Hearthside Heart Pocket Scrubby Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Textured Dishcloth

Knit a Cozy Hearthside Heart Pocket Scrubby: A Free Beginner-Friendly Pattern

There's something deeply satisfying about creating a handmade item that's both beautiful and practical. The Hearthside Heart Pocket Scrubby is exactly that—a charming, textured dishcloth that pairs a soft cotton knit body with a built-in pocket, perfect for holding a bar of soap. The delicate heart motif adds a touch of handmade warmth to any kitchen or bathroom, making it a wonderful gift or a treat for your own home.

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind. It uses simple knit and purl stitches, works flat from the bottom up, and features a separate pocket that's sewn on for clarity. The result is a sturdy, absorbent scrubby that's as lovely to look at as it is to use. Let's gather our supplies and get started!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, make sure you have the following materials on hand. This project is wonderfully portable and requires minimal supplies.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar'n Cream) in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Soft sage green (approx. 100 yards)
  • Contrast Color (CC): Cream (approx. 50 yards)
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing, scissors
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (for reference; exact gauge isn't critical for this project)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat from the bottom up. We'll knit the main body first, then the pocket, and finally assemble them together. Follow each step carefully, and you'll have a beautiful scrubby in no time.

Main Body (Make 1)

Using your Main Color (MC) yarn, cast on 40 stitches. We'll begin with a garter stitch border to create a neat, non-curling edge.

Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches. This creates a 4-row garter stitch border at the bottom.

Row 5 (Right Side): Knit 4 (border), purl 32, knit 4 (border). This establishes the stockinette stitch center with garter stitch borders on each side.

Rows 6-10: Repeat Row 5. You now have a solid stockinette section with garter borders. This is the base before we start the heart motif.

Row 11 (Heart Motif Start): Knit 4, purl 6, knit 1 (this is the center of the first heart), purl 18, knit 1 (center of second heart), purl 6, knit 4.

Row 12: Knit 4, purl 5, knit 3, purl 16, knit 3, purl 5, knit 4.

Row 13: Knit 4, purl 4, knit 5, purl 14, knit 5, purl 4, knit 4.

Row 14: Knit 4, purl 3, knit 7, purl 12, knit 7, purl 3, knit 4.

Row 15: Knit 4, purl 2, knit 9, purl 10, knit 9, purl 2, knit 4.

Row 16: Knit 4, purl 1, knit 11, purl 8, knit 11, purl 1, knit 4.

Row 17: Knit 4, purl 1, knit 11, purl 8, knit 11, purl 1, knit 4. (This row is the same as Row 16, creating the widest part of the heart.)

Row 18: Knit 4, purl 2, knit 9, purl 10, knit 9, purl 2, knit 4.

Row 19: Knit 4, purl 3, knit 7, purl 12, knit 7, purl 3, knit 4.

Row 20: Knit 4, purl 4, knit 5, purl 14, knit 5, purl 4, knit 4.

Row 21: Knit 4, purl 5, knit 3, purl 16, knit 3, purl 5, knit 4.

Row 22: Knit 4, purl 6, knit 1, purl 18, knit 1, purl 6, knit 4. (This completes the heart motif.)

Rows 23-32: Continue in stockinette with garter borders. Repeat Row 5 (knit 4, purl 32, knit 4) for 10 more rows. This creates a plain section above the hearts.

Rows 33-36: Knit all stitches. This creates a garter stitch border at the top, mirroring the bottom.

Bind off loosely and weave in all ends with your tapestry needle. Set the main body aside.

Pocket (Make 1)

Now, switch to your Contrast Color (CC) yarn. The pocket is knit separately, which makes it easier to position and sew on later.

Cast on 20 stitches with CC.

Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches (garter stitch border).

Row 5: Knit 3 (border), purl 14, knit 3 (border). This establishes the stockinette center with garter edges.

Rows 6-20: Repeat Row 5 for 15 rows total of stockinette with garter borders. This gives the pocket a nice, sturdy height.

Rows 21-24: Knit all stitches. This creates a garter stitch border at the top of the pocket.

Bind off loosely and weave in all ends.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring the two pieces together. Lay your main body flat with the right side facing up. The heart motif should be in the center.

Place the pocket centered on the main body, about 1 inch below the top garter border. The pocket should completely cover the heart motif. Use a ruler if you want to be precise—the pocket should sit symmetrically.

Using a tapestry needle and matching thread (or a length of your CC yarn), sew the pocket sides and bottom to the main body using a whip stitch. Leave the top edge open—this is where the soap will slip in. Make sure your stitches are secure but not too tight, so the pocket doesn't pucker and a bar of soap can slide in easily.

Finishing

Once the pocket is securely attached, block the scrubby gently to shape. You can do this by wetting it slightly and laying it flat to dry, smoothing out any wrinkles. This helps the stitches relax and gives the finished piece a professional look.

Your Hearthside Heart Pocket Scrubby is now complete! It's ready to use in your kitchen, give as a heartfelt handmade gift, or keep as a lovely addition to your bath. The cotton yarn is absorbent and durable, and the pocket is perfect for holding a bar of soap while you scrub. Enjoy your beautiful, functional creation!