Knitted Dish/Wash Cloths

Knitted dishcloths are an easy and useful item for the beginning knitter to make. For the experienced knitter, they are a great way to try out new stitches without committing to a large garment. Since the project is small, it can easily be carried with you to work on away from home. Generally made from 100% cotton yarn, such as Lily Sugar ’n Cream, knitted dishcloths are durable and machine washable. These cloths can also be used as wash/face cloths.

1) For a very basic dishcloth, cast on 40 stitches with size 8 knitting needles and cotton worsted weight yarn. Knit 40 rows in garter stitch. Bind off and weave in yard ends.

2) Another very simple dishcloth is knit diagonally. Using size 8 needles and cotton yarn, cast on 4 stitches and knit 1 row. For the row 2, knit 2, increase in nest stitch, knit 1. For row 3, knit 2, yarn over, knit to end of row. Repeat row 3 until you have 45 stitches on your needle. For the next row, you will knit 1, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit together, and knit to end of row. Repeat this row, decreasing each row until 5 stitches are left. To finish, knit 2, knit 2 together, knit 1 and then bind off the 4 stitches and weave in the yarn end.

3) For a ribbed dishcloth, cast on 46 stitches with size 8 needles and cotton yarn. Rows 1 and 2, knit across. For every row until the last 2 rows, *knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * across to last 2 stitches, knit 2. Last 2 rows, knit across. Bind off and weave in yarn ends.

These cloths make great gifts. A small basket with some baby bath products (baby wash, lotion, powder), a cuddly towel and a couple of pastel knitted cloths makes a great gift for a baby shower. A plastic dishpan with some pretty dish towels, a couple of potholders, and some dishcloths knitted in colors to match is a great for a bridal shower or housewarming gift. Include a couple in a gift bag with shower gel, bubble bath, and a scented candle for a relaxation package.