Clove Dishcloth Knitting Pattern
This classic dishcloth knitting pattern is simple, beginner-friendly, and made to be used again and again. The textured design adds interest, while the square shape and neat i-cord edges give it a clean, polished look. A quick, practical knit that’s great for everyday use or a thoughtful handmade gift.
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GET THE CLOVE DISHCLOTH:
Clove Dishcloth Free Knitting Pattern
If you haven’t knit from a knitting pattern yet - I highly recommend you check out my post on reading knitting patterns here - it will help you follow the instructions smoothly!
© Whileberry 2025. Please keep in mind that this pattern is for personal use only, and both the pattern and photos can’t be copied or reproduced on another website.
sizes
One size - 21 x 21 cm (8.5 x 8.5").
supplies
yarn
You can knit this dishcloth in two yarn weights - sport or worsted, whichever your prefer!
For this dishcloth I used sport weight yarn, Drops Safran, in colorway green tea, which is a soft and lovely yarn, but the thin yarn weight makes it a bit longer project!
If you'd like to knit it in a worsted yarn - you can choose any worsted weight (category 4 - medium) cotton yarn - a few nice options are:
Yardage: approx. 60 m (65 yds) for sport weight, or approx. 50 m (55 yds) for worsted weight.
needles
sport: 3.5 mm (US 4) straight or circular needles, or to fit gauge
worsted: 5 mm (US 8) straight or circular needles, or to fit gauge
other notions
Tapestry needle and scissors.
gauge
Sport: 20 stitches x 34 rows in 10x10 cm (4x4”) in garter stitch, blocked
Worsted: 18 stitches x 28 rows in 10x10 cm (4x4”) in garter stitch, blocked
pattern notes
As the dishcloth is not a wearable item, gauge is not critical in this project - however if you can’t match the gauge listed, the dishcloth will differ in dimensions and it may affect the yardage needed.
When slipping the stitches (sl2wyif, sl2wyib) for the i-cord border, pay attention not to make an accidental yarnover when moving the yarn front/ back. Work the first couple of stitches after the slipped edge a bit tighter, so the edge is neat.
To make sure you don’t run out of yarn before completing all sections of the dishcloth, use a weigh scale. Weigh your yarn before starting the project, then after completing Border 1. Note how much yarn you’ve used for the border section (both borders require the same yardage), and work the Middle Section as long as you have enough yarn left to complete the Border 2.
worsted weight yarn option
If you wish, you can also knit this dishcloth in worsted weight yarn instead - follow the adjustments listed below:
• size: 22.5x22.5 cm (9x9").
• suggested yarn & yardage: approx. 50 m (55 yds) of 24/7 Cotton, Lion Brand Yarns - 100% cotton, 170 m (186 yds) per 100g, or similar worsted weight (category 4 - medium) yarn.
• needles: 5 mm (US 8) straight or circular needles, or to fit gauge
• worsted yarn gauge: 18 stitches x 28 rows in 10x10 cm (4x4”) in garter stitch, blocked
• change the pattern directions as follows: work only 18 rows of Border 1, then work Rows 1 -2 of the Middle Section as in pattern, and work 18 rows for the Border 2 (62 rows in total).
abbreviations
k - knit
p - purl
RS / WS - right side / wrong side
sl2wyib - slip 2 sts purlwise with yarn in back
sl2wyif - slip 2 sts purlwise with yarn in front
st(s) - stitch(es)
** - work instruction between asterisks given number of times or until given moment
instructions
border 1
Cast on 42 sts using Long Tail Cast On, or another cast on technique of your choice. Work Rows 1-2 eleven times.
Row 1 (WS): sl2wyif, k until 2 sts left, p2.
Row 2 (RS): sl2wyib, k until end of row.
22 rows worked in this section.
Middle section
Next, work Rows 1 - 4 six times (24 rows), then work Rows 1 - 2 once more.
Row 1 (WS): sl2wyif, *k2, p2* until end of row.
Row 2 (RS): sl2wyib, *p2, k2* until end of row.
Row 3 (WS): sl2wyif, *p2, k2* until 4 sts left, p4.
Row 4 (RS): sl2wyib, *k2, p2* until 4 sts left, k4.
26 rows worked in total in this section.
border 2
Work the same as Border 1.
finishing
Bind off all sts using a standard bind off, cut yarn and weave in ends. Block to dimensions.
