Bridget Knit Dishcloth Pattern: Quick and Easy
This Bridget Knit Dishcloth Pattern is a perfect pattern for new knitters as it uses only the knit stitch, as well as increasing and decreasing techniques. This pattern is also called ‘Nana’s Favorite Dishcloth Pattern.’
Table of Contents
Bridget is the grandma of the young man whose friendship with our son brought our families together when we first moved to Wilmington and we would cross paths over the years at various functions.
Fast forward 18 years and one day, a little package is dropped off at my door. This package contained two washcloths hand-knit by Bridget and gifted to me! Since we were smack in the midst of ‘quaran-cationing’ and feeling all blue and down-in-the-dumps-y, this thoughtful gift truly put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart.
These dishcloths were a pattern and technique that I was unfamiliar with and luckily for me, and you, Bridget was kind enough to share her Knit Washcloth Pattern! After I published the pattern, many of you wrote in to tell me that this pattern is also called ‘Nana’s Favorite Dishcloth Pattern.’
Why You’ll Love Knitting This Pattern
- If you are new to knitting or just want a quick and easy knit washcloth pattern, then this is the one for you! You only need to know how to Knit, Yarn Over, Make One, and Knit Two Together! With these 4 techniques, you knit the entire washcloth and edging at the same time!
- This pattern is knit on the diagonal for a unique, attractive finish.
- It is a quick and easy project.
- These dishcloths are perfect for gifting.
- Versatile use as both a dishcloth and a washcloth, with size adjustments easily made.
Stitches Used in this Dishcloth
In addition to the basic knit stitch, you will use the following stitches to knit this dishcloth.
Yarn Over (YO)
Yarn Over (YO) is a way to increase stitches and make a purposeful hole in your knitting. Yarnovers are often used in lacey patterns. To make a yarn over between knit stitches bring the yarn to the front, immediately after the stitch just completed, from back to front, and knit the next stitch. (Normally, when you are working a knit stitch the yarn is in the back of your work, and after working the yarn over, the yarn will be in the back until you yarn over again.) This will create a hole in your work and on the other side, you will treat that yarn over as a regular stitch.
Make One (M1L)
Make One (M1L) is another way to increase the number of stitches. To make an M1L or make-one-left, take the left-hand needle and pick up the bar between the stitches from front to back. Use the right needle to knit this bar.
Knit Two Together (K2T)
Knit Two Together (K2T) is one of the most common ways to decrease the number of stitches on your needle. To knit 2 together, simply slip your right-hand needle through 2 loops on your left-hand needles instead of just the one you would normally do.
Knit on the Diagonal or Bias
Something that makes this knit washcloth pattern unique is that it is knit on the diagonal or the bias.
Some Common Questions About Knitting Dishcloths
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 for many, there is a difference. 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 a smaller dishcloth with this pattern, cast on 34 stitches versus the 46 stitches indicated.
Some of these links may be affiliate links and I may earn a small commission off of the sale of these products to help defray the costs of operating this site, but the price you are charged is not affected. You can see my full disclosure policy here.
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 is what makes the yarn absorbent.
You generally want unmercerized cotton as the mercerization process makes less absorbent material. I stay away from polyester/acrylic yarns for knitting washcloths as I find that those materials are not absorbent and don’t hold their shape.
Some brands to consider:
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Spinrite Peaches & Cream Cotton
Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Bernat Handicrafter Cotton
Give your Washcloths as Gifts
You could easily put together a little basket with your knit dishcloths, maybe some lovely soap or other spa items. I’m going to be putting together some ‘packages’ for some friends and family and have included some of my finds for your convenience.
Or, make Your Own Spa Items to Give with Your Washcloths!
If you are feeling a little crafty, you could make some of these bath and body products to include with your washcloth. These are all easy to make and greatly appreciated.
Make Sure to Nab These Wraps and Tags If You Will Be Giving These Dishcloths/Washcloths
These simple tags and wraps will ‘dress up’ your knitted gifts!
Material to make 11” by 11” Knit Washcloth
· Ball of Lily Sugar’n Cream Cotton Yarn (1 skein will make 2 knit washcloths)
· US 7 (4.5 mm) Knitting Needles
Gauge
Using US 7 needles and worsted weight yarn, 5 stitches and 6 rows in stocking stitch will result in a 1” by 1” square
Instructions to Make 11” x 11″ Knit Washcloth
- Cast on 2 stitches
- Knit 2
- K1, M1, K
- K1, M1,K2 (4 stitches)
- K2, YO, K to end
- Repeat the last row until you have 58 stitches
- K1, K2T, YO, K2T, K to end
- Repeat the last row until 4 stitches remain
- K, K2T, K
- K, K2T
- Cast off
- Weave cast-on and cast-off tails into the fabric of the washcloth
The printable PDF of this knit washcloth pattern is available to all subscribers of Nourish and Nestle in the Subscriber Benefits Library.
Alternatively, if you click the button below, I will gladly send the Bridget Knit Washcloth pattern to your email inbox…I’m just accommodating that way! 😉
Depending on how fast you knit, you could easily whip up one of these knit dishcloths in an evening or two. If you are knitting some of these for gifts, then be sure to pop over for the printable gift tags.
For More Knit and Crochet Washcloth Patterns
For more dishcloth or washcloth patterns, make sure to pop over where I have gathered all 6 of my free knitted washcloth patterns in one place.
To refer back to the Bridget Knit Washcloth Pattern in the future, bookmark this page or pin the following image.
Thanks so much for spending a few minutes of your busy day with me!
To ensure you don’t miss future content, pop your email in the pale green box on the right or click here. I usually send one email weekly, so I won’t inundate your inbox. I’m sensitive to an overflowing email inbox!
We will only use your email address to send you emails, no more than 1-2 weekly. In addition, you will have access to my growing library of knit & crochet patterns and other printables. Check back often as this library will continue to grow. You can unsubscribe anytime by emailing me or clicking on the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of all emails.
And you can access many of the products I refer to on my Nourish and Nestle Amazon Page. You can access it here.
So, if you’d like to participate in the ‘subscriber benefit’ action, simply subscribe to Nourish and Nestle here or use the form on the right sidebar. It’s slightly towards the top.
I have sent all my subscribers the link to the Subscriber Benefits Library. If you missed it or misplaced it, let me know.
Until next time…
This pattern is usually called Grandma’s Washcloth. It is my go-to pattern for dishclothes. When I am teaching knitting, I use this pattern. It is a small project, easy to knit, and teaches the knit stitch, yarn covers, k2tog. There is also cast on and bond off. Purling is taught in another class.
Joan
Hi Joan, I think I must be the only knitter in the world who was not familiar with the Grandma’s washcloth! It is a delightful quick knit, isn’t it!? Perfect for knitting in the car or in front of the TV!
Happy Knitting, my friend.
Hugs,
Lynn
I hate to say it, but I was somewhat disappointed when I saw the new dishcloth pattern. These were the first dishcloths I’ve ever knitted and have been using this pattern for years. (My pattern starts with 4 stitches; the corners end up a little more rounded.) They are the favorites of some of my family members, so I always keep up with my stash. That being said, readers new to this pattern will love it and will be glad you shared it. They knit up so quickly and can be done while watching TV, since the pattern is so simple. I sometimes do them in stripes of two colors with leftover yarn, changing every two rows, so the yarn doesn’t have to be cut. They are also cute with variegated yarns. I stay away from darker yarns, though, because they tend to run at first and then fade. Happy knitting everyone!
Oh Bette Ann…I hate that I disappointed you! I must have been the only knitter in the world who has never heard of Granny’s Favorite Dishcloth!! I agree that I really like not having to read a pattern, it is the perfect pattern to work in the car or in front of the TV. I like the idea of stripes! I promise you some other washcloths in the near future…I’ve been working on some baby washcloths if you have any babies in your world!
Have a great day, my friend.
Hugs,
Lynn
Thank you for the Bridget washcloth, others refer to it as grannys favorite dishcloth, either name I love to make them, very easy and simple no need to constantly read pattern. I love it my go to anytime pattern.😍😍😍
Hi Belinda,
I must have been the only knitter in the world who has never heard of Granny’s Favorite Dishcloth!! I agree that I really like not having to read a pattern, it is the perfect pattern to work in the car or in front of the TV!
Have a great day Belinda!
Hugs,
Lynn
Hi Lynne,
The latest dishcloth pattern made me smile as soon as I saw the picture. I actually made one hundred of these to sell to parents from my sons tennis team. They were raising money to attend a tournament in Alice Springs , Australia, oh….. I too love Barrie Gibb. I saw the very first performance on TV many years ago. You are so much like me with all are likeminded interests . Marilyn (Aussie)
Hi Marilyn,
It does seem I was the last knitter on the planet to know this pattern! 😂 Oh well…better late than never. And what a great fundraiser! Australia is on my ‘travel wish list’…but man…that is one long flight! I’ll get there one of these days and then just plan to stay a while…or forever we don’t get our act together over here!
Barry was my absolute favorite of all the Gibb brothers! And my mom’s too. When I was in high school and Saturday Night Fever came out, my mom had that album playing so loud that she blew out the speakers! We laugh about it to this day!
Hugs to you, my friend! I guess you are enjoying your Spring now!
Lynn
Knitted or crocheted face cloths
Knitted
I am new to knitting; I have just completed my 1st knitted scarf using the knit stitch! I’m loving it! I would like the pattern for the Bridget/Grandma washcloth sent to my email please! Thanks so much!!
Sent!
I would love to receive any knit or crochet patterns for washcloths/dishcloths you would care to share. I am in a group that knits and crochets for charity.
Hi Karen,
All subscribers to the site receive free access to all of my patterns. Subscribing is free and you’ll be notified of new patterns. Let me know if you would like for me to add you to the list!