Striped Cotton Dishcloth - Two Colors

A simple, squishy knitted dishcloth worked in garter stitch with bold 2-color stripes. Quick to make, great for stash-busting 100% cotton yarn and an excellent beginner-friendly project.

Finished size

Approximately 9" (23 cm) square (size will vary slightly with yarn and tension).

Materials

Yarn: 100% cotton, worsted weight (US 4 / Aran) recommended. Example yardage: 100 g (3.5 oz) = ~170 yd (155 m).
Estimated yarn required (dishcloth): Color A: ~35 g (1.2 oz) = ~60 yd (55 m). Color B: ~35 g (1.2 oz) = ~60 yd (55 m). If you prefer larger/longer cloths or wider stripes, allow extra.
Needles: Circular or straight needles — choose whichever you prefer for small flat pieces.
Needle sizes (recommended): US 7 (4.5 mm) — UK (old) 7; or US 8 (5.0 mm) — UK (old) 6 for a slightly looser, plusher cloth.
Tapestry needle for weaving ends, scissors, optional stitch marker. Blocking mat or towel for light shaping.

Gauge

Not critical for a dishcloth. Example gauge for reference: 18 sts x 36 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette on US 7 (4.5 mm). Garter stitch will appear slightly different. If you want an exact 9" square, measure and adjust needle size or cast-on to match.

Abbreviations

k = knit
st(s) = stitch(es)
CO = cast on
BO = bind off

Notes

This pattern is worked flat (back-and-forth rows) in garter stitch (knit every row).
Stripe instructions are given for 2 colors: Color A (main) and Color B (contrast). You can change stripe widths to suit your taste.
To keep edges tidy, carry the unused yarn up the side when stripe runs are short (up to 4 rows). For longer runs, cut and weave in ends.

Instructions

Using US 7 (4.5 mm) needles and Color A, CO 40 sts.

Establish garter stitch border (optional): Row 1 (RS): k3, k to last 3 sts, k3; Row 2: k3, k to last 3 sts, k3. If you prefer a pure garter cloth without distinct borders, simply k every row across.

Stripe pattern (example - narrow stripes):

Work 4 rows in Color A.
Join Color B and work 4 rows in Color B.
Repeat rows 1–2 until piece measures ~9" (23 cm) from cast-on, ending after a full 4-row stripe (so stripes are even).

Binding off: BO loosely in pattern with the working color to match your last stripe.

Color change technique

To change colors cleanly: On the last stitch of the old color, drop old color and pick up new color, leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail to weave in. Hold both yarns together for the first stitch of the new row for a neat edge.
To carry a color up the side: twist the yarns every time you change colors at the edge, trapping the unused color so it doesn’t create a gap. Carry only up to 4 rows; for longer floats, cut and weave in the ends later.

Finishing

Weave in ends with a tapestry needle, trimming tails close.
Lightly block: wet the cloth, shape to square on a towel or blocking mat, and let dry flat. Cotton will relax and even out the fabric.
Optional hanging loop: with a small crochet hook or dpn, crochet or i-cord 12–15 stitches with a short length of yarn, fold and sew to one corner or edge before weaving in ends.

Care

Machine wash warm, tumble dry low or air dry. Cotton can shrink slightly on first wash; blocking after the first wash helps stabilize size.
Avoid bleach to preserve color.

Tips & Variations

Wide stripes: work 8–12 rows per color instead of 4 for a bolder stripe look.
Single-color cloth: work entire piece in Color A for a classic look.
Textured version: substitute seed stitch or broken rib for a scrubbier surface (adjust cast-on to fit stitch multiple).

Troubleshooting

If your cloth is narrower than desired: use larger needles (US 8 / 5.0 mm) or CO more stitches in multiples of pattern.
If your cloth curls: garter stitch will not curl; if you use stockinette or other stitch, add a garter border or seed-stitch border to reduce rolling.

Pattern by PurlJam. For more patterns, visit https://purljam.verde.uk. Support: team@verde.uk. Socials: #purljam

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