Washcloth Evangelist

by tumblingblocks

5.5K289

Intro: Washcloth Evangelist

I've decided that it's my job to tell the world about the wonderfulness of hand-knit washcloths. (You could call them facecloths if you really wanted to.)

They are so good! Handmade washcloths are the prefect combination of simple and fancy. They couldn't be more basic in construction, but there's something "spa" about them too, especially when done up in plain white cotton. And they feel wonderful. They are gently exfoliating, stretchy and they suds up really well. I love 'em.

You should make one, because you can. They are really easy. It could even be your first knitting project.

This is how I made mine:
Sugar 'n Cream white cotton, which you can get at even the most basic of fabric/craft stores.
Size 8 bamboo needles
Cast on 34 stitches
Did about 8 rows garter stitch
Worked the basketweave stitchbasketweave stitch (although I used 2 and 4 instead of 4 and 4 as in the link). Started and ended each row in 4 stitches or garter stitch for a border.
Ended in 8 rows of garter stitch when it looked square.

Things you could do differently:
If you want to be super simple or you want this to be your fist knitting project ever, don't worry about pattern. Just use garter stitch (knit every row).
If you have cotton kitchen twine, you could use that.
Try a different fiber--use hemp!
Use a different size needle -- smaller for a stiffer fabric, larger for a looser fabric.
Use a different fancy stitch.

9 Comments

reB57 14 years ago

I am "hooked" and "needled' on/by dish cloths.  One particular pattern I love to knit is from Kay Gardiner (Mason Dixon Knitting) called the Linoleum Dish Cloth.... 

DIamondGirl88 16 years ago

I've just "caught the bug" about handmade dish/wash cloths and potholders. Am on the hunt for patterns. Anyone here ever heard of "Two-sided" crochet...where you use 2 colours and work a back & front? I have one pattern using Shell stitch, but am looking for more. Thanks & Cheers!

tumblingblocks 16 years ago

Is the two-sided crochet called Tunisian crochet? My MIL is always hunting for this type of pattern, but never finding it.

DIamondGirl88 16 years ago

Hello...I don't think so because I bought patterns called Tunisian Crochet...which require this great-long hook. The pattern I have makes shells and chains in the first colour from the left to the right (as normal), using the ordinary, every-day sort of hook. Then a safety-pin is attached to the end loop. Now starting again at the left edge with the 2nd colour, the 2nd row is worked into the chains between the shells. Now you move the safety pin from End-loop Colour #1, to End-loop Colour #2, and pick up colour number one. Turn the piece and start the shell+chains pattern again. Clear as mud, right? I've got actual photos & a pattern if you're intrigued... Email me. This creates the most lovely, dense, two-sided, two-coloured crochet. My original pattern was for a Baby stroller blanket. Nice thick and warm, not so many little holes for tiny fingers to catch. (PS...LOVE the poodle in your picture..I have 3 Std. Poodles as pets/fur-babies!)

DIamondGirl88 16 years ago

P.S. A friend gave me a gift of a knitted facecloth...and that converted me. Every time I use, I "feel the love"...and love the feel of it. And I bought a bathmat crochet in natural/flecked cotton...oohh does that feel nice stepping out of the shower! Just make your face clother BIGGER and use double-strand of yarn, and perhaps a bigger hook/needles!

deadalchemist 16 years ago

I'm picking up knitting again after 10 years! (I've been an avid crocheter for about 5 years and never really liked knitting) and I definitely want to make this as a starting project. I hope it's easy enough, because yours look great!

jessyratfink 16 years ago

This is one of the things I really want to make through knitting. They just look so nice!