Wash cloths and dish cloths make great quick handmade gifts for housewarmings, showers, hostess gifts, and other occasions. They are also great ways to try out a new technique. Many of these patterns have stitch motifs that you can adapt to other projects such as afghan squares, baby sweaters, and more. Updated 1/6/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
Free Patterns
Jelly Fish Wash Cloth
Adorable ocean themed wash or dish cloth featuring a friendly Jelly Fish using a variety of stitches to give the washcloth a textured feel. Designed by Ruth Lim. Worsted weight yarn. Pictured project by ymara
Diagonal Owl Dishcloth
Cable owl motif knit on a diagonal garter stitch cloth. Designed by Janelle Schlossman. Pictured project by kristinayarn and tobiasfunke
Petal Pig Wash or Dish Cloth
Adorable piglet cloth inspired by Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Designed by Brownie Knits. Worsted weight yarn.
Owl Dishcloth or Afghan Square
Cute colorwork owl motif. Great as a dishcloth, washcloth, afghan block, or motif on other knitting projects. Designed by Yarnspirations.
Whale Dishcloth or Afghan Square
Easy cloth with a whale motif in knit and purl stitches. Great as a dishcloth, washcloth or with other squares to form a blanket or afghan. Both chart and written pattern are included and are very easy. Designed by Daisy and Storm.
Little Tweet Cloth
This cloth with a bird motif was designed by Elaine Fitzpatrick. Rated very easy by Ravelrers.
"Blubb" Fish Cloth
Easy cloth with a fish with bubbles in knit and purl stitches. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Deborah9. Pictured projects by minja and Margotida. Available in English and German
Some Pig Dishcloth
Emily Guise’s pig face cloth is based on Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Pi shawl ratio to create a flat circle. The eyes are created with duplicate stitch.
Garden Swan Dishcloth
Swan motif rated easy by Ravelrers. Size 7" x 7.25" in worsted yarn. Designed by Melissa Bergland Burnham. Pictured project by Urchetana
Purrfect Cloth and Bib
This cloth with cat motif was designed by Elaine Fitzpatrick and also comes in a bib pattern. Rated very easy by Ravelrers.
Dragon and Dragon II Cloths
2 designs for dragon motif wash and dish cloths. Designed by Louise Sarrazin based on a design by Marie Wright. Pictured projects by the designer and 55yrknitter
- Get the free Dragon I Cloth knitting pattern
- Get the free Dragon II Cloth knitting pattern
- See more Dragon knitting patterns
Dragonfly Washcloth
Pattern includes a chart as well as line by line instructions. This reminds me of the Outlander book Dragonfly in Amber. Designed by Jackie Jones. Pictured project by bleuknits
Embossed Turtle Cloth
A unique 3 dimensional turtle. Designed by SmarieK. Row by row instructions. Pictured project by calanau
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- See a baby blanket pattern using this turtle stitch by Heather Anderson
Giddy-up Washcloth
Horse themed cloth motif in knit and purl stitches. Designed by Amy-lynne Mitchell. Rated very easy by Ravelrers.
- Get the free knitting pattern on the Internet archive
- See the Ravelry page
- See more Horse Knitting Patterns
Baby Unicorn Cloth and Bib
A baby unicorn designed in knit and purl stitches by Elaine Fitzpatrick of Downcloverlaine. Both written instructions and a chart.
More Free Patterns
Fishy Fish Washcloth and Bath Mitt
These fish shaped cloth and mitt set is knitin garter stitch with increases and decreases. Suitable for beginners according to the designer Brooke Snow. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Pictured projects by Dfbaker and Frostyjr77
Dolphin Cloth Square
Leaping dolphin square. Great as a dishcloth or with other squares to form a blanket. Both chart and written pattern. DK weight yarn. Approximately 22 cm x 22 cm (8.5 inches x 8.5 inches) Designed by Daisy and Storm
Bear With Me Dishcloth
Emily Guise’s bear face cloth is based on Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Pi shawl ratio to create a flat circle. The eyes are created with duplicate stitch.
Kitty Love Washcloth
Cat with heart in knit and purl stitches. Designed by Cheryl Lacey
Lion Washcloth
Alice Bell’s Grrr Washcloth features a loop stitch mane that holds water and make for soft surface for wiping skin. The bumps on the reverse side provide a scrubbing surface. Pictured project by TraceyNicole
Lacy Butterfly Cloth
Dish or wash cloth with a butterfly motif in purl stitches on a eyelet lace background. Designed by Rachel van Schie. Pictured project by Rosenresli
Fox Cloth
This fox motif designed by Elaine Fitzpatrick is perfect for dish cloth, afghan blanket square, and more. Also available as a bib pattern.
Squirrel Dish or Face Cloth
Squirrel silhouette in knit and purl stitches that can also be used on afghan blocks and other knitting projects. Chart can also be used for colorwork. Designed by Barbara Breiter. Pictured project by tinyknittedjoy.
Hedgehog Wash Cloth
This easy motif for a smiling hedgehog can be used on wash or dish cloths, afghans, and more. Designed by Ber Alcock-Earley Pictured project by AmyFrCh
Eagle Dish or Wash Cloth
Easy pattern by Elaine Fitzpatrick of Down Cloverlaine can be used as cloth or afghan block or motif in other knitting projects.
Kitten Kaboodle Dishcloth
This cloth features a cat silhouette that can also be used on afghan blocks and other knitting projects. Designed by Erica Jackofsky for Knit Picks
Pete the Horse Washcloth and Bib
Designed by Elaine Fitzpatrick, the washcloth expert, this motif can also be used for blankets or other knitting projects. To get the patterns, click the link below and then find the “Pete” pattern links on right of the destination page.
Dragon Cloths
Knit and purl stitches create a winged fire-breathing dragon in relief for wash cloths and more. Designed by Sharman Cherry. Pictured project by HonorCrowned
Roller Skating T Rex Dishcloth
Designed by Brett Meyers. Pictured project by debra84
Whooo Loves Ya, Baby? Cloth
These waving owl motif designed by Elaine Fitzpatrickis perfect for dish cloth, afghan blanket square, and more.
Penguin Washcloth and Bib
Designed by Elaine Fitzpatrick, the washcloth expert, this motif can also be used for blankets or other knitting projects.
- Get the free Washcloth knitting pattern
- Get the free Bib knitting pattern
- See more Penguin Knitting Patterns
Mickey’s Cat Cloth
Knitted by Elaine Fitzpatrick based on a design by a grandson, there is also a washcloth version. The link below goes to the blog post. The link to download the pattern is in the list of links on the right side of the post.
Dinosaur Washcloth and Bib
Designed by Elaine Fitzpatrick, this set of easy patterns are done with knit and purl. You could easily use this motif for sweaters or blanket squares.
Patterns for Purchase
Happy Lion Wash Cloth
Easy pattern with lion motif. Finished Size: 7.75"W X 9.5" H. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Ezcareknits.
Rover Wash Cloth
Easy pattern with dog motif. Finished Size: 7”W X 8"H . Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Ezcareknits.
Bunny Spa Cloth
This wash cloth features a cable bunny silhouette and and pocket to use as a soap cozy. Finished Size: 6 inches x 6-1/2 inches. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by WomanOnTheWater.
Butterfly Wash Cloth
Finished Size: 7″W X 7 1/4″ H (18cn X 18.5 cm)
Lipizzaner Horse Wash Cloth
Finished Size: 8”W X 9.5″H
Sweetheart Bear Wash Cloth
Finished Size: 8”W X 9.75″H
Flying Dragon Wash Cloth
Finished Size: 7.75”W X 8″H
- Get the knitting pattern on Etsy
- See more Dragon Knitting Patterns
- See Game of Thrones Knitting Patterns
Draft Horse Cloth
Horse motif in knit and purl stitches for wash cloths, dish cloths, and more. Designer says it’s suitable for beginners. Finished Size: 8” W X 8.25” H
