Free Knit Dishcloth Patterns

Free Knit Dishcloth Patterns      |Updated 08-23-2022

When learning to knit, it gets boring after awhile to just knit small swatches with different stitch patterns.  Many online and offline classes will expect you to do just that, but if you're like me, I'd like to be able to use what I make.  

As a beginner, if you are not comfortable giving those first few projects as gifts, what better use for them than to use them yourself.

I have decided to update this very old page because I think the information is just as relevant in 2022 as it was in 2006 when this site was first made.

Why Make Dishcloths or Face Wipes When Learning to Knit

The Pros:

  • You can learn and practice a stitch over and over again until you master it and develop the muscle memory needed for later.
  • You can experiment with different yarns and see which ones work best for you.
  • You can make something that is useful and beautiful.
  • You don't need to waste all that yarn if you just choose to make swatches.
  • Dishcloths work up fast so you can gain confidence and speed as you work along.
  • Dishcloths are eco-friendly.  Throw away all those paper towels and reduce your personal imprint.
  • It's portable, if you ever wanted to knit on an airplane, this is the project for you.

The Cons:

  • Most dishcloths or face wipes are created with cotton for good reason, but 100% cotton is not the easiest yarn to work with if you are a beginner.
  • Washcloths too, can become boring but you really can't have enough of them.

Washcloth projects can give you enough of an idea of what a stitch will look like on a larger swatch, and they make something useful too.  So if you're wanting to test out a new stitch, why not start with a dishcloth?

These are normally made with cotton yarn, because they are used in the kitchen to scrub dishes and cotton can stand up to bleach, detergent and a lot of use. The most crucial feature of a dishcloth is to finish the ends firmly.  Nothing is worse than having it unravel under duress.

As you become more confident, consider making them as Make some gifts for housewarming, hostess, holidays and other events - there are lots of options of different colors of cotton yarn, so you can color coordinate them to match the recipients kitchen, or use seasonal colors.

The usual size is an eight inch square, and some designs have a different stitch on the edges just to add more texture. Great for practicing changing stitches midstream.

Other Options for Dishcloths

Of course, there is no reason to stick with dishcloths just to practice stitches.  Beginners can make coasters, cup or bottle cozies, scarves, fingerless mitts and a wide variety of other objects, so don't feel compelled to knit dishcloths. Dish or Facecloths are just the fastest and easiest beginner friendly project for the serious knitting beginner

Free Knit Dishcloth Patterns

Check out this selection of patterns and designs from my contributors.  As such, this page continues to grow, so be sure to bookmark and come back again and again.  Remember these are all Free just for you.

Free Knit Dishcloth Patterns

If you can't find something you like, check out this  vast assortment of free dishcloth patterns.

https://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/free-dishcloth-patterns/c/300256