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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