Saturday, November 05, 2016

Using Handmade Dishcloths & Washcloths


Dishcloths were one of the first things I started knitting. I loved collecting bamboo and cotton yarns, and having projects that were so quick to knit up. They were also one of the first things I starting selling at the markets, for a ridiculously low price I might add, but I loved doing it – until the day I received an order from a nearby B&B.


At first, I was excited at the volume of the order. I was commissioned to knit 40 bamboo washcloths, and from memory, I think I knitted 10 in each colour. Knitting that many all in a row made me realise that I was seriously under charging for my time, and it also put me off knitting washcloths or dishcloths for quite a while.

Early this year, however, I was suddenly inspired to knit up some once again, for myself this time as selling at the markets in long behind me. Some were allocated to the kitchen, and some to the bathroom. Having handmade cloths to use again has reminded me of how lovely they are to use, how satisfying to make, and how durable they are – particularly in the kitchen.
You can scrub away with them, chuck them heartlessly in the wash, dry them in the full sun, and still have a soft dishcloth in perfect condition. And they last for years.
Washcloths don’t get as harsh a treatment, and they feel so soft again your skin. There’s something really special feeling about using a handmade washcloth, too.


So, if you’ve never made dishcloths or washcloths before, you really should give it a go. They make excellent gifts, too (think - Christmas!).

They’re best made from cotton yarns - check out the gorgeous ones Knit Picks has. Bamboo is lovely too, but I find it can be hard to get a good quality yarn that’s sturdy and durable.

Patterns? There’s an absolute bucket load to choose from. If it’s a simple square you’re after, I’ve a free download on Ravelry. I also have a pretty Neapolitan Ice Cream Dishcloth pattern, or a Waving Lace Washer, both available to purchase in my shop or on Ravelry.

If you’re a crocheter, I can’t personally recommend a pattern, but you simply must visit Sew Mimi.K for the prettiest crocheted dishcloth inspiration - in particular this post and this one.

And if you neither knit or crochet (you really should remedy that situation!), there are lots of people selling handmade washcloths on Etsy (I thought these ones looked lovely).

So, will you be trying handmade dishcloths?
And will you be making them yourself?
Enjoy the weekend!

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14 comments

  1. Thanks for the links, I will take a look.
    I can knit one a night , tv watching project....stops me from nibbling, most patterns are simple and work doesn't need to be looked at. My fave at the moment is the waffle weave, such a deceptively easy pattern and have made heaps of the corner start ones for dishcloths.
    I pick up a lot of cotton yarn from the local op shops even small amounts can be stripes for a dishcloth, so nice to use pretty things around the house and they are surprisingly sturdy .

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    1. I hope you enjoy the links Margaret. They are excellent TV or conversation projects, aren't they?

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  2. Sarah thank you so much for the dishcloth love! :) My favourite yarn is the Knit Picks Cotlin DK you recommended. It's lovely to use, I can get 5 cloths from 3 balls, the colours are gorgeous and they maintain their good looks after repeated usage. What's not to love! x

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    1. You are most welcome Kellie! Your work is beautiful. Getting that many cloths from 3 balls sounds like very good value to me!

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  3. One of my favorite things to knit... and, thanks for turning me on to Knit Picks.

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    1. You're welcome Laurie! KnitPicks is a bit of a wonderland for knitters and crocheters ;-)

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  4. I love my handmade dishcloths too. And when they are finally of no use anymore (you're right, they do last for ages), I put them in the compost or worm farm.

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    1. What a good idea! Mine get retired to the laundry once they're really past it, I never thought of then composting them.

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  5. My husband bought one from me when we first got to know each other. Seven years later he still has it and uses it and the thing barely looks any different! It is quite incredible! (crocheted, 100% cotton)

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  6. I love this idea...I made some for my guest room and guest bathroom with a soap from my local market, and it is always a must!
    People love it!
    I like your combination of colours!
    great knitting! and simple to begin!
    Rose

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    1. Thank-you so much Rose! It is very simple and satisfying knitting :-)

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  7. These are great Sarah. You know I don't make this sort of thing but Jodie from Jellywares kindly gifted me one of these and I love it.

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    1. Jodie makes the prettiest crocheted things. How lucky to have one from her x

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Maira Gall