Knit a Washcloth Inspired by Waffles

Every month The Kitchen Sink Shop releases a dishcloth knitting pattern, and they seem to mostly have a food theme. This one, for example, is said to be inspired by the designs on waffle makers, thus the Belgian Waffle Dishcloth.

As an aside, I wasn’t sure I knew the difference between Belgian waffles and non-Belgian waffles, but they say the Belgian variety is denser, made with yeast and has a caramelized sugar coating. So maybe a little more like funnel cakes than waffles? Maybe I need to go to Belgium and find out!

Anyway, about the dishcloth. The pattern calls for a worsted weight cotton yarn, which makes a thick and durable washcloth. (This would be a great one for a yarn like Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, because the yarn is mercerized, giving it a little shine that’s fun for a dishcloth.)

It has an easy lace pattern that looks like diamonds, or waffle iron prints if you will. The edges are worked in garter stitch and are just a little wavy. It looks like it would be pretty quick and easy to knit and a nice low pressure introduction to lace knitting if that’s something you haven’t done before.

This and all the future dishcloths of the month are available on Ravelry.

And speaking of using dishcloths and washcloths as a way to learn new skills, many years ago now I published some easy washcloth patterns here that you might want to try using two-color bias knitting, moss stitch in two colors (on of my favorites!), loop stitch, and working a circle from the center out.

Washcloths and dishcloths are ideal learning patterns because they’re small and they’re useful. We still use those washcloths (some in the kitchen, and some my daughter uses). They’re a fun way to play with stitches no matter your skill level.

[Photo: The Kitchen Sink Shop]

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There is something very sweet about vintage baby knitting patterns, especially the ones that still feel wearable today. This Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from the CraftGossipStore has that lovely old-fashioned charm without looking fussy or too dated, which is exactly what makes it a nice find for knitters who enjoy making baby gifts with a bit of heirloom feeling.

The pattern includes two classic baby sweater styles: a textured crew neck jumper and cardigan options with raglan sleeves. The stitch pattern gives the finished pieces that beautiful handmade texture we all love, but it still feels practical enough for real babies — not just the kind of outfit that gets worn for one photo and then carefully folded away forever.

You can find the pattern here: Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from CraftGossipStore.

This is a restored vintage knitting pattern delivered as a printable PDF, so there is no physical pattern posted out. After purchase, the file is available through Etsy as an instant digital download, which is handy if you’re the sort of knitter who gets an idea at 9 pm and wants to cast on before common sense has a chance to intervene.

The pattern is designed for 8 ply / DK weight yarn, which makes it a practical choice because DK baby yarn is easy to find in soft modern colours. It uses 3.25 mm and 4 mm knitting needles, along with stitch holders, buttons for the cardigan versions, a yarn needle, scissors, and measuring tape.

What I like about this pattern is the flexibility. Worked in cream, lemon, powder blue, sage green, oatmeal, dusty pink, or warm beige, it would suit either a traditional baby wardrobe or a more modern neutral nursery style. The cardigan version is especially practical because cardigans are always easier when dressing little ones. Anyone who has ever tried to wriggle a jumper over a sleepy baby’s head will understand that immediately.

Because this is a vintage pattern, it is worth remembering that older knitting patterns are often written more briefly than modern ones. They tend to assume the knitter already knows a few things, so I’d recommend this for confident beginners through to intermediate knitters rather than someone picking up needles for the very first time. If you’re comfortable reading shaping instructions, checking gauge, working textured stitches, and sewing seams neatly, this should be a very satisfying little project.

Before starting, make a tension square. I know, I know — no one wants to hear it, but baby garments are small enough that gauge really does matter. A tiny difference in tension can quickly change the finished size, and nobody wants to finish a beautiful baby cardigan only to discover it fits a doll or a toddler with very optimistic shoulders.

This pattern would make a lovely baby shower gift, newborn photo outfit, heirloom baby knit, or handmade market sample. It is also a nice choice for knitters who enjoy vintage patterns but prefer having them cleaned up into a more usable digital format.

If you need supplies, look for a soft DK baby yarn, smooth knitting needles, small cardigan buttons, stitch holders, and a blunt yarn needle for finishing. Mary Maxim is always worth checking for baby yarns and classic knitting supplies, while Amazon can be handy for basics like stitch holders, measuring tapes, button packs, and printed pattern binders if you like keeping your PDF patterns organised.

For anyone who enjoys traditional baby knitting, this is a sweet little pattern with plenty of charm. It has that “made by Grandma, kept forever” feeling, but with enough simplicity to make it useful for everyday babywear too.

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