LOVE 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.
Looking for a quick, heartfelt gift? The LOVE Dishcloth is a beginner-friendly project that uses only knit and purl stitches to create a beautiful textured message. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or as a meaningful block in a wedding sampler blanket.
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.
“LOVE” 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. - Stocking stitch before the “LOVE” panel
Work 18 rows in stocking stitch with 4 garter sts at each side (knit all sts in odd rows, and k4, p35, k4 in even rows).
- Main pattern with garter stitch side borders
Now work the LOVE pattern, with 4 garter sts at each side (16 rows).
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the “LOVE” knitting pattern. - Stocking stitch after the “LOVE” panel
Work 21 rows more in stocking stitch with 4 garter stitches at each side, as you did before the “LOVE” 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.
“LOVE” dishcloth knitting pattern: Written instructions
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS) k all sts
Row 2) p2, k7, p2, k5, p4, k3, p3, k7, p2
Row 4) p2, k7, p1, k7, p2, k5, p2, k7, p2
Row 6) p2, k3, p5, k3, p1, k3, p2, k5, p2, k3, p6
Row 8) p2, k3, p5, k2, p3, k2, p1, k3, p1, k3, p1, k6, p3
Row 10) p2, k3, p5, k2, p3, k2, p1, k3, p1, k3, p1, k6, p3
Row 12) p2, k3, p5, k3, p1, k3, p1, k2, p3, k2, p1, k3, p6
Row 14) p2, k3, p5, k7, p1, k2, p3, k2, p1, k7, p2
Row 16) p2, k3, p6, k5, p2, k2, p3, k2, p1, k7, p2
“LOVE” 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 tracks?
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.
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