner-Friendly Knit Rice Stitch Facecloth

Notes About This Pattern

All instructions are written in US terms.

Finished Measurements

The finished product is an 8 inch square (45.7 cm) with US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles

Directions for Making the Beginner-Friendly Knit Rice Stitch Facecloth

The Knit Rice Stitch requires multiples of 2 +1

CO 39 sts.

Rows 1 to 6:  Knit every stitch. (tfl)

Row 7:  (RS): K6, p1, *k1 tbl, p1* repeat * to last 6 sts, k6 tfl.

Row 8: (WS):  K across, tfl

Repeat Rows 7 and 8 until the project measures       inches (cm)

Last 6 rows:  K across, tfl

BO and Weave in Ends.

The knitted rice stitch swatch shown on straight knitting needles

What Else Can You Do With This Beginner Friendly Knit Rice Stitch

A facecloth or two makes a great gift, but you might want to do more.  Some more projects that you might want to consider include:

  • Placemats for 16 inch, CO 78 sts and work until desired length
  • Scarves:  CO 39 sts for an 8 inch wide scarf.  Work until desired length.
  • Blankets:  Remember that this stitch pattern requires multiples of 2 + 1 so determine what blanket size you would like. For more information about blanket sizes, check out this blanket size calculator. 
  • Pillows:  CO 78 stitches for a 16 inch pillow.  Make two and sew together.
  • Market Bags

Beginner-Friendly Knit Rice Stitch Facecloth:  Pin for Future Reference

Beginner friendly knitted rice stitch face cloth, pin image

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