Cat Knitting Pattern: Free Blanket Block & Dishcloth
This pattern was originally published in 2020. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.
Welcome to one of our most loved patterns! Whether you are a dedicated cat lover or looking for a whimsical block to add to a nursery blanket, this Cat Knitting Pattern is a perfect choice.
Featuring a clean, textured silhouette created only with knits and purls, this design is beginner-friendly and creates a striking image that stands out in any yarn color. Originally released as part of a community knit-along, it has become one of the most popular blocks of the Oh La Lana! Animals Collection.
🐾 2026 Update
This classic Cat block is the perfect companion for our new Into the Woodlands MKAL! While they were released in different years, they share the same 8.5″ dimensions and simple knit-purl style. Pair the Cat with the Bear Pattern for a truly wild blanket!
| 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 to casting on and binding off sts) |
| Finished Size | 8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm) |
Materials & Tools
- Yarn: approx. 70 yds (64 m) of DK weight yarn. Cotton is recommended for dishcloths; wool or acrylic blends work beautifully for blankets.
- Needles: 4 mm (US 6) straight needles (I suggest using 4.5 mm / US 7 needles specifically for casting on and binding off to keep your edges flexible).
- Tools: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
- Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in stocking stitch.
You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks.
Cat Knitted Blanket Square
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st: stitch
- 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, CAT knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the CAT 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.
CAT dishcloth knitting pattern: Row-by-row instructions
Click to expand
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS) Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) Purl all stitches
Row 6) p13, k3, p19
Row 8) p11, k7, p17
Row 10) p10, k3, p3, k3, p16
Row 12) p2, k2, p5, k3, p5, k3, p15
Row 14) p2, k3, p3, k3, p3, k9, p12
Row 16) p3, k7, p2, k13, p10
Row 18) p5, k3, p3, k15, p9
Row 20) p11, k15, p9
Row 22) p11, k15, p9
Row 24) p11, k15, p9
Row 26) p12, k13, p10
Row 28) p12, k13, p10
Row 30) p12, k13, p10
Row 32) p14, k9, p12
Row 34) p16, k5, p14
Row 36) p14, k9, p12
Row 38) p13, k11, p11
Row 40) p13, k11, p11
Row 42) p13, k11, p11
Row 44) p14, k9, p12
Row 46) p14, k3, p3, k3, p12
Row 48) p14, k2, p5, k2, p12
Row 50) p14, k1, p7, k1, p12
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
CAT dishcloth knitting pattern 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.
⚠️ New to reading charts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! You can find my step-by-step guide in the Oh La Lana! Academy: How to Read Knitting Charts for Beginners. It breaks down exactly how to follow the grid so you can knit your pattern with confidence!
Need more cats?
You can check out our Cat Head and Cat (Side view) patterns. And, if you join them to I love Cats, Paw Print and Heart and Paw you can make a purrrfect little blanket!
Download the Printable PDF
Oh La Lana! shop
You can also buy this pattern in Etsy and Ravelry.
Ready to put your blocks together?
See my Finishing & Assembly guide for the neatest way to join your squares.
The Cat block is perfectly sized to mix and match with our Uppercase Alphabet or the new Lowercase Series. Try spelling out a name and using the Cat as a decorative separator block!
Pin it!
You can use the image below to save this pattern in your Pinterest knitting board.
I caked up my yarn and swatched for the lace blanket. I am looking forward to it; I hope I can keep up.
Wonderful, all ready then!