LION 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.
Bring the king of the jungle to your next project with this adorable Lion knitting pattern. Originally part of our Beginner Blanket series, this lion head motif uses simple knits and purls to create a bold, textured design. Perfect for baby blankets, nursery decor, or a fun dishcloth, this pattern includes both written and charted instructions for a tidy finish.
New to charts? I have updated this pattern with my new high-contrast chart. If you need a hand learning how to follow the grid, visit our How to Read a Knitting Chart guide in the Academy for my best tips and tricks!
If you have any doubt or question, please leave your comment below.
Enjoy the 🦁 pattern!
| 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) |
If you prefer to knit off-line, you can purchase the PDF pattern in Oh La Lana! and in my Etsy shop or Ravelry store.
Materials & Tools
- 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.
Lion Head Knitted Blanket Square
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, LION HEAD knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the LION HEAD 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.
LION HEAD Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS) Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) Purl all stitches
Row 6) p14, k7, p14
Row 8) p11, k11, p1, k2, p10
Row 10) p9, k18, p8
Row 12) p7, k20, p8
Row 14) p8, k19, p8
Row 16) p5, k2, p1, k4, p11, k4, p1, k2, p5
Row 18) p4, k6, p15, k6, p4
Row 20) p3, k5, p2, k1, p2, k1, p7, k1, p2, k1, p2, k5, p3
Row 22) p2, k5, p1, k1, p2, k1, p5, k1, p4, k1, p2, k1, p2, k3, p4
Row 24) p2, k4, p4, k1, p4, k5, p4, k1, p4, k4, p2
Row 26) p4, k3, p6, k9, p6, k5, p2
Row 28) p2, k5, p5, k11, p5, k5, p2
Row 30) p2, k6, p19, k5, p3
Row 32) p2, k7, p5, k2, p3, k2, p5, k6, p3
Row 34) p2, k8, p4, k2, p3, k2, p4, k8, p2
Row 36) p3, k8, p13, k8, p3
Row 38) p4, k8, p11, k8, p4
Row 40) p7, k6, p9, k8, p5
Row 42) p6, k4, p4, k2, p3, k2, p4, k3, p7
Row 44) p5, k5, p3, k9, p3, k5, p5
Row 46) p6, k23, p6
Row 48) p9, k14, p2, k2, p8
Row 50) p11, k2, p2, k9, p11
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
LION HEAD Knitting Chart
Not sure how to read this chart? Visit Section 2: Stitches & Textures in our Knitting Academy.
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
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.
Roaring for more?
Head over to our Animal Patterns Collection to find the Butterfly, Elephant, Giraffe, and the rest of the gang!
Want to knit it later?
Use the image below to save it to Pinterest.
