VALENTINES 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 a bit of rhythm to your needles with the Valentine’s Hearts Dishcloth. This pattern features a beautiful cascading heart texture that looks intricate but relies entirely on simple knit and purl stitches. It’s a wonderful project for those ready to practice reading simple repeats, and like all 52SP Standard patterns, it integrates perfectly into any sampler blanket 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.
Valentines 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, VALENTINES knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
Work 1 time the Valentines pattern complete and then rows 1) to 23) again.
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Valentines 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.
Valentines dishcloth knitting pattern: Written instructions
Over a multiple of 16 sts. I added 3 more sts to adjust for our needed 35.
Repeat instructions between brackets a total of 2 times.
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS) k all sts
Row 2) p all sts
Row 4) p3, [p7, k1, p8]
Row 6) p3, [p6, k3, p7]
Row 8) p3, [p4, k7, p5]
Row 10) p3, [p3, k9, p4]
Row 12) p3, [p2, k11, p3]
Row 14) p3, [p2, k5, p1, k5, p3]
Row 16) p3, [p3, k3, p3, k3, p4]
Row 18) p all sts
Row 20) p2, k1, [p15, k1]
Row 22) p1, k2, [k1, p13, k2]
Row 24) k3, [k3, p9, k4]
Row 26) k3, [k4, p7, k5]
Row 28) k3, [k5, p5, k6]
Row 30) k2, p1, [k5, p5, k5, p1]
Row 32) k1, p2, [p1, k3, p7, k3, p2]
Valentines dishcloth knitting pattern: CHART
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
What is the Red Frame? You’ll notice a red box surrounding a section of the chart. In the world of knitting patterns, this is your repeat zone. Instead of charting out every single stitch for a wide blanket, the red frame highlights the specific sequence of stitches you will repeat across the row. Once you finish the stitches inside the frame, you simply jump back to the start of that red box and begin again until you reach the end of your designated section. If you are new to reading charts, look at the Oh La Lana! “How to Read Knitting Charts for Beginners” guide. It explains all you need to know”
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 love to spread with your needles?
You can check out the “LOVE” dishcloth!
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.
On row 10 it should be p3 not p1 after k4 for the border stitches
You’re absolutely right, I’ll correct the row. Thank you for the heads up!
I would like to make an afghan/ throw with this pattern. How would I determine how many stitches I need for that?
I would recommend you to first make a small swatch using the pattern. This way you will be able to check your tension and how many stitches you need to cover the size you looking for. If you like, make the swatch and I will help you with the math 😊