PAW PRINT 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.
Every forest tells a story through the tracks left behind! To accompany our Into the Woodlands MKAL, I’m bringing a classic back from the archives: the Paw Print Block.
Whether you’re imagining it as a 🐾 bear track or a tribute to a furry friend at home, this textured square is a quick and satisfying knit. It’s the perfect optional block to add some variety to your woodland blanket or to use as a themed dishcloth!
| 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: 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.
Paw Print 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, PAW PRINT knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the PAW PRINT 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.
PAW PRINT 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) p all sts
Row 8) p all sts
Row 10) p10, k6, p3, k6, p10
Row 12) p9, k17, p9
Row 14) p7, k21, p7
Row 16) p7, k21, p7
Row 18) p7, k21, p7
Row 20) p7, k21, p7
Row 22) p9, k17, p9
Row 24) p10, k15, p10
Row 26) p4, k4, p2, k15, p2, k4, p4
Row 28) p3, k7, p2, k11, p2, k7, p3
Row 30) p3, k7, p15, k7, p3
Row 32) p3, k6, p4, k3, p3, k3, p4, k6, p3
Row 34) p3, k6, p2, k6, p1, k6, p2, k6, p3
Row 36) p3, k4, p3, k7, p1, k7, p3, k4, p3
Row 38) p4, k3, p3, k7, p1, k7, p3, k3, p4
Row 40) p10, k7, p1, k7, p10
Row 42) p10, k7, p1, k7, p10
Row 44) p10, k5, p5, k5, p10
Row 46) p11, k4, p5, k4, p11
Row 48) p all sts
Row 50) p all sts
Row 52) p all sts
Row 54) p all sts
Row 55) k all sts
PAW PRINT 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 woodland friend 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.
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 am hoping you can help me
I want to make a baby blanket with a lion’s head on several blocks and his paw on some of the other blocks that has the format of your pattern. I would be more than happy to pay you – would you be able to make a lion like the one I am attaching?
Thanks in advance
What a great idea, Ceci. I love using the various picture cloth patterns for blanket blocks and I’d love to make one with various wild beasts on it. Africa has some iconic wildlife in addition to the lions.
Hello! loving the blanket squares! just wondering size wise do these fit with the block of xmas? if love to mix and match them together. Thanks