Did you all have a wonderful Easter? I hope so!
After a hectic (but very enjoyable) week of baking and tempering, I put my feet up yesterday. Easter Monday is a holiday in Australia, and I spent the day watching television, messing about in the kitchen, and knitting.
After a hiatus of a couple of months, I’ve knitted another cotton dishcloth. I’ve tried several patterns now, and this one is my firm favourite – it doesn’t involve any purling and even though I’m a very slow knitter, the cloth comes together quite quickly.
I had to search out the pattern again though, so I decided I’d better write it up here for next time!
Knitted Cotton Dishcloth (adapted from this pattern)
8 ply cotton
5.00mm needles (I use round bamboo needles I found on ebay)
- Cast on 46 stitches and knit one foundation row (slip the first stitch – it results in a prettier edge).
Begin pattern:
Row 1: Slip 1, Knit to the end.
Row 2: Slip 1, Knit 2 stitches together 22 times, Knit 1.
Row 3: Slip 1, Knit through the front and back of the next stitch (increase by one stitch) 22 times, Knit 1.
Row 4: Slip 1, Knit to the end.
- Repeat until the cloth is square in shape.
- Cast off in knit, then weave in all the loose ends.
. . . . .
These dishcloths wash like a dream – most of mine have now been through a hot wash cycle dozens of times. I line dry them, as I think the tumble dryer could shrink them to postage stamp size. This particular weave rinses out well, but has enough texture to withstand a bit of bench scrubbing!
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Well done you, I also love knitted dishcloths. I have a suite of them. My favourite is similar to your only in what is called the moss stitch pattern. Yes, a bit slow to knit but it keeps it shape and I’m such a fussy britches I like that. Moss stitch is k 1, P1 and the next row the same but you start with an odd number of stitches and the pattern is the same on the front and back.
You’ve reminded me that I started one of these before Christmas, then tidied the knitting bag away and forgot about it. Time to dig it out again and finish it!
I’m not a knitter, but I still admire your precise and accurate work. Beautiful! :)
Your dish clothes look marvelous. The cheery colours add a splash of colour to the kitchen. I am also a slow knitter.
Celia I made some and gave them to my daughter. She was a little reserved at first but apparently now they are a hit. Thank you so much for the idea. I love mine! Hope you are well and happy. Love your way. Marilyn
This looks very clever. I would never had though to knit dishcloths. Brilliant idea!
Great colours and glad you are having a break. Easter Monday…yes!
I never did pick up knitting. My mom tried to teach me a couple times. I’m sure I could have done it, but when time is scarce I forgot it all from lack of practice. She was saying just yesterday it might be time to start teaching Jack to knit!
These are delightful little projects, Celia. I’m teaching my granddaughter to knit, and she’s still a very early novice, but it would be fun to get her started on some dishcloths. I still have a few colorful knitted cloths my grandmother gave me–decades ago now. I still use them and love the feel of them. Yours are beautiful!
I have crocheted dishcloths for myself (prefer crochet to knitting) and think our handicrafts are far superior to shop-bought varieties. Because of the weave, they are much better for scrubbing, and they can last years :-)
I’ve never understood exactly what adishcloth is. What do you do with it? Wash dishes? Dry them? Great stitch by the way.
I use them to wipe down benches and cooktops!
Aha, I was never exactly sure. Here we use a sponge………or kitchen paper, very bad for the environment. Thanks.
I really need to get away from using face clothes as my dishcloths and make a few of your lovely knitted ones.
Have a beautiful day Celia.
:-) Mandy xoxoxo
Since ridiculing you for knitting your own dishcloths, I’ve knitted several of my own (and been teased by my children). The best thing about them is that they don’t go a grungy colour like my bought white ones do. Well, they probably do, but the colour is strong enough for me not to notice. Hope you didn’t overdo the Hot Cross bun eating :)
Gosh, I am so proud of you Celia. :)
Thanks Rose! You inspired me to pick up the needles again! I’m still slow though… :)
I haven’t made dish cloths so far but I did start knitting socks again yesterday just for something to knit! Your dish cloth pattern next maybe.
The fact that you knit your own dish cloths makes me love you more Celia.
Your dish cloths are beautiful, Celia, a friend made some for me a while ago, such a nice, home made gift.
Gorgeous Celia! I’ve always envied the ability to knit.
I only know the basics of knitting but this pattern looks easy to do. I’m not a facebook person but whenever I see your posts, it draws me to you. Thank you for sharing all your talents, adventures, etc.
Joanne from Hawaii
And they look so pretty too! Just the sort of quick sitting in front of the TV in the evening project I’m looking for ☺
Fabulous! My aunt taught me to knit about 40 years ago. It’s been about 38 years since I knitted until last week. I really wanted to knit socks and dishcloths as strange as it sounds so got myself some needles to see if I could remember by make a simple pair of wrist wraps. While they are functional and may not be perfect I think I can move on to dishcloths and love this pattern. Thank you Celia, this is perfect timing. :D :D
I find the benches stay quite wet when I wipe them with a knitted dish cloth. Do you use them for benches? ?? Or just dishes? ?? I’m thinking of making one approximately the size of a sponge – I’m thinking I might find it easier to use.
I just use them for benches. I don’t have a problem with the cotton ones?