Fence Me In Dishcloth

Fence Me In Dishcloth by Deb Buckingham

What Is Being Made

The Fence Me In is a beginner-friendly knitted dishcloth designed by Deb Buckingham. This square dishcloth measures approximately 8.5" x 8.5" and features a decorative fence-like pattern created through strategic placement of knit and purl stitches. The finished dishcloth is suitable for everyday kitchen use and makes an excellent handmade gift.

Craft and Techniques

This project uses knitting as the primary craft. The design is specifically engineered for beginners, utilizing only fundamental knitting techniques: knit stitches and purl stitches. The pattern employs a repeating 8-row sequence that creates visual texture and interest while remaining accessible to newer knitters. The straightforward stitch combination makes this an ideal project for building foundational knitting skills while producing a practical, finished item.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch forming the base of the fabric and creating smooth stockinette sections
• Purl stitch (P): Used strategically throughout the pattern to create the distinctive fence design and textural contrast

The pattern begins with a 3-row garter stitch border (all knit stitches), followed by an 8-row repeat worked a total of 8 times, and finishes with a 4-row garter stitch border. The alternating knit and purl sequences in rows 4 and 8 create the characteristic fence motif that gives the dishcloth its name and visual appeal.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn Weight: Worsted weight yarn (approximately 82 yards)
• Yarn Recommendation: Sugar 'n Cream (the yarn used in the original design)
• Needles: US 6 (4 mm) knitting needles
• Gauge: 4.5 stitches per inch on US 6 needles
• Cast On: 40 stitches

The worsted weight yarn and US 6 needle size combination creates a fabric with appropriate density and drape for a functional kitchen dishcloth. The modest yardage requirement makes this an excellent stash-busting project and an economical choice for crafters.