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This kitchen towel knitting pattern is based off of my favorite dishcloth pattern. It’s pretty simple to knit, and this pattern is free!
This pattern makes a rectangular knitted “cloth,” which can also work as a table runner or doily of sorts.
If you want to use this as an actual kitchen towel, you can add buttons to hang it on your oven door or towel rack.
The possibilities are endless for this knitted kitchen towel!
How Do You Knit a Kitchen Towel?
This kitchen towel is based off of the classic dishcloth pattern called Grandmother’s Favorite Dishcloth.
RELATED: Grandmother’s Favorite Knitted Dischloths Pattern
That favorite basic dishcloth pattern is a square, but now it has been slightly altered to make it a rectangular shape.
I used cotton yarn (just like I usually use for the dishcloths), and size 7 knitting needles.
Supplies Needed for Knitted Kitchen Towels
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- 3 skeins of Sugar ‘n Cream cotton yarn (to make sure you have enough—I used one of these cones, so didn’t actually measure)
- Size 7 Knitting Needles (I love these, but these will also work)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Buttons (optional—I used four)
Kitchen Towel Knitting Pattern
Cast on 4 Stitches
Row 1: knit 4
Row 2: k2, yo, k to end of row
Repeat Row 2 until you have 70 stitches on the needle
Row 3: k2, yo, k to end of row
Row 4: k1, k2Tog, yo, k2Tog, k to end of row
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 (alternating rows) 20 times.
“Alternate rows 20 times” means doing both rows 3 and 4 for a total of 20 times. So, knit row 3, and then do row 4. That’s one time. Then do row 3 again, and then do row 4. That’s two. Knit row 3 again, and then do row 4. That’s three. And continue this cycle 20 times.
Note: (In order to keep this straight, I make myself a chart. On a piece of paper, I write “Row 3” at the top, and “Row 4” below that. Each time I do Row 3, I make a tick mark next to “Row 3.” Then, I switch to Row 4, and make a tick mark next to “Row 4.” This is the easiest way for me to keep track of which row I’m on. However, you may find it helpful to use a stitch marker. It’s up to you. The key is to keep alternating rows, 20 times.)
Row 5: k2, yo, k to end of row.
Row 6: k1, k2Tog, yo, k2Tog, k to end of row.
Repeat Row 6 until you have 5 stitches on the needle.
Row 7: k2, k2Tog, k1
Bind off the 4 stitches.
Finishing
After binding off, then cut your thread, leaving a 5-6 inch tail. Weave the ends of the tail into the dishcloth with the yarn needle.
If you want to hang your kitchen towel, you can sew buttons to the top.
In order to figure out where to sew on the buttons, I draped the finished kitchen towel over my oven handle. Then I marked the overlap, and used a measuring tape to evenly space the buttons. After marking where I wanted them, then I sewed them on with regular sewing thread and a sewing needle.
I raided my button stash and found these four matching buttons I didn’t even remember I had. They were the perfect size to fit through the holes in the edging of the towel.
If you want to use this knitted piece as a table runner or doily, you can leave it as-is.
You can also block it if you’d like it to lay straighter.
I hope you enjoy making this kitchen towel knitting pattern!
Related Posts
- Grandmother’s Favorite Knitted Dishcloths Pattern
- Easy Knitted Coaster’s Pattern (Free)
- Easy Knit Cowl Pattern
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I’m not sure why this is so confusing as it seems very straight forward to me. It is ingenious how you’ve turned it into a rectangle from a square. I’m following the pattern using Caron Cotton Ripple Cakes in the French Vanilla color and plan to make it longer by doing extra rowes. I think you can make it as wide as you like by adding more than 70 sts and as long as you like by doing the Row 3 & 4 repeat more times, then going on to Row 5 and finishing with Row 6, then 7. I’m looking for an affordable Cotton/Linen blend for a larger kitchen towel. I put a moveable marker on the edge of the beginnig of the Row 3 side to help with orientation, but it is a mindless, enjoyable knit once you get going. I love it!
Thank you, Jean! Hope you enjoy!
no, it was “operator error” (hiding from embarrassment). looks like i did a decrease on the wrong side & that’s what made the indent.
i got it all sorted.
thanks!
Oh good, I’m so happy it worked out! Thanks so much for letting me know! 🙂
i keep getting the same indentation that others have mentioned in the row 3&4 repeat. i’m wondering if R4 should actually be K2, yo, K2Tog, K to end?
Hi Vicki! I have only knitted the towel as written, so I’m not sure how a different combination of stitches would turn out. I need to make it again and see if I can come up with clearer instructions.
Loving this pattern! I love using knitted washcloths, so I can’t wait to finish this towel! BTW, where did you get your scissors? I would so love to find a pair like that!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the pattern, Sue! I found the scissors on Etsy several years ago, and I love them too! I just checked the shop I purchased them from, and sadly they’re not open anymore.
I made this and I absolutely loved it. I decided to make another one but I did 80 stitches and 25 rows of three and four alternating. I wanted one a little bit wider and longer. It looked the same as the first one until I started decreasing my stitches. Do you have any recommendations?
I’m so glad you loved the first one you made! Thank you so much for the positive feedback on the pattern! I’m sorry I’m not sure how to fix the altered one. I’ve only ever made the pattern as written. Since this pattern is a rectangle, it’s a little harder to re-size.
Joy
I figured out what I did wrong. I had 80 stitches and 25 rows when I broke it down and started over I did 75 stitches & 25 rows, alternating lines 3 & 4, and it came out perfect. It was a little bit wider and longer.
I’m so glad it worked out!
Just an FYI … made this and it takes just shy of 180 yards. Used 1 skein of I love this cotton from Hobby Lobby in dark blue.
Thank you so much for sharing, Angie!
Your stitching looks very nice! I use the square pattern frequently for dishcloths. Thanks for sharing how to make it into a rectangle.
Thank you, Lydia!
Saving this for a rainy day! pinned
I really like this pattern Joy.
Thank you for sharing the kitchen towel kitting pattern at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I’m delighted to be featuring it at the party tomorrow and pinning too.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Thank you!
Thank you for this lovely dish towel pattern!
How would you make this wider?
You’re very welcome! I’ve only tested the pattern as written, so I can’t say for sure.