Stash Busting Knitted Washcloths / Dishcloths Free Knitting Pattern
This month I’ve been on a quest to use up some yarn scraps. I’ve got lots of bits and pieces of cotton left over from summer tops and my knitted wash cloths and dishcloths are starting to need replacing. I gathered up all my scraps of cotton into a basket, where I can easily see them (and therefore remember to use them!). Some of the scraps are almost full balls, others really are scraps, but too big to simply toss out.
I grabbed a pair of 5mm needles and holding two strands of 4ply/5ply yarns together, began to knit.
I’ve knit a whole pile of washcloths over the last week and I’m pleased to say that I’ve used up almost every drop of my 4ply and 5ply cottons. Next up is the 8ply cotton!
I used a simple, squishy ribbed stitch to make my washcloths. Some of these will be allocated to the bathroom ~ they are delightfully soft and perfect for removing makeup! And some will be allocated to the kitchen…I must admit that I struggle to deploy my knitting into the kitchen at first; it feels quite terrible to wipe the bench with a freshly cast-off project, but they really are the best dishcloths!
I’ve shared my pattern below for free. If you’d like a printable PDF version, simply pop your email in here and you’ll be emailed a copy straight away.
Enjoy and happy knitting!
Why knit your own dishcloths?
A great ‘mindless’ project, when you just want to knit for knitting’s sake
For beginner knitters this small project will keep you motivated and help you feel like you’re progressing faster. The low stitch and row count is less intimidating if you make a mistake, too!
Knitted dishcloths are a great way to use up cotton yarn odds and ends
Pair handmade dishcloths/washcloths with some beautiful handmade soap for a lovely gift
Handknit dishcloths last for ages, are incredibly easy to care for and are a great choice for the eco-conscious crafter
Stash Busting Knitted Washcloth / Dischcloth Pattern
YOU WILL NEED
Yarn
Approx. 25g - 35g of 4ply/fingering or 5ply/sport weight cotton yarn.
I used pure organic cotton leftovers from other projects, including BC Garn Alba & Onion Organic Cotton.
Needles
5mm or size needed to obtain gauge
Gauge
I got a variety of gauges, depending on the yarns I held together. All created a lovely fabric on 5mm needles.
Gauge is not crucial for this project. If you’re a tighter knitter, go up a needle size. If you find the fabric too loose, go down a needle size.
Finished Size
Small ~ approx.15.5cm x 15.5cm
Medium ~ approx.19cm x 19cm
Abbreviations
K = Knit.
P = Purl.
St = Stitch/stitches.
START
Holding two strands of 4ply/5ply yarn together, cable cast on 34 (40) sts.
Knit 3 rows.
Rib Pattern: K2, *K2, P1, rep from * to last 2sts, K2.
Work Rib Pattern Row another 34 (38) times or until work measures 1cm (1.5cm) less than desired finished length.
Knit 3 rows.
Cast Off.
Darn in ends & your washcloth/dishcloth is ready to use!
PATTERN NOTES
Holding two strands of yarn together (also known as double stranding) is a great way to play with colour! You can hold two of the same yarns together or get as crazy as you like with contrasts.
If you really want to use up every last bit of your scraps, don’t be afraid to change colours midway through the washcloth. On some of my scrappiest dishcloths I used 5-6 colours throughout! Joining in the yarns using a Magic Knot is a great option to save on ends to sew in when you want to utilize every last piece of yarn.
