The Pebble Beach Cotton Scrubby: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Two-Tone Dishcloth
Introducing the Pebble Beach Cotton Scrubby
Elevate your kitchen routine with this uniquely textured dishcloth, featuring a clever two-tone design that creates a gentle scrubby surface without harsh materials. The Pebble Beach pattern uses simple knits and purls to form a beautiful, functional fabric that’s perfect for daily use. Whether you’re washing dishes or wiping counters, this handmade cloth adds a touch of rustic charm to your home while being gentle on surfaces. Best of all, it’s a free, beginner-friendly pattern that produces a stunning result.
Materials Needed
To create your own Pebble Beach Cotton Scrubby, gather the following supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar 'n Cream or Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton) in two contrasting colors:
- Color A (Main): 50g (approx. 95 yards)
- Color B (Contrast): 25g (approx. 48 yards)
- Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (gauge is not critical for this project, but matching it ensures the correct size)
- Other: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a ruler or tape measure
Step-by-Step Instructions
Finished Size
Approximately 8 inches square.
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- RS: Right side
- WS: Wrong side
Pattern Notes
- The dishcloth is worked flat in rows.
- The scrubby texture is created by alternating sections of stockinette and reverse stockinette, with a two-tone stripe effect.
- Carry the unused color loosely up the side of the work. Do not cut the yarn between stripes; simply let it hang and pick it up when needed. This creates a neat edge and reduces ends to weave in.
- The first and last 4 stitches of every row form a garter stitch border (knit every row) to prevent curling.
Instructions
Cast On and Garter Border
With Color A, CO 40 sts.
Row 1 (RS): K all sts.
Row 2 (WS): K all sts. (This creates a garter stitch border at the bottom edge)
Begin Textured Pattern
Row 3 (RS): With Color A, K4, *K2, P2; repeat from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 4 (WS): With Color A, K4, *P2, K2; repeat from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 5 (RS): With Color A, K4, *P2, K2; repeat from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 6 (WS): With Color A, K4, *K2, P2; repeat from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Switch to Color B
Row 7 (RS): With Color B, K4, *K2, P2; repeat from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 8 (WS): With Color B, K4, *P2, K2; repeat from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 9 (RS): With Color B, K4, *P2, K2; repeat from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Row 10 (WS): With Color B, K4, *K2, P2; repeat from * to last 4 sts, K4.
Repeat Stripes
Switch back to Color A: Repeat Rows 3-6.
Switch to Color B: Repeat Rows 7-10.
Continue alternating 4-row stripes of Color A and Color B until the piece measures approximately 7.5 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row of Color B. (You should have about 7-8 stripes total, depending on your tension.)
Finishing
Next Row (RS): With Color A, K all sts.
Next Row (WS): With Color A, K all sts.
Bind off all sts loosely knitwise. To bind off: K2, *pass the first stitch over the second, K1; repeat from * until one stitch remains. Cut yarn, pull through last loop, and tighten.
Weave in Ends
Using a tapestry needle, weave in all yarn ends on the wrong side of the work. Trim any excess yarn.
Blocking (Optional)
Block lightly if desired. To block, wet the dishcloth with cool water, gently squeeze out excess (do not wring), lay flat on a towel, and shape to 8 inches square. Allow to air dry completely. This evens out stitches and gives a professional finish.
Your Pebble Beach Cotton Scrubby is now ready to use! Enjoy the gentle scrubbing texture and beautiful two-tone design in your kitchen or give as a thoughtful handmade gift.
