Knitting dishcloths is a fantastic way to practice new stitches, use up leftover cotton yarn, and create practical, handmade items for your home or as gifts. If you love adding a touch of whimsy to everyday chores, these Free Animal Dishcloth Knitting Patterns are perfect for you. From farmyard friends to woodland creatures and beloved pets, this collection offers a delightful variety of designs, many featuring simple knit and purl stitches suitable even for newer knitters. Explore these patterns and find your next fun and functional project.
Farm & Woodland Animal Patterns
Bring the charm of the countryside and forest into your kitchen with these adorable patterns.
Giddy-up Washcloth
Knitted dishcloth featuring a horse motif in brown cotton yarn
Capture the spirit of the stables with this horse-themed cloth. Designed by Amy-lynne Mitchell, the motif is created using basic knit and purl stitches. Ravelry users rate this pattern as very easy, making it a great project for beginners looking for Free Animal Dishcloth Knitting Patterns.
Baby Unicorn Cloth and Bib
White knitted dishcloth with a pink baby unicorn design
Add a touch of magic with this sweet baby unicorn pattern by Elaine Fitzpatrick of Downcloverlaine. The design uses knit and purl stitches, and the pattern includes both written instructions and a chart for easy following.
Bear With Me Dishcloth
Circular knitted dishcloth resembling a bear face with embroidered eyes
This unique bear face cloth, designed by Emily Guise, utilizes Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Pi shawl ratio to achieve a flat circular shape. The eyes are added using duplicate stitch, adding character to this charming design. Find this pattern on Knit Picks.
Fox Cloth
Orange knitted dishcloth with a white fox motif
Designed by Elaine Fitzpatrick, this clever fox motif is ideal for a dishcloth or as a square in a larger afghan blanket project. A coordinating bib pattern is also available, perfect for creating a matching set.
Squirrel Dish or Face Cloth
Blue knitted dishcloth displaying a squirrel silhouette
Knit a cute squirrel silhouette using simple knit and purl stitches with this pattern by Barbara Breiter. This versatile chart can also be adapted for colorwork or used as an afghan block. The pictured project highlights the clear motif definition.
Hedgehog Wash Cloth
Knitted dishcloth featuring a smiling hedgehog motif
This easy pattern by Ber Alcock-Earley features a cheerful hedgehog. It’s perfect for washcloths, dishcloths, or incorporating into larger knitted items like blankets. The simple design makes it another great option among free animal dishcloth knitting patterns.
Eagle Dish or Wash Cloth
Knitted dishcloth showing an eagle motif against a textured background
Create a majestic eagle motif with this easy pattern from Elaine Fitzpatrick at Down Cloverlaine. Suitable as a standalone cloth or as a block for an afghan, it’s a striking design using basic knit and purl techniques.
Pete the Horse Washcloth and Bib
Knitted dishcloth showcasing a horse head profile
Another wonderful horse design by Elaine Fitzpatrick, “Pete” can be used for washcloths, bibs, or incorporated into blankets. To access the pattern, follow the link and locate the “Pete” pattern links on the right side of the destination page.
Lion Washcloth
Yellow knitted dishcloth shaped like a lion head with loop stitch mane
Alice Bell’s “Grrr Washcloth” features a tactile loop stitch mane that holds water well, making it soft for wiping. The textured reverse side is useful for scrubbing. This pattern offers a unique textural element.
Dragon Cloths
Green knitted dishcloth with a relief design of a winged dragon
Unleash your imagination with this fire-breathing dragon pattern by Sharman Cherry. Created using knit and purl stitches, the winged dragon appears in relief, making a fantastic washcloth or decorative square.
Dinosaur Washcloth and Bib
Green knitted dishcloth featuring a dinosaur motif
Designed by Elaine Fitzpatrick, this easy dinosaur pattern set uses simple knit and purl stitches. The motif is easily adaptable for use on children’s sweaters or blanket squares, adding prehistoric fun to your knitting.
Aquatic & Pet Animal Patterns
Dive into patterns featuring fish, dolphins, cats, and more beloved creatures.
Fishy Fish Washcloth and Bath Mitt
Set of knitted fish-shaped washcloth and bath mitt in variegated yarn
This fun set includes patterns for both a fish-shaped cloth and a matching bath mitt. Knitted primarily in garter stitch with simple increases and decreases, designer Brooke Snow suggests it’s suitable for beginners. Ravelry users agree, rating it as very easy.
Dolphin Cloth Square
Knitted dishcloth square with a leaping dolphin design
Designed by Daisy and Storm, this square features a dynamic leaping dolphin. It works perfectly as a dishcloth or can be combined with other squares for a themed blanket. The pattern provides both chart and written instructions and uses DK weight yarn.
Kitty Love Washcloth
Knitted dishcloth with a cat silhouette holding a heart
Show your affection for felines with this sweet washcloth pattern by Cheryl Lacey. It features a cat motif alongside a heart, created using knit and purl stitches.
Kitten Kaboodle Dishcloth
Pink knitted dishcloth displaying a sitting cat silhouette
Designed by Erica Jackofsky for Knit Picks, this cloth showcases a simple yet elegant cat silhouette. Like many motif patterns, it can also be adapted for use in afghan blocks or other knitting projects.
Whooo Loves Ya, Baby? Cloth
Knitted dishcloth featuring a cute owl motif waving
This adorable waving owl motif by Elaine Fitzpatrick is perfect for a dishcloth, baby washcloth, or as an afghan square. Its charming design is sure to bring a smile.
Penguin Washcloth and Bib
Knitted washcloth and bib set featuring a penguin design
Another delightful set from Elaine Fitzpatrick, this penguin pattern includes instructions for both a washcloth and a bib. The versatile motif is also suitable for blankets or other children’s items.
Mickey’s Cat Cloth
Large knitted cloth featuring a whimsical cat face design
Inspired by her grandson’s design, Elaine Fitzpatrick created this charming cat face pattern. Available as both a larger cloth and a standard washcloth size, find the download link in the list on the right side of the linked blog post.
Conclusion
This collection of free animal dishcloth knitting patterns offers something for every knitter and animal lover. Whether you prefer the simplicity of knit and purl motifs or the texture of loop stitches, these patterns provide enjoyable projects that result in useful and decorative items. They are perfect for adding personality to your kitchen, creating thoughtful gifts, or simply practicing your knitting skills with fun, manageable designs. Happy knitting!
