Top 10 Simple DIY Dishcloths For Beginners

by Suzan Ferreira
Top 10 Simple DIY Washcloths For Beginners bamboo knitting needles with yarn

Is it me or does it seem like all my kitchen dishcloths need replacing at the same time? Fortunately, it doesn’t take any time to whip up a few of my favorites when using easy to knit dishcloth patterns for beginners. I have compiled a list of my favorites just for you, well….and me too. These simple & beautiful dishcloth patterns, some with great tutorials & pictures, are ones you can easily create for yourself or to give as gifts, are all beginner level, no experience required, and fun to make.

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When your dishcloths look like the ones below (I must really love you to show you these), it’s time to break out the knitting needles and a few skeins of cotton yarn and create a few replacements. All the patterns I have linked are easy, beginner friendly patterns using just two stitches; knit & purl.

This is my go-to pattern that I use almost always as it’s one of the easiest knit dishcloth patterns I have come across and literally takes me (a pretty slow knitter) only a few hours to complete, and is perfect for beginners. This style also seems to hold up well and survive many a washing.

Top 10 Simple DIY Washcloths For Beginners old ones

MY FAVORITE PATTERN

Instead of re-creating the wheel, you can find a wonderful tutorial from Penolopy Bulnick over at Instructables for the exact pattern I used for a couple of the ones I created below and can be found HERE. The other dishcloth shown in the picture is a crocheted one I threw together. Again, this knitted pattern is extremely simple and works up mighty quickly.

Top 10 Simple DIY Washcloths For Beginners end results

For this same pattern, I came across a wonderful video tutorial, for all you visual learners, from Staci at Very Pink Knits. A BIG shoutout to Staci for making this video. I have added it here for you to enjoy as well.

TEXTURED PATTERN

This beautiful textured pattern knit cloth is one I will be making next time I need more dishcloths. I love the textured look and believe it will be a great one for scrubbing those tough pots 🙂 .

This pattern variation was shared Kara over at Petals To Picots and can be found HERE. A beautiful one and love the color.

Another textured cloth was shared by Nina over at Mollie Makes. Similar to the one above with just a few variations. UPDATE: Unfortunately the tutorial can no longer be found 🙁 but the pattern is wonderful!

BASKET WEAVE PATTERN

Shelly posted this simple but beautiful knit pattern with easy to follow directions over at The Yarn Tart and appropriately named the pattern, “Berry Basket”. This pattern can be found HERE.

BROKEN RIB PATTERN

Stacey at The Soccer Mom Blog shared the Broken Rib Pattern. This pattern can be made easily with beginner level skills, cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. Easy peasy!! The pattern can be found HERE.

SEED STITCH PATTERN

This simple pattern was shared by Alaina at Ravelry and gives another great texture to choose from utilizing only beginner level skills. This pattern is made up of single knit and purl stitches that alternate horizontally & vertically resulting in a texture similar to small raised seeds. This pattern can be found HERE.

KNIT & PURL

A simple square made up of knit and purl stitches make for a wonderfully full textured cloth. This pattern was shared by Brittany Coughlin at All Free Knitting. You can find the pattern HERE.

DIAMOND BROCADE

I love the brocade pattern with this. Definitely my list of ones to give a try. This pattern has been shared via Knitting Unlimited and can be found HERE.

RAISED RIDGES

This pattern shared by Brittany over at Just Be Crafty aptly named “Farmhouse Kitchen Knitted Dishcloths“, as they were inspired by, you guessed it, the queen of the farmhouse style herself, Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper. You can find the pattern HERE.

SCRUBBY

Here is a bit different pattern using a special yarn made for “scrubbing” those dishes by Mary Maxim. I have no association with Mary Maxim other than loving this “yarn”! This pattern was shared by Little Miss Stitcher and the pattern can be found HERE.

I hope you have been inspired to give one or two of these free patterns a go. I know there are several on my to do list! Have another pattern you love? Please share below. Made one of these already? Share your pics, we would love to see them!

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Love, Light, & Laughter ~

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52 comments

Beth Shields September 28, 2020 - 4:22 pm

How fun and beautiful. I have a few but they were gifted to me. Have always wanted to know how to crochet and knit but I am left handed and people have a problem teaching me. I will have to watch the video and see if I can master this – at least for a dishcloth! Thanks for the post.

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Suzan Ferreira September 29, 2020 - 10:40 am

Oh, wish I could help you with that, but I am right-handed and not that gifted 🙂 That being said, I know there are a few tutorials available on YouTube and such for lefties! Thanks for reading Beth!

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B December 28, 2020 - 6:49 am

There is a great book called “knitty gritty” which is utterly brilliant. I was in a similar situation to you, I followed the book (yes right handed tuition but we live our lives in a right handed world so become vaguely ambidextrous as a result plus I’d given up on getting left handed help) and I can now knit. Admittedly I’m not at wearable cardigan stage but could definitely give these dishcloths a go without being scared. Good luck 🤞

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Suzan Ferreira December 28, 2020 - 11:37 am

Thank you for the book referral, Bev! Hopefully Holly can give it a go!

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Nicki April 22, 2019 - 6:20 pm

Fun! I could make these! Thanks!

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Suzan Ferreira April 26, 2019 - 12:52 pm

Yes you could! Enjoy ~

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Annette April 21, 2019 - 1:32 am

Thank you for sharing these cloths!!! I have a few I received as gifts, but don’t know how to make them. Your videos are helpful for making these. I didn’t realize there was soo many options.

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Suzan Ferreira April 21, 2019 - 2:24 pm

So glad you enjoyed, Annette!

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julie Christy April 19, 2019 - 3:41 pm

So many great patterns! I currently have a couple of knitting projects going, but I want to make some dishcloths for my daughter. She will be moving into her first apartment in August as a sophomore in college! So some homemade with love dishcloths are just what she needs! Pinned it!
Julie//treeoflifeyogamontrose.com

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Suzan Ferreira April 19, 2019 - 7:18 pm

How exciting for your daughter! I have one who is graduating from college in a few weeks as well. Thank you so much for your support!

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Angela Greven April 18, 2019 - 10:47 am

Love these, they would be great for some food photo shoots! I’m terrible at knitting maybe one day when I have time I’ll try again, thank you so much for sharing!! 🤗

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Suzan Ferreira April 19, 2019 - 1:40 pm

They would be great for that, Angela. Give ’em a go, you may surprise yourself 🙂

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T.M. Brown April 18, 2019 - 2:39 am

These are adorable!! I used to knit and crochet when I was a little girl, but have lost the skill.

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Suzan Ferreira April 19, 2019 - 1:43 pm

Thank you so much! The skill once revisited would come back to you quickly!

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janice sisemore April 16, 2019 - 12:51 pm

Some great ideas

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Katie April 15, 2019 - 5:52 pm

These are so cute! I’ve tried to learn to knit before but never stuck with it. I would love to try again someday!

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Brittany April 15, 2019 - 3:19 pm

So cute! I love colors you picked. I might even be able to do it, looks simple!

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Suzan Ferreira April 16, 2019 - 10:38 am

You absolutely can do this!

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Pauline April 15, 2019 - 1:19 pm

These are amazing. My mother in law will only use these, and it’s so hard to find them. I’m not sure I want to take up crocheting or knitting though.

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Suzan Ferreira April 15, 2019 - 2:39 pm

You never know Pauline, you may enjoy it!

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Leslie April 15, 2019 - 2:26 am

Thanks for sharing these!

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Suzan Ferreira April 15, 2019 - 11:20 am

Your welcome!

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Jennifer Morrison April 15, 2019 - 2:07 am

These are so great! And a great use for bit so yarn that can’t make an entire blanket or other project. I will have to give these a try.

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Cindy April 15, 2019 - 1:14 am

I love these! I’ve never held a knitting needle in my life but I’d love to try. You’ve inspired me.

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Suzan Ferreira April 15, 2019 - 11:21 am

Glad to be of inspiration, Cindy. Hope you give them a try!

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Melissa April 14, 2019 - 8:21 pm

Gosh are these pretty! I don’t knit either but wow are they cute!

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Susan Franklin April 14, 2019 - 3:32 am

I have a very good friend who loves to knit – she carries whatever project she is working on with her at all times. It’s fun to watch her. I actually tried it once but didn’t do very well…. (sad face) – Maybe I’ll have to give it a try again – all those patterns looked so great. I loved them.

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Suzan Ferreira April 14, 2019 - 12:01 pm

Give it a try (or pass along to your friend 🙂 ). Thanks for stopping by!

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Lina April 14, 2019 - 1:17 am

Wow! What a great idea! I have never knitted before but would love to!

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Suzan Ferreira April 14, 2019 - 12:02 pm

These would be the perfect beginner project for you!

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Michele April 13, 2019 - 7:47 pm

These are lovely patterns! I always say I want to learn to knit or crochet, but I never take the time.

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Suzan Ferreira April 14, 2019 - 12:03 pm

Give these a go, Michele! You won’t regret learning a new skill, and you will have some great dishcloths to show for your efforts.

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Kim April 13, 2019 - 3:58 pm

I really need to learn how to knit! I spend so much on buying these types of cloths that I should just learn to make them myself, lol!

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jen April 13, 2019 - 3:47 pm

I love that old ways like this are being preserved. Cant buy that kind of craftsmanship or love in a store 🙂

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Suzan Ferreira April 14, 2019 - 12:08 pm

I agree, Jen!

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Junell DuBois April 13, 2019 - 3:05 pm

So cute! I tried to teach myself to knit when I was on bedrest. I was pretty terrible! LOL

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Z April 12, 2019 - 9:28 pm

Wow I have never seen a knitted “scrubby” before. Very cool! The only stitch I could manage was the seed stitch but I’d love to be more intentional about learning in the future.

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Suzan Ferreira April 13, 2019 - 11:09 am

If you can manage the seed stitch you have all the tools in your wheelhouse needed to create these! Thanks for stopping by!

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Meagan April 12, 2019 - 5:54 pm

I love these! I’m not a knitter, but I crochet. Dishcloths and washcloths are one of my favorite things to make because they are so simple and quick. You also can play around with different types of stitches for fancy looking cloths.

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Suzan Ferreira April 12, 2019 - 6:26 pm

Thank you Meagan! Absolutely, the skies the limit for altering the patterns or creating your own!

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Leigh Ann April 12, 2019 - 2:28 pm

Handmade dish clothes my favorite so I love this! Thank you!

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Suzan Ferreira April 12, 2019 - 5:28 pm

Thanks, Leigh Ann!

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Heather April 12, 2019 - 10:38 am

I love this. I am crafty , but have never tried knitting. Maybe once I get my scrapbooks up to date I will try it. 🙂 Love the colors.

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Suzan Ferreira April 12, 2019 - 12:11 pm

If you are crafty these would be a perfect beginner project for you! Let me know if you give them a try.

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Tricia Snow April 12, 2019 - 3:43 am

Wow you are really talented! These are beautiful!

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Suzan Ferreira April 12, 2019 - 12:11 pm

Thank you, Tricia. You should give them a try!

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Nikki April 11, 2019 - 11:18 pm

OMG I love these. My mom knits and makes these for me all the time. I absolutely loves the pot holders she makes too. I have tried over and over for years to learn how to knit and it is just not for me but I thank god for people like you and my mom

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Suzan Ferreira April 12, 2019 - 12:12 pm

Thank you, Nikki!

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Holly Bird April 11, 2019 - 5:48 pm

You make this so easy!! I never have knitted but I have crochet..knitting seem to be a better fit for this project! Thank you for the instructions!

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Suzan Ferreira April 11, 2019 - 5:58 pm

Your most welcome, Holly! Hope you give the knitted ones a try!

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Carolina April 11, 2019 - 5:20 pm

This is beautiful and it is such a great idea. I wish I could do something like that. I’m sharing with my friend!

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Suzan Ferreira April 11, 2019 - 5:57 pm

Thank you, Carolina! Yes you can 🙂 but the next best is to have your friend do it, LOL. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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