Free Knitting Pattern for Beginners: Sundrop Dishcloth by Blue Sky Fibers

Are you new to knitting and looking for a project that’s both simple and satisfying? Or maybe you're searching for a perfect handmade gift idea? Look no further! The Sundrop Dishcloth pattern from Blue Sky Fibers is an easy, enjoyable project that will help you build your knitting skills while creating something beautiful and functional.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the details of this knitting pattern, show you how easy it is to knit, and give you the opportunity to download the pattern for this beginner knitting project for free. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Why This Dishcloth Pattern is a Perfect Beginner Knitting Project

If you’re just starting your knitting journey, you’ll be happy to know that the Sundrop Dishcloth pattern is designed specifically with beginners in mind. It uses only two basic stitches: knit and purl. These are the foundational stitches in knitting, and mastering them will open the door to countless other projects.

The beauty of this pattern lies in its simplicity. With no complicated techniques, this project allows you to focus on getting comfortable with the mechanics of knitting while watching your dishcloth take shape quickly. The rhythmic flow of knit and purl stitches makes it easy to follow along, and soon enough, you’ll have a lovely dishcloth that’s not only practical but a great conversation starter!

Knitting Supplies You'll Need

To make the Sundrop Dishcloth, you’ll need a few basic knitting supplies:

Knitting Yarn:

We used Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton, available in both printed and solid colorways. This soft, durable yarn is perfect for dishcloths, as it’s absorbent and gentle on your skin. Plus, it’s made from 100% organic cotton, so you can feel good about your project from an eco-friendly perspective.

Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton Yarn options:

• • Organic Cotton Printed

  • Organic Cotton Solid

Each hank of Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton is more than enough to make two 9" x 9" dishcloths, and with 2 hanks, you can knit five 9" x 9" dishcloths. This makes it an affordable and practical beginner knitting project, especially if you plan on gifting them to friends or family.

Knitting Needles:

A pair of US 8 (5 mm) knitting needles are perfect for this project. You can use circular knitting needles or straight needles—whichever you prefer! We knit all our projects on circular needles and the dishcloths would work well on a set of Size 8 with a 16 or 24" cable circular knitting needles - just don't join to knit "in the round" - we'll leave that to another day!

Tapestry Needle:

Have a tapestry needle on hand for weaving in any loose ends after you finish your dishcloth. Plus, a tapestry needle will be included on the list of necessary knitting supplies for future projects, so you will be all set in that regard!

Easy-to-Follow Knitting Pattern for Beginners

The beauty of this knitting pattern is its straightforward instructions. After you’ve cast on your stitches, you’ll be alternating between knit and purl stitches. The pattern creates a simple yet attractive textured fabric that’s perfect for absorbing water, making these hand-knit dishcloths as functional as they are beautiful.

Here’s a brief overview of this knitting pattern for beginners, and you may download the full instructions using the link at the end of this post.

Casting On:

• Cast on 40 stitches using your preferred method.

Row 1-12:

• Knit 10, purl 10 across the row.

Row 13-24:

• Purl 10, knit 10 across the row.

Repeat last 24 rows one more time.

Finishing:

• Bind off the stitches.

• Use a tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends.

The finished dishcloth will have a neat, textured appearance that makes it both functional and charming. Plus, the use of organic cotton knitting yarn ensures it’s soft, absorbent, and durable.

Why You'll Love This Beginner Knitting Project

There are a few reasons why this dishcloth knitting pattern is a favorite beginner knitting project:

Perfect for Newbie Knitters:

The design uses only basic knit and purl stitches, making it easy for beginners to master while creating a beautiful, textured fabric.

Quick to Complete:

This pattern is perfect for those who want to see quick results. You’ll be able to finish a dishcloth in just a few hours, making it an ideal beginner knitting project for a weekend or a rainy afternoon.

Great for Gifting:

Handmade dishcloths make wonderful gifts for friends, family, or even neighbors. They’re both useful and thoughtful, and you can personalize them by choosing yarn in colors that match the recipient’s home décor or style.

Eco-Friendly Knitting Yarn:

Since our dishcloths are made from 100% organic cotton knitting yarn, they are a great choice for those who want to reduce their environmental footprint. Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides and chemicals, making it gentle on the earth as well as your skin.

Fun to Knit:

No matter if you're just learning how to knit, or if you're already a pro - the simple knit and purl stitches make this project a fun and relaxing experience. There’s something satisfying about watching the texture grow row by row.

A Special Touch: The Yarn Choices

Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton comes in a variety of beautiful colors, both solid and printed, so you can create dishcloths that suit your personal style or match your kitchen’s color scheme. Whether you choose a vibrant solid, or a print in a softer shade, you’ll love how the yarn feels as it glides through your fingers.

Since the yarn is so soft, it makes for a luxurious experience while knitting. Plus, its absorbency and texture make these dishcloths a great addition to any kitchen. You'll be able to wash your dishes, wipe down surfaces, or even use these dishcloths as mini towels for delicate hands or faces.

Perfect for Gifts or Personal Use

The Sundrop Dishcloth is more than just a practical knitting project—it’s a thoughtful gift! Whether you’re knitting for yourself or making a batch for a gift exchange, these dishcloths will be appreciated. Their simplicity and charm make them a perfect addition to any home.

You could even create a custom gift set by pairing your hand-knitted dishcloths with a lovely bar of soap, a jar of handmade jam, or a set of candles. This combination of handmade items will surely be appreciated by anyone who receives it.

Download the Free Knitting Pattern

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