Diagonal Garter Dishcloth
Knit corner to corner with an eyelet edge. A classic first project and a lovely kitchen gift.
- Yarn
- Worsted (4) 100% cotton.
- Needles
- US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Sizes
- 8 × 8 in (20 × 20 cm); make it bigger for a washcloth or a baby blanket
- Example gauge
- 16 sts and 32 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in garter
- Yarn needed
- About 80 yd (75 m) cotton worsted per cloth.
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widest point | side × 1.41 × sts per in (rows run on the diagonal) | 8 × 1.41 × 4 = 45 sts | By hand |
Materials
- Worsted (4) yarn (see yarn needed)
- US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Tapestry needle
Gauge swatch
Just start knitting; measure the edge as you go.
Instructions
Increase half
Cast on 4 sts. Knit 1 row.
Every row: K2, yo, knit to end. 1 st increased.
Repeat until the straight edge measures your side length (about 45 sts for 8 in).
Decrease half
Every row: K1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, knit to end. 1 st decreased.
Repeat until 5 sts remain. Next row: K1, k2tog, k2tog. Bind off.
Finishing
- Weave in ends.
- Cotton shrinks: wash and dry once before gifting.
Designer’s notes
- The same recipe in worsted wool at 36 × 1.41 × 4.5 ≈ 229 sts makes a crib blanket.
- Stripe every 6 rows for a candy-stripe cloth.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: stitches on the needle (tap once per row; it equals your count).
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Want it on paper? This pattern is in Quick Gifts in an Evening, a printable PDF of 12 patterns with photos and row tallies ($8).
Tools for this pattern
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.