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September 17, 2017 · by Beverly

2 Ways to Knit Diagonal Dishcloths (Holes or No-Holes)

crafts, knitting

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There are two things I think all knitters love: Quick Projects and Garter Stitch 🙂

And maybe those are really the same thing! Because almost any project that uses garter stitch (where you knit every row – no purling!) usually turns out to be a project that moves along very quickly.

Quick Garter Stitch Diagonal Knit Dishcloth Pattern

A classic quick knitting pattern that uses garter stitch is the diagonal knit dishcloth. They’re a perfect example of something practical you can complete after just a few hours of knitting, they’re easy enough for beginners, and yet they’re still a fun and relaxing project for old die hard knitters (like me!)

Garter Stitch Diagonal Knit Dishcloth Pattern with a couple of new updates! Includes a No Holes version and updated corners.

Several years ago I wrote about my dishcloth pattern as being one of my favorites but since that time I’ve kept tweaking and trying some different things and now I have a NEW favorite (a No Holes version!) and updated corners and have put them all together in one printable pattern.

But first a quick note – – no more #10 needles for my dishcloths.  I made them that way many times, but have now decided I like them knit a little tighter.  Any dishcloth I knit now I do on #7 needles.

OK, on to the updates!

The Diagonal Knit Dishcloth but with No Holes! A fun new twist on a classic knitting pattern.

The No-Holes Diagonal Knit Dishcloth

This is my new favorite knit dishcloth pattern, and it’s easy to do! The classic pattern for diagonal knit dishcloths uses a yarn over that creates holes along the edge.  This is also how you keep increasing as you knit diagonally.  But with a little tweak you can still increase and not have the holes.  How?

By using a reverse yarn-over.  Instead of wrapping the yarn from the back to the front as you would normally do, you wrap the yarn from the front to the back.  This might feel a little strange at first but as you knit along you’ll easily get used to it. This reverse yarn over let’s you keep increasing as you knit, but without creating a hole. I found this to be a nice change that created a sturdy dishcloth.

The second tweak you’ll find in my No Holes Dishcloth pattern is on the corners. I’ve slightly changed how I increase at the very beginning, and also how I bind off at the end. But the more interesting thing is the use of a short row in the middle to make sharper corners. This seemed to give the corners just a bit more definition and it’s a change I now incorporate into all my knit dishcloths.

I did my best to make a quick little video showing both the reverse yarn over, and the short rows for the corners.

 

Updated Traditional Diagonal Knit Dishcloth With Holes

Even though I’m loving my No Holes version of the knit dishcloths, I still like to make the traditional “Holes” version from time to time too. The updates to this pattern are that I’ve switched to using #7 needles, and I’ve also incorporated my changes to the corners. BUT, I found that I only liked to use the short row method on one side of the Holes dishcloth.  So the short row is incorporated in this pattern too, but in a slightly different way.

The Diagonal Knit Dishcloth - Free Knitting Pattern includes the classic version with holes on the edge, and an update No Holes version too!

All 3 Options In One Printable Pattern!

Can’t decide which version to make? I’ve put all three of my garter stitch dishcloths together in one printable pattern!

Click here – – > Garter Stitch Diagonal Dishcloth Patterns – Printable pdf

This printable pattern includes these options:

Option #1 – The tried and true original (no reverse yarn overs or short rows to confuse beginners). This is the classic version with holes along the edge.

Option #2 – The classic “holes along the edges dishcloth”, but with updated instructions for more defined corners.

Option #3 – The No Holes diagonal dishcloth. A fun twist on the pattern that uses a reverse yarn-over and the updated corner instructions.

And of course you are free to mix and match! For instance you can use the simple corners from Option 1, but work the body of the dishcloth with the Option 3 No Holes method.

Garter Stitch Diagonal Knit Dishcloth Pattern with a couple of new updates! Includes a No Holes version and updated corners.

Finally, knit dishcloths should be made with 100% cotton yarn. The Sugar ‘n Cream brand is always a good choice and comes in lots of nice color options.


 

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Comments

  1. Donna says

    January 10, 2021 at 4:29 pm

    Thank you for this pattern. I have used the traditional pattern for years but appreciate your version for the no holes and better corners, thank you!

    Reply
  2. Olive says

    December 28, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    Dec 28th, 2020
    Beverly,
    Can you tell me how you start your no holes dishcloth from the casting on of stitches (point) to the decreasing of
    the same stitches. I would like to complete this project properly. Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Raeann says

    December 4, 2020 at 9:49 pm

    Can you tell me what you mean by K2 Turn K2 Turn in your updated corners pattern. How is it done? Another instructional video would be great

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 15, 2020 at 4:12 pm

      The video above does show these turns at the corners (at about the 2 minute mark) 🙂

      Reply
  4. Polly Shelly says

    December 3, 2020 at 7:36 pm

    Hi Beverly, I am going to make the no holes dishcloth with scrubby yarn. I didn’t want it quite that large how would I decrease the size. Seasons greetings, Polly

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 15, 2020 at 4:27 pm

      Because you knit these dishcloths on the diagonal, it will look like a triangle as you knit along. So if you want to make a 6″ square cloth, you would keep increasing until the edges of your “triangle” measure 6″ (from the pointy cast on corner, to your needle.) Then you would start decreasing. I hope that makes sense!

      Reply
      • Beverly says

        December 15, 2020 at 4:31 pm

        Because you knit these dishcloths on the diagonal, it will look like a triangle as you knit along. So if you want to make a 6″ square cloth, you would keep increasing until the edges of your “triangle” measure 6″ (from the pointy cast on corner, to your needle.) Then you would start decreasing.

        However long the edges are when you start decreasing, is how big your square will be.

        Reply
  5. Janette says

    November 24, 2020 at 5:34 pm

    I love these dish cloths. My first and only one so far is the one with the holes. It didn’t come out square! At 50 stitches across I started the decrease rows. But the end I was decreasing on looks longer than the first side. Was it tension? The holes all look even all the way around so I don’t think I made a mistake on any rows. I’d like to figure put what went wrong before trying any more dish cloths.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      November 29, 2020 at 3:55 pm

      I do note on my pattern it has you knitting only to 47 stitches across and then starting the decrease rows. So if you went to 50 that might account for why the cloths are not square.

      Reply
  6. Linda Waldo says

    November 22, 2020 at 9:31 am

    Thank you for making this pattern available. I had lost it years ago and am very happy to have it back.
    God Bless, Linda

    Reply
    • Bev says

      November 24, 2020 at 10:42 am

      Linda can you help me with how to begin and end this pattern please. Thanks.

      Reply
  7. Janie says

    November 10, 2020 at 1:25 pm

    Thank you. I’d lost the pattern I’d had years ago.

    Reply
  8. Diane says

    November 7, 2020 at 1:23 pm

    I’m looking for a pattern to make placemats that match these washcloths. Know of one?

    Reply
  9. Nanette says

    October 21, 2020 at 9:05 am

    Thanks for a clear and concise pattern choice which was easy to find without rerouting to an ad or membership!

    Reply
  10. Marilyn says

    October 15, 2020 at 7:20 pm

    I have used the original diagonal dishcloth pattern for years to make baby blankets. Of course the coroners are very rounded. I uses soft fuzzy yarn and about 145 stitches at midline.
    Do you think the corners can be squared up, with short rows inserted at the corners? How many stitches would you suggest?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      October 20, 2020 at 12:01 pm

      Yes, I think the corners could be squared up a little bit using short rows at the corner. It sounds like you are using the classic “yarn over” version that creates the holes. If that’s the case, the short row turns have to be the same number as the amount of stitches before the yarn over, which is usually two stitches.

      Reply
  11. Annie says

    August 31, 2020 at 11:27 am

    I’ve been searching for something like this! Thank you!

    Reply
  12. Esther Kraeer says

    August 16, 2020 at 2:54 pm

    I can’t thank you enough for the no holes pattern!!! The garter stitch is my favorite to knit and also to use in the kitchen and in the bathroom. I’ve made the “holes” version numerous times, but failed to give them as gifts because they never looked even, always curled up and the holes were bigger in some places than others. I guess I’m pretty much a perfectionist about the gifts I make! Now I can do the most relaxing stitch ever and have lovely little gifts to give and use for my family!! Thank you so much!!

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 18, 2020 at 10:09 am

      I’m so glad you’re enjoying the pattern Esther! I really like the No Holes version too.

      Reply
  13. M’Liss Lenamon says

    August 11, 2020 at 4:24 pm

    I would like to make this pattern in a rectangle for a kitchen towel. How can I adjust for this shape? Thank you for sharing your pattern for the diagonal knit dishcloth with and without holes.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 16, 2020 at 11:25 am

      I don’t think there’s a good way to use this pattern for rectangular shapes, although you could possibly knit two of the square dishcloths and then seam them together into a rectangle.

      Reply
      • Liz says

        October 27, 2020 at 5:10 pm

        You can make a rectangle. I’m working on one with the pattern right now. You just need to make the piece as long as you want the shorter sides of the rectangle to be. Then you start reducing stitches on one end of the work only. Keep increasing on the other end. This makes the stitch count stay the same for the middle of the rectangle. Then when the long side is the length you want for your rectangle start reducing on both ends of the work. And then you get a rectangle dish cloth!

        Reply
  14. Lynda says

    May 16, 2020 at 9:32 pm

    You are my hero! I have not knitted for at least twenty years (currently in my seventies) and was never a pro, but enjoy making simple useful things that don’t require specific sizing. These washcloths are great – the video for omitting holes was so helpful! – and I just found the hand towel topper so I’m excited to try that, too. I get tired of picking up that towel that I thought would hang nicely on the handle of the oven door! A couple easy and affordable gift ideas,too.

    Reply
  15. Sher Ward says

    March 7, 2020 at 9:10 am

    Is there a 2nd page?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      March 8, 2020 at 5:44 pm

      No, it is just a one page pattern that includes instructions for the different options all on that one page.

      Reply
  16. Francine says

    February 22, 2020 at 11:49 am

    I am not a knitter but my Danish mother was !! She passed away two years ago and I am going to learn to make these like she did for all of us girls 🙂 My grandparents were both from Denmark but unfortunately I never got to travel there. He was a Kelsen and she was a Carlsen !!

    Reply
  17. Sue Clark RD, IBCLC says

    February 12, 2020 at 12:05 am

    In the classic diagonal cloth with updated corners, the directions state to do short rows at the beginning only for the last row before decreasing. In the updated cloth with no holes, short rows at the beginning and the end of the last row before decreasing. Is this a typo or does it work better that way. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      February 12, 2020 at 9:36 pm

      Yes, for the one pattern with updated corners, I only do the short row on one side. I thought the finished dishcloth looked better for that style when I did it that way, so it’s not a typo. Of course if you are an experienced knitter and you want to try the short row at the other end too, you can give it a try that way too.

      Reply
  18. Eileen camponeschi says

    February 7, 2020 at 10:11 am

    Fantastic! Always really liked the pattern but not the looseness of the knit. Going to use the updated patterns with my 76 year old sister who wants to learn to knit!! Going for it! Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      February 7, 2020 at 6:38 pm

      You’re never too old to learn to knit! I hope you enjoy the pattern 🙂

      Reply
  19. Bill says

    January 26, 2020 at 4:33 pm

    I just finished my 14th dish cloth (not 13th superstitious). I used all three variations. Like the no holes edge best. Now have house gifts of needed. Great patterns and time conservers.

    Reply
  20. Frida says

    December 25, 2019 at 9:37 am

    Hi 🙂

    Which method was used for the yellow cloth?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 26, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      The yellow cloth is the pattern With Holes, and with updated corners.

      Reply
      • Frida says

        December 30, 2019 at 7:36 am

        Thank you so much for your reply 🙂
        I will be making those for my father <3 He needs some homemade cosyness in his kitchen – or "hygge" as we say in Danish 🙂

        Reply
  21. Martha Harson says

    November 18, 2019 at 10:45 am

    I am new to knitting. Am doing the classic diagonal knit dishcloth with updated corners with holes. I have reached the 46 stitches on the needle, but do not understand the Next Row: K2, Turn. Can you explain exactly how to do that?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      November 19, 2019 at 7:58 pm

      There is a video in the blog post, and at about minute 2, I show how to do the short row turns for the corners. So I think if you watch that, it will help you!

      Reply
  22. Pam Chamberlin says

    November 1, 2019 at 6:16 pm

    Thank you for the great patterns

    Reply
  23. Candice says

    August 7, 2019 at 6:31 pm

    New to knitting and I don’t understand the “inc” n your no hole dishcloth pattern. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 10, 2019 at 10:10 am

      The abbreviation “inc” is for an increase that is made by knitting into both the front and the back of the stitch, therefore adding one more stitch to your needle each time you make that type of increase.

      Reply
  24. bev says

    July 12, 2019 at 2:46 pm

    Thank goodness I found your website I was taught this pattern in the early 50’s for church bazzars AMEN TO YOU IM ON A ROLL STILL AT 80 FOR OTHER CHURCH FUNCTIONS AGAIN THA KS

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      July 13, 2019 at 7:21 pm

      Yes, this basic pattern is an oldie, but a goodie!

      Reply
  25. Fay Fortenberry says

    March 10, 2019 at 4:46 pm

    there was a version years ago that I love. you cast on 3 stitches. inc by knitting into front and back of first and last st. knit the next row. repeat. after a while your increasing in the 5th st until you have the width you want. dec by knitting 2 together. this makes a hole. i made several blankets like this. does anyone recall this pattern? I cant find any more for some reason

    Reply
  26. Ingrid Lindsay says

    December 30, 2018 at 11:15 pm

    Dear Bev, Thank you for the diagonal pattern – I am knitting one up now – I think however there may be a slight error in the pattern for cloth with hoeles with updated corners. I think the turn and wrap section at the end of the line has been omitted…….. option #2. I’m good enough a knitter to work it out but a beginner would doggedly follow the pattern and wonder why one corner was not like the other……. Kindest regards

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      May 28, 2019 at 2:56 pm

      It does look that way because I am only doing a short row on one side. However, I found that when I did the short row on both sides, I didn’t like the final look. One of the corners always looked lumpier than the other. So the pattern is written correctly for how I thought it looked the best when finished.

      Reply
  27. PattyGee says

    December 15, 2018 at 9:05 pm

    Thanks so much….I’ve been making these for years….was never a fan of the holes….perfect! The one question I have…..when I knit continental, it still gets the holes…any thoughts on that? I’ve tried the YO in front and behind the needles, but still seem to get a hole…..so I’ve switched to “throwing” the yarn for this pattern–any thoughts on why continental wouldn’t work the same? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 17, 2018 at 7:23 pm

      Well you have me puzzled on this yarn over question too! I watched some YouTube videos about yarn-overs and continental knitting, and the best I can come up with is that because the yarn is coming from the left hand, it must change things somehow. I’ve never done knitting continental style (although it looks like a faster way to knit) so unfortunately I don’t have a good answer for you on this one.

      Reply
      • PattyGee says

        December 23, 2018 at 4:26 pm

        Thanks so much for the reply and research….I’m on my 3rd dish cloth…..love these—-and love having little projects…thanks again!

        Reply
  28. Mimii Howard says

    October 13, 2018 at 7:17 pm

    My Mother made 30 of these dishcloths for me over 25 years ago. They are all that I use in the kitchen. I love them. After all these years they are finally starting to wear out. I have been looking for the pattern and this is it! I don’t know anything about knitting, so wish me luck.
    Mimi Howard

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      October 16, 2018 at 8:42 pm

      Yes, these diagonal knit dishcloths are oldies but goodies. They are pretty simple to make so even if you are an inexperienced knitter I think you should be able to do it.

      Reply
  29. Heather D says

    August 1, 2018 at 1:16 pm

    Thank you, thank you! I’ve been looking for a no-holes diagonal pattern. I have made the diagonal dishcloths before and love how quickly they come together so I thought it’d be a great way to make a baby blanket. The problem is the holes, of course. I wouldn’t want little toes to get stuck in the holes so a no-holes version would be perfect! Do you have any tips on needle size/type of yarn/amount of yarn to make baby blankets using your pattern?

    Thanks so much!
    Heather D

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 5, 2018 at 7:28 pm

      Yes, this pattern could definitely be adapted to a baby afghan! If you use regular worsted yarn (4 weight) I would suggest size 9 needles and probably about three 4 oz skeins of yarn. You would want to knit it about 40″ square. Good luck!

      Reply
  30. Sheila Lewis-Woodworth says

    June 22, 2018 at 7:50 pm

    Thank you so much! I’ve been looking for easy patterns to knit while i wait with my daighter for her doctors appointment!

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      June 23, 2018 at 12:43 pm

      These dishcloths are a great “while you wait” type of knitting project Sheila. They are small and easy to take with you. I hope you enjoy the pattern!

      Reply

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