This pattern for knitted dishcloth is a pretty addition to your collection of free dishcloth knitting patterns when you want a useful kitchen project with a little more detail than a basic square. The Sage Dishcloth is worked in the round from the center out, creating a 9 x 9 inch cloth with four leaf shapes growing from the middle.
If you have been looking for a pattern for knitted dishcloth that feels interesting to knit without being difficult to use every day, this one gives you a fun balance. The center begins with four leaves that increase outward, giving the dishcloth its main detail. Once the leaves are complete, the increases move to the corners so the fabric grows into a practical square shape. It is a satisfying project for trying something different while still ending with a hardworking dishcloth for your kitchen.
The Sage Dishcloth has enough texture and shaping to keep your hands interested, but it is still simple enough to enjoy as a relaxing project. The center-out construction also means you get to watch the design grow with every round.
This is a great dishcloth to make for your own kitchen, tuck into a handmade gift basket, or pair with a favorite bar of soap. It is useful, pretty, and a nice change from a dishcloth worked in straight rows.
What Materials Do You Need for This Pattern for Knitted Dishcloth?
For this knitted dishcloth pattern, I used KnitPicks Dishie and size 5 dpn. Dishie is one of my favorite cotton yarns for kitchen knitting because it is sturdy, washable, and holds up well when you are actually using your finished dishcloth.
You will need one ball of KnitPicks Dishie, although this project does not use the full ball. You will also need size 5 needles that are comfortable for working in the round, along with stitch markers to help you keep track of the leaf sections and corner increases.
Cotton yarn is especially helpful for dishcloths because it absorbs water well and can be washed often. It also gives the leaf details enough stitch definition to show clearly in the middle of the cloth.
The finished Sage Dishcloth measures approximately 9 x 9 inches, making it a useful size for washing dishes, wiping counters, or adding to a gift. You can make several in different colors and keep a stack ready for everyday kitchen use.
How Is the Sage Dishcloth Worked from the Center Out?
This pattern for knitted dishcloth begins in the center and is worked outward in the round. The first section creates four leaves that grow from the middle of the dishcloth, with increases helping each leaf spread into shape.
After the leaf sections are complete, the increases switch to the four corners. This allows the dishcloth to continue growing into a square while keeping the leafy center as the main feature. Stitch markers are helpful here because they make it easier to see where each section begins and ends.
Center-out dishcloth knitting is fun because the project changes as you work. Instead of casting on a long row and slowly building upward, you begin with a small center and watch the whole dishcloth expand around it.
Take a moment to check that your leaves are lining up evenly before moving into the corner increase section. Once the corners take over, the pattern becomes easier to see and the square shape starts coming together quickly.
What Other Free Dishcloth Knitting Patterns Can You Make?
Once you finish the Sage Dishcloth, there are several other free dishcloth knitting patterns you can add to your kitchen knitting list.
The Sarah Dishcloth is a lovely option when you want a simple project with pretty texture. The Simone Dishcloth includes lace details and is a fun choice for practicing eyelets in a small project. The Michael Dishcloth uses a wide broken rib texture that gives it a classic, useful finish.
Dishcloths are such good projects when you want to try a new stitch pattern without committing to a large project. They are quick to finish, easy to gift, and helpful for using cotton yarn in colors you may not want in a bigger project.
Sage Dishcloth Free Pattern
Materials: Approximately 100 yd of Knitpicks Dishie yarn 190yds/100g
Needle Size: 5(US) 3.75mm straight needle
Gauge (tension): 22sts & 28 rows in stockinette stitch (knit the front side rows, purl the back side rows) to make 10cm square
Finished Measurement Laid Flat
10x10ins (25x25cms)
METHOD
This dishcloth is knit in the round from the center out.
- Dishcloth Instructions
Cast on 8. Join in the round.
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [yo, k1] around (16sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k1, yo, k1, yo, k2] around (24sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2, yo, k1, yo, k3] around (32sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k3, yo, k1, yo, k4] around (40sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [yo, ssk, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k1] around (48sts)
Round 11 – knit around
Round 12 – [k1, yo, ssk, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k2] around (56sts)
Round 13 – knit around
Round 14 – [k2, yo, ssk, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k3] around (64sts)
Round 15 – knit around
Round 16 – [yo, k3, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, k1] around (72sts)
Round 17 – knit around
Round 18 – [yo, k5, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, k1] around (80sts)
Round 19 – knit around
Round 20 – [yo, k7, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k7, yo, k1] around (88sts)
Round 21 – knit around
Round 22 – [yo, k9, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k9, yo, k1] around (96sts)
Round 23 – knit around
Round 24 – [yo, k23, yo, k1] around (104sts)
Round 25 – knit around
Round 26 – [yo, k25, yo, k1] around (112sts)
Round 27 – knit around
Round 28 – [yo, k27, yo, k1] around (120sts)
Round 29 – knit around
Round 30 – [yo, k29, yo, k1] around (128sts)
Round 31 – knit around
Round 32 – [yo, k31, yo, k1] around (136sts)
Round 33 – knit around
Round 34 – [yo, k33, yo, k1] around (144sts)
Round 35 – purl around
Round 36 – [yo, k35, yo, k1] around (152sts)
Round 37 – purl around
Round 38 – [yo, k37, yo, k1] around (160sts)
Round 39 – purl around
Round 40 – [yo, k39, yo, k1] around (168sts)
Round 41 – purl around
Bind off knitwise.
Weave in all ends and block as desired. - ABBREVIATIONS
cms – centimeters
ins – inches
k – knit
k2tog – knit 2 together
p – purl
ssk – slip the next st knitwise, slip the next st knitwise, knit the 2 slipped sts together
sts – stitches
yo – yarn over
Would you knit the Sage Dishcloth in a soft green to match its leaf design, or would you choose a bright kitchen color? Tell me in the comments!
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The post Sage Dishcloth: A Free Pattern for Knitted Dishcloth with Leaf Details appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
