I LOVE CATS dishcloth knitting pattern
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.
Combine your love for fiber arts and feline friends with the I LOVE CATS Dishcloth. This playful pattern features the classic ‘I 💜 Cats’ message, rendered in simple knit and purl textures that pop against a smooth stockinette background. Whether you’re knitting a personalized gift for a fellow cat lover or adding a whimsical block to your 52SP Standard sampler blanket, this design is a purr-fectly quick and relaxing 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.
I 💜 cats Dishcloth or 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, I Love cats knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the “I love cats” 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.
“I love cats” dishcloth knitting pattern: Written instructions
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS) k all sts
Row 2) p all sts
Row 4) p all sts
Row 6) p5, k5, p3, k2, p1, k4, p2, k4, p1, k4, p4
Row 8) p4, k7, p1, k8, p1, k5, p1, k5, p3
Row 10) p3, k3, p4, k1, p1, k2, p2, k3, p2, k3, p1, k1, p1, k2, p1, k3, p2
Row 12) p2, k4, p6, k2, p2, k3, p2, k3, p3, k1, p2, k3, p2
Row 14) p2, k4, p7, k6, p2, k3, p4, k5, p2
Row 16) p2, k4, p7, k6, p2, k3, p3, k5, p3
Row 18) p2, k4, p3, k2, p5, k3, p2, k3, p3, k3, p5
Row 20) p3, k4, p2, k2, p2, k2, p1, k3, p1, k6, p1, k3, p1, k2, p2
Row 22) p4, k7, p2, k5, p2, k6, p2, k5, p2
Row 24) p6, k4, p4, k3, p4, k3, p5, k3, p3
Row 26) p21, k3, p11
Row 28) p21, k3, p11
Row 30) p all sts
Row 32) p3, k9, p10, k2, p11
Row 34) p3, k9, p8, k6, p9
Row 36) p5, k5, p8, k10, p7
Row 38) p5, k5, p6, k14, p5
Row 40) p5, k5, p5, k16, p4
Row 42) p5, k5, p4, k18, p3
Row 44) p5, k5, p4, k18, p3
Row 46) p5, k5, p4, k18, p3
Row 48) p3, k9, p3, k7, p2, k7, p4
Row 50) p3, k9, p5, k3, p6, k3, p6
Row 52) p all sts
Row 54) p all sts
Row 55) k all sts
“I love cats” dishcloth knitting pattern: 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 your 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.
Looking for more patterns?
Check out Clue #1: The Bear and start your woodland journey today!
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 this pattern in your Pinterest knitting board.
Hi Ceci, great to see another cat block! Love it! I’ve now knitted the four designs I bought on line, and will add this one to my collection. I was wondering whether a “cat face” might be another design idea? Looking forward to seeing more of your lovely patterns.
Best regards,
Chris x
Hi Chris! Yes, that could be another! I’m trying to make more 🙂 I’m currently playing with the idea of a “fish in bowl” block and a “lurking cat” in another, to be placed side by side.
xo
I love your dishcloths!
Hi Ceci, Your pattern instructions & the pattern picture contradict one another. The picture shows the pattern in purl, whereas your instructions have the pattern knitted……just to let you know 🙂
Betty