Category: Knitting

by Liz Chandler @PurlsandPixels

Give your everyday cloths a little something extra. The Two Color Garter Stitch Washcloth Free Knitting Pattern adds a playful twist to classic garter stitch with a simple color change that makes each piece pop. This free pattern includes three coordinating designs: a soft face scrubby, a standard 8″ x 8″ washcloth, and a full hand towel to round out your handmade set.

You’ll knit each piece flat, using only the knit stitch to build bouncy garter ridges while your color combo does all the heavy lifting. It’s an easy, relaxing project with eye-catching results. They’re perfect for thoughtful gifts or adding a touch of handmade charm to your daily routine.

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
• Easy to print or use on your tablet
• Supports my small business 💖

Download the Two Tone Garter Stitch Washcloth PDF – $9.99

How this Two Color Garter Stitch Washcloth Free Knitting Pattern is Made

Each piece in this set is worked flat, turning after each row and knitting every stitch. No purling, no shaping – just smooth, steady rows of garter stitch. A single color change adds visual interest without complicating the pattern, making it an easy way to keep things fun while keeping your hands relaxed. The face scrubby is a great standalone project, and the washcloth and hand towel follow the same simple rhythm, letting you build on the basics with confidence.

You will need to know how to:

• cast on,
• turn your work,
• make a knit stitch,
• make a color change on a flat knit,
• bind off, and
• weave in the loose ends.

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 YouTube 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 two colors

• one face scrubby uses about 4.75 yards (0.1 oz) of Color 1 and 14.25 yards (0.3 oz) of Color 2
• one washcloth uses about 80.75 yards (0.5 oz) of Color 1 and 60.5 yards (1.275 oz) of Color 2
• one hand towel uses about 475 yards (118.75 oz.) of Color 1 and yards (356.25 oz) of Color 2

* 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:

• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

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: Two Color Garter 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.

[With Color 1] Row 1: Cast on 14 stitches. Turn.

Rows 2 – 11: k 14. (14 stitches) Turn. [Measures 1.5 inches]

[With Color 2] Rows 12 – 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: Two Color Garter 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.

[With Color 1] Row 1: Cast on 36 stitches. Turn.

Rows 2 – 20: k 36. (36 stitches) Turn. [Measures 2.5 inches]

[With Color 2] Rows 35 – 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: Two Color Garter 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.

[With Color 1] Row 1: Cast on 80 stitches. Turn.

Rows 2 – 46: k 80. (80 stitches) Turn. [Measures 6 inches]

[With Color 2] Rows 47 – 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 Two Color Garter Stitch Washcloth PDF Knitting Pattern

Care

If you use the materials called for in the Two Color 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

These cloths make a thoughtful little set for gifting, especially when bundled with handmade soap or added to a basket of homegrown or homemade goodies.

©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.

More Patterns You’ll Love

🍽️ Beginner Garter Stitch Washcloth Free Knitting Pattern: A solid color towel pattern

🧶 Beginner Knit Scarf Easy Knitting Pattern: A light-weight garter stitch scarf

🧣 Easy Chunky Knit Scarf Pattern: A thick and quick garter stitch scarf

🙏 Gratitude Blanket Pattern: An extra-cozy garter stitch blanket

🛁 Knitted Dishcloth Patterns: More fun towel designs you can knit

🧺 All Knitting Patterns from Liz @PurlsAndPixels: Learn to Knit All the Things

Read More

Don’t Miss a Stitch! 🧶

Love cozy knitting projects? Join me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌

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
• Easy to print or use on your tablet
• Supports my small business 💖

Download the Garter Stitch Washcloth PDF – $9.99

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:

• cast on,
• turn your work,
• make a knit stitch,
• bind off, and
• weave in the loose ends.

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:

• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

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.

More Patterns You’ll Love

🧶 Beginner Knit Scarf Easy Knitting Pattern: A light-weight garter stitch scarf

🧣 Easy Chunky Knit Scarf Pattern: A thick and quick garter stitch scarf

🙏 Gratitude Blanket Pattern: An extra-cozy garter stitch blanket

🛁 Knitted Dishcloth Patterns: More fun towel designs you can knit

🧺 All Knitting Patterns from Liz @PurlsAndPixels: Learn to Knit All the Things

Read More

Don’t Miss a Stitch! 🧶

Love cozy knitting projects? Join me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌