Today I’ll be sharing a free double broken rib knitted washcloth pattern with you. It's knit up in a pleasing rib texture that is so easy to do. Plus, it's easy to memorize and makes for a great travel knitting project.
We’ll be knitting this washcloth with I Love This Cotton! Yarn which is a worsted weight cotton yarn from Hobby Lobby. One of the things I love about this yarn is it’s 100% cotton. For this reason, it is the perfect natural fiber for a soft washcloth.

Of all the different types of yarn, cotton yarn is one of my favorite natural fibers to knit with. Even though cotton isn't as elastic as some other yarns, it does show textured knitted stitches beautifully. Because of this, it's a great yarn to work with if you're a knitting beginner.
Hands down, this design is one of my current favorites to travel with. As you can see, I’ve been busy trying to make a dent in my cotton yarn stash. I think I’ve done a pretty good job.

Here, take a look at the above knit samples. The colors shown are Amethyst and Aspyn. Just look at the gorgeous knit texture of these washcloths. If you’re looking for a quick knit gift, these broken rib washcloths would be an excellent choice.
If you like to knit on the go, you'll have no problem memorizing this easy 4 row knitting pattern. But before I get ahead of myself, maybe you’ve never knit a washcloth pattern before. You might even be asking, what is a washcloth? And what are washcloths used for? Well, let’s talk about this briefly.
What is a Washcloth
First of all, a cotton washcloth is a cloth used for washing your face, hands, or body. While it's gentle enough for your skin, it's durable enough for around the house and home. Usually made from absorbent material, a washcloth can be soft or slightly coarse.
What are Washcloths Used For
- You can knit makeup washcloths with this free pattern and use them to remove makeup.
- A kitchen washcloth, or a knitted dishcloth, is just the thing for washing dishes.
- Another way to use a washcloth is in the bath or shower. If you're looking for a deeper clean, you can knit an exfoliating washcloths with scrubby cotton yarn.
- Also, cotton makes the softest baby washcloths and baby blankets. It’s gentle enough for babies, toddlers, and kids. Not to mention, cotton knits only gets softer with use.
Learn more about Knitting with Cotton Yarn
- Finally, washcloths are not just for the little ones though. If you have sensitive skin, grab some soft cotton yarn and knit your own washcloth…which is what we’re about to do.
Here is a list of the knitting tools and supplies you’ll need for this knitted washcloth pattern.
Knitting Supplies:
- Knitting Needles in size 5 U.S. (3.75 mm)
- Hobby Lobby's I Love This Cotton! Yarn (Worsted cotton yarn – 4) - 1 skein
- Stitch markers (optional)

How to Knit a Washcloth
Ready to begin the washcloth knitting pattern? Good. Go ahead and gather your knitting supplies and let's get started.
Knitting Pattern:
First, cast on (CO) 30 stitches using the long tail cast on.
After CO, knit 3 rows in garter stitch. Next, work the pattern as written below.
Row 1: Knit [K]
Row 2: Purl [P]
R3: K4, [P2, K2], K2 last 2 stitches
R4: [K2, P2], K2 last 2 stitches
Then, repeat rows 1-4 for 8 sets. After that, knit 3 rows before you bind off (BO).
Are you a little confused after reading this? You can learn how to read a knitting stitch pattern here.
Lastly, weave in the ends. As you can see, I have a lot of tails to weave in.
O the tails we weave... Knitters, you know what I'm talking about.
Despite the yarn tails, I really enjoy making this knitted washcloth pattern. They make the perfect quick knit gift so I like to keep lots of these on hand for whatever event comes my way.
Knitting Gauge
Ultimately, the finished washcloth size measured 5 inches by 5 inches, but gauge isn’t critical for this project. If you’d like to make a larger washcloth, just cast on additional multiples of 4.

As shown above, you can see both the front and back sides of the knitting, also known as right and wrong sides. Don’t you just love this ribbed knit texture? Good stitch texture is important for a washcloth.
Blocking
What’s exceptional about this rib stitch pattern is that it is made up of knits and purls. We’re not talking stockinette stitch here, which means there is minimal rolling on the edges. In the end, I didn’t even have to block my knitting. So, if that didn’t sell you on this pattern, I don’t know what it’d take.
I hope you enjoyed this free double broken rib knitted washcloth pattern. Please share your finished project with me on Instagram! I’d love to see how yours turned out. #Knitfarious
Love your work!!!
Love your patterns. I want to make them all!
Thank you so much! I know the feeling all too well... 🙂
Thanks for sharing😀
I am excited about my next knitting project.
My friends will be excited about receiving a
new knitted hat!
Terrific! I'd love to see your finished hat. Please send me pics when you're done. Thanks again for stopping by! ~ Christina
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