Waffle Dishcloth, Free Knitting Pattern
Whether you're on the hunt for small knit gift ideas or on the lookout for a quick knitting project to enjoy this evening - I think you'll like this pattern! A small knit dishcloth is one of my favorite small knitting projects, because it literally takes just a couple of hours to knit and less than half a skein of yarn!
Today's dishcloth pattern is Waffle Dishcloth - a simple washcloth with a checkered pattern all over. It's got a classic feel and should look well in a range of kitchen styles! It's also beginner-friendly, because it uses just knit and purl stitches and basic techniques to complete. Grab your needles, a cup of tea and let's get started!
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PIN IT NOW & MAKE IT LATER!
GET THE WAFFLE DISHCLOTH:
Waffle 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!
You can access a resource library here. It contains lots of helpful info on: how to read patterns and charts, how to substitute yarn, swatch, block and take care of your knits as well as techniques resources.
© Whileberry 2023. 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 - width 18 cm (7”), length 18 cm (7”)
supplies
yarn
For this quick dishcloth I used Lion Brand 24/7 cotton in colorway Amber - I love how rich this colorway looks!
If you'd like to knit the dishcloth in a different yarn - you can choose any similar worsted weight (category 4 - medium) cotton yarn. A few options that should work fine for a dishcloth:
Yardage (approx.): 40 m (44 yds).
needles
5 mm (US 8) straight or circular needles, or to fit gauge
other notions
Tapestry needle and scissors
gauge
17 stitches x 21 rows in 10x10 cm (4x4”) in modified waffle stitch, blocked
Modified waffle stitch: worked over multiple of 6 + 5 sts. Work Rows 1-8 until you reach desired length of swatch.
Row 1 (WS): *k5, p1* until 5 sts left, k5.
Row 2 (RS): *p5, k1* until 5 sts left, p5.
Row 3 (WS): same as Row 1.
Row 4 (RS): same as Row 2.
Row 5 (WS): same as Row 1.
Row 6 (RS): same as Row 2.
Row 7 (WS): p all sts.
Row 8 (RS): k all sts.
pattern notes
When slipping the stitches for the i-cord border, pay attention not to make an accidental yarnover when moving the yarn front/back.
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.
removing hanging loop
If you'd like to knit the dishcloth without a hanging loop, you can modify the pattern in finishing section as follows: omit the hanging loop section and bind off all sts before finishing.
Row totals are noted in italic. Tutorials for specific techniques are linked and showing as yellow.
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
Cast on 33 sts using a Long Tail Cast On, or another cast on method of your choice.
Work Rows 1-8 four times, then work Rows 1-6 once more. (38 rows worked in total)
Row 1 (WS): sl2wyif, *k5, p1* until 7 sts left, k5, p2.
Row 2 (RS): sl2wyib, *p5, k1* until 7 sts left, p5, k2.
Row 3 (WS): same as Row 1.
Row 4 (RS): same as Row 2.
Row 5 (WS): same as Row 1.
Row 6 (RS): same as Row 2.
Row 7 (WS): sl2wyif, p until end of row.
Row 8 (RS): sl2wyib, k until end of row.
HANGING LOOP
Bind off sts using standard bind off until there are only 2 left on the needles (1 on left needle and 1 on right needle), k1, slip both sts to the left needle. The loop cord will be worked over these last 2 sts.
Work Row 1 until the i-cord measures approx. 10 cm (4”).
Row 1 (RS): k2, slip the sts back to the left needle.
Bind off both sts and sew the end of the cord to the back of the dishcloth corner to create the hanging loop.
Finishing
Weave in ends. Block to dimensions.
I hope you enjoyed knitting your project! If you share your project on Instagram, please tag me with @whileberry.creative and #knitwithwhileberry so I can see your lovely knit!
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