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 9/16/23
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.
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Free Patterns
Farmhouse Dishtowels
Classic style slip stitch dish cloths knit with a 2 row repeat for the body with a 4 repeat stitch for the color trim. Designed by Purl Soho. Sport weight.
Macaron Cloths
Each of these 4 square washcloths feature a different stitch lace patterns and are finished with a tidy I-Cord edging and loop for hanging. Size 9” x 9”. Designed by Universal Yarn. DK weight.
Doily Style Dishcloth
Circle shaped lace cloth knit in the round. Also makes pretty table decor. Designed by Lily Sugar'n Cream and Bernat Design Studio. Pictured projects by dzirin and mamacelebrates.
Chevron Dishcloth
The geometric pattern on this cloth is both interesting and functional. Designed by Sara Louise Greer for Red Heart.
Mosaic Vine Kitchen Cloths
These colorful cloths are worked in easy slip stitch colorwork. The design looks like it could be blossoms or berries on vines. The edge is crocheted but you could use a knit edge instead, lace or other stitch pattern. Designed by Koharu biyori. Available in English and Japanese.
Optical Illusion Cloth
Inspired by the traditional Tumbling Blocks quilt pattern, this pattern creates a cloth or potholder that looks like a 3D cube. Designed by Barbara Breiter. Pictured project by Imara. Gauge is very important to make sure the paralleograms create the right shape.
Sailor’s Rib Stitch Washcloth
The 4 row repeat stitch pattern on this washcloth is great for washing faces, wiping down the counters and drying hands. 7 inch square. Designed by Sara Louise Greer for Red Heart.
Seashell Scrubby
Shell shaped wash cloth measures 8½” [21.5 cm] wide and 7″ [17.5 cm] tall. Designed by Michele Wilcox for Red Heart.
At Your Service Knit Cloth
Easy cloth with hanging tab knit in seed stitch and garter stitch. Size: Approx. 11″ x 12″ (when buttoned). Suitable for beginners.
Circle Cloth
Easy dish or wash cloth made with slipped stitch colorwork. Can be adapted for a blanket as well. Rated very easy by Ravelrers.
Polar Bear Scrubby Mitt
Bear shaped washing mitt is easy to knit. Designed by Rebecca J. Venton for Red Heart.
Gridded Kitchen Towel
Easy slipped stitch colorwork makes a colorful, nubbly, durable towel. Designed by Susan Luni. Pictured project by Diamondgirl22
Dish Cloth Patterns and Tutorial
Wendy Bernard demonstrates how to work with linen yarn to create a washcloth with an i-cord loop for hanging. Several stitch patterns are included in the PDF. Pattern and instructional video class available for free with a free trial at Creativebug.
Big Blossom Scrubby
This easy rose-shaped wash cloth is pretty and functional. If you use the recommended Red Heart Cotton Scrubby yarn, the scrubby will get softer when wet but still hold a texture that’s great for bathing. Designed by Carolyn Calderon for Red Heart.
Dizzy and Jumpy Dish Cloth
Cloth inspired by op art. Finished size of pictured project is 18 x 20 cm. Designed by Margot Stock.
Color-Block Back Scrubber
I need this easy scrubber cloth. The Red Heart Cotton Scrubby yarn gives this a soft stimulating texture for washing and cleans easily with a machine wash. Designed by Michele Wilcox for Red Heart.
Wise Owl Scrubby
Michele Wilcox designed this cute cloth for Red Heart Yarn. If you use the recommended Red Heart Scrubby yarn, you’ll get a textured that’s good for getting at dirt even on dishes but soft enough to use on skin.
Starflower Dishcloth
Kerin Dimeler- Laurence designed this cloth that is knit in the round from the center out and then the lace edge is knit on.
ASL I Love You Cloth
Amy-Lynne Mitchell designed this cloth with American Sign Language for “I Love You.”
- Get the free knitting pattern on the Internet archive
- See the Ravelry page -link at Ravelry doesn't work
- Get the recommended yarn on Etsy
Smiley Face Cloth
Designed by Knit a Little Store.
More Free Patterns
Owl Pot Holder
This owl motif block designed by Joan Hamer could also be used for a dish cloth or afghan block.
Roller Skating T Rex Dishcloth
Designed by Brett Meyers. Pictured project by debra84
Hearts for Ruthie Cloth or Baby Bib
Knitted by Elaine Fitzpatrick, 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.
Hero Cloth
Amy-Lynne Mitchell designed this motif that can be used on a dishcloth, blanket, sweater, or other projects.
- Get the free knitting pattern on the Internet archive
- See the Ravelry page
- See more Superhero knitting patterns
Bathroom or Kitchen Decor Set
These accessory patterns are perfect gifts for housewarmings or holidays.
- Get the free knitting pattern for the cloth and soap sleeve Selina Kyle
- Get the free knitting pattern for the scrubby / tawashi by Maryann Walsh
- Get DK yarn for this project on Etsy
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
Zinnia Dishcloth
Susan Mrenna created this lacy shaped cloth. Pictured project by doulaknitter
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.
Apple Dishcloths
Cute functional fruit shaped cloths.
Round Dishcloth
Dalek Motif Wash Cloth
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
Knitted by Elaine Fitzpatrick based on a design by a grandson.
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.
- Get the free knitting pattern for the washcloth
- Get the free knitting pattern for the bib
- See more Dinosaur Knitting Patterns
Mitered Hanging Towel
Cristina Bernardi Shiffman’s towel with a loop to hang over a rod is a great use for leftover yarn and a wonderful housewarming gift. Approximately 18″ x 15″ (45.5cm x 38cm), measured at widest point with hanging loop buttoned
Star and Stripes Dishcloth
Designed by Yarnspirations, this dishcloth gets its stripes from self-striping yarn and its shape from knitting in the round. Approx 10 ins [25.5 cm]. Pictured project by knit2bitz
Diamond and Lozenge Dishcloth
Beth Richardson’s design is a great stash buster for cotton yarn. Easy for beginning knitters!
Ghostly Dish Scrubber
Nancy Anderson designed this Halloween cloth for Red Heart Yarn. If you use the recommended Red Heart Scrubby yarn, you’ll get a textured that’s good for getting at dirt even on dishes but soft enough to use on skin. Red Heart sent me a sample of the yarn for review. I haven’t had a chance to use it yet, but I like the texture — it’s softer than I expected.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Red Heart Scrubby yarn at Joann
- See more Scary Knitting Patterns
Easter Basket Washcloth
This pattern was originally part of a Knit Along and can be used as a motif for other projects. Pictured project by tezsocks
Shelley’s Heart and Cross
This cross motif by Kathleen Brundige was created for a washcloth but can be used for other projects. Pictured project by rxolive
Christmas Bell Knitted Dishcloth
Melissa Bergland Burnham designed this bell motif that can be used for wash cloths, blanket squares, or motif in other projects
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get worsted yarn for the pattern on Etsy
- See more Christmas Decoration Knitting Patterns
The St. Patrick’s Day Cloth
This shamrock motif by Kris Knits could also be used on a blanket square, sweater, or other project.
Two Hearts as One Kitchen Hanging Hand Towel
Cathy Waldie’s design features a loop at the top for hanging and lace details.
Christmas Tree Scrubby
Michele Wilcox designed this holiday pattern for Red Heart Yarn. If you use the recommended Red Heart Scrubby yarn, you’ll get a textured cloth that’s good for getting at dirt but made of polyester so it is durable and easy to clean.
Patterns for Purchase
Tidy Treasures: Seven Knitted Dishcloth Designs
Learn how to knit and make a dishcloths with this knitting pattern collection! It comes with links to step-by-step video tutorials to show you how to knit making this GREAT for newbie knitters.
Learn-a-Stitch Knit Dishcloths
No longer free. 6 different dishcloths including Herringbone, Golden Coins, Tree of Life, Blooming, Basketweave, and Reversible Texture. Designed by Lily Sugar’n Cream. Worsted weight yarn.
Sublime Spa Set
Three petite washcloths with their own special keepsake bag. Includes written and select charted instructions. Size: Washcloths: 7 1/2" x 7 1/2". Gift Bag: 6 1/2" x 9 1/2". DK weight yarn
Simply Washcloths
4 different stitch patterns make pretty washcloths. Each washcloth finishes up approximately 10 inches square.
Make In A Weekend Potholders and Dishcloths
10 designs by Rita Weiss
Quilt Block Dishcloths
15 designs by Julie A. Ray for dishcloths inspired by patchwork quilts.
Dishcloth Diva
20 patterns, including a wide variety of stitches, that are easy and fun to knit.
Weekend Knits: Easy To Knit Kitchen Towels and Dishcloths
Matching towels and dish cloth sets from Vicki Becker. Available free with Kindle Unlimited or for purchase as Kindle or paperback
His and Hers Wash Cloths
Matching wash cloths make a great shower or wedding gift. Designed by Steph Thornton
Dishcloth Dresses
Dress your dish detergent bottle in one of these whimsical cover-ups that doubles as a dishcloth. Designed by Debbie Trainor, the 12 easy projects include A Night on the Town, Princess for a Day, Company ‘s Coming, Dress With Apron, Going Dancing #1, Going Dancing #2, Wedding Day, Happy Day #1, Happy Day #2, Prom Date #1, Prom Date #2, and Garden Party. These make quick and easy gifts, too!
Skull Wash Cloth
Finished Size: 7″W X 7 1/4″ H (18cn X 18.5 cm)
American Flag Cloth
he flag has 13 stripes and uses moss stitch to create stars in the upper corner — although there are not quite 50 of them.
Baby Washcloths to Knit
9 washcloths including a Sailboat, Little Lamb, Baby Bunny, Butterfly, Rubber Ducky, Stork, Baby Bottle, Baby Buggy, and Rocking Horse.
Arrow Lace Wash Cloth and Towel Set
Seed stitch border and lace pattern gives this towel and washcloth a luxurious look and feel. Towel: 23” x 16” (58 x 41cm) Dishcloth: 11” x 11” (28 x 28cm)
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
Castle Wash Cloth
Finished Size: 8.5”W X 9″H
Mermaid Cloth
Finished Size: 7.75”W X 9″H
Wolverine Cloth
Easy pattern with Wolverine motif. Finished Size: 7.4″W X 8.25″ 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
Star Cloth
Knit in cotton worsted yarn with just knit and purl stitches, the cloth measures 7″W X 7 1/4″ H(18cn X 18.5 cm)
