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
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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:
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
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