Knit a Dishcloth from old Clothes

Don't throw away your old, stained, or worn t-shirts! Make something out of them. This instructable shows you how to knit a dishcloth using an old t-shirt or baby clothes. It's basically turning rags into better rags.

Step 1: Materials List

old t-shirt (or other discarded knit garment)
scissors or rotary cutter
knitting needles (size 11 - 14 should work just fine)

Comments

[ScottyGS]

Hi: I'm a knitter too and while I've already cut up some old and stained (although freshly washed--gotta include that) ;) t-shirts, I'm not sure if you intentionally left off a step? Once you've cut your long strip, whether or not you tie it together or create that 'slit' at the end to continue the next piece or not, what t-shirt fabric lends itself to is 'rolling in on itself' with just a slight tug! It's amazing to see. You take a length (roughly 10 - 12 inches) between your hands and pull in opposite directions with a couple of gentle tugs. The fabric automatically creates a 'tube' of sorts, perfect to knit with. Depending on how fat you cut the strips in the first place--you might still get a couple of odd angles but they hardly show. I haven't yet knit mine up into anything--still pondering what I'll make--but I'm also thinking of dyeing or even 'tie-dyeing'
them to get a more 60's look. There are UNlimited projects to make with old t-shirts (and even sheets!)

[Tamzen]

This is an awesome idea, just completed my first and it turned out really cool (I think) so thank you! :-)

[theartisticpixie]

this looks like fun Ill give it a shot

[mtserenity]

Good recycling project! There is a better way to join the strips for making one long continuous yarn without making a knot. Instead, make a small (quarter inch or so, depending on width of strip) vertical slice in the fabric near the end of each strip, so that it leaves a hole that looks something like the eye of a needle. Take the slit end of strip 2, and poke it through the slit of strip one. Then take the other end of strip 2 and poke it through the slit on strip 2. Pull tight. This makes a loop in the end of strip 2 that circles through the slit on strip 1 holding the two fabric strips together in a way that won't come undone. You can make it as long as you like by making a slit on the loose end o strip 2 and repeating the process.

[Gadisha]

Cool idea, thanks!!!

[muth]

Cool idea. I am just learning to knit so I will give it a try. I love those dishcloths!!

[kroper]

I love this idea! What a great way to use up T shirts that are stained. Very clever!

[threecheersfornick]

Looks good... gotta try this. Now where did I put those darn needles...

[drbec]

nice instructable. I've actually been saving some old t-shirt strips, thinking I could knit something. now I know what to do with them. are you spying on me?

[kibblesnknits]

I know when you are sleeping. I know when you're awake. ha ha ha! I have also heard (but not tested) that if you cut t-shirts on the bias and knit them, it turns out looking like chenille. I don't know if you have to ply them first...But, that might make a cute scarf if the t-shirt fabric isn't too worn.

[HamO]

Ooooh, old used diaper shirt dishrag!! No really, nice instructable, great pix. Thanks for sharing.

[kibblesnknits]

ha ha ha! Are you brave enough to make one out of underwear? :)

[HamO]

If I could knit as well as you, I'd be ripping them up right now. Well done.