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Smaller projects like these mean you can practice but still create something useful that can be used around the home or given as gifts.
Mastering a new pattern or stitch takes a bit of patience, so doing it on a reduced scale helps. If you make a mistake chances are you will not have to unpick many rows or stitches. If you make a complete hash as I have done on many occasions, starting again is no big deal as you probably didn't spend too long anyway. For example, I often did a bit on a particular cloth and realised I'd made it too big. Pulling it out and starting again with fewer stitches is not too much of an issue. In a short time, I am back where I was. 😀
Once you have made a few of them it can become quite addictive. I like to use up leftover 100% cotton yarn from previous projects to make new designs from stitches I see in knitting books or online.
Easiest Knitting Stitches
I have chosen these 5 styles based on the easiest knitting stitches that a beginner should learn. These are -
- garter stitch,
- stocking stitch,
- rib stitch,
- moss/ seed stitch and
- basket weave
Basic Beginners Knitted Dishcloth in Garter Stitch
This FREE design is by Deb Buckingham from Knit on Designs
It is perfect for new knitters as it uses only the knit stitch. As it is available at no cost there is no reason not to give it a go! Practice casting on and knitting trying to make each stitch as cleanly as you can, then cast off. Make a few in different pastel shades, as shown in the image, tie them together in a ribbon and give them away as a gift.
Knitted Dishcloth for Beginners in Stocking Stitch
This FREE pattern from Rachel Kleynhans has a garter border which helps to keep the stocking stitch in the middle from curling.
It is made in Aran weight yarn, 100% cotton and 5mm knitting needles. You will only need less than one 50g ball of yarn.
Diagonal Knitted Dishcloth for Beginners with Rib Stitch Style
A rib stitch is one of the foundation stitches that a new knitter needs to know how to do. However, when used in a dishcloth the ribbing causes it to pull the fabric inwards and the overall effect is not so attractive. This design from Kathleen Baer Patterns which is done on the diagonal still has the look of a rib stitch and does not curl up.
Using this pattern a beginner will get practice in following a pattern carefully as there is a 4 row repeat. On each row there is an increase of one stitch done via a knit front and back. The wrong side row is a purl row except the first and last stitches which make up a garter stitch border. The right side row has an alternating system of knit one and then purl one to give the rib effect.
Knitting Pattern for Beginner Dishcloth in Moss / Seed Stitch
This FREE pattern from Stay@Home Stitchings gives good practice of this very textured stitch that is ideal for cleaning cloths. To do this stitch you knit one and purl one through the first row and then in the next row, you alternate. This means that you knit the purls and purl the knits. This pattern gives a completely reversible design - meaning it appears the same on both sides.
Beginner Knitted Dishcloth Pattern in Basket Weave Stitch
Handmade by Stacy J has made available this easy design for new knitters. It comprises blocks of alternating stocking stitch and garter stitch that appear to weave in and out like a woven basket.
This design gives practice in following a pattern as written instructions and following a chart, as both are given.
So there you have 5 easy dishcloth knitting patterns to make that will assist new knitters to learn these basic techniques of the garter stitch. stocking stitch, seed/moss stitch, ribbing and basketweave. Use up leftover stash yarn that is 100 per cent cotton and make bundles of them to give away as homemade gifts.
Knitting Patterns for Easy Scarves