Beginner's Guide to Knitting a Dishcloth: Easy Moss Stitch Pattern

Updated at: 11/05/2025

Knitting a dishcloth is a fantastic way to dip your toes into the wonderful world of knitting! It's a small, manageable project perfect for beginners, allowing you to learn fundamental techniques without feeling overwhelmed. The satisfying texture of a handmade cloth, coupled with the pride of creating something useful and beautiful, makes this a rewarding experience. Plus, the moss stitch pattern we'll be using is incredibly simple, relying on just knit and purl stitches, making it ideal for those just starting their knitting journey.

This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through each step, from casting on to binding off, ensuring you'll have a lovely, practical dishcloth in no time. Forget complicated patterns and intricate techniques; this project focuses on building a solid foundation in basic knitting skills. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create your first knitted masterpiece!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Worsted cotton yarn (two colors)
  • Knitting needles (size 7)
  • Tapestry needle
  • Scissors
Safety Guidelines
  • Use sharp scissors to cut yarn. Blunt scissors can cause frayed ends and make it harder to weave in your ends.
  • Be mindful of your needle size. Using needles too small for your yarn will make the fabric tight and difficult to work with; too large will result in loose, drafty fabric.
  • Always check your tension regularly to ensure even stitching throughout your dishcloth. Inconsistent tension will lead to an uneven and potentially misshapen finished product.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Casting On

    • Cast on 32 stitches using a long tail cast-on, leaving a 5-6 inch tail for weaving in later.
    Cast on 32 stitches using a long tail cast-on, leaving a 5-6 inch tail for weaving in later.
    Casting On

  2. Initial Garter Stitch Border

    • Knit five rows of garter stitch (all knit stitches).
    Knit five rows of garter stitch (all knit stitches).
    Initial Garter Stitch Border

  3. Working the Moss Stitch Pattern

    • Knit three stitches, *knit one, purl one*; repeat from * to last three stitches, knit three.
    • Repeat step 3 for a total of 36 rows of moss stitch. Alternate between rows starting with knit three and rows starting with purl one.
    Repeat step 3 for a total of 36 rows of moss stitch. Alternate between rows starting with knit three and rows starting with purl one.Repeat step 3 for a total of 36 rows of moss stitch. Alternate between rows starting with knit three and rows starting with purl one.
    Working the Moss Stitch Pattern

  4. Final Garter Stitch Border

    • Knit four more rows of garter stitch.
    Knit four more rows of garter stitch.
    Final Garter Stitch Border

  5. Color Change and Binding Off

    • Change yarn color (if using two colors). Knit one row of knit stitches with the new color.
    • Cut off the first color yarn and tie a simple knot to secure the stitches. Bind off all stitches using the standard bind-off method.
    Cut off the first color yarn and tie a simple knot to secure the stitches. Bind off all stitches using the standard bind-off method.Cut off the first color yarn and tie a simple knot to secure the stitches. Bind off all stitches using the standard bind-off method.
    Color Change and Binding Off

  6. Creating the Hanger

    • Cast on 18 stitches using a knitted cast-on method. Bind off these 18 stitches to create a hanger.
    Cast on 18 stitches using a knitted cast-on method. Bind off these 18 stitches to create a hanger.
    Creating the Hanger

  7. Weaving in Ends

    • Weave in all loose ends.
    Weave in all loose ends.
    Weaving in Ends

Read more: Knitting a Reversible Basketweave Blanket: A Customizable Guide

Tips

  • Use a row counter or write out the pattern to keep track of rows and stitches.
  • Learn to read your knitting to identify the stitch pattern.
  • Be mindful of not accidentally catching the yarn with the needle while knitting or purling to avoid unwanted yarn overs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Uneven tension throughout the knitting leads to a wavy or bumpy dishcloth.
Solution: Practice maintaining consistent tension by knitting slowly and evenly, paying attention to the feel of the yarn.

2. Dropping Stitches

Reason: Dropped stitches create holes and gaps in the fabric, ruining the appearance and potentially weakening the dishcloth.
Solution: Carefully check your work after each row and use a crochet hook to pick up any dropped stitches.

FAQs

What type of yarn is best for knitting a dishcloth?
Cotton yarn is ideal for dishcloths because it's absorbent, durable, and can withstand repeated washings. 100% cotton or a cotton blend is recommended. Avoid super bulky yarns as they may make the cloth too stiff.