Cable-edged Knit Washcloth
Elevate your knitting skills with this beautifully textured cable-edged washcloth. Featuring a reverse stockinette background with a garter stitch border, this pattern introduces a striking cable detail to create a functional and stylish washcloth.
This knit dishcloth pattern is perfect for beginners looking to practice cables or seasoned knitters seeking a quick and satisfying project. Use it as a dishcloth to brighten your kitchen or as a washcloth for a touch of handmade luxury in your bathroom. Follow the detailed instructions below, gather your materials, and enjoy creating a versatile piece that adds a touch of handmade charm to any space.
Table of Contents
Washcloth v Dishcloth and Sizes
OK, I don’t know what it says about me, but I never really thought there was much difference between a dishcloth and a washcloth. I mean, I wouldn’t go and wash my face with a cloth I had just used to clean a pan or the kitchen sink, but other than that, I guess I never thought there was much difference between the two.
But, I have recently learned that there is a difference for many. It seems that washcloths are typically larger than dishcloths. Most standard washcloths are 11″ square, and most standard dishcloths are 8″ square. That being said, you can make your dishcloth or washcloth any size you want.
If you want to make this pattern a smaller dishcloth size, then cast on 45 stitches, use an 8-stitch cable (C8F), and reduce the stitches between the cables to 17 stitches.
What type of yarn is best for knitting dishcloths?
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Cotton or cotton blends are ideal for knitting dishcloths due to their absorbency. Unmercerized cotton is more absorbent, while mercerized cotton has a nicer sheen and durability. Popular choices include Lily’s Sugar N Cream, Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton, and Bernat Handicrafter Cotton. And here are some other yarn options you might want to consider. I have all the yarns and needles I use to knit these washcloths in my shop here.
Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton
Spinrite Peaches & Creme Cotton
Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Bernat Handicrafter Cotton
Dishie Yarn
CotLin DK Yarn
Stick to cotton or cotton blends for your dishcloths. If you go the blended route, make sure it is primarily cotton (70/30 or 80/20), as the cotton makes the yarn absorbent.
Materials Needed to Knit Cable-Edged Washcloth
- US6 (4 mm) straight knitting needles
- Cable needle
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Medium Gauge yarn: in this case, I used Lion Brand 24/7 cotton in the color Camel. 3.5oz/100g. 186yd/170m. One skein is enough for one dishcloth.
Stitches Used In This Pattern
- Knit
- Purl
- Cable Front (C10F) Slip 5 stitches into your cable needle and hold in front of your work. Next, knit 5 stitches from your working needle. Last, knit the 5 stitches on your cable needle.
Tips for Success!
Read Through the Entire Cable-Edged Knit Washcloth Pattern First
Familiarize yourself with the instructions before you start. Understanding the overall flow of the pattern, including the cable repeats, can help you avoid mistakes.
Use a Lifeline
Consider using a lifeline if you’re new to cables or reverse stockinette. Insert a contrasting thread through a row’s stitches after each completed cable repeat so you can quickly fix mistakes without starting over.
Keep Consistent Tension
Pay attention to your tension, especially during cable rows. Loose tension can make the cables look uneven, while tight tension may make them difficult to work. If consistent tension is a challenge for you, check out these tips.
Use Stitch Markers
Place stitch markers to separate the garter stitch border from the reverse stockinette and cable sections. This helps ensure you don’t accidentally knit into the wrong section.
Practice the Cable Stitch
If this is your first time doing a C10F, practice the technique on a swatch before starting. It’s easy to get comfortable without worrying about ruining your project.
Check Your Gauge
Knit a small swatch to check your gauge before starting the full project. Adjust your needle size as needed to ensure the final dimensions are correct.
Steam Block for a Polished Look
Gently steam block your finished washcloth to even out the texture and highlight the cable details. Be cautious with the heat to avoid damaging the yarn.
Count Your Rows and Stitches
Use a row counter or manually track your cable rows to ensure consistent repeats. Missing a row in the cable pattern can disrupt the design.
Choose the Right Yarn
Stick with a smooth, non-fuzzy yarn, like cotton, for best results. Textured or fluffy yarns can obscure the details of the cable pattern.
Weave in Ends Neatly
Take your time weaving in yarn tails so they blend into the fabric without adding bulk. Aim to secure them in the garter or reverse stockinette sections.
Knit in Good Lighting
The reverse stockinette background and cable stitches require attention to detail. Bright, even lighting helps you avoid dropped or missed stitches.
Instruction to Knit Cable-Edged Dishcloth (11″ tall x 10.5″ wide)
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This washcloth pattern is worked in rows from the bottom up, with a garter stitch border all around and on a reverse stockinette background. The cable pattern is made of 10 stitches and 10 rows.
Gauge: 17 stitches and 26 rows is 4 inches x 4 inches.
Cast on 57 stitches:
Rows 1 to 4: Knit all stitches, creating a garter stitch pattern.
For this entire washcloth, knit the first and last three stitches of each row to create the garter stitch border.
Row 5: Knit three stitches, purl 51 stitches, knit 3 stitches.
Row 6: Knit all stitches.
Row 7: Begin Cable. Knit 3 stitches, purl 3 stitches, knit 10 stitches (this is the start of the cable pattern), purl 25 stitches, knit 10 stitches, purl 3 stitches, knit last 3 stitches.
Row 8: Knit 6 stitches, purl 10 stitches, knit 25 stitches, purl 10 stitches, knit 6 stitches.
Row 9: Knit 3 stitches, purl 3 stitches, C10F, purl 25 stitches, C10F, purl 3 stitches, knit 3 stitches.
Row 10: Knit 6 stitches, purl 10 stitches, knit 25 stitches, purl 10 stitches, knit 6 stitches.
Row 11: Knit 3 stitches, purl 3 stitches, knit 10 stitches, purl 25 stitches, knit 10 stitches, purl 3 stitches, knit 3 stitches.
Rows 12—16: Continue alternating rows 10 and 11 until row 16. This will complete our first entire cycle of the cable pattern.
Rows 17—66: You will repeat rows 7-16 five more times until row 66.
Row 67: Knit 3 stitches, purl 3 stitches, knit C10F, purl 25 stitches, knit C10F, purl 3 stitches, knit last 3 stitches.
Row 68: Knit 6 stitches, purl 10 stitches, knit 25 stitches, purl 10 stitches, knit 6 stitches.
Row 69: Knit 3 stitches, purl 3 stitches, knit 10 stitches, purl 25 stitches, knit 10 stitches, purl 3 stitches, knit 3 stitches.
Row 70: Knit all stitches.
Row 71: Purl all stitches.
Row 72-75: Knit all stitches.
Bind off work and block.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Knit Washcloth Pattern
Yes, you can use any medium-weight (worsted) yarn, but remember that the texture and absorbency may vary depending on the fiber content. Cotton yarn is ideal for washcloths because it’s durable and absorbent. Adjust your needle size if needed to match the gauge.
If your gauge doesn’t match the pattern (17 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches), the final dimensions of your washcloth may differ. Adjust your needle size up or down to match the gauge. All that said, this is a washcloth and not a sweater, so don’t sweat it too much!😉
Wash and dry according to your yarn label’s instructions. For cotton yarn like Lion Brand 24/7, machine washing and tumble drying are typically fine.
Use a tapestry needle or crochet hook to weave in the ends along the garter stitch border or the reverse stockinette areas. Ensure the ends are secure but not overly bulky.
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