Ribbed Corner Loop Dishcloth Free Knit Pattern
Introduction
This little dishcloth is the perfect first project for anyone who has just learned to knit and purl. Worked flat in simple 1x1 ribbing, it turns a cherry red wool blend into a soft, squishy 8 x 8 inch square with a lovely vertical texture. The special touch is a small pink knitted loop at one corner, so you can hang it by the sink and let it dry between uses. It feels gentle in the hand, grips wet dishes nicely, and looks cheerful enough to leave out on the counter.
Materials Needed
- Yarn A: Aran weight wool blend (about 80% wool, 20% nylon), cherry red, approx 50 yds
- Yarn B: Same yarn type, pink, approx 5 yds
- Needles: 4.5 mm (US 7) straight knitting needles
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure
- Finished size: Approx 8 x 8 inches (20 x 20 cm)
Abbreviations
- CO – cast on: make the starting stitches on your needle
- K – knit stitch
- P – purl stitch
- St(s) – stitch(es)
- Rep – repeat
- WS – wrong side (the back of the work)
- BO – bind off: close the stitches so they don't unravel
Gauge
18 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches in 1x1 ribbing, unstretched. Knit a small swatch in ribbing and measure it flat and relaxed (not pulled) to check your stitch and row counts before starting.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your ribbing relaxed: don't pull the yarn tight after each purl, or the cloth will narrow and stiffen.
- Always move the yarn between the needles when switching from knit to purl, so you don't create extra loops.
- Count your stitches after the cast-on (37) and every few rows; ribbing hides mistakes well, so catch them early.
- Leave a 6-inch tail at the cast-on and bind-off for easy weaving in later.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Main Cloth (Color A)
Row 1 (set-up): Using A, CO 37 sts. *K1, P1; rep from * to last st, K1 (37 sts).
Rows 2–48: Rep Row 1 (37 sts). Continue repeating Row 1 until the piece measures 8 inches from the cast-on, ending with a WS row.
Final row: BO in rib (knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts as you bind off). Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.
Hanging Loop (Color B)
Set-up: Using B, pick up and knit 3 sts at one corner, working through the corner stitch (3 sts).
Row 1: K3 (3 sts).
Row 2: P3 (3 sts).
Rows 3–24: Rep Rows 1–2 until the loop measures 2 inches, ending with Row 2 (3 sts).
Final row: BO all 3 sts. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.
Assembly and Finishing
Fold the pink loop in half so the bound-off edge meets the base of the loop at the corner, and sew it in place securely with the yarn tail and tapestry needle. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working them through a few stitches in different directions so they stay put. Block lightly: spritz with water, pat the cloth into an 8 x 8 inch square, and let it dry flat so the ribbing sits evenly.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Make a set in different colors and keep one by the sink, one by the bath, and one in your project bag.
- Use cotton instead of wool blend for a more absorbent, machine-washable cloth.
- Try a 2x2 rib (multiples of 4 plus 1) for a chunkier texture, adjusting your cast-on to 37 sts as written or 41 sts for a slightly larger cloth.
