Handmade knitted dishcloths have been a staple in my kitchen for over 20 years, and for good reason—they're durable, reusable, and a great way to cut down on waste. Long before sustainable living became trendy, my mom was already making the switch by knitting her own dishcloths instead of buying store-bought ones. She learned the pattern from a friend back in the 1990s. She’d sit down, knitting a fresh batch of what we called Granny dish rags, and soon, they became a household essential.
By the time I was in college, I had already developed a love for handmade crafts, so my mom passed the tradition on to me. During my senior year, she taught me how to knit these dishcloths, and I quickly became hooked. While my friends were watching football, I was sitting in the same room, needles clicking away, working on my latest dishcloth. There was something incredibly satisfying about making something so simple yet practical with my own two hands. Ever since then, I’ve continued knitting them—not just for myself, but for friends and family who appreciate their usefulness. My mom still makes them too, and between the two of us, we’ve likely created hundreds of dishcloths over the years!
Through the years, I’ve heard these dishcloths go by different names—but now our family refers to them as Grammy Dishcloths. The name stuck as a tribute to my mom, who first introduced them to us. While the exact origins of the pattern are unknown, it’s the kind of thing that gets passed down from one crafter to another, evolving over time as each person adds their own personal touch. Maybe one day, I’ll teach my niece how to make them, and she’ll carry on the tradition.
Aside from being an enjoyable and beginner-friendly knitting project, a handmade knitted dishcloth is a great alternative to disposable kitchen items. They last far longer than sponges, are easy to wash and reuse, and help cut down on unnecessary waste. Plus, they make fantastic gifts—I’ve given plenty over the years, and they’re always a hit. There’s something special about receiving a handmade item that’s both practical and eco-friendly.
If you’re looking for a simple, eco friendly DIY project, knitting dishcloths is a great place to start. Whether you're an experienced knitter or a complete beginner, this knitting pattern is quick to learn and easy to master. And once you make one, you might find yourself making dozens—just like my mom and me!
Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Knitted Dishcloth
When it comes to knitting dishcloths, 100% cotton yarn is hands down the best—and really, the only—yarn you should use. Unlike synthetic blends, cotton yarn provides the perfect balance of durability and absorbency, making it ideal for kitchen use. If you’ve ever tried using an acrylic-based yarn for a dishcloth, you probably noticed that it doesn’t hold up well when wet. Acrylic is slippery, lacks scrubbing power, and simply pushes water around rather than absorbing it. Imagine trying to wash your dishes or wipe down your counters with an afghan blanket—not exactly practical, right? That’s why cotton is the way to go.
Cotton yarn offers superior texture for scrubbing without being too harsh on delicate surfaces. It’s strong enough to handle tough messes, yet soft enough to use on dishes, countertops, and even as a gentle exfoliating cloth in the bathroom. Plus, cotton dishcloths are naturally quick-drying, which helps prevent bacteria and mildew buildup—something that synthetic cloths struggle with.
Beyond functionality, choosing 100% cotton yarn makes your knitted dishcloth a zero waste alternative to a conventional dish rag, which is often made with plastic fibers. Over time, those synthetic materials break down and release microplastics into the water supply. In contrast, a well-made cotton dishcloth can last for years with proper care. And when it finally reaches the end of its life? Instead of adding to landfill waste, it will biodegrade naturally, leaving behind no trace—just pure, compostable cotton.
For the best selection of high-quality cotton yarn, consider shopping at small business yarn stores. Not only will you find unique colors and textures, but you’ll also be supporting independent artisans and sustainable practices. Many local yarn shops carry organic and ethically sourced cotton yarn, giving you even more eco-friendly options for your knitting projects. So, next time you’re looking for the perfect yarn for your dishcloths, visit a small business yarn store and craft with sustainability in mind!
Choosing the Right Knitting Needles for Your Dishcloths
Investing in good-quality knitting needles is worth it—not only will they last for years, but they also enhance your knitting experience. When it comes to materials, I personally avoid metal and plastic needles. While metal needles may seem durable at first, their coating eventually wears off, making them rough and less smooth when slipping stitches. Plastic needles, on the other hand, can be brittle and prone to breaking, which only adds unnecessary waste to landfills.
As someone who prioritizes eco-friendly crafting, I always opt for sustainable materials whenever possible. That’s why my go-to choice is bamboo or wooden knitting needles. Not only are they lightweight and comfortable to hold, but they also have a natural warmth that makes knitting more enjoyable. Bamboo and wood provide just the right amount of grip, preventing stitches from slipping off too easily while still allowing for smooth movement. Plus, they’re compostable, meaning they won’t contribute to the world’s growing plastic waste problem when they eventually wear out.
For knitting dishcloths, I recommend using US size 10 bamboo or wooden needles. This size works well with cotton yarn, creating a knit that’s sturdy enough for scrubbing but still flexible for everyday use.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into this easy knitted dish cloth pattern!
Instructions for the knitted dishcloth I've been making for 20+ years:
Cast on 3 stitches
Knit 3
Knit 1, add a stitch by inserting through front of next stitch, wrap around and pull through, but not off, insert needle through the back of the same stitch, wrap around and pull stitch off; knit last 2 stitches. (4 stitches on needle)
Repeat step (knit 2, then take needle through the front wrap around, pull through, but not off, go through the back of the same stitch, wrap around and then off, knit until end (5 stitches)
Repeat Step one more time. Knit 2, add a stitch on the 3rd stitch, knit until end (6 stitches).
Knit 3, yarn over. Knit until end.
Repeat step until you have 42 stitches on your knitting needle.
Decrease: Knit 2, Knit 2 together, Yarn Over, Knit together, knit until end.
Repeat until you have 6 stitches left.
Knit 2, Knit 2 together, knit 2.
Repeat until you have 3 stitches left
Cast off (knit first 2 stitches, take left needle and take your first stitch on your right needle and lift it over the 2nd stitch. Repeat one more time.
Cut the yarn and pull through the last stitch to secure.
Take a crochet hook or tapestry needle and weave tail in edge of knitted dishcloth
That’s it! You now have a sturdy, reusable dishcloth.
Stack of handmade knitted dishcloths.Caring for Your Handmade Knitted Dishcloth
One of the best things about knitted dishcloths is how easy they are to care for. With the right maintenance, they’ll stay soft, absorbent, and durable for years to come.
Washing: Throw them in the washing machine with a biodegradable detergent using cold.
Drying: Tumble dry on medium to high heat. To reduce drying time throw in some wool dryer balls.
Why You’ll Love Handmade Dishcloths
Knitting your own dishcloths is a rewarding practical craft and creative way to produce no waste while adding a personal touch to your kitchen. Here’s why you’ll love them:
✔️ Eco-Friendly – Ditch synthetic dish rags and disposable sponges that release microplastics into the environment. Cotton dishcloths are natural, reusable, and compostable at the end of their life.
✔️ Built to Last – Unlike store-bought options that wear out quickly, these dishcloths remain strong and reliable for years, even with daily use.
✔️ Completely Customizable – Choose yarn colors to match your kitchen décor, celebrate the seasons, or reflect your personal style.
✔️ Thoughtful & Practical Gifts – Handmade dishcloths make a perfect gift for housewarmings, holidays, or anyone who appreciates environmentally friendly living. Pair them with other eco friendly products for a zero waste gift set!
✔️ Budget-Friendly – A single skein of cotton yarn can yield multiple dishcloths, making them a cost-effective alternative to disposable options.
✔️ Relaxing & Mindful Craft – Knitting is a soothing, meditative activity. Whether you knit while watching TV, listening to a podcast, or simply unwinding at the end of the day, this simple project offers a perfect way to slow down and enjoy the process.
Start Knitting a Dishcloth Today!
Whether you’re knitting for yourself, crafting gifts, or working toward a more sustainable home, handmade dishcloths are an easy and rewarding project for all skill levels. Grab some yarn and needles, and start knitting your way to a greener, more mindful kitchen!
Happy knitting!
Not the Crafty Type? We've Got You Covered!
If knitting isn’t your thing but you still love the charm and practicality of hand-knitted Granny Dishcloths, don’t worry—we've got you covered! At Mudd House Mercantile, our zero waste store offers beautifully handcrafted dishcloths made with care and sustainable materials. These durable, eco-friendly essentials are perfect for your kitchen and make thoughtful, waste-free gifts. Shop now and bring home the warmth of handmade without picking up the needles!