Although it was very long ago, I still remember the frustration I felt as a beginning knitter. I was so excited to be able to knit as quickly as my mom could. She made it look so easy and effortless with her 
click-clacking needles and flying fingers moving gracefully through colorful yarn. I was young and didn’t have that much patience, but thankfully my mom did. She taught me to knit the same way she did – with knitted dishcloth patterns. Why knitted dishcloth patterns? Well, they’re perfect for beginning knitters for a number of reasons. First of all, a knitted dishcloth is the perfect size to get the hang of a certain kind of stitch, whether it’s garter, stockinette, or whichever other motif you’re trying to master. Secondly, a knitted dishcloth pattern teaches the importance of tidy knitting. It offers beginning knitters the chance to learn the fundamentals of knitting before they move on to more complicated projects. As knitting designer Staci Perry from Very Pink says, “For knitters, knitting a dishcloth is similar to a chef cooking a perfect egg. It is a chance to really focus on basic skills and do them well. In knitting, that means beautiful stitches, even edge tension, and tidy finishing work.”
So, whether you’re just starting out or want to brush up on some knitting basics, there’s a knitted dishcloth pattern in this list that’s perfect for you.
Learn a New Stitch with 6 Easy Knitted Dishcloth Patterns
Knit and Purl Dishcloths – These Knit and Purl Dishcloths are simple and attractive. Using just knit and purl stitches, this knit dishcloth pattern creates an easy dishcloth with enough detail to be interesting and enough texture to be functional.
Easy Farmhouse Kitchen Dishcloths – These Easy Farmhouse Kitchen Dishcloths are the perfect knitting pattern for beginners. Using only knit and purl stitches, this free knitted dishcloth pattern is easy enough for even beginning knitters to master quickly while still incorporating enough detail to make them fun and interesting.
Stained Glass Dishcloth – Keep kitchen clutter under control with the cheerful Stained Glass Dishcloth. This colorful cloth will add a splash of brightness to your kitchen, and the textured cloth is perfect for scrubbing dishes.
Spring Seed Stitch Dishcloth – The bright, cheerful colors and fun, bumpy texture of the Spring Seed Stitch Dishcloth makes doing the dishes a less boring task. This cute, simple knit dishcloth pattern is a great way to master the seed stitch or warming up your needles for more complicated patterns.
Super Stockinette Dishcloth – Before you can move on to more advanced patterns, mastering the stockinette stitch is an absolute must. This neat and tidy knitted dishcloth pattern will help you do exactly that.
Traditional Garter Stitch Dishcloth – Fanned out like a deck of cards, this set of cute and colorful knitted dishcloth patterns shows how easy it is to add personal style and handmade flare to your kitchen or bathroom.
Do you remember learning how to knit? How did you learn? Who taught you?
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My mom taught me to knit when I was 8.
I couldn’t get the free download onto my phone. I really am interested in knitting and these washcloths are too cute! Any way you could email me the file? Adorable!!!!
My grandma thought me when I was 22.
I started knitting 2 years ago, I am 51. I have just built up courage to start a sweater and I am determined to knit myself a dress during the summer months. I love this site, so many ideas, so little time!
I learned to knit from my Norwegian grandmother when I was 6. I learned the European method and think of her every time I pick up the knitting needles.
hi,love ur site so much.
I would love to have a pattern to knit a pouf with short rows.
thanks in advance.
my mother taught me to knit when I was twelve. I have started knitting again after 20 years.
My mother in law boosted me into the world of knitting. But most of what I have learned has come from YouTube videos. If I hit any kind of snag, I usually will get some consultation from her.
My mum taught me to knit when I was a brownie. I remember my knitting being soooo tight. I also remember red plastic knitting needles. I am left handed and my mum was left handed too.
My mum taught my daughter and granddaughters to knit. They are all right handed.
My mum taught them to knit right handed. Pretty amazing that she could do that!
My mum and I knit left handed ( which means when we follow directions for a right front – it comes out as a left front etc. )
My
There doesn’t seem to be a reason to teach someone to knit left-handed, I’m left-handed and I have been knitting as long as I can remember, My sister taught me and in grade school I was knitting argyles, now that I am 80, I still knit in spite of a broken finger and a TIA. I’ve have had my share of ripping out. When I taught 4-H knitting, I told my 4-Hers that they will be the best at ripping out, not sure if any of them still knitting though. I’ve made my share of baby booties, afghans, baby hats, etc. but my favorite is items that can be done on circular needles and does not have to be finished with sewing seams, blocking, weaving together. I guess I could be classified as a “lazy” knitter. It is true we look at patterns backwards, more of necessity with crocheting, which I taught myself.
Thank you for posting these. I taught myself how to knit by watching a Youtube video one night. I only learned how to do one stitch and couldn’t wait to try more. I am slowly learning new stitches. These are perfect!!!
I learned to knit when I was about six from my mother. I knitted my first jumper at around 10 years, but mum helped me put it together and knit the neckline.
My Mom taught me.. Co when I was about 10. I’m now almost 60 and I teach Folks how to knit to Help The Homeless…in London Ontario…
My Mom taught me to knit when I was about 8, (seems to be the right age to learn). I started with Barbie scarves! She was a great knitter, and loved to crochet as well. I also crochet. I have taught Community Ed. classes and am now helping to teach jail inmates to knit once a month.
I went to the library when I was 10 and checked out a book and taught myself.
I was 6 years old, during world war 2 and my mother knitted for the Red Cross and taught me to knit.
I remember her knitting the GUN GLOVES. When I was a teenager, she & her sister had a yarn shop and everyone knitted argyle socks. with beer steins on them and used angora yarn for the foam on the beer. Knitting is my stress relief.
when I was in my teens I was living on my own. Looking for something to do after work I picked up a book and some yarn and taught myself. I have since honed my skills by just reading directions and tips in
various knitting books and magazines I have bought. I’m now 65 and all my grandchildren have sweaters and blankets I have made for them. I still find knitting to be soothing and relaxing.
I learned to knit when I was 7 years at School in Ireland.
First, we were taught how to knit socks. That was 70 years ago, and I don’t need a pattern now to knit them, just remember it all so well. I love knitting cardigans,
Sweaters, blankets, hats, gloves etc!
I really like your patterns.
I learned to knitt when I was about 20 years old. I was taught by my neighbor, NellieRae, and I had no idea at the time what a wonderful gift she was giving me. I love knitting.
My mom taught me to knit when I was 6. She didn’t think it possible as she is right handed and I am left. I discovered I am ambidextrous and I knit and crochet right handed. Mom passed last year @ age 83 and I will always be grateful for that gift she gave to me.
Just viewed this site. I watched my Mom knit and crochet. But I wasn’t interested until I was married. Then I became interested, my Mom was in NC and I in TX. So I went to a yarn shop, picked up a kit for a Fair Isle long sleeve sweater in red and white. I don’t remember how long it took but I did a good job, even if I do say so myself.I have been knitting ever since. Mostly afghans, it is too hot for sweaters in Houston. I do enjoy working on both knitting and crocheting, seeing if I like the patterns for the dishcloths. I also crochet,sort of self taught, I watched my mom.
My mother DIDN’T have the patience to teach me and gave up after a handful of attempts during my preteen years. My aunt eventually taught me to knit through a window when my household was quarantined for a flu epidemic! I was the only healthy person in the house and bored out of my gourd at age 12, so I was determined to learn that day.
I have since taught hundreds of people to knit, and my friends and family are well supplied with dishcloths and sweaters!
My neighbor taught me to knit when I was in my 30’s, now I’m in mid 50’s and last few years I’m mostly interested in knitting socks. I can’t get enough it seems lol. Oh well, I do knit dishcloths too and these seem so pretty. Nice to have for a quick gift. Thanks for sharing them!
When I was 12, I taught myself to knit with a beginner’s book. My Mother didn’t know a thing about knitting and, when I had a big question, we had to go to the local department store fabric department. There was a nice lady there who helped me. I had one skein of pink yarn and I would knit and knit yards of practice stitches. Then I would unravel it all and wrap it back into a ball and start another stitch. I taught myself knitting, purling, binding off, knit and purl together – even cable stitch. I love to knit, but after 54 years, I still stick to afghans, mufflers, baby blankets. . . .anything flat that I don’t have to shape.
My Grannie taught me when I was 7
My Grandma O. taught me I believe I was 14 or 15. I had crocheting since I was 9. My Mom married my stepfather when I was 12. I wanted to make sweaters and other items but knitting patterns looked more appealing so I asked Grandma and I she taught me. There for a while I was knitting more than I was crocheting. Loved it too.
My mother taught me to knit when I was a young girl and we knitted navy blue sweaters for the Navy during the war. That was in 1945 or 46.
Jackie, continuing: after the navy sweater, I then knitted several argyle socks for my guy when I was in college. After I was married, I knitted sweaters for my family and some for myself. I then gave it up for clay and worked with that for several years. Then back to knitting, making some blankets for the Linus Project. I then knitted a large afghan for my son and DIL. and then had fun making dishcloths using all the patterns I could find. I made a sweater a couple of years ago and still have not sewed it up so I can add a front placket and collar. THAT is my next project. I can’t stay away from the needles for long. I”ll be 90 in June. I love all you knitters!
I taught myself to knit in 1962 with a coats and clark learn to knit and crochet booklet. i have never stopped,my favorite things to knit are dish cloths and intricate cable sweaters. also baby things for gifts.
I taught myself to knit but don’t remember exactly when – maybe as a young mother in the early 70s. I avidly took it up with a vengeance in 1991 when my firstborn (a brand new Marine) was in Task Force Ripper – Amphibious Assault – 5th Division moving into Kuwait. I taught myself to knit mittens as I watched CNN. It was a dreadful time for this Marine Mom. I still had 4 other children at home and it was so difficult to stop knitting or watching TV. We all survived except for our 26 year marriage. Tough times, tough people — I still love knitting even more now that I am retired after a grand career as a registered nurse that began in 1995. I am 67 and almost invincible.
I taught myself 2 knit and my first project was I took a afaghan pattern and made a bedspread fodr a wedding it didn’t take that long and the person I maded it for was very happy
A very special elderly lady named Vi, patiently taught me when I was 18 and rooming at her house in 1970. Thank you Vi , up there in heaven.
I taught myself with a beginners book when I was about 12, and I make lots of different dishcloths for gifts for an organization that I belong to
My grandma started to teach me to knit , crochet and sew when I was 6yrs old. I am so grateful as I have saved a lot of money over the years and my 4 chrildren had one off clothing while school friends had double ups.
My mum taught me basic stitches and casting on but nothing more than that really. Then when I I was pregnant with my daughter in the early 90s, I bought a book and worked through it. I made a few cardigans then. Over the years I left knitting and took up cross stitch.
But now I’m back knitting and making some baby hats for my local hospital’s maternity unit. Nice to be back.
I taught myself, at 14 by using 2 pencils and thread. It wasn’t easy but was glad when I could get my needles and yarn.
I learned to knit from my neighbor when I was 30. I started with a cowl. A few years later I started again, with socks being my ultimate goal. With the Internet, you tube etc such a great resource to DIY. I’m still loving to make socks, and nearing 60. I found my grandmothers directions to make soakers! Bonus!
I taught myself to knit when I was 25 years old!!!!!
I taught myself. My mom crocheeted and did not like knitting. I was an only child, military brat, alone a lot. I read and knit from age 12 – on the train. in the car, on the ship. That began 67 yrs ago
The sisters teached me how to knit when I was 5, in my first grade at the convent. It was a bright red pot holder. Being 61 now, I still remember it very well. I did not knit until I was a teenager after that. But I love to knit now that I am retired. Thank you for your wonderful free patterns.
My 3rd grade teacher taught the class (including the boys) how to knit. We knit three inch squares and gave them to the Red Cross to be made into blankets for soldiers. This was in 1942. When I was 12 I taught myself how to knit other stitches and to crochet. I’m almost 82 now and still knit and crochet.
I taught myself to knit years ago. I am left handed so I bought a little “How to Knit” book and taught myself right handed. I also crochet but that is another story! 🙂 I finally found a “How to Crochet Left Handed” book and away I went. I am 84 and still knitting and crocheting however I knit better than I crochet. Love it all!
Weeks before our wedding in 1969 my neighbor Helen introduced me to the basics. That was over 47 years ago. I find it relaxing. I have made many patterns over the years and even designed an ABC afghan for my sister’s baby who is now 40.
My Mom’s best friend taught me to knit in 4-H when I was 12. I was doing it backwards and couldn’t figure out why – she was sitting facing me LOL – we got it straightened out, First big project was a bright red (my favorite color at the time) sweater for Mom – my knitting was very very loose – so for Christmas I bought her a bright red slip to wear under it. Had to do SOMEthing LOL – I didn’t knit for years – was in the Army for 7 of those and all over the 5 western states before that – then college and kids – when my sons were 16 and 21 I picked up the needles again and haven’t slowed down lately 🙂 Alll those wasted years – siiiigh, 🙁 (they’re 36 and 41 now so now I’m knitting for grandbabies also – taught my 7 yr old grand-daughter a year ago). Being retired and on SS – I’m sure glad I have this to turn to.
In my early twenties, I was visiting my Cousin and she was knitting a sweater for her daughter. It was a beautiful “Watermelon” color and I was fascinated, sitting beside her and watching her. She showed me the stitches she was doing and I said “I think I can do that.” After getting back home, I got a How To book, needles and yarn and I practiced, raveled out, and practiced some more. Then I got more yarn and made a scarf using knit and purl stitches and it turned out very well, at least I wasn’t afraid to wear it.” I then got a kit and started a sweater which had to be put together and I didn’t think I could do that so I asked my Mother and she crocheted it together, but I had knitted it too tight and couldn’t wear it so finally gave it away. I knitted for a few years and then Counted Cross Stitch took over and I put my knitting needles. Sometime after retiring, my Sister had to have dialysis and I started knitting because it was so cold in the waiting room and I started in kitting again and have stuck with it. This Summer I was waiting to be cleared (by other doctors) for surgery and don’t know what I would have done if I had not had something to take my mind off the surgery which will be a serious procedure. Have just finished a lovely long cowl and am working on a Shoulder Cozy which is almost done.
I taught myself. I once I figured out how to read patterns I my first project was a white Cale knit sweater for my foster mother when I was 9 years old. I live in Florida but two sons are still in Mass. I am making a cable knit sweater for my youngster son and then will make one for my oldest son. Bot have ski mobiles and I remember how cold it was riding them at night.
can only see 3 patterns the other say OPS! those are the ones that I was interested in, oh well! We tried to see them.
Hello Carol,
We have replaced the broken links with new patterns. All the links should be working now. Our apologies for the inconvenience!
-Editors of Stitch & Unwind
My father taught me how to knit when I was about 8 (66 years ago), after he boight an instruction booklet, needles and yarn and taught himself. After he taught me the basics of cast on, knit, purl and bind off, he told me i was on my own for anything further. I taught myself from books — no UTube back then!
I was 12 and my Mom’s best friend taught us in 4H – I messed up at first cuz she sat facing me and I was doing it all backwards LOL – I knit Mom a sweater, but the stitches were so loose she had to wear a Tshirt under it. I remember it was BRIGHT red – my favorite color.
I taught my grand-daughter when she was 6 – she’s almost 8 now and will have a couple of months with me to learn new stitches. She made a scarf for her little brother last summer. Garter stitch – but still 🙂
My friend’s mother taught me how to knit when I was in high school. I just love to make blankets and scarves etc.. It is so relaxing!
I taught myself to knit when I was in Boarding School in the 5th grade. I didn’t continue. I picked knitting up after I retired. I’m trying to learn new stitches and Continental knitting. Love and look forward to my knitting newsletters. Thank you for the dish cloth patterns. Great hostess gifts.
I taught myself to knit when I was in boarding school. I didn’t keep it up. I started knitting again after I retired. I am trying to learn continental knitting. I appreciate the beginners patterns and Dishcloths. I am still in the beginner stage. I love the stitch variations. I’m 74, but not to old to learn new things. I look forward to my knitting newsletters. I am also becoming more confident with using utube.
How do you knit pictures and words on a dishcloth using one color yarn? I see so many dishcloths like that and wonder how they design them. What are the rules/guidelines to designing them?
I taught myself how to knit 15 yrs ago. My daughter was getting married and wanted to buy a very expensive shawl. I convinced her that I could make the same item. One problem – I only knew how to crochet. So, I turned on my computer and searched many web sites. After three weeks, I finished a shawl that looked like the one at the bridal salon – knitted! Used two colors of yarn and very large needles. It was beautiful. So many of Amy’s friends borrowed it for their own weddings. We still remember that special day and how pretty she looked. Fifteen years later, two handsome sons, great husband and a new puppy – my daughter is still a blessing. She was adopted from Korea as an infant and I thank God every night for putting her in my life.
That is a lovely story, Linda, thank you for sharing! Happy stitching 🙂 – Editors of Stitch & Unwind
My Irish grandmother tried to teach me when I was about 9-10 years old.she gave up on me. When I was a nursing student at St. Vincent’s Hospital in the 1950s my lovely roommate Helen showed me how to knit argyle socks for my boyfriend. We are now in our 80s and Helen gave up knitting many years ago. So to thank her for the gift of teaching me I try to make her something every once in a while.