The Petal Wash Daisy Dishcloth: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Floral Kitchen Essential

Bring a Touch of Spring to Your Sink: The Petal Wash Daisy Dishcloth

Transform your kitchen into a blooming garden with this charming daisy dishcloth. Featuring a raised, textured flower motif that's as functional as it is beautiful, this pattern is a delightful way to add a touch of handmade whimsy to your daily chores. Knit in a soft, absorbent cotton, this dishcloth is perfect for beginners looking to try simple increases and decreases, while creating a stunning, textured centerpiece for your kitchen. The result is a 7-inch square of cozy, handmade charm that will make washing dishes feel like a pleasure.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact yarn and needle size ensures your dishcloth will match the intended gauge and texture.

• Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream or any worsted weight 100% cotton yarn (approx. 100 yards). You will need three colors:
  • Main Color (MC): White (for the dishcloth body and border)
  • Contrast Color (CC): Yellow (for the daisy center)
  • Petal Color (PC): Soft Pink or Lavender (for the daisy petals)
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a tape measure (optional, for checking gauge)

Gauge & Pattern Notes

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure your dishcloth turns out the correct size.

Abbreviations: K = knit, P = purl, yo = yarn over, k2tog = knit two together, st(s) = stitch(es).

Pattern Notes: The dishcloth is worked flat from the bottom up. The daisy motif is created using a combination of simple increases (yarn overs) and decreases (k2tog) to form a ruffled, petal-like circle. The center is a smaller, bumpy yellow circle. For a cleaner look, weave in ends as you go or leave them to weave in at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Dishcloth Body (MC - White)

Cast on 35 stitches with MC.

• Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches. (This creates the Garter stitch border on the bottom.)
• Row 5 (Right Side): K4 (border), P27, K4 (border).
• Row 6: K4, K27, K4. (This is a Stockinette row, but the borders remain in Garter.)
• Rows 7-10: Repeat Rows 5 and 6 twice more. (You will have completed 10 rows total.)
• Row 11: K4, P27, K4.
• Row 12: K4, K27, K4.

Daisy Motif (PC - Pink)

Now we'll create the ruffled petals. This section uses increases to flare out the fabric, then decreases to bring it back to the original stitch count.

• Row 13 (Right Side): K4 (border), with PC, K1, *yo, K1* repeat from * to * across until 4 stitches remain, K4 (border). Tip: You will have many more stitches on your needle now—this is correct. The count will be 35 + 26 = 61 stitches.
• Row 14: K4, Purl across all stitches (purl the yarn overs as well), K4. (61 stitches)
• Row 15: K4, *K2tog* repeat across until 4 stitches remain, K4. Tip: This reduces the stitch count back to 35. If you have an odd number of stitches at the end, just knit the last stitch before the border.
• Row 16: K4, P27, K4. (35 stitches)

Center of Daisy (CC - Yellow)

Repeat the same increase/decrease pattern, but with the yellow yarn to create a smaller, bumpy center.

• Row 17: K4 (border), with CC, K1, *yo, K1* repeat from * to * across until 4 stitches remain, K4 (border). (61 stitches)
• Row 18: K4, Purl across all stitches, K4. (61 stitches)
• Row 19: K4, *K2tog* repeat across until 4 stitches remain, K4. (35 stitches)
• Row 20: K4, P27, K4. (35 stitches)

Finish the Dishcloth Body (MC - White)

Complete the top half of the dishcloth, mirroring the bottom.

• Rows 21-24: Repeat Rows 5 and 6 twice. (K4, P27, K4 on odd rows; K4, K27, K4 on even rows.)
• Rows 25-28: Knit all stitches. (This creates the Garter stitch border on the top.)

Bind off all stitches loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in all ends using a yarn needle.

Optional Embellishment & Finishing

For a more defined daisy, you can embroider a few French knots in the center using CC yarn, or sew on a small yellow button. Block the dishcloth gently by wetting it, squeezing out excess water, and laying it flat to dry. This will help flatten the petals and even out the stitches.

Your Petal Wash Daisy Dishcloth is now complete! Enjoy the handmade charm it brings to your kitchen, or gift it to a fellow crafter who loves floral details.