by Liz Chandler @PurlsandPixels
If you’re wondering what to knit first, this is your answer. A one-color garter stitch washcloth is the ultimate beginner project; it’s low-risk, fully useful, and incredibly relaxing. This free knitting pattern includes three beginner-friendly pieces: a face scrubby, a classic 8″ x 8″ washcloth, and a full hand towel. Together, they make a complete set that’s perfect for gifting or stocking your home with handmade, sustainable basics.
Each item is worked flat using only the knit stitch, so you can practice your tension, build muscle memory, and enjoy the rhythm of the needles without worrying about purling or shaping. Whether you’re settling in with a cup of tea or knitting in stolen moments throughout your day, this project helps you slow down while making something practical and beautiful.
Prefer to knit offline?
This pattern is free to read below, but if you’d rather print it or save it for later, I’ve created a clean, ad-free PDF version for you.
- Includes complete, row-by-row instructions
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How this Beginner Garter Stitch Washcloth Free Knitting Pattern is Made
Each piece in this set is knit flat and turned after each row. All stitches are knit, with no purling, increasing, or decreasing needed. The face scrubby included in this set is a great first project on its own, and the washcloth and hand towel build on that same simple skill.
You will need to know how to:
If your are not familiar with any of these skills, you can find all of my free knitting lessons in my Learn to Knit Index.
Plus, you can watch a full video tutorial on how to knit this washcloth in my lesson here.
Materials
Knitting Needles:
Long Circular Needles
36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Yarn:
One 95-yard (2 ounce) skein of cotton worsted weight yarn* (shown in Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn), in your choice of color
- one face scrubby uses about 19 yards (.4 oz)
- one washcloth uses about 71.25 yards (1.5 oz)
- one hand towel uses about 475 yards (7.7 oz.)
* Weights estimated with Lily Sugar n’ Cream yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 19 yards (0.4 oz.).
Tools:
Gauge
19 stitches x 26 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 7 (4.5 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)
Abbreviations
k = knit
Instructions: Garter Stitch Face Scrubby
(3 inches x 3 inches [7.62 cm x 7.62 cm] after washing in cold water; 3.5 inches x 3.25 inches [8.89 cm x 8.225 cm] before washing)
Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit flat, turning after each row.
Row 1: Cast on 14 stitches. Turn.
Rows 2 – 27: k 14. (14 stitches) Turn
Row 28: Bind off loosely in the pattern of Row 2. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends.
In cold water, hand wash or machine wash on delicate. Block while still wet, ensuring cloths are roughly 3 inches square, then allow to air dry.
Instructions: Garter Stitch Washcloth
(8 inches x 8 inches [20.32 cm x 20.32 cm] after washing in cold water; 8.5 inches x 9.25 inches [21.59 cm x 23.49 cm] before washing)
Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit flat, turning after each row.
Row 1: Cast on 36 stitches. Turn.
Rows 2 – 72: k 36. (36 stitches) Turn.
Row 73: Bind off loosely in the pattern of Row 2. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends.
In cold water, hand wash or machine wash on delicate. Block while still wet, ensuring cloths are roughly 8 inches square, then allow to air dry.
Instructions: Garter Stitch Hand Towel
(17 inches x 23 inches [43.18 cm x 58.42 cm] after washing in cold water; 17.5 inches x 24 inches [44.45 cm x 60.96 cm] before washing)
Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit flat, turning after each row.
Row 1: Cast on 80 stitches. Turn.
Rows 2 – 180: k 80. (80 stitches) Turn.
Row 181: Bind off loosely in the pattern of Row 2. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends.
In cold water, hand wash or machine wash on delicate. Block while still wet, ensuring cloths are roughly 17 inches wide and 23 inches long, then allow to air dry.
Printable Beginner Garter Stitch Washcloth PDF Knitting Pattern
Care
If you use the materials called for in the Beginner Garter Stitch Washcloth Free Knitting Pattern, your final product will be machine washable. To keep your washcloth looking its best, hand wash or machine wash separately on delicate cycle in cold water. You may tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry.
🛁 Read more Knitwear Care Tips
Size & Use Notes
Each piece is designed for real-life utility:
- Face scrubby for your nighttime skincare or baby bathtime
- Washcloth for everyday dishes or self-care
- Hand towel for drying hands in the kitchen or bathroom
They also make a cozy matched set for gifting, especially when bundled with a bar of handmade soap or tucked into a basket of homestead goods.
©2025, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
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