This pattern was originally published in 2019, as block #28 of the original “52 Square Pickup” KAL. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.

Continuing our journey through the Textures and Geometric Collection, I am thrilled to bring the Boxes and Lines dishcloth pattern into 2026. This design is a beautiful study in structure, combining vertical columns of smooth knit stitches with textured ‘boxes’ that create a wonderful sense of depth and movement.

Like the other recent additions to our library, this block is an absolute joy for beginners. It relies entirely on the foundational knit and purl stitches, making it a rhythmic and relaxing project for those looking to expand their skills beyond the basics. The result is a sturdy, high-contrast fabric that is as functional in the kitchen as it is beautiful in a nursery blanket. Whether you are knitting a single washcloth or a full set, these clean lines offer a sophisticated finish every time.

hand knitted pink cotton square featuring the boxes and lines dishcloth or blanket block pattern, texture relief

Project Detail	Requirement
Skill Level	Beginner (only knits and purls)
Yarn Weight	DK or Worsted
Needle Size	4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches)
Finished Size	8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm)

Materials & Tools for the Boxes and Lines block

Yarn: 70 yds (64 m) of DK yarn (8 ply). OR 140 yds (128 m) of light fingering yarn (approx 3 ply) USED DOUBLE.
Needles: 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches).
Tools: tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, scissors.
Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows in stocking st with US 6 (4 mm needles) and DK yarn = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm)

NOTE: You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks. Let me know in the comments if you need help!

Boxes and Lines: Knitted square instructions

hand knitted pink cotton square featuring the boxes and lines dishcloth or blanket block pattern, from Oh La Lana! Texture Collection, with an 52SP standard badge on the top right corner

Abbreviations:

CO: cast on
RS: right side
WS: wrong side
st(s): stitch(es)
k: knit
p: purl

The Pattern: General Instructions

Cast on sts
CO 43 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
I always cast on and bind off stitches with larger needles than I use for the main work. This prevents my cast on and bind off rows from being too tight.
Garter stitch bottom border
With US 6 (4 mm) needles, knit 4 rows.
Slip first stitch on every row as if you were to knit it, but without knitting it (except on the first row). It will form a neat and sturdy border.
Main pattern with garter stitch side borders
Continue working the next 55 rows as follows:
4 garter sts, Boxes and Lines knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
Work the entire 16-row pattern 3 times complete, and then rows 1) to 7) again.
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Boxes and Lines knitting pattern.
Garter stitch top border
Knit 4 rows.
Bind off
Bind off all sts with a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
(Optional) Blocking
Block your square to its final measures.

Boxes and Lines Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions

The stitch pattern repeats over 20 stitches and 16 rows. I added 15 more stitches to reach 35 stitches of internal space.
Work the instructions between brackets 1 time.

Row 1) (RS) [p1, k3, p7, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1], p1, k3, p7, k3, p1

Row 2) p4, k7, p4, [k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p4, k7, p4]

Row 3) Knit all stitches

Row 4) Purl all stitches

Row 5) [p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, p6], p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, p1

Row 6) k1, p4, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p4, k1, [k6, p4, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p4, k1]

Row 7) [p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, p6], p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, p1

Row 8) k1, p4, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p4, k1, [k6, p4, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p4, k1]

Row 9) [p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, p6], p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, p1

Row 10) k1, p4, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p4, k1, [k6, p4, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p4, k1]

Row 11) Knit all stitches

Row 12) Purl all stitches

Row 13) [p1, k3, p7, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1], p1, k3, p7, k3, p1

Row 14) p4, k7, p4, [k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p4, k7, p4]

Row 15) [p1, k3, p7, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1], p1, k3, p7, k3, p1

Row 16) p4, k7, p4, [k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p4, k7, p4]

Boxes and Lines Knitting Chart

Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.

💡Note & Tip: These charted instructions represent the 35-stitch design area. Remember to work your 4-stitch garter borders at the beginning and end of every row. I recommend using stitch markers to separate the borders from the main design area.