DIAMOND PADDING dishcloth knitting pattern
The Diamond Padding is one of my favourite knit-and-purl textures. It looks elegant and squishy, and it is oh-so-simple! Whether you’re looking to make a scrubby dishcloth or a cozy blanket block, it is a perfect choice.
This pattern follows the 52SP Standard, making it 100% compatible with all other blocks in the Oh La Lana! library. Mix it with our Alphabet letters (Uppercase or Lowercase) to personalize your project!
| 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.
Diamond Padding Blanket Square
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st: stitch
- k: knit
- p: purl
💡 Prefer to knit away from the screen? You can purchase the ad-free, high-resolution printable PDF version of this pattern in the Oh La Lana! shop, on Etsy, or in my Ravelry store. It includes a clear, enlarged chart and row-by-row instructions, perfect for your project bag!
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, DIAMOND PADDING knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
Work 7 times the Diamond Padding pattern complete and then rows 1) to 7) again.
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Diamond Padding 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.
Diamond Padding dishcloth knitting pattern: Written instructions
Over a multiple of 4 sts. I added 3 more sts to adjust for our needed 35.
Repeat instructions between brackets a total of 8 times.
Row 1) (RS) [k1, p1, k1, p1], k1, p1, k1
Row 2) p1, k1, p1, [k1, p1, k1, p1]
Row 3) [p1, k3], p1, k2
Row 4) p2, k1, [p3, k1]
Row 5) [k1, p1, k1, p1], k1, p1, k1
Row 6) p1, k1, p1, [k1, p1, k1, p1]
Row 7) [k2, p1, k1], k2, p1
Row 8) k1, p2, [p1, k1, p2]
Diamond Padding dishcloth: Chart
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
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 this pattern with confidence!
Note: 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.
Do you want to use this pattern as a building block?
If you are working on a nursery blanket project, check out our Animal and Transport collections. You can find a lot of ideas and inspiration there! And if you want to personalize your blanket, the Alphabet series (uppercase & lowercase) have the perfect additions to make your blanket unique.
Ready to put your blocks together?
See my Finishing & Assembly guide for the neatest way to join your squares.
Pin it!
You can use the image below to save the Diamond Padding dishcloth knitting pattern in your Pinterest knitting board.
