Double Seed Dishcloth

Double Seed Dishcloth by Joan Laws

What Is Being Made

The Double Seed Dishcloth is a beginner-friendly knitted cotton dishcloth measuring 8 inches by 8 inches. This project creates a practical kitchen textile using a classic seed stitch pattern, making it ideal for both functional use and as a handmade gift. The design features a striking color-block construction with five distinct cotton yarn colors stacked horizontally: hot purple, hot green, hot blue, white, and sage green.

Techniques and Construction

This dishcloth employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The construction begins with a cast-on of 40 stitches and uses a repeating four-row pattern that alternates between two different seed stitch rows. The seed stitch creates a textured, bumpy fabric surface that is both visually interesting and highly absorbent—ideal properties for a dishcloth. The pattern continues until the piece reaches 8 inches from the cast-on edge, after which stitches are bound off. Finishing involves weaving in loose ends and blocking the completed fabric to ensure even dimensions and a polished appearance.

Stitches Used

The Double Seed Dishcloth utilizes only two basic knitting stitches:

• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental stitch that forms the foundation of the pattern
• Purl stitch (P): The reverse of the knit stitch, used in alternation to create texture

The pattern repeats a simple four-row sequence: rows 1 and 2 alternate knit and purl stitches in one direction, while rows 3 and 4 reverse this sequence. This alternating pattern creates the characteristic bumpy texture of the seed stitch, which requires an even number of stitches to execute properly.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream 100% cotton yarn in worsted weight. The project requires approximately 120 yards of yarn, with a total weight of 70.9 grams. The five colors used—hot purple, hot green, hot blue, white, and sage green—are worked in horizontal stripes from bottom to top.

Needles: Size 6 (4.0mm) knitting needles, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge of 20 stitches per 4 inches. The correct needle size ensures the fabric has the proper density and drape for dishcloth use.