Easy Washcloth Knitting Patterns

There are so many washcloth knitting patterns (and dishcloth knitting patterns, though we’ll get to those separately) out there, and with good reason. These little projects are relatively fast and easy to knit, they’re a great way to learn new stitches, they’re useful and they make a fun handmade addition to a housewarming gift, teacher appreciation or really any time.

You can search this site and find lots of washcloth knitting patterns (including a handful I designed several years ago), but I thought it was time for a roundup. Can you delay spring cleaning because you need to knit a washcloth to clean with? Maybe.

The Spa Day Facecloth by Anne Mancine (free pattern on Ravelry) was meant by its name to be for your body, not your chores, but the textured stitch pattern would be great for washing dishes as well as your face. This one uses DK weight yarn, though you could make it in more standard worsted if you want (know that it will come out bigger than the pattern calls for).

If you’re a new knitter looking to move beyond knit and purl, the Exposed Brick Dishcloth from Perfectly Knotted is a great choice. It’s worked mostly in stockinette stitch with some texture added by strategically swapping purls and knits.

Oh La Lana has a huge collection of washcloth/blanket block knitting patterns, many of which just use knits and purls. I wanted to share this hourglass one because I think it’s really fun and their patterns are written out or they have a chart so you can work whichever way you want (or use the written instructions to help you learn to read the chart).

The fun thing about washcloths is that you can add just about any simple design you want to the center, still using knit and purl stitches. This heart (which could also be an afghan square) from Daisy and Storm is a great example of that.

If you’re looking for a bunch of basic washcloth knitting patterns, check out this collection from Knit On Designs. It includes five basic knit and purl washcloth designs so you can make a set as a gift or for yourself.

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I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for vintage craft books. There’s something about flipping through the words of long-gone authors who took stitching very seriously (and often a little poetically) that makes me feel like I’ve joined a timeless club of thread-wielding women. That’s exactly how I felt diving into Chats on Needlework by Emily Leigh Lowes.

Originally published in 1906, this book is part history lesson, part opinion piece, and part how-to guide—with plenty of Victorian flair. And while some parts definitely show their age (in both language and perspective), it’s a fascinating and surprisingly enjoyable read if you’re into embroidery, textiles, or the roots of decorative arts.

Lowes doesn’t just “chat” about needlework—she lectures in a charming, tea-time sort of way. You get insight into historical stitching traditions from various cultures, plus commentary on the evolution of embroidery, tapestry, lace, and even ecclesiastical needlework. It reads like a stitched-together tour of museums and manor houses, narrated by someone who’s passionate, particular, and a bit sassy at times.

If you’ve ever wondered how medieval embroidery compares to Renaissance techniques—or what 19th-century women thought about machine-made lace—this book is your jam.

What stood out to me was how much Chats on Needlework made me think about the meaning behind the stitches. Lowes reflects on craftsmanship, aesthetics, and the cultural importance of handwork with a kind of reverence that honestly made me put down my current WIP and just appreciate it for a moment.

It’s not a how-to book, so don’t expect stitch diagrams or patterns. But it will deepen your love of needlework, especially if you’re the type who likes to pair your stitching with a strong cup of tea and a deeper sense of purpose.

Fair warning: Some references feel dated (as expected from a book written over a century ago), and the writing style is formal, with long-winded passages that take their time. But if you love reading about the why behind the craft, and if historical context inspires your creativity, you’ll enjoy this as much as I did.

I especially loved how she emphasized that needlework should be both beautiful and useful—something I’ve been trying to keep in mind as I mend old clothes or embroider reusable linens.

Chats on Needlework isn’t a flashy how-to or a Pinterest-ready pattern book. It’s more like sitting down for a fireside chat with your great-great-grandmother—one who had strong opinions on silk floss and medieval tapestries.

If you love textile history, appreciate slow crafting, and want to understand how embroidery was viewed before it became a hobby, this book is a little gem. It’s also great for anyone researching historical needlework for reenactments, costume work, or just creative inspiration.

Would I recommend it?
Absolutely—for the thoughtful, curious stitcher who wants more than just pretty stitches. It’s not for everyone, but for the right reader, it’s pure gold (or at least goldwork).

4.5 out of 5 samplers.
(Minus half a point for the occasional archaic ramble—but honestly, that’s part of the charm.)

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Have you read?