Free Scrubby Knitting Pattern — Easy Dishcloth Square
My free scrubby knitting pattern is perfect for using up leftover cotton yarn. So if you love quick knits or tiny makes, today’s post is a treat because I’m sharing a brand‑new extract from my book Twenty to Make: Knitted Dishcloths. These Heartfelt Squares make gorgeous eco‑friendly gifts, especially when paired with a natural washing detergent or a handmade soap.
Quick to knit, they combine a moss‑stitch border with a smooth stocking‑stitch centre, finished with a duplicate‑stitch heart for that extra touch of love. As the extract says:
“This pair of small square pads feature a moss stitch border with a smooth stocking stitch centre. Finished with a simple duplicate stitch heart, they're quick to knit and also ideal for small handmade gifts…”
About the Book
This pattern is taken from my book Twenty to Make: Knitted Dishcloths, published by Search Press. It’s packed with fun, colourful, stash‑busting designs, and therefore perfect for beginners and seasoned knitters alike.
If you enjoy this extract, you’ll love the full collection.
🌼 Quick Look: Free Scrubby Knitting Pattern
- Skill Level: 🌱🌱 Next steps knitting, for a confident beginner.
- Construction: ✂️ Worked in rows, adding duplicate stitch at the end.
- Techniques Used: 🔄 Knit, purl, cast-on, cast-off, duplicate stitch.
- Time to Make: ⏱️ 45-60 minutes.
- Yarn: 🧶 15g/26m balls of aran-weight (10-ply; worsted) cotton in chosen colours.
- Extras: ✨ Wool needle.
- Knitting Needles: 📍 Pair of 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) straight needles.
- Finished Sizes: 📏 Approximately 13cm square.
- Pattern Type: 🧵 Flat square / worked in rows.
- Perfect For: 💚 Eco‑friendly cleaning, gifting, stash‑busting.
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What You’ll Love About This Free Scrubby Knitting Pattern
- Quick to knit — therefore perfect for an evening project.
- Brilliant stash‑busters — because each square uses just 15g of cotton.
- Eco‑friendly — washable, reusable, and also kind to the planet (no more throw-away wipes).
- Customisable — change the colours, add initials, or even try a different motif for the centre.
Gift Ideas
These squares make adorable handmade gifts. Try pairing them with:
- A bar of botanical soap.
- A bottle of eco‑friendly detergent.
- A mini self‑care hamper.
- A knitted or crocheted face cloth set.
- A little note saying “Made with love”.
They’re also perfect for charity makes, teacher gifts, or stocking fillers.
Free Scrubby Knitting Pattern: Level of Difficulty
This is a confident beginner knitting pattern, because you need experience with Duplicate Stitch (also known as Swiss Darning). Full tutorial is also included, to help you.
How to Get Your Free Knitting Pattern
Find the full pattern instructions written out below. You don’t need to sign up or log in because it’s free right here on the blog. The pattern is written in English.
Copyright
Please read the copyright terms, which apply globally, before using or downloading your pattern:
The contents of this page, including the pattern instructions and images, are published under copyright to me ©Lynne Rowe 2026 under my brand Knit Crochet Create® and are for your own personal use only.
Materials
You only need small amounts of cotton yarn, therefore they're ideal for leftovers.
- 1 x 15g (26m) mini ball of Aran (10-ply/worsted) weight cotton yarn in each of Pale Green (A), Dark Green (B) and Pink (C).
- Shown in Scheepjes Cahlista 15g in Silver Green 402 (yarn A), Fir 525 (yarn B) and Freesia 519 (yarn C).
- 4.5mm knitting needles.
- A wool needle for Duplicate Stitch (aka Swiss Darning).
- Scissors.
Finished Size
Each square measures approximately 13cm (5in) — therefore a lovely palm‑sized cloth.
Gauge (Tension)
Not critical, but as a guide, 18 sts and 32 rows measure 10 x 10cm (4 x 4in) using Scheepjes Cahlista and 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) needles.
Abbreviations For Stitches Used
- K = knit
- P = purl
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- [ ] = repeat instructions within brackets as many times as stated
Free Scrubby Knitting Pattern Begins
Instructions
Using yarn A or yarn B, cast on 25 sts.
- Row 1 (RS): [K1, P1] to last st, K1.
- Rows 2–9: Repeat Row 1.
- Row 10 (WS): [K1, P1] 3 times, P13, [P1, K1] 3 times.
- Row 11: [K1, P1] 3 times, K13, [P1, K1] 3 times.
- Rows 12–27: Repeat Rows 10 and 11 a further eight times.
- Rows 28–35: Repeat Row 1.
- Cast off purlwise, taking care not to pull stitches too tightly when casting off.
- Cut yarn, fasten off, then weave in ends on WS
To Finish
This is where the magic happens, because a sweet duplicate‑stitch heart sits at the centre.
- Using yarn C and following the chart above, Duplicate Stitch a heart on the central stocking stitch square (read my tutorial for more about Duplicate Stitch or Swiss Darning).
- The central stocking stitch square is 13 sts and 18 rows, which matches the chart below, so you can use the chart to place the stitches.
For Duplicate Stitch
- Thread needle with yarn and bring needle up through the base of first stitch you are duplicating. This is in the space below the 'V' of the stitch.
- Pull yarn through, then slide needle, from right to left, under both legs of the 'V' of the stitch above.
- Pull yarn through.
- Finally, thread needle back through same space that you started from to complete the Duplicate Stitch.
- Repeat for all stitches that need duplicating.
Free Scrubby Knitting Pattern Ends
Top Tip
Match your tension to the original stitches. Avoid pulling too tightly, because this can cause the lower layer to pucker.
Aran‑weight cotton works best for these squares. The extract uses Scheepjes Cahlista 15g minis, but any smooth cotton with similar weight will give great stitch definition.
Yes! The easiest way to do this is to use thinner yarn and needles for a smaller square, or thicker yarn and needles for a larger square.
No — gauge isn’t critical for this project because it doesn't matter if your square turns out a different size. The pattern says: “18 sts and 32 rows measure 10 × 10cm,” but your squares will still work beautifully even if your tension varies.
Not at all. It’s one of the easiest ways to add motifs to knitting. You’re simply following the outline of a knit stitch with a tapestry needle. See my full tutorial for step‑by‑step illustrations.
The moss‑stitch border naturally prevents curling, but blocking your finished square will help it lie perfectly flat.
What to Make Next?
If you enjoyed my free scrubby knitting pattern, and are looking for more inspiration, you might also like:
- Sunburst Circles Knitting Pattern
- Garter Stitch Christmas Tree Garland
- Chunky Garter Stitch Cowl
- All My Free Knitting Patterns
- Grab your FREE Knitting Needle Conversion Guide here
Share Your Makes
If you love this pattern, then I’d love to see your finished projects! Tag me on Instagram [@knitcrochetcreate] so I can admire your creations.
Let's keep in touch!
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