It's been a while since I knitted a washcloth. When I first began remembering how to knit, I made lots of different washcloths as they are a simple and practical project for getting back into knitting and practising different stitches and patterns. They also make perfect handmade presents too!
Washcloths from my Mum.
Recently, my Mum sent me a pair of washcloths she made, together with the patterns for them. I especially like the speckled washcloth with repeating diagonal lines running through it. The pattern is worked in multiples of 6. You cast on 36 stitches, or whatever multiple of six you wish to work with, and then knit this pattern before casting off and weaving in the ends:
Row 1: Knit 5, Purl 1 (repeat)
Row 2: Purl 1, Knit 1, Purl 4 (repeat)
Row 3: Knit 3, Purl 1, Knit 2 (repeat)
Row 4: Purl 3, Knit 1, Purl 2 (repeat)
Row 5: Knit 1, Purl 1, Knit 4 (repeat)
Row 6: Purl 5, Knit 1 (repeat)
A handmade gift.
Following this pattern, and adding a border with a couple of extra plain rows at top and bottom and a few extra plain stitches at beginning and end of each row, I knitted one up too. I used a soft and creamy organic cotton from my stash. With a little gift tag, saved from a magazine, and a bar of soap it became a lovely gift.
What have you been making lately?
Meg
ohhh i like that, looks very sophisticated (posh) pretty yarn too!
ReplyDeletedish cloths are wonderful small projects, useful too but if you want to practice stitches you could always start up a sampler blanket
have fun!
thanx for sharing
A sampler blanket sounds lovely, Selina. I had not thought of a project like that. Do you knit squares in different patterns then sew them together? Meg
DeleteNice washcloths, Meg. They are so useful.
ReplyDeleteI tried crocheting a sweater, and after several unsuccessful attempts I gave up. 😊
I am having a similar stand off with a scarf I started two years ago, Nil. It's more complicated and the yarn is much finer than what I am used to. I keep thinking I should unravel it and try something simpler! MegXx
DeleteWow love the pattern and adding the border looks great. What a great gift.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathy. It was very quick and simple to make but the organic cotton makes it that bit more special. Meg:)
DeleteI have knit many washcloths and use the same pattern all the time. I love your diagonal lines running through this one, maybe I should branch out and try a different pattern for once!
ReplyDeleteI cast on a sock this week it is growing slowly although I have had to pull out stitches twice due to mistakes which doesn't bode well!
You are very clever to be able to knit socks! I've never tried to knit them as I'm not sure I'd ever finish a pair. The diagonal 'lines' running through this washcloth are quite nice and would make a nice change for knitting a different pattern up. Happy knitting! MegXx
DeleteI'm still making a lap blanket, using Tunisian crochet, I followed a youtube video, it's great at the moment, because it has got colder and the blanket is keeping me warm as I work it. BUT I have purchased yarn to knit a new summer top.
ReplyDeleteKnitting a blanket in cold weather sounds a warm and cosy, Marlene. It is raining and colder here too but I'm sure nothing like the cold you get where you live. Meg:)
DeleteHi Meg,
ReplyDeletethe wash cloths your mum made and the one you knitted are really lovely. It is almost a shame to use them for cleaning tasks. I love the patterns and the yarns are such pretty colours.
I might dig out my knitting needles and make a few wash cloths for my daughter. Can I ask what type of yarn you use and what ply?
How is your lovely boy, Sir Steve? I hope he has improved and is feeling much better.
Best wushes, Maria xx.
Hi Maria. The yarn I use, which is a favourite, is an 8ply French organic cotton. It's lovely to knit with.
ReplyDeleteThank you for asking about our lovely Sir Steve dog. He is doing so much better now. He can go for short walks as his strength and balance have mostly returned to his back legs. He still falls over though when he tries to shake his ears out. Most happily, he is certainly very much 'himself' which is such a relief to us. And he's eating well...he is a Labrador after all!! MegXx
I was just thinking about knitting a couple of washcloths for a friend, so I will try this pattern. Thank you, Meg. X
ReplyDeleteI think washcloths make lovely gifts, Jules. I am sure you friend will appreciate them. MegXx
DeleteSo glad to hear that Sir Steve is much better Meg. He sounds like a real sweetie.
ReplyDeleteWe had an amazing black Labrador Kelpie cross called Buddy for eleven years. We adopted him from the Animal Welfare League SA as a cute ten week old puppy. He had such a loving nature and was completely devoted to his family as we were to him.
We feel blessed to have had Buddy as part of our family. Such beautiful memories of a very special dog.
Maria xx
Your Buddy sounds like he was a real sweetie too, Maria. Labradors have such beautiful natures. Sir Steve is a rescued dog whom we adopted when he was around 5years old. He's now 11years. Like you, we feel so blessed to have this wondeful soul sharing life with us. We all adore him and he is our boy's best friend. In so many ways, Stevie reminds us that life can be pretty simple - love, warmth, food, sleep and a daily walk!
DeleteMeg, I was thinking yesterday that I need to make some more dishcloths but I prefer them not to be too thick so that they are easier to rinse out and dry in between uses. Some of mine have really lost their shape.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many different patterns for washcloths, Chel. I find that some are thicker than others depending on the pattern. I change our washcloths daily, wash them and then line dry in the sun. MegXx
DeleteThose are absolutely beautiful, Meg. Thanks for the pattern. When I get some more kitchen cotton yarn, I will make a few. I am working on a pair of socks for a friend. A lady from Scotland gave me the yarn. It's electric blue, and very pretty.
ReplyDeleteElectric blue socks sound a gorgeous colour, Stephanie. I'm sure you friend with love them. MegXx
DeleteI love your mum's washcloths! I've bought some before from a blog. I have a book with patterns but have been too lazy to make any. I especially like them for use with babies and little children! Andrea
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrea. My mum recently put some of her washcloths into a local shop and has sold a few. They make great, inexpensive gifts. MegXx
DeleteHi Meg, your post has inspired me to look at making crochet or knitted dishcloths. I have ordered 2 books from the library this afternoon (Easy Knit Dishcloths and also Easy Crochet Dishcloths). Hopefully they won't take long before I can pick them up :) Hugs, Rose x
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll find some lovely patterns in those books, Rose. I must see if there are books like these in my local library. I love to try new patterns. MegXx
DeleteI loved your blog!!! Certainly going to follow you now. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, that's really kind and I'm glad that you find material here that you like to read. I have had a quick peek at your blog too...how inspiring to be growing a food forest. When I have a little more time, I will spend longer visiting and reading your posts too. Meg:)
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