The Long Dishcloth

Every time I do the dishes, I have to, either, lean against the counter and get wet from the sink or stand back from the counter and hurt my back by leaning over the sink and avoiding leaning against it.  I know I could have just put a towel by the sink and leaned against that, but I didn't want to waste a towel on something so trivial, so instead I made a long dishcloth that could be used both as a dishcloth and as a barrier between me and the disgusting sink water that would always soak the counter and the front of my clothes.  I didn't just want to do a normal knit, so for the first time, I did a cable, and it was so much easier than I thought it was.  I learned how to do a cable from a book, but here is an Instructable that does a great job showing you how to knit a cable.  They did it in back and I did it in front, otherwise it's the same.


Supplies:

• Knitting Needles: I used Size 7
• Cable Stitch Holder
• Lion Brand Martha Stewart Crafts Cotton Hemp in Heather Flower (you don't have to use this exact one, obviously, but you will need a dishcloth type yarn)

Directions:

1. Cast on 16
2. Knit rows 1 and 2
3. Knit 6 Purl 4 Knit 6.
4. Knit 3 Purl 3 Knit 4 Purl 3 Knit 3
5. Knit 6 Purl 4 Knit 6
6. Knit 3 Purl 3 C4F Purl 3 Knit 3
7. Repeat numbers 3-6  It only needs to be as long as you are wide, so to speak, because it is just protecting you from the part of the sink you are leaning against, not the whole sink.
8. End. Repeat numbers 3-5.  Then Knit 2 rows and cast off

My dishcloth wanted to curl and I think that is because of the three purls in k3 p3 k4 p3 k3.  I think if you increase your constant knit count on the outside and decrease the count of the second set of three stitches, it won't curl.  So say it would be k4 p2 k4 p2 k4 instead.  But I would have to give it a try first to fine out.  I didn't know it would curl until I got quite a few rows in and I had already restarted it multiple times trying to get the cable right so I just went with it.  When I use it it lays flat and that is what matters anyway :)

Comments

[ScottyGS]

OH no, it's not too short~ haven't you seen all the 'neck warmers' and short little scarflets abounding in the last few years in Vogue knitting, et al? All you need is the concept of your last photo, a sewn on snap and a pretty, decorative BIG button (or knitted or crocheted flower out of yarn) sewn on to be fabulous. You could also use a shawl pin to close it. Just the right size to keep one's neck from getting chilled--and with the yarn you used, could even work for Spring and Summer (think post-workouts). :)

As to it 'wanting to curl'..I suspect it's more because of the size 7 needles and the very brief space between your cable and the outside garter stitches. Garter stitches invariably are used to prevent curling. You did that absolutely right. I have a deep regular sink in my laundry with these 'issues', and use a folded bath mat for the same purpose so am now thinking about your idea. It's terrific, but your beautiful pink creation deserves to be worn, methinks. ;)

[ImHis]

cool idea! maybe I will crochet me one becasue I have the same problem. now who does not???

[Penolopy Bulnick]

So true :) I'm still using it!

[waterbaby]

You didn't want to "waste a towel [a quick and inexpensive purchase] on something so trivial"...so instead you spent the time, energy, and materials to make a (too) beautiful (to be a dishcloth) sink edge cozy? We crafters are a crazy lot, aren't we!!!

(PS - I write as a  victim of Crazy Crafter Syndrome myself:  This week the building management of my office put an automated paper towel dispenser directly over a glass shelf unit in the ladies room, and of course now there's always water on the top shelf. Soon as I saw that my CCS kicked right in, and am just trying to decide which kind of, um, drip catcher I'll be making this weekend, crocheted or quilted....)

[Penolopy Bulnick]

The yarn was given to me so this project was free and it was fun to make! It is nice to walk up to do the dishes in my tiny, old kitchen and see this nice bright dishcloth along my sink :)

I vote crochet. I'm new to it and everything I see crocheted just looks so fancy!

[bajablue]

Dish towel???

I want to wear it! ;-D

[Penolopy Bulnick]

It is quite cute!

[VACH.]

Very pretty. :D I have always wanted to learn how to knit.

[rimar2000]

Me too! But I am too lazy....

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Knitting is pretty easy to pick up on. There are some great Instructables on the site with just the basics in knitting :)

[sunshiine]

What a great idea! I have the same problem doing the dishes. Very creative! Thanks for sharing.
Sunshiine

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Thank you :)

[Crafty Cathy]

Great job as usual!

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Thank you :)

[canucksgirl]

Too pretty for a dish cloth... it looks like the beginnings of a cozy scarf. ;)

[Penolopy Bulnick]

I know! I haven't used it yet. I don't want to get it dirty. But I'll get over that pretty quick :) I have a tiny bit of the yarn left, maybe I can make a little cute something.

[scoochmaroo]

Long dishcloth, or adorable neck warmer?

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Yeah, I thought it kind of looked like that, but it's a little short :)