knitting and crochet patterns :: cotton cloths
About a year ago I kicked the paper towel habit. All the spills, messes, and clean-ups that happen everyday no longer end up in the trash (and landfill), but in the sink or laundry basket for a quick wash and reuse. I've made cleaning cloths from various materials (mostly by cutting up a couple of thrift store towels and zig-zagging the edges) but my favorite ones are knitted or crocheted from simple cotton yarn.
They are so pretty and can do a lot of jobs --- dusting, wiping down counters, cleaning mirrors, serving as a dishcloth. I even have a special stack of colorful knitted cloths in bathroom to use as washcloths. And, come to think of it, I made those several years ago and they're still in great shape after all this time! : )
Here are patterns for three basic cotton cloths --- one knitted and two crocheted --- all are made with the ubiquitous Lily cotton yarn, but you could use any worsted weight cotton that you want.
Double Crochet Dishcloth :: 3.75 mm hook
Chain 35 loosely.
Turn and chain 2, double crochet into third stitch and every remaining stitch.
Repeat until your work forms a perfect square.
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail, and knot off.
Weave in loose yarn ends.
Blocking your work will give it a perfect shape.
*You can add a crocheted edging if you want!
Single Crochet Dishcloth :: 3.75 mm hook
Chain 35 loosely.
Turn, and chain 1, single crochet into second stitch and every remaining stitch.
Repeat until your work forms a perfect square.
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail, and knot off.
Weave in loose yarn ends.
Blocking will give your work a perfect shape.
*You can add a crocheted edging if you want!
Seed Stitch Dishcloth :: US 8/5.0 mm needles
Cast on 40 stitches.
Work in seed stitch (knit 1, purl 1, knit 1) until your work forms a perfect square.
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail, and knot off.
Weave in loose yarn ends.
I find that this pattern looks great without blocking, but you can block if you want to!
10 comments:
hhmm, I might try this. But there are certain things I do like paper towels for--For wiping my iron pans dry and then applying a bit of oil. I would hate to have to wash oily cloths. I also like paper for windows and mirror, and shining my faucets. I only get one weekly newspaper --I have heard it is good for the windows, but I didn't like it when I tried it. So what do you use on your windows and mirrors?
Oh, also what size is that crochet hook if it is in letters? ie G, H, I, and so forth
The crochet hook letter is F : )
I use a vinegar and water mixture to spray my windows and mirrors and then wipe them with a cotton cloth or towel. Some of my towels leave lint behind, so I make sure to use the less linty ones! I've also heard about using newspaper, but haven't tried it yet.
I really should make some of these, so much better than constant waste of paper towels. Thank you for sharing
These are really nice! Thanks so much for sharing.
I really enjoyed making my cloths. I made some for my sister in law but I could not see them when I last visited. Perhaps they were in the wash!!
I love to crochet dish clothes especially while watching tv. I give most of mine away as gifts.
These washcloths look exactly like the potholders my grandmother used to knit/crochet!
They are adorable.
My mother used vinegar and newspapers to clean our front door. It sparkled so much she had people come to our door to ask her how she cleanned the glass. She would use vinegar and water half and half. Spray on, then wipe off. She would dry off the windows on the inside going up and down and on the outside crossways. That way she would know where to wipe the streaked glass.
I'm going to have a go at one of these! Thanks for the patterns.
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