Simple Knitted Dishcloth with Initial

Beginner Level – Worsted Weight

A practical 8 × 8 inch (20.5 × 20.5 cm) square cotton dishcloth worked flat with a garter-stitch frame and a centered initial from the attached stitch chart. Perfect first colorwork or texture project.

Materials

• Worsted weight cotton yarn (US medium #4), approx. 80–90 yd (75–80 m) main color (MC)
• Small amount of contrasting color (CC) if working the initial in colorwork (optional; texture version uses MC only)
• US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Blocking supplies (optional)

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, blocked. Gauge is important for finished size; adjust needle size if needed.

Finished Size

8 × 8 inches (20.5 × 20.5 cm) after light blocking.

Abbreviations (US)

• CO = cast on
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• MC = main color
• CC = contrasting color (if used)
• BO = bind off

Attached Stitch Chart

Use the separate attached chart panel supplied with this pattern for the visual grid of the initial. The chart appears as a standalone panel immediately after the written pattern (or in the accompanying chart file/page).

How to read the chart (knitting):

• Work the chart from bottom to top.
• RS rows (odd numbers): read right to left.
• WS rows (even numbers): read left to right.
• Each square = 1 stitch.
• If the chart is knit/purl texture: empty/light squares = knit on RS (purl on WS); filled/dark squares = purl on RS (knit on WS).
• If the chart is colorwork: follow the color key on the chart (MC vs CC). Carry unused yarn loosely across the back or use intarsia for larger blocks; twist yarns at color changes to avoid holes.
• Chart width is designed to sit in the center; side stitch counts below keep the total at 38 sts every row.
• No row-by-row written chart is provided here—follow the attached visual grid exactly for the initial.

Yarn management: Keep floats loose enough that the fabric does not pucker. For texture-only version, ignore color key and work filled squares as purl bumps on RS.

Pattern Instructions

Lower Border With MC, CO 38 sts. Rows 1–6: Knit every stitch (garter stitch).

Body – Set-up to Chart Row 7 (RS): K7, place marker, work Row 1 of attached chart over center 24 sts, place marker, K7. Row 8 (WS): K7, slip marker, work Row 2 of attached chart over center 24 sts, slip marker, K7.

Continue as established:

• Always knit the first 7 and last 7 stitches (garter side borders).
• Between markers, work the next chart row.
• Maintain 38 sts every row (7 + 24 + 7 = 38 ✓).

Work all rows of the attached chart in this manner. After the final chart row, remove markers on the next row.

If chart has fewer than 24 rows: Work remaining center stitches in stockinette (knit on RS, purl on WS) until piece measures approximately 7 inches (18 cm) from CO edge, ending after a WS row. If chart is taller: The total body will simply be slightly longer; block to 8 inches square.

Upper Border Next 6 rows: Knit every stitch (garter stitch). BO all sts knitwise.

Optional Simple Border (Crochet or Knitted)

After binding off, with RS facing and MC (or CC):

• Pick up and knit 1 st in each garter ridge along sides and 1 st per CO/BO st, placing 3 sts in each corner.
• Work 2 rounds of garter (knit 1 round, purl 1 round) or single crochet evenly around, working 3 sts in each corner.
• BO loosely.

Finishing

Weave in all ends securely on WS using tapestry needle.
Wet-block or steam-block gently to 8 × 8 inches (20.5 × 20.5 cm), pinning square and taking care not to stretch the initial.
Allow to dry completely.

Your dishcloth is ready for use. The garter frame keeps edges flat and the centered initial adds a personal touch. Machine wash cold, tumble low or lay flat to dry.

(Inline validation: CO 38 sts; borders 7 sts each side + 24 chart = 38 ✓; 6 garter rows each end + chart/stockinette body ≈ 48 rows total at 24 rows/4" = 8" ✓.)