Dishcloth Knitting, the Simple Pleasures

If you have not yet succumbed to the lure of Dishcloth Knitting, perhaps I can woo you over by enumerating its simple pleasures. There are so many reasons to knit them!

Why you should knit a Dishcloth

First, they are utilitarian. Try a hand knitted cloth and you will appreciate their gentle scrubbing power. Their practicality makes them great for gifts, too. There are many non-knitters who know the durability and would love to receive one for a gift.

Second, they are a quick! When you want some instant gratification, reach for some cotton yarn and knit one up! This also makes them a good practice project for beginner knitters. The more you knit, the faster and smoother your knitting will become. A dishcloth won't take you forever to finish, but will help hone your new skill.

Next, they are simple. When you want to take a break from a complicated color project, or want to knit while talking on the phone (I really can't recommend this though- it's a killer on the old spinal column) a knitted cloth is perfect. You hands will soon settle into a rhythm, and you can multi task easily.

After that it's almost beside the point to mention that they are ultra portable and a great way to test a stitch pattern you want to try out.

Getting ready to knit your cloth

Keep in mind that you don't have to use your finished cloth for dishes. It could be a face or washcloth. I have made washcloths for each of my children in their favorite colors; they like having a special washcloth all their own. A dishcloth or washcloth should use a pattern with plenty of texture for cleaning ability. A facecloth could be made in stockinette stitch.

Cotton yarn such as Sugar and Cream, is traditional for dishcloths. Use metal or other very slick surfaced knitting needles- cotton yarn tends to not slide easily, and you don't want to have to fight with it. Needles used are typically size 7 or 8.

Have I convinced you? Are you ready to start? There are several excellent dishcloth knitting resources online. There is a friendly e-group that knits-a-long two dishcloths month: one a textured pattern, and one figural. You can sign up here http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonthlyDishcloths/ and enjoy their support, or just visit the blog http://monthlydishclothkal.blogspot.com/ for patterns.

Another very helpful resource is the extensive list of free patterns available at Dishcloth Boutique. http://www.jimsyldesign.com/~dishbout/kpatterns/knitting.html

~Theresa Lansberry

Theresa Lansberry is primary knitter for James (her husband of 11 years, and counting), her six children, and Einstein the hairless dog. She obsesses about knitting in the heartland of America, Peoria, IL.