Free Garter Checkerboard Knit Stitch Dishcloth Patter

Garter Checkerboard Knit Stitch Dishcloth Pattern
by Janice Jones  

The garter checkerboard knit stitch is a simple pattern that creates a beautiful, textured dishcloth.  It’s a great project for beginners and makes a practical and thoughtful handmade gift.

It is a little more challenging because the pattern is a 14 row repeat, which can seem daunting to absolute beginners, but there is only knit and purl stitches, so if you can follow a pattern, you can create this dishcloth.

The Garter Stitch Checkerboard Knit is not reversible, but the reverse side looks similar to a stockinette stitch and is just a bit less textured than the public side of the dishcloth pattern

Want a Free Downloadable Copy of this pattern?  Jump to pattern, or keep on reading.

Garter Checkerboard Knit Stitch

More About the Garter Checkerboard Knit Stitch Dishcloth

The checkerboard texture gives the cloth scrubbing power, while the garter stitch edges help it lay flat. This is an easy pattern that requires that you know how to make the knit and purl stitches.  It is a 14-row repeat that is easy to follow even if you do not memorize all 14 rows. 

To execute this pattern you will be casting on multiples of 10 plus 5.  It is not a reversible pattern but the reverse side is just as attractive as the public side.

The Garter Checkerboard Knit Stitch Dishcloth is Not Reversible

The garter checkerboard stitch shown on the right side of the fabric in greenRight Side
The garter checkerboard stitch worked in green cotton and shown on the reverse sideWrong Side

Skill Level

Skill level easy per the Craft Yarn Council

Skills Needed

How to make the Knit Stitch

How to make the Purl Stitch

How to cast on using the long tail cast on

How to bind off

How to weave in ends

How to block (if desired)

Abbreviations for this Pattern

K - Knit

P - Purl

CO - Cast on

BO - Bind off

*     *  - Repeat the instructions between the asterisks for the number of times indicated in the instructions.

Supplies Needed

  • For this project, you will want to get some worsted weight (#4) yarn (Craft Yarn Council I used 100% cotton)
  • US 7 or 8 (4.5 0 5.0 mm)
  • Scissors
  • Stitch markers
  • Tapestry needle 

Finished Size

8 by 8 inches square (Approximately 20 x 20 cm)

Project Notes

  • This pattern is worked entirely in knit and purl stitches, forming alternating squares of stockinette and reverse stockinette textures, framed in garter stitch.
  • The pattern is a 12-row repeat and uses multiples of 12 stitches plus edge stitches.
  • All instructions are written in US terms

Pro Tips

When I first encountered this pattern, it was love at first sight.  However, it was also a bit intiminating for a beginner knitter due to the number of rows it took to complete the pattern. 

I finally overcame my fear of messing up by developing a crude tally sheet on a post it note.  Every time I finished a row, I added a mark.

A series of tally mark on a white background

Instructions

Cast on 38 stitches.

Row 1–4: Knit across (these rows form the garter stitch border)

Begin checkerboard pattern:

Row 5: Knit 6, purl 6, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 6: Purl 6, knit 6, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 7: Repeat Row 5
Row 8: Repeat Row 6
Row 9: Repeat Row 5
Row 10: Repeat Row 6
Row 11: Purl 6, knit 6, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 12: Knit 6, purl 6, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 13: Repeat Row 11
Row 14: Repeat Row 12
Row 15: Repeat Row 11
Row 16: Repeat Row 12
Repeat Rows 5–16 until your dishcloth measures about 8 inches (or desired length).

Final 4 rows: Knit across all stitches (to form top garter stitch border)

Bind off all stitches.
Weave in yarn ends with a tapestry needle.

Notes and Tips

  • You can adjust the width by adding or subtracting multiples of 12 stitches.
  • Try using two colors for a fun checkerboard effect.
  • For a matching set, knit several cloths with different stitch textures!
Check off box image

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the garter checkerboard knit stitch?

The garter checkerboard knit stitch is a textured pattern that alternates blocks of knit and purl stitches, creating a checkerboard appearance. It’s framed in garter stitch, which helps prevent curling and adds structure.

Is this pattern beginner-friendly

Yes! This dishcloth is perfect for beginners. It uses only knit and purl stitches with a simple repeating pattern, making it easy to follow and practice stitch texture.

Why is the checkerboard stitch good for dishcloths?

The checkerboard texture gives the dishcloth gentle scrubbing power. The garter stitch border keeps the edges flat and prevents curling, making the cloth functional and neat.

Can I adjust the size of the dishcloth?

Yes! The stitch pattern uses multiples of 12. To make the cloth wider, cast on more stitches in multiples of 12, plus edge stitches. Add more pattern repeats for a longer length.

Final Thoughts

This pattern is one of my go-to’s for quick gifts and stash-busting projects. It’s also a great way to practice tension and stitch consistency while making something useful.

Download a Free PDF Copy of this Garter Checkerboard Knit Dishcloth

Garter Checkerboard Knit Stitch Dishcloth:  Pin for Future Reference

Garter Checkerboard Knit Stitch Dishcloth Free Pattern, Pin Image

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